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Holy trinity episcopal academy
Return to Campus Portal

Return to Campus FAQs

General

List of 4 frequently asked questions.

  • Has HT considered moving to block scheduling like the Brevard County Public secondary schools?

    Posted 8/13/20

    Holy Trinity has studied the potential to use block scheduling at different points and while there are some benefits to longer blocks of instructional time, there are significant drawbacks for students taking Advanced Placement courses (which only have an AP final test in May) or courses where continuous learning and practice are important, such as math, world languages, reading/writing based classes. Meaning, if a student takes math in semester one, but not in semester two, there is a 7-8 month gap in using math skills. In our current situation, we believe that preserving the consistency and continuity of instruction for students and faculty is important, possibly more so than ever.   

  • What is the overall plan for returning to school?

    Updated 7/31/20

    As you know, updates regarding the COVID-19 pandemic are changing daily, and Florida recently has experienced a tremendous surge in cases. Much has changed since we last surveyed you earlier this summer, and many of you have expressed questions and concerns regarding the return to school.
     
    Since March, we have pledged to you that we would be extremely flexible in our planning and ready to pivot at any time. We continue to evaluate our policies and procedures, with consultation from federal and state agencies, as well as local physicians and other medical experts, to create the safest educational environment for our students, families, faculty and staff. As a private school, we are fortunate to be able to act independently and make the decisions we believe to be in the best interest of our students. Given these factors, after careful consideration, our leadership team has made the decision to postpone the start of school to Wednesday, Sept. 2, 2020.

    Please review our comprehensive Health and Safety Plan and Return to Campus portal for detailed information, and check your email each Friday afternoon for additional updates.

  • How does the change to the school start date affect my tuition payment schedule?

    Posted 7/15/20

    Now that we have extended the school start date to Sept. 2, we have received some inquiries regarding tuition payment schedules.
     
    First, please know that regardless of the start date of school, we will still provide the same number of instructional days as required by our accrediting association, the Florida Council of Independent Schools (FCIS). Your child will not be missing out on overall days of instruction; the school year will simply be shifted. We are currently working on revising the academic calendar to accommodate this change and will release the new schedule by the end of next week.
     
    For those families wishing to pay tuition monthly, we offer a 10-month payment plan to ease the monthly burden. If we cancel the July payment, and offer 10-month plans to be completed in May, we would have to charge a payment in February when we normally would not, due to reenrollment. We are happy to do that for any family, with the understanding there would be both a tuition payment and a registration fee due in the same month. Alternatively, we adjust your plan to be paid over 9 months; however, this will increase your monthly payment. Please see the options outlined below. 
                  
    • Keep the payment plan July through May with no tuition payment in February to provide relief to pay registration. (No action is needed on your part to keep your plan the same.)
    • Change the plan to eliminate a July payment, with 10 payments starting in August and running through May, including a February payment to keep the payments the same.
    • Change the plan to a 9-month plan beginning in August and running through May with no tuition payment in February to provide relief to pay registration, acknowledging that the amount of the payment will be higher than currently amortized.
    • Change the plan to a 10-month plan beginning in August through June with no tuition payment in February to provide relief to pay registration.
     
    If you choose to begin in August, and we have already received your July payment, we can process a refund for July’s payment.  This refund will take approximately two weeks. Alternatively, we could move your August payment to February to maintain a 10-month plan for you.
     
    Please reach out to Michelle Durrett, Chief Financial Officer, at mdurrett@htes.org or Tara Steele, Business Office Specialist, at studentbilling@htes.org if you are seeking changes to your plan.
     
    Thank you once again for your patience as we navigate this unprecedented change to our normal school operations.
     

  • What is the American Association of Pediatrics’ (AAP) stance on returning to school?

    Posted 7/10/20

    The AAP strongly advocates that all policy considerations for the coming school year should start with a goal of having students physically present in school. Please see the following study for more information:     https://services.aap.org/en/pages/2019-novel-coronavirus-covid-19-infections/clinical-guidance/covid-19-planning-considerations-return-to-in-person-education-in-schools/

Calendar

List of 3 frequently asked questions.

Remote Learning

List of 3 frequently asked questions.

  • Will HT students have the option to engage in remote learning in fall 2020?

    Updated 7/15/20

    Coming soon, our Remote Learning portal will include procedures, guidelines, sample schedules and other information regarding Remote Learning programs at both campuses. In the meantime, please look for an email on July 31 containing basic information about the programs.


    Posted 7/10/20

    Upper School: This summer, we have equipped each Upper School classroom with a camera and microphone, to allow for daily, synchronous remote delivery of classroom instruction. Faculty are being trained to use this equipment combined with interactive video-conferencing through Microsoft Teams or Google Meet. This new system will allow for as much interaction as possible between teachers and students who are not able to attend in person. Lessons will include the use of live, virtual instruction during defined hours, as well as independent work. We piloted this system during our summer Ethics course with success. 

    This instructional option will meet the needs of students who are absent due to their own illness or that of a family member or for students who are hesitant to return to campus this fall. We will be providing more information about that option in the weeks ahead. If you have any questions about this learning format for your child, please contact Alison Bell, Head of Planning and Enrollment, at abell@htes.org; Cyndi Buist, Head of Upper School at cbuist@htes.org; or Melissa Euziere, Head of Junior High at meuziere@htes.org.

    Lower School: Teachers will work with families on an individual basis to determine the best method for allowing students who need to work from home for an extended period of time to keep up with content and assignments.  Please contact Jessica Kelce, Head of the Lower School jkelce@htes.org with questions for Lower School students.
     

  • Is Holy Trinity still having remote learning days on selected Wednesdays in the fall?

    Posted 7/31/20

    No. When the decision was made to push back the start of school to Sept. 2, the HT leadership team decided to eliminate remote Wednesdays in order to restore more normalcy and routine to the school calendar. Instead, teachers will prepare students for the possibility of remote learning via various classroom exercises and practices. 

    We apologize for any confusion this change in the calendar may cause. 

  • How is HTEA preparing for the chance of an additional school closure or transition to remote learning?

    Posted 7/10/20

    Over the summer, Holy Trinity has improved technology in every classroom at both campuses to facilitate multiple forms of instruction for the 2020-21 school year. Holy Trinity staff and faculty are also prepared. HT faculty and staff have participated in professional development and training to enhance their capacity to deliver instruction on campus or remotely, should the need arise. The enhanced technology and training includes:

    • Faculty will comprehensively utilize our learning management system, onCampus, to communicate classroom activities to students and their families; this will increase consistency across disciplines that will help our students transition to remote learning should the need arise.
    • Training faculty in use of Google Meets or Microsoft Teams for video lesson delivery options
    • Upper and Lower School faculty, as well as Upper School students have access to online Microsoft suite of products (Word, Excel and PowerPoint) as well as Google education suite. Students in grades 5-6 also have access to the Microsoft suite.
    • All classrooms are now equipped with webcams so instruction can be delivered no matter the location
    • Cloud-based online software is available to help promote collaborative workspaces and lesson delivery
    • Upgrades were made at both campuses to improve internet bandwidth
    • Monthly remote learning days will incorporate the use of technology for the off-campus learning structure

School Day

List of 2 frequently asked questions.

  • How will you be enforcing distancing in chapel, lunches and assemblies?

    Posted 7/10/20

    Upper School    : We will be adjusting the number of students being served and eating lunch to allow for physical distancing, as well as expanding outdoor seating options and utilizing classroom space. We have started construction on an additional covered pavilion and purchased additional picnic tables. Plexiglass shields in the food distribution areas have been installed. Masks will be required inside the Tiger Cafe during lunch distribution. 

    Chapel and assemblies will be split between 7-9th grades and 10-12th grades to allow distancing in the Scott Center during these gatherings. We are developing a traffic flow plan during breaks between classes that will reduce crowding in hallways and restrooms.  Passing time between classes has been increased to allow for both traffic flow and cleaning of high touch surfaces.

    Additional sanitizing stations are being added at entrances. Signage regarding hand washing, social distancing, mask wearing, and building access will be displayed throughout the campus. 


    Lower School: Grade levels will alternate by week in their use of the Cub Cafe for lunch. For the grade level not eating in the Cub Cafe, lunches will be delivered to their classroom. As space and weather permits, we will encourage the use of outside areas for lunch for the grade level not using the Cub Cafe. In addition, the Lower School will be holding separate chapel experiences for each division: early childhood, primary (grades 1-3), and intermediate (grades 4-6).

    Additional sanitizing stations are being added at entrances. Signage regarding hand washing, social distancing, mask wearing, and building access will be displayed throughout the campus. 

  • How will distancing occur within classrooms? 

    Posted 7/10/20

    Upper School: We are evaluating class sizes carefully as schedules are finalized and will utilize larger spaces on campus to allow for physical distancing whenever possible.  We are also evaluating each classroom space to ensure desks and furnishings are spread out as much as possible. Some classes will be taught outdoors when possible, utilizing our covered outdoor seating.

    Lower School: We will continue to limit class size to 18 students. Classroom furniture arrangements have been modified to allow maximum physical distancing within each classroom. For example, in the primary and intermediate divisions, tables have been replaced with individual desks. In addition, we are installing acrylic desk shields for use in primary (grades 1-3) classrooms, with the possibility of expanding the use of acrylic desk shields for intermediate (grades 4-6) classrooms as well.
     

Health and Safety

List of 4 frequently asked questions.

  • What happens when there is a suspected or known case of COVID-19 within the school community?

    Updated 7/31/20

    Please review our comprehensive Health and Safety Plan for details about how HT will handle any suspected or known cases of COVID-19.

  • Will there be changes to the school clinic?

    Posted 7/10/20

    The Upper School clinic has been remodeled to provide a dedicated separate space for students who are sick and need to go home; these students will be separated from those who visit for routine treatment or medication. Face coverings will be required in the clinic at all times and the clinic will be cleaned routinely throughout the day.

    At the Lower School, we will isolate a potential student of concern in the clinic while we are waiting for the parent to pick up, and treat other issues in the area outside the clinic.
     

  • What is the policy regarding masks/face coverings?

    Updated 8/14/20

    For those who plan to return to campus on Sept. 2, please take a moment to review our updated face covering policies. These policies were developed based on the nature of each campus/classroom setup and take into account the age of the children on each campus. 

    Students may select a face covering that fits comfortably on their face and of a style in which they feel most at ease (gaiter style face coverings will be permitted if worn appropriately, but bandanas and scarves will not be allowed). If face shields are used, they must be worn in addition to a face covering.
     
    The CDC recommends that all cloth face coverings be made of multiple layers of fabric. The color/style of the face covering can be of student choice; however, face coverings cannot contain disruptive or inappropriate content. To prevent unnecessary distractions, and keep the students and school day focused on learning, face coverings may not be reflective of current political or social movements. When there are varying interpretations of appropriateness, the administration is sanctioned to make the final determination of acceptable and appropriate dress. If the final determination is that the face covering is not acceptable, the student will be asked to use a mask or face covering supplied by the school.
     
    Lower School
    Students in grades one through six will need to wear a face covering while entering, exiting, or traveling on campus, during restroom use, and while using lockers (sixth grade). In classrooms, students in grades one through six will be permitted to take off their face coverings when physical distancing is achieved. However, students will need to wear their face coverings when working together in groups or when physical distancing is not possible. Face coverings are not required at recess or during physical education classes, but students and teachers will need to be mindful of physical distancing guidelines. In addition, physical education faculty will be planning lessons and activities that promote physical distancing and utilize outdoor spaces as much as possible. Students will wash and/or sanitize their hands before transitioning to a different location on campus and upon returning to their classroom.
     
    Early Childhood Division students will wear face coverings while entering, exiting or traveling on campus and during restroom use. Face coverings for Early Childhood students are not required in the classroom. Students will wash and/or sanitize their hands before transitioning to a different location on campus and upon returning to their classroom.
     
    Upper School
    Due to the nature of our classroom spaces, and the need of our faculty to actively engage the students, we recognize that physical distancing will not be possible in most of our classrooms. As such, students will be wearing face coverings while attending all indoor classes and chapel, while entering, exiting or traveling on campus, during restroom use, and while using lockers and locker rooms. Opportunities will exist during the day in which students will be outside and physically distanced (i.e. break time and lunch), and can, therefore, remove their face coverings. Face coverings are not required during physical education classes, as physical education faculty will be utilizing outdoor spaces as much as possible and promoting physical distancing. 


    HT Masks for Purchase

    Holy Trinity faculty, staff and families may place an order for reusable, machine-washable HT-logo face coverings in navy blue with a white HT logo. (While face coverings are required, students are NOT required to purchase this particular face covering. This product is offered at cost for your convenience only.)

    Cost is $5 for one face covering. All payments must be made online by credit card. Please note, this is a four-ply cotton mask so it may be too warm for some individuals. One size fits most; 5" x 7". Will shrink somewhat in the wash.
     
    If you ordered HT logo masks prior to Aug. 1, they will be available for pick up at the Upper School only (5625 Holy Trinity Drive, Melbourne 32940) weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Please note that face coverings are required to enter our campus.

    Orders placed after Aug. 1 will be available for pick up in approximately two weeks. The next deadline for additional orders is Monday, Aug. 10. The order form may be found within the Back to School Paperwork. Please contact communications@htes.org with any questions regarding orders.     Place an order.

  • What is the process for, and how often will classrooms, bathrooms and materials be cleaned?

    Posted 7/10/20

    Classrooms and teaching materials (including keyboards) will be cleaned and sanitized throughout the day by teachers and the sanitation staff. High-touch areas in all buildings, classrooms, and outside areas (including lunch tables) will be cleaned and sanitized frequently throughout the day. We have also installed U/V filters in all HVAC systems at both campuses to enhance air filtration and reduce the risk of viral and fungal contamination. At the Upper School, increased time between classes will reduce the capacity in restrooms and hallways and allow time for frequent sanitation. The use of digital materials whenever possible will decrease the sharing of classroom supplies, textbooks and papers. Additional details will be shared in our Health and Safety Plan to be released in the coming weeks.

Extracurricular Activities, Athletics and Fine Arts

List of 4 frequently asked questions.

  • Will the changes to the academic calendar impact athletics?

    Updated 7/15/20

    We are currently working on revising the academic calendar and will release the new schedule as soon as possible. We continue to monitor updates from FHSAA, Space Coast Christian Athletic Association, CDC and State of Florida for guidance on athletics. 


  • What measures will be put in place to monitor interaction between HTEA athletes in their interaction with students from other schools?

    Posted 7/10/20

    The Upper School will follow FHSAA guidelines and seek guidance from the local health department to monitor the interaction that athletic teams and other student groups have with athletes/students from other schools. Visiting team health protocols will be implemented and communicated to opposing teams prior to their arrival on our campus.

    At the Lower School, in lieu of parent volunteers, we will be utilizing faculty and staff to coach athletics teams. This practice limits exposure of our student athletes to those people they would normally interact with on campus during the normal school day. In addition, when multiple games are scheduled in the Lower School gym on the same day, only players and parents of the current game will be permitted in the gym. Parents and players waiting for their scheduled time to play will be required to wait outside the gym.
     

  • What is the plan for field studies and student travel in 2020-2021?

    Posted 7/10/20

    There will be no off campus field trips in the first semester of the school year. All trips scheduled for second semester will be reviewed in the fall and decisions will be made appropriately.

  • What is the plan for the fine arts program and events?

    Posted 7/10/20

    Our fine arts faculty are working to adapt their classroom activities as well as extracurricular events. There will be an emphasis on utilizing outdoor spaces, both for practices and performances. Within each area of the arts, we will adopt practices that increase the health and safety of our musicians and actors to reduce contact and exposure between students.

Miscellaneous

List of 2 frequently asked questions.

  • What is the school doing to help with tuition for the 2020-2021 school year?

    Updated 7/16/20

    We hope that no student would have to leave Holy Trinity due to the financial impact from the pandemic. Most of our tuition goes toward faculty and staff salaries. We are unable to discount tuition as we have other fixed costs to maintain our campus, and we are contractually committed to compensating our  amazing teachers. Holy Trinity is a not-for-profit independent school and everything the school collects in tuition and annual giving dollars goes into providing the very best for your child’s educational experience. Families who have been financially impacted by the pandemic and are unable to pay full tuition may apply for financial assistance.

    First, please know that regardless of the start date of school, we will still provide the same number of instructional days as required by our accrediting association, the Florida Council of Independent Schools (FCIS). Your child will not be missing out on overall days of instruction; the school year will simply be shifted. We are currently working on revising the academic calendar to accommodate this change and will release the new schedule by the end of next week.
     
    For those families wishing to pay tuition monthly, we offer a 10-month payment plan to ease the monthly burden. If we cancel the July payment, and offer 10-month plans to be completed in May, we would have to charge a payment in February when we normally would not, due to reenrollment. We are happy to do that for any family, with the understanding there would be both a tuition payment and a registration fee due in the same month. Alternatively, we adjust your plan to be paid over 9 months; however, this will increase your monthly payment. Please see the options outlined below. 
                  
    • Keep the payment plan July through May with no tuition payment in February to provide relief to pay registration. (No action is needed on your part to keep your plan the same.)
    • Change the plan to eliminate a July payment, with 10 payments starting in August and running through May, including a February payment to keep the payments the same.
    • Change the plan to a 9-month plan beginning in August and running through May with no tuition payment in February to provide relief to pay registration, acknowledging that the amount of the payment will be higher than currently amortized.
    • Change the plan to a 10-month plan beginning in August through June with no tuition payment in February to provide relief to pay registration.
     
    If you choose to begin in August, and we have already received your July payment, we can process a refund for July’s payment.  This refund will take approximately two weeks. Alternatively, we could move your August payment to February to maintain a 10-month plan for you.
     

    For information or to change your payment plan, please contact Tara Steele, Business Office Assistant, at tsteele@htes.org.

  • When we will receive more detailed information about back to school logistics like student orientation, Tiger Transit, parking, books/materials, lockers?

    Updated 7/31/20

    Annual paperwork is now available in onCampus for you to complete. This includes required forms such as your child’s medical information and updates to your profile and notification settings, parent association/booster membership, and much more. Please take a few minutes to complete these very important forms. Upon log in, please click the Back to School Paperwork button on your resource page.
     
    Registration for Tiger Transit will open on Monday, Aug. 3. Please note, we rely on an accurate headcount to determine whether or not we are able to offer Tiger Transit service, and seats are limited, so be sure to register in a timely manner.

    Please check your email each Friday afternoon for additional updates.

    We are also in the process of finalizing our family handbook to outline the policies and procedures for students and families, and we are evaluating the current AAP, CDC, State of Florida, and Brevard County Health Department recommendations as we confirm details related to our Health and Safety plan.



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LOWER SCHOOL
1720 Peachtree St., Melbourne, FL 32901
P: 321.723.8323 | F: 321.723.2553

UPPER SCHOOL
 5625 Holy Trinity Dr., Melbourne, FL 32940
P: 321.723.8323 | F: 321.241.6422
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