About Us

Every successful individual knows that his or her achievement depends on a community of persons working together.

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Staff

Elementary

D Santa – Pre-Kindergarten Teacher

Graduate of the University of North Florida with a B.A. in Education

Mrs. Santa has been teaching for 18 years at Blessed Trinity, 30 years total experience

A. Malin – Kindergarten Teacher

Graduate of the Georgia Southern with a B.S. in Early Childhood Education.

Florida Department of Education certification in Elementary Education

First year at Blessed Trinity; 1 1/2 years educational experience

D. Golino – First Grade Teacher

Graduate of University of North Florida with a B.A. in Education

Mrs. Golino has been teaching for 19 years at Blessed Trinity, 26 total years of experience

K. Beddard – Second Grade Teacher

Graduate of Florida State University with a B.A. in Apparel Design and Technology

Graduate of St. Johns River State College Educator Preparation Institute

Florida Department of Education certification in Elementary Education

First year at Blessed Trinity; 3 years educational experience

S. Hinson – Third Grade Teacher

Graduate of University of West Florida with a B.A. in Elementary Education and Early Childhood Certification

Mrs. Hinson has been teaching for 14 years at Blessed Trinity, 28 total years experience

D. Gunning – Fourth Grade Teacher

Graduate of St. John’s University with a B.S. Business Management

Graduate of the University of North Florida with Certification in Education

IBCCES Certification in Autism

Mrs. Gunning has been teaching for 14 1/2 years at Blessed Trinity

S. Haynes – Fifth Grade Teacher

Graduate of the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown, PA with a B.S. in Education

IBCCES Certification in Autism

Mrs. Haynes has been teaching 12 years at Blessed Trinity, 24 total years of experience

Middle School

P. DiGeorgio – Sixth Grade Homeroom, Middle School Language Arts

Graduate of the University of North Florida with a B.A. in Philosophy

Masters in Philosophy from Duquesne University

Florida Department of Education certification in English

First year at Blessed Trinity, 4 1/2 years educational experience

M. Hoyos – Seventh Grade Homeroom, Middle School Math and Science

Graduate of Florida International University with a B.A. in Psychology

Masters in Business Administration from Florida International University

Florida Department of Education certification in Mathematics

First year at Blessed Trinity; 8 years educational experience

M. Papet – Eighth Grade Homeroom, Middle School Math and Social Studies

Graduate of U.S. Naval Academy with a B.S. in Political Science

Graduate of U.S Naval Postgraduate School with an M.S. in Information Technology Management

Graduate of Liberty University with an M.Ed in Education and Ed S. in Curriculum and Instruction

Currently pursuing an M.A. in Theology at Catholic Distance University

Mr. Papet is in his second year at Blessed Trinity

P. Langone – Middle School Religion Teacher

Graduate of University of North Florida with a B.A. in Education

IBCCES Certification in Autism

Mrs. Langone has been teaching 16 years at Blessed Trinity, 25 years total experience

Enrichment Teachers

K. Strandes – Art Teacher

Graduate of Jacksonville University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts

Mrs. Strandes has been teaching for 5 ½ years at Blessed Trinity

V. Bolado – Spanish Teacher

Graduate of UADE UCA in Buenos Aires, Argentina with a Bachelor’s Degree in Communications

Graduate of the University of North Florida with a Master’s Degree in Education

Mrs. Bolado is in her third year of teaching at Blessed Trinity and has 5 years of teaching experience

C. Atkinson – Media Specialist

Graduate of Texas A & M University with a B.S. in Business

Graduate of University of North Florida with Certification in Education

Mrs. Atkinson has been teaching for 14 years at Blessed Trinity, 15 total years of experience

D. Slater – Technologist

Graduate of Jacksonville University with B.G.S. in Liberal Arts with concentrations in Management and Psychology

Apple Certified Support Professional, Microsoft Certified Master Instructor

Mrs. Slater is in her fourth year at Blessed Trinity; 20+ years technical instruction and tech support experience

A. McGuire – Physical Education Teacher

Graduate of Slippery Rock University with a B.S. in Physical Education

Mrs. McGuire has been teaching for 7 years at Blessed Trinity

S. Lightfoot – Music Teacher

Studied Music at East Carolina University; Graduate of University of North Florida with a B.S. in Communications

Mr. Lightfoot has been teaching for 5 years at Blessed Trinity

Administration

M. Davis – Principal

Graduate of Pennsylvania State University with B.S. in Rehabilitation Education

Graduate of University of North Florida with Primary and Elementary Certification, Masters in Elementary Education and Educational Leadership Endorsement

Florida Child Care and Education Program Director Credential – VPK Endorsed

19 years as Principal of Blessed Trinity Catholic School

P. Langone – Assistant Principal – Part-time

Graduate of University of North Florida with a B.A. in Education

IBCCES Certification in Autism

16 years at Blessed Trinity, 25 years total

E. McLauchlin – School Counselor

Graduate of University of Florida with a B.A. in Communications and Psychology

Masters in Counseling and Psychology from Webster University

Florida Department of Education certification in Guidance and Counseling

First year at Blessed Trinity, 10 years counseling experience

D. Slater – Technologist

Graduate of Jacksonille University with B.G.S. in Liberal Arts with concentrations in Management and Psychology

Apple Certified Support Professional

Microsoft Certified Master Instructor

4 years at Blessed Trinity, 20+ years technical instruction and tech support experience

Church Personnel

Clergy

Fr. Jhon Guarnizo, Pastor

PARISH OFFICE STAFF

Lorraine Montoto – Parish Business Administrator
Email: lorrainemontoto@btccjax.org
Phone: 904-641-1414

Jeanna Ruschell – Secretary
Email: jeannaruschell@btccjax.org
Phone: 904-641-1414

Linda Miranda – Director – Religious Education
Email: prep@blessedtrinitycatholicschool.org
Phone: 904-646-4320

History

Blessed Trinity Catholic School was established in fall 1999 in a newly constructed building. The facility provided space for administration offices, clinic, a temporary Media Center, and five classrooms. The initial enrollment consisted of 65 students in Pre-Kindergarten through Second Grade. The curriculum consisted of all the core subject areas as well as Music, Art, Physical Education, and Media. Spanish was added as an enrichment class in fall 2000 and Technology in fall 2003.

A new grade was added each school year until the fall of 2005, when the addition of Eighth grade completed our growth. As we grew, the need for additional classroom space was satisfied when an addition to the original building was completed in fall 2002. The new addition provided students with a Media Center, Technology Lab, Art Room, Science Lab, Music Room, Cafeteria and five classrooms. The school reached its highest enrollment of 271 students in 2005-2006 and has since averaged an enrollment of 255 students per year.

Curriculum

The curriculum guides set forth by the Diocese of St. Augustine are the basis for our school program. Textbooks and programs are chosen which will meet the students’ needs as set forth by the Diocesan Curriculum guides. These guides are updated and revised in accordance with sound educational and developmental research.

A complete copy of the Diocese of St. Augustine Education Syllabus may be viewed in the school office.

School Board

The Advisory Board shall assist the Pastor and Principal in the implementation of the policies governing operations of the school and insure that these policies follow the intent and spirit of the policies laid down for the schools in the diocese by the Office for Educational Services.
Its duties and functions are to:

Assist in supporting the goals of the institution, the Diocese of St. Augustine, and its accrediting agency.
Participate in communicating the purpose and programs of the school to the Diocesan Advisory Board on Education and the parish-at-large.
Assist in the preparation of the annual budget.
Act in a consultative capacity in hiring the school Principal.
Include the following standing committees: long-range planning, finances, maintenance, and other ad hoc committees as needed.
Develop positive public relations.
Assist the Pastor/Principal in the planning and building of new educational facilities.
Participate in the “new board training” offered annually by the Diocesan Advisory Board of Education.

2017-2018 School Advisory Board Members

Father Jhon Guarnizo – Pastor

Marie Davis – Principal

Mary De Salvo

Jose Santa

Karen Aldrich

Tim Sullivan

Carl Brown – Parish Liaison

Susan Schmitt – HSA

Mission Statement

Blessed Trinity Catholic School provides all students the opportunity to flourish in a Catholic Christian environment through inspired academics, spiritual growth and service to our community.

Philosophy

Following the Bishops’ pastoral “To Teach as Jesus Did”, Blessed Trinity Catholic School strives to assist all students, regardless of race, creed, or ethnic background, in the difficult task of maturing into well-rounded, capable citizens of this great country and followers of Jesus Christ.

As a Catholic School, Blessed Trinity is dedicated to integrating the teaching of God and Gospel values within the total curriculum. Blessed Trinity School develops social and emotional skills through positive guidance techniques set forth by the Parish Community.

We strive to view each child as a unique person with an individual pattern and timing of growth. We endeavor to instruct children in order for them to excel to their full potential.

Working together, the faculty and parents, who are the primary educators, create an atmosphere of love and understanding, in which all students are encouraged to use their God-given gifts and talents to the fullest extent of their potential.