Strategic Plan Initiatives

Curriculum

To design and implement educational programs – both local and international grounded - in relevance that will shape individuals who reason independently and who act collaboratively to accomplish and resolve conflict.

Strategic Initiatives UPDATES

List of 8 frequently asked questions.

Reinforce independent learning and critical thinking in the light of Palmer Trinity’s Portrait of a Graduate and Guiding Principles.
- As of December 2024

Focus on School philosophy and integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the classroom.
1. Reviewed policies with School’s Attorney - received very positive feedback on School’s progress in this area.
- - Revised Policy for Handbook and Policy for Teachers to Share with Students.
1. Partnering with Purple Horizon, innovation consultants, scheduled to begin January and work through April, '25.
  - Positive feedback on School's progress to date.
  - Focus will be on PD and communication to constituents.
- As of June 2024
1. PTS will return to requiring standardized testing for MS applicant admission for the 2025-2026 school year. Requiring testing will help us attract mission-appropriate students, and ensure a solid academic "fit".
2. Administered 540 AP Exams in 20 courses. (Please note the school does not charge for this service - offering another benefit for our families).
3. Continue to expand our course offerings and support systems to learners by implementing the Academic Success Workshops in the Middle School, additional Foundations-Level courses in Grade 9, and a semester-long Academic Seminar to reinforce skills.
- As of November 2023

Dedicated time for writing and aligning Course Outlines for greater clarity and continuity of course goals, learning activities and assessments, and learning outcomes.

- As of February 2023
1. Created the Launch Program for freshmen to support their transition to Upper School and develop the qualities in our Portrait of a Graduate.
2. Facilitated Courageous Conversations on the 2022-2023 school year theme of RESET.
Promote the role of C.E.L.T. (Center for Excellence in Learning and Teaching) and its initiatives to increase partnerships with other schools and within the PTS community.
- As of June 2024
1. PTS hosted a Collaboration event with 5th & 6th grade teachers, curriculum directors, and other educators. on January 19th, revitalizing partnerships that began before COVID.
2. Created an Academic Consortium with peer FCIS member schools; academic leaders meet monthly (virtually) to explore solutions to this shared challenge.
- As of February 2023
1. Made visits by Middle School Chairs and Academic Dean to our feeder schools.
- - PTS hosted a Collaboration event with 5th & 6th grade teachers, curriculum directors on January 19th; Revitalizing partnerships that began before COVID.
1. Include a focus on the work and role of CELT in each Professional Development meeting.
Dedicate time and opportunity for our faculty and administration to collaborate and design innovative and forward-thinking curricular pathways which promote critical thought and skills.
- As of December 2024

Focus attention to expand curricular pathways in Academic Support, Business, and STEM-related courses:
- - Scheduled to film three promotional videos (similar to the IB video) in late winter / early spring, around holidays to highlight a few alumni.
  - Very intentional mentoring of our new business teacher.
- As of June 2024
1. Middle School faculty visited Lake Highland Prep to observe their Innovation Lab (4 members). Carrollwood School to observe their MYP (Middle Years IB Program) (2 members). A redesign for 6th Grade Discovery will include an introduction to AI and Design Thinking.
2. Increased Late Start in 2024 - 2025 to occur weekly, allowing for intentional collaboration time for faculty.
3. Dedicated four Professional Days, monthly Collaboration Meetings, and an increased number of Late Starts for on-going departmental collaboration and professional growth.
4. Expanded the time for collaboration during the Opening Week and Professional Days.
5. Provided Essential Questions and models from innovative programs and leading educational organizations in all meetings to guide and support collaboration.
6. Accepted nine New Course Proposals for 2024-2025 as of January 2024.
7. Continue to build upon programming for Leadership and Entrepreneurial Academic “Pathways” in the Upper School.
- As of November 2023
1. Added courses in Leadership, Entrepreneurship, and Financial Literacy.
2. Established the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Committee to discuss AI in the classroom.
- As of February 2023
1. Dedicated four Professional Days, monthly Collaboration Meetings, and six Late Starts to this goal, in addition to monthly Department and Academic Council meetings.
1. Expanded the time for Collaboration significantly during the Opening Week, Professional Days '22-'23.
1. 1. Essential questions and models from innovative programs and leading educational organizations are provided in all meetings to guide and support collaboration.
  2. Accepted nine New Course Proposals for ‘23-’24 as of January 2023.
  3. Gathering momentum for exploration of a Leadership / Global / Entrepreneurial “Pathway” of coursework to serve PTS’ unique population.
Gather, analyze, and share available data to inform academic decisions.
- As of December 2024
1. Robust participation in the after-school Academic Support Program.
2. The academic Success Workshop in MS is underway and has been successful.
  - Academic Support in US 9th grade Foundations classes & Academic Seminar has been successful.
- As of June 2024

Expanded academic support services for students in Grades 6 - 9.

- As of November 2023
1. Modification to our course offerings:
1. 1. Modification of science course requirements in the Upper School to better serve a portion of the student community from Chemistry and Physics to Chemistry or Physics.
  2. Expansion of science electives, including Biomedical Science, Health Sciences, and Engineering Design.
1. Continue to build newly established Contemporary Studies with an emerging Student Publications program of study, elevating current publications such as Yearbook (Raptor) and establishing new traditions with Falcon Flash and Perch.
2. Regularly collect and review data on placement tests, “in-house” grades, and standardized testing to recognize and respond to trends in students’ success, challenges, and approaches to test-taking skills.
3. Celebrate National Merit Semi Finalists and Silver Knight winners annually.
- As of February 2023
1. Made noteworthy changes to our course offerings and graduation requirements to suit the needs of our students
Additions:
1. 1. Foundations level courses in English Grades 6-7; Math Grades 6-8
  2. Honors level courses in Grade 8: Math, English, and History; Science ‘23-’24;
  3. Foundations level courses in Grade 9: English, Math, and History
  4. Continue to build newly established Contemporary Studies; department with the addition of Upper School Leadership course, Marketing and Student Publications course;
  5. Modification of lab requirements in the Upper School to better serve the student community.
1. Will host Rediker Training at PTS.
2. Collecting and reviewing students' use of time on middle school semester assessments to help us address test-taking skills.
Maintain the School’s global presence and mindset.
- As of December 2024

Continued Travel:
- - 6th grade to Marine Lab
  - 7th grade to Lakes Ropes and Stars
  - Model UN to India.
All travel includes curricular components.

- As of June 2024
1. Achieved success in both our Florida State Spanish and Chinese Language Competitions.
2. PTS will be recognized and honored as the host of the State Chinese Language Competition ‘25.
3. Achieved Success at State Competition for both Thespians and Orchestra.
4. Hosted Model United Nations program at Palmer Trinity School - (220 students/ 4 schools)
5. Numerous Travel Experiences over Winter and Spring Breaks:
  1. Germany (STEM focus)
  2. China - (Language / Culture Focus)
  3. Namibia (Conservation Focus)
  4. Greece (Human Geography)
  5. Iceland (Round Square)
6. Hosted the Round Square Regional Conference - 65 Heads of school over 3 days programming.
7. PTS will host Global Alliance of Leading Edge Schools for SustainabilityGALESS Conference (Virtual) June 10th - 12th, 2024.
8. 1 of 5 participating leading GEBG Schools to author a field guide on students-led dialogue published June 2024.
9. 6 students participating in Australian exchange with Abbotsleigh School and St. Catherine’s School.
- As of November 2023
1. Model United Nations remains the most active club on campus with more than 90 participants. PTS participates in local, regional, and international conferences.
2. Led more than 40 domestic and international travel experiences on 5 continents, (‘22 - ’24)
3. Hosted international exchange students from partner schools and programs from a number of countries including Australia, Spain, Peru, Germany, ‘22 - ’24.
4. Accepted to the Duke of Edinburgh Award’s program. The Award is a global framework for non-formal education and learning, which challenges young people to dream big, celebrate their achievements and make a difference in their world. Through developing transferable skills, increasing their fitness levels, cultivating a sense of adventure and volunteering in their community. The Award helps young people to find their purpose, passion and place in the world.
5. Will host the Round Square Board of Directors and the Heads of School and Round Square Representatives from the America’s Region for a conference on campus February 27 - March 2, 2024.
- As of February 2023
1. Joined Global Education Benchmark Group (GEBG) as a Leading Partner School (2022-2024) through the G.E.B.G’s E.E. Ford Grant.
- - This two-year role allows 7 teachers to participate in virtual classes, 1 educator to serve on an advisory board, and 2 students to participate in virtual student-led classes.
1. Participation by (20) Students and (6) faculty in three Round Square travel events (England, Canada and Kenya).
2. Model United Nations remains the most active Club on Campus with more than 90 participants. PTS participates and leads both locally and regional conferences.
3. Round Square virtual conference on pollution led by 10 students with 200 students from 12 countries.
4. Proposing a course elective in diplomacy and international relations beginning ‘23-’24.
5. Led 18 domestic and international travel experiences on 6 continents.
6. Hosted Round Square exchange students at partner schools in Peru and Germany.
Expand the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program (IBDP) to encourage width and depth of course offerings.
- As of June 2024
1. Graduated second cohort of IB Diploma Program students (18). Accepted our Fourth cohort in April 2024.
2. Expand staffing to create a position for IB Student Advisor.
3. Continuously increase number of IB trained teachers.
- As of February 2023
1. On-going, intentional monthly meeting with IB Steering Committee to design the expansion of the IB course offerings and schedule the faculty training.
2. On-going support of our Second Cohort of IB students / Additional IB Course offerings in Business Management and Environmental Sciences.
3. Adopted a more international interest in IB experience in the hiring process.
4. Encouraging and allocating finances for faculty training in IB certification.
5. Ongoing discussion about developing "pathways" of study within the IB curriculum focusing on Liberal Arts, Stem, and Business as a central focus.
Explore the feasibility of offering PTS courses online.

- As of February 2023

Piloted three semester courses online, in Summer, 2022. After reflection and revision of course work and approach, we will offer two courses again in Summer, 2023 - Foundations in World Religion and Wellness.
Research and expand STEM-centered curricular offerings with a view toward building a state-of-the-art program.
- As of December 2024
1. Hosted 40 students in “Girl Powered Engineering” for a successful STEM Event.
2. Solar Car Team in place and preparing for competition in Spring 2025.
- As of June 2024
1. Expand project Lead the Way (PLTW) course offerings.
2. Continue to Support new roles: STEM Initiatives Coordinators and Global Scholar in Residence
  Continue to meet with both Science Department Chairs, both STEM Coordinators to reflect on goals for the year.
  Designated a STEM School of Excellence, third year in a row.
3. Continue to track our academic use / experiential learning in Sustainability initiatives on campus:
  Aqua Lab, Outdoor Classroom, Kipp Field House, 6th Grade Garden.
- As of November 2023
1. Reviewed STEM-related pathways for students to advance in their STEM studies and reinstituted the summer offering (in-person) of Geometry.
2. Updated/refurbished new Outdoor Classroom and 6th Grade Garden.
3. We will continue to review these PTS online courses.
- As of February 2023
1. Appointed two STEM Coordinators in 2022-2023.
2. Constructed new STEM room in Building 3.
3. Updated/refurbished new Outdoor Classroom.
4. Adopting Project Lead the Way Biomedical Science course electives to offer a Pathway of course work for students interested in the related fields.
5. Received STEM School of Excellence Recognition for the third year in a row by ITEEA (International Technology and Engineering Educators Association).

Community

To embrace our School Community, defining it as those who can know one another and be known, and to safeguard our communal health while practicing hospitality, empathy, and leadership rooted in service to others.

Strategic Initiatives UPDATES

List of 8 frequently asked questions.

Demonstrate the School’s Episcopal Identity through the teaching of values, ethics, and morals.
- As of December 2024
1. Led sessions on Episcopal Identity and the Role of Chaplain in Faculty In service days, Parent Back to School Nights, and Admissions Events.
2. Planned and executed Chapels over semester beginning in Gym:
  1. Continuing public speaking forum for 8th and 12th grade students.
  2. Collaborating with new choir director and organist.
  3. Recognition of Jewish High Holy Days and a Collaboration with the Mexican Parents to create altars for the Day of the Dead.
  4. Hosted the Palmetto Bay Community to celebrate and honor the local Veterans with an All School chapel with the Mayor of Miami-Dade County.
  5. Collaborated with the Performing Arts Department to create a service of Lessons and Carols for the Annual Tree Lighting Service.
  6. Re-opening of Trinity Chapel on November 21, 2024.
  7. Installation & Organ Dedication Service December 12, 2024.
3. Head of School and Chaplain presented at NAES Conference on Chaplains and Heads of School “Building Effective Relationships”, November 2024.
4. Teaching Upper School Classes in the Religion Department, “Introduction to Christianity”.
5. Providing Prayers, Pastoral Care and Emotional Support for Faculty, Students and Families.
6. Building connections with Religious Leaders in the Greater Community both within church circles and Interfaith Friendships. Met with Rabbis at Temple Beth Am and Temple Judea.
7. Communicating through weekly Chaplain’s Corner pieces in the Week-at-a-Glance
- As of June 2024
1. Chaplain has been collaborating more with Director of Student Activities regarding Service Living
2. Refurbishing Chapel to accommodate new organ which will be ready in November 2024, as well as improve accousitcs.
3. Hired Organist/Choral Director to add expertise to our musical offerings.
4. Hosted a special Chapel gathering to recognize the Holocaust and had Holocaust survivor speak to the our community in May 2024.
5. Continue to foster inclusion, and campus ethos to Lead with Love.
6. Welcomed President of the Board of Directors from the Islamic School of Miami.
7. Hosted Dean Emeritus of Canterbury Cathedral, England.
8. Head of School and Chaplain presented an NAES webinar on Chaplains and Heads of School “Building Effective Relationships”.
9. Completed the first year of new public speaking forum for Grade 8 and Grade 12 students.
- As of November 2023
1. Incorporated 8^th and 12^th Grade Speeches into weekly Chapel times.
2. Chaplain has organized the visitation of the Buddhist Monk, Lama Tenzin to create a Sand Mandala for the Annual 2024 International Festival.
3. Rabbi Jeremy Barras came to present on the High Holy Days in the Fall of 2023.
4. Annual visit of Bishop Peter Eaton.
5. Sacramental Services for Faculty/Staff and Alumni Families performed by the Chaplain.
6. Held the annual Veteran’s Day program on November 9, 2023.
- As of February 2023
1. Held weekly early morning Holy Eucharist Services for Faculty and Staff.
2. Planned and executed Chapels over the entire semester:
  1. Collaborated with the Mexican Parents to create altars for the Day of the Dead and invited the Mexican Consulate to present on the cultural significance of the celebration.
  2. Invited Rabbi Fisch from Temple Judea to present and educate on the High Holy Days of Judaism during Chapel.
  3. Hosted the Palmetto Bay Community to celebrate and honor the local Veterans with an All School Chapel with the Mayor of Miami Dade County as the guest speaker.
  4. Collaborated with the Performing Arts Department to create a service of Lessons and Carols for the Annual Tree Lighting Service.
  5. Continued to message Lead with Love mantra through ongoing Chapels and School Gatherings.
1. Chaplain presented two workshops at the Biennial Convention for the National Association of Episcopal School in San Antonio, Texas, in November 2022 and to the Independent Schools of South Florida on "The Mental and Emotional Aspects of Education in the 21 Century."
2. Chaplain continues to teach Christianity courses in the Postmodern World.
Enhance the Wellness, Advisory, and Athletics programs to reflect the School’s ethos of developing a healthy balance of mind, body and spirit.
- As of December 2024
1. Implemented Guardian Protective Football Helmet Equipment, July 2024.
2. Completed CPR Training provided by Dr. Freer through the American Heart Association 2024 by all faculty and staff, including coaches.
- As of June 2024
1. Partnered with Positive Coaches Alliance (PCA) to provide professional development for student-athletes, parents and coaches.
2. Implemented Guardian Protective Football Helmet Equipment, July 2024.
3. All faculty and staff, including coaches, completed CPR Training provided by Dr. Freer through the American Heart Association 2024.
- As of November 2023
1. Hosted Michael Domitrz from the Center for Respect. With presentations given to both the students and the parents.
2. Hosted Lisa Damour, the author of “The Emotional Lives of Teenagers”, virtually for parents.
3. Commenced a monthly "Gold Standard Breakfast", guest speaker presentations for student Athletes and faculty and staff.
4. Ongoing professional development for Athletics and Sports Enrichments.
- As of February 2023
1. Hosted focus groups for middle school students to discuss issues around inclusion and belonging.
2. Utilized peer counselors all year for students who are dealing with challenges at school and request or may benefit from meeting with an older PTS student.
3. Implemented first year of PTS’s specific advisory curriculum - a scaffolded approach to discussing relevant topics and issues in 6-12th grades aligned to the Portrait of a Graduate.
4. Supported an education-based program modeled by student-athletes, parents, and coaches.
5. Implemented Concussion Program in August 2022.
6. Commenced a “Captain’s Circle” student-athlete Leadership Group, September 2021.
7. Expanded our HUDL video to include film for player/coach review and college recruiting, August 2021.
8. Hired New Athletic Trainer, Dr. Freer, and implemented rehabilitation at PTS, August 2022.
9. Upgraded our football helmets to Riddell and lacrosse helmets to Cascade to follow sport safety and best practices, 2021-23.
10. Upgraded Hall of Fame and Record Boards to digital displays, July 2022.
11. Athletic Director attended the National Athletic Directors Conference in Nashville, TN, December 2022.
12. Held three specifically designed Wellness Chapels for students.
13. Hosted Internationally acclaimed and Internet Safety advocate Alicia Kozak who spoke to students.
Utilize data from the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Audit to ensure the quality of school life.
- As of December 2024
1. Selected Faculty and Staff members attended the NAIS People of Color Conference, December 2024.
2. Coordinated and helped to lead election conversations and citizenship presentations featuring local representatives, including Mayor of Palmetto Bay, Senator and Representative of South Florida.
3. Plan to present brief inauguration video and follow-up discussion through Advisory program, January 2025.
- As of November 2023
1. DEI Team met with parents and shared update at Parent Coffee in September 2023.
2. Sent out a DEI mid-semester report in October 2023.
3. Updated DEI curriculum table on Resource Board.
- As of February 2023
1. Redesigned the DEI Team's web presence to more fully and accurately communicate the School's DEI efforts and initiatives to all members of the community.
2. Engaged in proactive and sustained dialogue with various groups who have expressed the need for greater inclusion in our community (including alumni groups, parents of African American students, parents of LGBTQIA+ students, and parents of Jewish American students). Dialogue has resulted in programming (such as our Jewish American Heritage Month, Black History Month, and upcoming Pride Month convocations).
Implement feedback from the Belonging Survey to refine the Mosaic Program.
- As of June 2024

Will incorporate MOSAIC into advisory more strongly following Episcopal Ethos of Mind, Body and Spirit, as well as mantra Lead with Love.

- As of February 2023
1. Embarked on a rewrite of the entire Mosaic program to create differentiated lessons for each grade level to remove redundancies and ensure age-appropriate pedagogy and content that builds on previous understanding from year-to-year.
2. Expanded student participation in and development of the Mosaic program, by including student leaders in advisor and student facilitator training.
Collaborate with the Episcopal Church to explore programmatic opportunities.
- As of June 2024
1. Academic Dean invited to serve the Crisis Team at the Episcopal Diocese.
2. Continue to partner with the Bishop to provide opportunities for public speaking, education and partnership between church and school.
- As of February 2023
1. Chaplain supports Sunday services at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church in Coconut Grove.
2. Human Resources participates in the Safe Churches and Schools program in the Diocese.
3. Chaplain will attend the Annual Clergy Conference in January.
4. The School works closely with the Episcopal Church to promote social justice and equity.
Use the School’s systems and resources to maintain timely and relevant communication.
- As of December 2024
1. Trained the Communication Team on Veracross to transition from Blackbaud for better and more cohesive information management.
2. Worked with Interactive Schools to build a new website which will be launched in June 2025.
3. Launched school-wide surveys gathering important feedback from parents, students, and faculty and staff and potential families.
- As of June 2024
1. Signed agreement with Interactive Schools for new interactive website launch in June 2025.
2. Head of School videos open rate is 75% - reaching maximum constituents.
3. Used weekly newsletter to share information with faculty, staff, families, and alumni.
- As of February 2023
1. Evaluating best communications methods in terms of website and electronic correspondence vehicles.
2. Producing timely Head of School videos that are sent to the community.
3. Completed over 100 push pages with pertinent information to the parents and greater community in the first semester.
Grow Admission recruitment efforts to attract and retain a diverse community reflective of the School’s Mission and Guiding Principles.
- As of December 2024
1. Expanded our offerings by adding more information sessions, including one specifically tailored for Upper School students.
2. Reinstated required shadow days for Middle School applicants.
- As of June 2024

The school hosted over 1,500 visitors for Admission Information events, achieving a new record.

- As of November 2023
1. Participate in panel discussions for prospective parents at three different local schools.
2. Attended local forum for parents interested in Independent Schools.
3. Admission Office presented at Breakthrough Miami Annual Orientation Meeting for parents.
- As of February 2023
1. Hired Admission Officer to help with diversity recruitment.
2. Completed podcast by Associate Head of External Relations for real estate company to communicate the School’s mission.
3. Continue to provide opportunities for families to visit school outside of the typical open house times. Multiple tours, morning and afternoon information seasons. Provide virtual meetings and virtual interviews for added flexibility.
4. Have become test optional to drop the cost barrier ($150/test) of testing for underserved communities.
5. Continue to meet with Relocation Managers to connect to families moving to Miami.
Strengthen and promote Alumni engagement in the School community.
- As of December 2024
1. Will hold an Alumni Memorial Service in January 2025, including a special tribute to past Head of School, Sean Murphy.
2. Invited alumni to tour and have lunch on campus, November 2024.
3. Will host College Day with recent graduates in January 2025.
4. Published the Aerie magazine (most recent edition in July 2024).
5. Expanded the monthly e-newsletter to alumni.
- As of June 2024
1. Through the Alumni Mentorship Program, a diverse array of alumni guest speakers are regularly invited to campus, enriching the experiences of the student body across a wide range of groups and classes.
2. Continue to host Alumni Gatherings to maintain a presence in key cities such as New York City, Chicago, Washington DC, and Boston, while also expanding to include new locations, such as Los Angeles, CA.
3. Bolster the class agent program to ensure representation from every graduating year, spanning from 1973 to the current graduating year.
4. Continue to schedule events like the Athletic Hall of Fame, Distinguished Alumni Awards, and Alumni Memorial Service during Chapel time for the Upper School, actively including students in the actual ceremonies, thus we increase the Alumni Office's visibility to current students.
- As of November 2023
1. Enhancing communication between the Alumni Office and the Alumni Community by consistently delivering a monthly E-Newsletter featuring school news, events, and alumni spotlights and creating an accessible "Alumni Calendar" at the beginning of each school year, ensuring alumni have easy access to important dates and activities.
2. Increasing the Alumni Office's visibility to current students by holding events like the Athletic Hall of Fame and Distinguished Alumni Awards during Chapel time for the Upper School, meeting with seniors in small groups to acquaint them with alumni efforts and establishing the Student Alumni Association to connect students with alumni.
3. Expanding our alumni reach by organizing Alumni Gatherings in major cities such as New York City, Chicago, Washington DC, Boston, and more.
4. Working with College Counseling to establish more internship opportunities for juniors and seniors.
- As of February 2023
1. Hired new Alumni Relations Coordinator, which is an alumna, to continue building Alumni community.
2. Continuing to update the alumni database with current and accurate contact information and strengthen the Class Agent program.
3. Engage alumni by reaching out to them personally, with the expectation to bring them back into the PTS community such as hosting social events, featuring them in articles, speaking to our students and touring the campus.
4. Relaunch the PTS Alumni Mentor program, fostering mutually beneficial partnerships and meaningful connections.
5. Promoting alumni leaders through continued Alumni Board work and engagement in additional committees.