FAQs

Currently we have no plans to change the academic calendar for 2020-2021, which is available by clicking here. We are ready to pivot if needed, and those changes will be communicated to you if and when they occur.  

Masks of any design that are comfortable for your student may be worn to school, provided they are not a distraction to the learning environment. Masks which are not in keeping with the School's desire to promote seriousness of purpose will not be permitted. 

Because comfort and fit can be challenging as families pursue mask options, colors and designs will not be an issue. The statement from our handbook regarding "seriousness of purpose" relates to masks that may be potentially scary, political, alcohol related, or otherwise distracting or inappropriate for school. 

There will be no requirement to purchase a DRESS UNIFORM for the 2020/21 school year, PK-12th grade. 

LS & MS Extended Care and Extracurricular Enrichment

The deadline to purchase Tuition Refund Insurance (TRI) was July 31, 2020. Please email riemitisb@trinityvalleyschool.org with questions. 

TVS appreciates the level of concern regarding the return to school this fall.  While we feel that our campus is ready to receive your students this fall, we also know that it is important to provide a full-time remote learning option.   The Trojan Learning Connection (TLC) is available as an opt-in choice by grading period.  Of course, we will also support students who opt for on-campus learning, but who must step away temporarily if impacted by Covid-19.  

Please understand that preparing campus for a return to school during a global pandemic and providing full-time and temporary remote learning is a costly endeavor. This spring Trinity Valley School rolled back all tuition increases and kept tuition flat. Therefore, no tuition discount can be offered for those choosing the Trojan Learning Connection.  This is consistent with other independent schools in our area and across the nation.  We are grateful for your understanding.  

The survey closed August 3, 2020.

Students who are registered for TLC will have supply crates delivered to their homes prior to the beginning of the year.  Our on-campus students will receive all of their supplies on the first day of school.

Because of limited space due to socially distancing our students in the classrooms, we are requesting that students not utilize a rolling backpack this school year.

Lower School cohorts average 14 students, depending on each classroom space.
(as of July 16, 2020)

We are not in a position to grant all requests regarding cohort placement. Our teachers, counselors, and administrators know our students well, and all of these individuals inform the dynamics of the cohort groups. We pay careful attention to these groupings as it relates to each individual student's social and emotional well-being and success.

Based on the recommendations regarding cohorts, multiple cohorts may join in a large enough space (indoors or outdoors) for a combined activity as long as there is a 12-foot-wide easement of space between each socially distanced cohort. 

Our school software companies are in the process of maintenance work for our upcoming reopening.  Therefore, these programs will not be available to our students until school begins and the cohort teachers have their students enrolled in their cohorts.  Students will be issued new log-on information close to the beginning of school.

Drop-off time in the morning is between 8:00-8:30.  You are welcome to enter the carpool lane beginning at 8:00.

Yes, the hours will remain the same as stated.  However, we are making accommodations for pick-up that we believe will assist our families who have children in both LS and MS.  Detailed information will be sent to our families on August 7, 2020. 

We are currently forming the cohorts.  We needed to validate which options our families were selecting (TLC or in-person) before we could accurately complete the lists.  Students should be notified of their cohort group by August 14.

Pre-K , Kindergarten, and 1st Grade 
Wednesday-Friday, August 19-21 
These students will begin the school year first, and they will spend a shortened day on campus. They will begin the day at 8:30 a.m., and they will be dismissed at noon. Significant efforts will be made to introduce them to drop-off and pick-up routines. We will acquaint/reacquaint them to the TVS environment. They will spend time strengthening old relationships, making new ones, and meeting all of their teachers, the staff, and their classmates. 

2nd Grade
Friday, August 21 
Second graders will be welcomed back to campus on Friday, August 21. Their day will begin at 8:30 a.m., with dismissal at 2:50 p.m. 

3rd and 4th Grades
Monday, August 24 
Third and 4th graders will join us on Monday, August 24. Their day will begin at 8:30 a.m., with dismissal at 2:50 p.m. 

Pre-K through 4th Grade
Tuesday, August 25 through Friday, August 28 
Arrival: All students 8:30 a.m. 
Dismissal: Pre-K and Kindergarten 12:00 p.m. 
Grades 1-4 2:50 p.m.

The division heads, alongside Ms. Lowry, are forming best plans for drop-off and pick-up. We anticipate an adjustment to allow for the extended time it may take for students to get out of and into cars at arrival and dismissal. Morning hand-washing protocols and maintaining social distancing will require a change of format from past procedures.

In an effort to reduce cross-contact among cohorts, cubbies (grades 5 and 6) and lockers (grades 7 and 8) will not be used. Instead, students will keep all belongings with their backpacks in their respective cohort room. 

We realize that wearing masks may be somewhat uncomfortable and annoying for our children. (We ask that you take every opportunity to practice wearing masks at home this summer.) We will provide several opportunities for our children to “take a break” from wearing masks. Our teachers will know their children and will be able to tell when a break is needed. We want them to feel comfortable in the learning environment and will be very mindful of their needs. Masks will not be required during the multiple Brain Breaks; lunchtime; in outside, tented learning areas; or during opportunities to spread out in the grassy courtyards.

State and federal recommendations encourage a cohort model if at all possible. Because our Middle School courses, schedule, and classroom spaces allow for us to follow a cohort model, it makes sense for us to follow a protocol that limits cross-grade contact as much as possible. 

Middle School cohorts average 12 students, depending on each classroom space.  
​​​​​​​(as of July 16, 2020)

We are not in a position to grant all requests regarding cohort placement. Our teachers, counselors, and administrators know our students well, and all of these individuals inform the dynamics of the cohort groups. As with all advisory groups and normal class placement, we pay careful attention to these groupings as it relates to each individual student's social and emotional well-being and success.

Based on the recommendations regarding cohorts, multiple cohorts may join in a large enough space (indoors or outdoors) for a combined activity as long as there is a 12-foot-wide easement of space between each socially distanced cohort. 

Yes! We will continue to hold recess for all grade levels as we understand and value the important role it plays in child development. Students will remain with their cohort for recess and breaks throughout the day. 

Most definitely! Placing books in the hands of our students is a priority. MS/US Librarian, Maggie Knapp, has been planning with Assistant Librarian, Libby Bode, regarding best practices to place books in the hands of our students weekly. More exciting information to come on this front.

Though our cohort model significantly reduces hallway traffic, all Middle School hallways will be marked for two-way traffic that allows for social distancing between each directional flow. 

Student schedules will be released in the week prior to the start of school. 

If a cohort must shift to distance learning for a period of time due to exposure, the cohort will continue to participate in real-time, synchronous classes throughout the entire school day. 

Given our COVID-19 protocols, students will be asked to only use their own materials each day. Classrooms will not be equipped with shared devices or school supplies. 

All MS classes will begin at 8:30 each day. Fifth and 6^th graders will be dismissed at 3:30. Seventh and 8^th graders will conclude their MS academic day at 2:45. 

We are extremely committed to the safety of all students and faculty on campus. Therefore, students will be expected to strictly adhere to the guidelines and protocols in place, including mask/face coverings over the nose and mouth. 

The athletics department will be offering TrainHeroic for TLC students in 7^th and 8^th grades and asynchronous activities via Canvas for TLC students in 5^th and 6^th grade.

Students will be asked to bring a lunch from home as they attend school August 19 - 21. Dining services will begin on Monday, August 24. 

If your Middle Schooler is attending TVS in person, the iPad will be available when the child arrives on campus.  If your student is taking part in TLC, we will be in touch shortly to arrange delivery.

Wednesday, August 19 - Only 5th-grade students will report to school for the duration of the school day.

Thursday, August 20 - Fifth- and 6th-grade students will report to school for the duration of the school day. 

Friday, August 21 - Fifth- and 6th-grade students will report to school for the duration of the school day. Seventh-grade students will report to school from 8:15 - 11:15, and 8th-grade students will report to school from 11:45 - 2:45.

Monday, August 24 - All MS grades report for the duration of the school day

Most definitely! Placing books in the hands of our students is a priority. MS/US Librarian, Maggie Knapp, has been planning with Assistant Librarian, Libby Bode, regarding best practices to place books in the hands of our students weekly. More exciting information to come on this front.

Freshmen will spend a somewhat shortened day on campus on Wednesday, 8/19. They will experience their orientation to the Upper School, spend time strengthening old relationships and making new ones, and meet all of their teachers and classmates. 

Sophomores will spend a couple of hours on campus during the morning of Thursday, 8/20 for orientation to new procedures and some group activities. 

Juniors will come to campus that afternoon for their orientation and class activities. 

The Class of 2021 will be on campus during the morning hours of Friday, 8/21 for orientation to new protocols and activities focused on their collective role as campus leaders. 

Students in grades 9-11 will join the seniors on campus after lunch on Friday to participate in a shortened schedule of classes for brief introductions and so that we can observe new processes in action. 

All Upper School students will come to campus for the start of the school day on Monday, 8/24 for our first full academic day.

Should a parent, guardian, visitor, or guest need to meet with a teacher or administrator, we ask that you call or email the divisional office. Teachers and administrators will be available virtually for meetings and conversations at the present time.

No unexpected guests or visitors will be allowed on campus for the foreseeable future.

In order to reduce the risk of exposure to our students and faculty, parents, guardians, visitors, and guests will NOT be permitted to walk into campus buildings or to classrooms to pick up students.  Parents and guardians should remain in the vehicle.  TVS faculty and staff will escort students to your vehicle. Should a parent or guardian need to meet with a teacher or administrator, we ask that you call or email the divisional office to make an appointment.

The nurse will provide detailed information to parents about how and where to pick up their child.

• The link road will be closed for thru traffic.  Please enter the gate corresponding to your student drop off location.
• During drop-off and pick-up times, Lower School parent drivers will only be able to turn right (west) onto Dutch Branch upon exiting campus.
• Security and other employees will be available the first days of school to direct you and answer any questions about drop-off and pick-up. 

Lunch will be available each school day. Pre-K through grade 2 will eat lunch in their classrooms each day. Lunch ordered through our dining service will be delivered to these classrooms. Provisions for social distancing have been made for additional grade levels. In order to prepare for the adjustments to our daily lunch for students, we will NOT serve breakfast this year. Students should eat breakfast before they come to school. 

No, unfortunately, parents or guests will not be allowed on campus to eat lunch with their child. Parents and guardians will not be permitted to bring lunch from off-campus to their child during the school day. Additionally, no unexpected guests or visitors will be allowed on campus for the foreseeable future. 

Students will be asked to bring a lunch from home as they attend school August 19 - 21. Dining services will begin on Monday, August 24. 

YES, regardless of a State of Texas mandate, masks will be required on campus for grades 1-12 and for all faculty and staff. For students in grades Pre-K and K, masks or face coverings are required when social distancing cannot occur and are highly recommended in the classroom.

Our nurses will educate all students regarding the wearing of masks, hand hygiene, distancing, and sneeze/cough etiquette in person and with videos.

We encourage you to start practicing now: please order several masks to determine which ones your child feels most comfortable in, and practice social distancing.

Learn more about Medbot here.

TOE will continue to be a strong resource and play a major role in our student experience this year.  Many of the large-scale class events have been moved to the spring to allow us time to get through the current restrictions and hopefully provide the full, unedited experiences for all.  With that said, we are currently developing plans to interact and support the fall curriculum throughout all divisions with smaller, but much more regular, experiential programming.  TOE is always about facing any challenge with a sense of excitement and eagerness to learn, and we feel this is no different.  We expect the program to grow and adapt in very positive ways.

To see the currently scheduled TOE dates, please visit the TOE website. 

Please know that our off-campus trips are subject to change based on advice from medical experts.