Dear Families,
Welcome to the new school year! We are excited that your child will spend the next year growing and learning with us at Trinity Elementary School. The teachers are ready for a successful and productive year with your child.
Each staff member is committed to ensuring that each student receives the highest quality education possible. To this end, we ask you to take an active role in your child’s education by conferencing regularly with your child’s teacher, checking your child’s folder daily, and providing a quiet place for homework. Email is a great way to stay in regular contact. All teachers can be reached via our school’s website. We look forward to a successful partnership with you and your family this school year.
We have prepared this handbook to help you understand the operation and policies of the school. Please read and reference this handbook during the school year. Also, please be sure to thoroughly read the Code of Student Conduct for Elementary Students, which can found on the Pasco County website, under “Student Supports.” These policies have been developed by the District School Board of Pasco County in accordance with state guidelines. Following these policies is in the best interest of your child. The District discipline guidelines are found within the Code of Conduct. All students have a right to a free & appropriate education.
We share an important interest in your child. Your cooperation and communication will help us provide the best possible learning environment for your child. If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Sincerely,
Adam Wolin, Principal
Julie Devine, Assistant Principal
Pasco County Schools: Providing a world-class education for all students.
We, as Trinity Elementary Trailblazers, will provide a safe, positive, and collaborative learning environment in which all students will be challenged through research-based curriculum and instruction to reach their highest potential.
Children will be provided with innovative educational experiences that will enable them to become seekers of new ideas and knowledge in our changing world.
MASCOT: Trailblazer
Each Friday is SPIRIT DAY. Students are encouraged to wear Trinity colors, which are green and orange or a school t-shirt.
Arrival and Dismissal Procedures
School Schedule
Student Day: 9:50 – 4:00
Dismissal Schedule
- Walkers with Parents & Bus Riders
- Bike Riders/Walkers on Own & PLACE
- Car Riders
Arrival
Buses are scheduled to arrive at Trinity at 9:35 a.m. Instructional time begins at 9:50 a.m. Students riding their bicycles, walking, or being driven should plan on arriving at school no earlier than 9:35 a.m. Breakfast can be purchased between 9:35-9:50 in our school cafeteria. Supervision of children who are dropped off or who arrive earlier than 9:35 a.m. is unavailable, therefore please develop a plan to monitor your child and/or time their arrival appropriately. Students will exit from the buses at 9:35 a.m. Students who arrive at school after 9:50 a.m. are considered tardy and must be escorted by an adult to the office for check-in.
Rainy Day Dismissal Procedures
Due to unpredictable Florida weather, rainy day dismissal will be based on student safety. When it is unsafe for students and staff, we reserve the right to stagger/hold dismissal until conditions improve. Please be patient and flexible, and know we will communicate the changes to you, when possible.
Student Release
Students who are being picked up early for appointments or an early release must be cleared to leave the school through the front office. Students will be released only to those individuals listed on the emergency information card. A current photo ID must be shown at the time of release. Students should not be picked up for early dismissal after 3:00 p.m. unless it is an emergency.
Transportation
Buses
Students will be picked up and dropped off at their designated bus stop only. Students are not permitted to ride a bus other than their assigned bus. For transportation concerns, call (727) 774-0400.
Car Riders
- Remain in your car in the car loop; do not leave unattended.
- Hang your child’s name (car tag) from the rearview mirror. Carpools should list all student names on tags.
- Be aware of students walking on sidewalks; follow supervising adults’ directions.
- Children enter/exit from the passenger side only; ensure proper placement of car seats and boosters.
- Do not bring pets or leave vehicles in the visitor parking lot during dismissal.
- State law prohibits drivers from using cell phones while picking up or dropping off children.
Bike Riders and Walkers
Walkers, bikers, and scooters must use the sidewalk the entire way on campus. Students must walk bikes/scooters and remain on the sidewalk. Arrival time is 9:35 a.m.; early arrival supervision is unavailable. Pets are not allowed on campus except documented service animals.
Rules for Bicycle and Scooter Riders
- Bikes and scooters must be placed in the bike rack.
- Secure your bike or scooter with a lock.
- Walk beside your bike on the sidewalk when coming/going from the bike rack.
- Tampering with another person’s bike or lock is prohibited. Unsafe behavior may result in referral and loss of privileges.
P.L.A.C.E. (Before and After School Care)
Pasco Learning and Activity Centers of Enrichment (P.L.A.C.E.) provides before and after school care for children in kindergarten through fifth grade. Hours are 6:30 AM until school starts and after school until 6:00 PM. Full-day care is also provided on teacher planning days, winter and spring breaks, and summer. Call (727) 774-9992 for more information.
General Policies
Absences
If a student is absent, notify the school at (727) 774-9905 or send a note/email with the date, child’s name, and reason. Vacations are non-excused absences.
Make-Up Work
Make-up work is coordinated for excused absences. Teachers may require 48 hours to prepare materials for home completion.
Communication
Primary communication tools: school website, email, and REMIND app. Update contact info regularly. For emergencies, contact the office at (727) 774-9900 (8:50 AM – 4:30 PM).
Cafeteria Information
Breakfast and lunch served daily. Learn your 6-digit student ID. Free/reduced applications online at Pasco Meals. Snacks may be purchased. Students may bring lunches (no glass, candy, or carbonated drinks). All meals consumed in cafeteria. Parents may visit at designated picnic tables.
Student Conduct & School-Wide Expectations
Trinity Elementary implements a school-wide behavior management plan and social skills program to support student success. Reference the School Behavior Matrix & Code of Conduct.
Dress Code
Refer to the Code of Student Conduct for Elementary Students for district-wide dress code.
Community Involvement
School Advisory Council, PTO, ABC Program, and Volunteer opportunities engage families and community members. All volunteers must complete an annual application including a background check.
Civility Policy
All staff, families, and community members must follow Respect and Civility Policy. Uncivil behavior may result in suspended communication or restricted access.
Cumulative Records
Educational records are maintained and may be reviewed by appointment.
Instructional Program
Curriculum follows Florida B.E.S.T. Standards. Instruction uses research-based materials and technology. Goal: every child reaches their highest potential.
Medical Information & Medication
Notify school of health issues. Medication must be in original containers with authorization. Students may not carry medication without approval.
Additional Information
Lost and Found: labeled items returned, unclaimed items donated after one month.
Parties: birthdays recognized in announcements. Cafeteria ordering only, 10-day notice required.
Progress Reports & Report Cards: provided digitally through Parent Portal.
Behavior Expectations & Civility
All stakeholders must follow rules of conduct. Unacceptable behavior includes disruptions, threats, damage to property, or abusive communication. Administrators and staff have authority to enforce policies and involve law enforcement if necessary.
