As the school year winds down, the ECHO caught up with Mrs. Vivona, Mrs. Barz, and Mr. Cave for an end of the year check in. Here’s what each teacher had to say about the 2024-2025 school year.

Mrs. Vivona

For Mrs. Jessica Vivona the 2024-2025 school year has been a learning experience and a transition. Mrs. Vivona said, “My favorite part of the year has been the little moments like giving out fist bumps to boys in the hallways, mass as a school, or pep rallies.” This school was not a normal year for Trinity with all the days missed because of weather and sickness, but Mrs. Vivona has learned to pivot when needed since she taught a new curriculum this year. Coming from Mercy Academy, Mrs. Vivona has adjusted to the change from young women to young men. “It’s been nice to form a community with the boys and faculty and I have felt like I have found my people here.” Mrs. Vivona has settled into Trinity building a sense of community with students and faculty, which is very important to her.

Mrs. Barz

Mrs. Jennifer Barz has had a quick and busy school year. For Mrs. Barz, this year has flown by. “I can’t believe how fast this year has gone by. You get into so many routines that your feel like you have been here longer than one year for a good reason.” Mrs. Barz had learning to do in the library helping students find books that will interest them and helping students discover resources available to them. Mrs. Barz said, “I know where books are now and the space, whereas before, it was kind of scary because I was responsible for keeping the space and everything in it.” Mrs. Barz has also built a connection with students who come into the library during advising allowing her to build a sense her own little community in the library.

Mr. Cave

For Mr. Thomas Cave, this year has been a year of adjustment and evolvement. Mr. Cave said, “Starting out class was more lecturing and notes and kind of just fall in the textbook, but as I’ve gotten closer to the guys and just more comfortable in the classroom, I would say there has been a lot more classroom discussion and the lessons and all that have been a lot more interactive.” Some of Mr. Cave’s favorite moments has not been teaching, but making connections. “Getting to know the kids and hearing how they’re doing—that’s what I enjoy most.” With one year at Trinity almost under his belt, Mr. Cave looks forward to making new connections with students and learning interests to help him as a teacher.