Blog

The 2023-24 school year is off to a great start at Trinity!

435 Wildcats made their way to campus on Aug. 16 to begin the new school year, including 82 new students from 64 new Trinity families. Our Kindergarten class represents 19 ZIP Codes in the Charlotte area. Twenty new staculty members joined us in Lower and Middle School and in staff positions, bringing with them amazing skills and dedication to children.

We invite you to be a part of this coming year, attending our chapel services and cultural festivals, or volunteering your time with the Parents' Association.

Stephanie Griffin and Sarah Barton Thomas began their new roles as Assistant Head of School for Academics and Head of Lower School, respectively, on July 1.

Griffin was previously Middle School Academic Dean and Thomas comes to Trinity from Sandy Springs Friends School in Maryland where she served as Head of Lower School.

The two succeed Dr. Chris Weiss who served in both roles prior to her retirement in June.

Griffin has been a Trinity staculty member since August 2020 and brings more than a decade of classroom experience and academic leadership to her new role.

"As a staculty member and now a parent at Trinity, my passion for and commitment to the school's core values of creating scholars, nurturing spirituality, and embracing diversity are at the core of my professional and personal life," Griffin said.

Thomas brings more than 20 years of experience in student instruction and leadership at the lower school and middle school levels in independent and Episcopal schools.

"It was clear from my first moment on campus that Trinity is a place where children are known and loved," Thomas said. “The entire community exuded warmth, curiosity, and care.”

Three Trinity staculty members celebrated their retirement from the school in June.

Dr. Chris Weiss
Assistant Head of School / Head of Lower School, 23 years

Through all the many chapters of the Trinity Episcopal School story, one constant presence has been that of Dr. Chris Weiss, first as a founding faculty member and ultimately as Assistant Head of School and Head of Lower School.

Dr. Weiss retired from Trinity after 23 years of service, during which she has impacted so many lives.

"What an incredible ride it has been to be part of an idea that began among church folks and then grew into the awe-inspiring community it is today," Dr. Weiss told the Trinity community. "I can't begin to tell you how lucky and blessed I feel to be part of this community and, at the same time, how excited I am for my next journey."

Dr. Weiss announced she would serve as an assistant professor at Ohio University's Patton College of Education.

We are thankful for and grateful to Dr. Weiss for her service to Trinity and the tireless work that has made this such a special place!

Grady Smith
Middle School Social Studies Teacher, 17 years

From reading picture books to Kindergarten students to coaching 8th Grade girls’ basketball teams to numerous victories, Mr. Smith has had a huge impact on the students, staff, and parents at Trinity.

A Gastonia neighbor and Davidson College alumna, Mr. Smith has been teaching for 27 years, beginning his career at Gaston Day School. Had a written historical record been kept of all the ways Mr. Smith has contributed to this community, the pages would spill out of Room 312 and down the stairwell all the way to the Kindergarten rooms.

Mr. Smith brought us the Geography Bee competition, a treasure trove of shark teeth and arrowheads from WOW Week, endless hours of fun on the Big Maps, and several Inauguration trips to Washington, D.C. His impact reaches far beyond the curriculum as he’s been an inspirational Koinonia leader, a mentor to new staculty members, and an invaluable friend to all.

Thank you, Mr. Smith, for all the ways you have served the Trinity community!

Jennifer Douglas
Accounting Manager, 9 Years

Mrs. Douglas has been much more than Accounting Manager, serving as expert in human resources and benefits. She has done a significant amount of work behind the scenes to help the continued growth and success of Trinity.

In her time at Trinity, Mrs. Douglas has done wonders for our business office. She has been the main lead in handling our HR and payroll items along with making sure all documentation is ready for our multiple audits each year. She has also brought vision in different areas to discover continued ways to improve the School’s controls and cost savings opportunities.

Thank you, Mrs. Douglas, for all you have done for Trinity and best wishes in retirement!