Trix Family Press
Week of July 30, 2023
Week of November 4, 2024
From the Principal's Desk
Principal Van Hoesen's View
Dear Trix Families,
Thank you for all that attended and/or donated candy Harvest Fest! We had a great turnout!
We understand that there are concerns with the recent precautionary lockdowns. We will have a Parent Meeting on Wednesday, November 6th at both 8:30 and 4:30 to address questions and concerns. The safety of your children is our number one priority. Please come out to either meeting! There will also be a meeting for all sports parents immediately following the 4:30 meeting.
ALL AFTER SCHOOL ACTIVITIES ARE CANCELLED ON MONDAY, NOVEMBER 4TH DUE TO A STAFF MEETING!
NO SCHOOL ON ELECTION DAY, TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 5TH
Here are a few reminders:
Doors will open for scholars to have breakfast at 7:45. Our instructional day begins at 8:05 with our daily morning meeting.
All scholars will be dismissed from outside this year, weather permitting.
Students are expected to be in the appropriate uniform for their grade level. If you are unsure about your scholar's uniform color, please be sure to click the link for the Family Welcome Packet below .
With love,
Mrs. Van Hoesen
Congratulations to the families of Dajon H.V for winning!
CONGRATULATIONS TO 7TH GRADE (AGAIN) FOR WINNING FOR OCTOBER!
COUNT DAY CELEBRATION
Harvest Fest
$2 JEAN DAY EVERY FRIDAY!
Ms. Orpe's Curriculum Corner
Assistant Principal
Hello Trix Families,
Q1 Report Cards are now available and you may have questions regarding your scholar’s grades. Grades are based on your child’s mastery of grade-level material and if your scholar has not scored proficient on standardized tests, they may have low scores.
Your child’s teacher frequently reviews specific data to help build important skills. We incorporate small group instruction for all students in both English and Math that is tailored to your child’s needs. We also use the Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) plan to help scholars that need additional help. Families will be notified if scholars have been selected for MTSS.
There are several things you can also do to support your child at home:
Ensure a consistent bedtime so scholars get enough rest
Come to school every day. Scholar absences contribute greatly to scholar performance.
Makeup work helps with reviewing skills but is not a substitute for in class instruction of new information.
Encourage reading and math activities at home. Scholars need additional exposure to practice these important skills.
Scholars have online IXL and Zearn accounts for extra practice. Sign in to LiveSchool and view your scholar’s behavior reports.
We love partnering with you to help your children grow and thrive. Please reach out to your child’s teacher for more information.
Thank you.
Karen Orpe
Assistant Principal
Ms. Hayes' Culture Column
Dean of Culture
After School Dismissal
Parents please discuss with your students the importance of following school procedures for dismissal. This to ensure the safety of all students.
- Students must stay with their teacher until a parent or family member has picked them up
- Students should not run out into the street
- Students should use the crosswalk to cross the street
- Those who walk should go home immediately and not hang around
- Those who walk home are dismissed at 3:25pm
- Students should not be hanging around the building unless they are a part of the afterschool programs or tutoring
Dismissal Time/Pick-up
Parents please remember that dismissal is at 3:30pm and all students must be picked up on time. We know and understand that things happen and may cause you to run late, but please notify the office if you are running a few minutes late.
Cell Phones
Trix Academy has a cellphone policy and the expectations are that students and parents follow it. Students are not allowed to have cellphones on them or in the classroom during instructional time. If students bring their cellphone to school, they must place it in the box or give it to their teacher. Grades 4th thru 8th have a box in the classroom that their phones will be placed in Grades 3rd and below will give the phone to the teacher. Cellphones are to be powered off when they enter the building and will be returned to them at the end of the day. Parents if you have any questions or concerns, please let us know.
Ms. Smith's Operational Rundown
Operations Manager
Urgent: Update Your Contact Information
Dear Parents,
It’s crucial that we have your most current contact information on file, especially in case of emergencies. If you’ve recently changed your address or phone number, please inform the school as soon as possible.
We encourage you to provide an additional emergency contact number as well. Your child’s safety is our top priority, and having updated information ensures we can reach you when needed.
Thank you for your attention to this important matter.
Keeping Our School Campus Safe: Understanding Lockdowns
Dear Parents,
At Trix Academy, the safety of our students and staff is our top priority. Lockdowns are critical safety measures designed to protect everyone from various threats, including active shooters or intruders. They not only respond to immediate dangers but also serve as vital preparation tools for emergencies.
What is a Lockdown?
When a school is placed on lockdown, it means that all students and staff must remain in their classrooms or designated safe areas. During this time, doors are locked, and no one is allowed to enter or exit the building until authorities resolve the situation. This helps secure the school from immediate threats.
Types of Lockdowns
Shelter-in-Place: Implemented when there is an external health hazard, such as severe weather or a hazardous material spill. In this case, evacuation is not recommended.
Internal Threat Triggered when a threat is present within the school premises, such as an intruder. This is often referred to as a "hard lockdown."
Lockdown Procedures
During a lockdown, the following procedures are followed:
- Students and staff stay in classrooms behind locked doors.
- Everyone remains quiet, low, and out of sight.
- Windows and blinds are closed, and lights are turned off.
- Communication may be limited, and parents should not come to the school during this time.
Duration and Response
The duration of a lockdown can vary, typically lasting from 10 to 30 minutes, but it may be longer depending on the situation. Each incident is unique, and lockdowns are lifted only when it is deemed safe to do so.
Importance of Lockdowns
Lockdowns play a crucial role in ensuring the safety of our school community. They foster a sense of security that can positively impact mental health and academic performance. By preparing students and staff for emergencies, we create a safer learning environment.
We appreciate your support in keeping our campus safe. Understanding lockdown procedures and their importance helps us work together as a community. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out.
Thank you for your partnership in ensuring the safety of our school.
Emergency Contact Form
Dear Parents,
An Emergency Contact form will be sent home soon. Please complete it and return it with your child. We are updating our information system to ensure you receive all forms of communication from the school via email, phone, or text.
Important Details:
- If you have three or more children, please complete one form and list all students along with their grades.
- The deadline for submitting this form is Friday, November 1.
As an incentive, students will receive 50 Live School points for their participation, which can be used for incentive events and field trips.
This is an urgent matter, so we encourage your prompt attention.
Thank you for your cooperation!
Important Reminder: Early Release
Please note that early release ends at 3 PM. If you arrive at this time, please contact the office, as scholars will be waiting for you.
For safety reasons, we will ask for identification. Arrivals after 3 PM may disrupt our dismissal process. If you need to arrange a pickup after this time, please call ahead.
Thank you for your understanding!
Community Tutoring Available with Transportation!
ATTN 8TH GRADE FAMILIES!
If your students are interested in learning more about the Exam Schools, they will be hosting a series of Open Houses throughout November.
Exam High School Open Houses:
- Southeastern High School – November 6 | 4:30 – 6 PM | 3030 Fairview, Detroit, MI 48214
- Renaissance High School – November 6 | 5 – 7 PM | 6565 W. Outer Drive, Detroit, MI 48235
- Martin Luther King Jr. Senior High School – November 7 | 5 – 7 PM | 3200 E. Lafayette, Detroit, MI 48207
- The School at Marygrove – November 13 | 5 – 6:30 PM | 8425 W. McNichols, Detroit, MI 48221
- Cass Technical High School – November 14 | 5 – 7 PM | 2501 Second Avenue, Detroit, MI 48201
Application High School Open Houses
- Detroit School of Arts – November 6 | 5 – 7 PM |123 Selden St, Detroit, MI 48201
- Detroit International Academy​ – November 8 | 1:30 – 3:30 PM | 5161 Charles St. Detroit, MI 48212
Davis Aerospace Technical High School November 20 | 3:30 – 6:30 PM | 900 Dickerson Avenue Detroit, MI 48215-2900
Crockett Midtown High School of Science and Medicine – December 4 | 5 – 6 PM | 571 Mack Ave, Detroit, MI 4820
Thank you!
TRIX ATHLETICS
Below are the Fall Athletic Sports Schedules! We would love to see you all support our teams!
Mandatory Athletic Parent Meeting will be Wednesday, November 6th after the Parent Meeting at 4:30pm
Happy Birthday (Week of 11/3)
11/4 - Jeremiah A.
11/5 - Bailey B.
11/5 - King D.
11/5 - Da'yonna G.
11/6 - Aaliyah B.
11/6 - Chanel S.
Upcoming Events at Trix Academy
Dates to Remember
11/4 - No After School Activities
11/5 - PD Day (NO SCHOOL)
11/6 - Parent Meeting 8:30 am or 4:30 pm
11/27-29 - Thanksgiving Break
Staff Email Addresses
Leadership
Elizabeth Van Hoesen, Principal - e.vanhoesen@mecc-academies.org
Karen Orpe, Assistant Principal - k.orpe@mecc-academies.org
Paula Hayes, Dean of Culture - p.hayes@mecc-academies.org
Sheilene Smith, Operations Manager - s.smith@mecc-academies.org
Office, Attendance and Enrollment
Tyresha Robinson, Student Enrollment Coordinator - trobinson1@phalenacademies.org
Teveta Parris, Office Manager - t.parris@mecc-academies.org
Special Education
Kristie Walker, Teacher - k.walker@mecc-academies.org
Kindergarten
Charlene Long, Teacher - c.long@mecc-academies.org
Mia Ratliff, Teacher - m.ratliff@mecc-academies.org
First Grade
Tiara Owens, Teacher - t.owens@mecc-academies.org
Second Grade
Alicia Fluker, Teacher - a.fluker@mecc-academies.org
Jocelyn Coats, Teacher - j.coats@mecc-academies.org
Third Grade
ShRonda Allen, Teacher - s.allen@mecc-academies.org
Tiffany Engleman, Teacher - t.engleman@mecc-academies.org
Fourth Grade
Chelsea Henry, Teacher - c.henry@mecc-academies.org
5th Grade
Patricia Pearson, Teacher - p.pearson@mecc-academies.org
6th through 8th Grades (Middle School)
LaTesha Gordon, ELA Teacher - l.gordon@mecc-academies.org
Steven Orellana, Social Studies Teacher - s.orellana@mecc-academies.org
Lashanett Millier, Science Teacher - l.miller@mecc-academies.org
Donovan Owens, Math Teacher - d.owens@mecc-academies.org
Electives
Eri Hall, Art Teacher - e.hall@mecc-academies.org
Shakila Woods, Technology Teacher - s.woods@mecc-academies.org
Jerel Allen, Physical Education/HealthTeacher - j.allen@mecc-academies.org
Reading Intervention
Vanessa Navarre, Reading Interventionist - v.navarre@mecc-academies.org
Atica Bell, Reading Interventionist - a.bell@mecc-academies.org
Teacher Intern
Paulasia Sims, Teacher Intern - p.sims@mecc-acacemies.org
Support Staff
Brandon Daniel, Middle School Teacher Assistant - b.daniel@mecc-academies.org
Dominique Williams, Teacher Assistant, d.williams@mecc-academies.org
Have Questions? Contact Us!
Website: http://trix.mecc-academies.org/
Location: 20045 Joann Avenue, Detroit, MI 48205, USA
Phone: 313.426.1020
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TrixAcademy