Keeping you plugged into the exciting things happening at the Lower School
Published December 15, 2024
Volume 246
Sherry Randolph - Early Learning & Lower School Principal
The Principal’s Piece: A Note From Mrs. Randolph
The Principal’s Piece: A Note From Mrs. Randolph
Can you believe we are down to our final week of school before the Christmas break?
Here are a couple of important reminders:
Christmas Spirit Week
Let’s celebrate together! Join us for Christmas Spirit Week, happening from December 16th–19th. Check out the detailed information below to make sure your child is ready for the fun!
Christmas Extravaganza
Mark your calendar for December 19th! Don’t miss the Christmas Extravaganza: A Lower School Family Holiday Experience. This special event will be a highlight of the season for our Lower School families. Visit the landing page for all the exciting details—we can’t wait to see you there!
“But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.” Luke 2:10-11
Wishing you a very Merry Christmas!
UPCOMING DATES
Dec 16-19 - Christmas Spirit Week Dress Up Days
Dec 17-19 - Optional Half Day Dismissal
Dec 19 - Christmas Extravaganza: A Lower School Family Holiday Experience
December 20 - January 5th - Christmas Break
Christmas Spirit Week Themes for December 16th-19th
Join us in participating in Christmas Spirit Week from December 16th-19th. Please see below for each day’s theme. Students should wear regular uniforms on the days they choose not to participate.
Monday, Dec. 16th: Rudolph Red and Grinch Green! (Wear Red/Green)
Tuesday, Dec. 17th: Ugly Sweater - Get All Sorts of Tacky!
Wednesday, Dec. 18th: Winter Wonderland - White and Blue Will Do!
Thursday, Dec. 19th: Christmas PJs!
Exciting January News: Safari Book Fair!
Our Lower School Safari Book Fair runs from January 13th–17th. This year, we’re thrilled to offer special times for both parents and grandparents to attend!
For your convenience, class schedules and event details are available on your child’s Blackbaud page, as well as our Book Fair Landing Page.
We are looking forward to this fun-filled week and hope to see you there!
OPTIONAL EARLY DISMISSAL
As we look towards next week’s dismissal process, please review the important information below as it relates to Tuesday, Dec 17, Wednesday, Dec 18 and Thursday, Dec 19.
Main Campus (1st-3rd)
1st Dismissal will begin at 12:30pm. Please note the office will close at 12:15pm in anticipation of the heavy dismissal load during that time.
The office will reopen at the conclusion of the 12:30pm dismissal.
High schoolers will be released at 12:15pm but will not be permitted to pick their sibling up until 12:30pm.
Students needing to be picked up after the 12:30pm dismissal, but before the 3:00pm dismissal will need to be checked out from the front office.
2nd Dismissal will begin at 3:00pm and will run no longer than 3:30pm. Students who are not picked up by 3:30pm will be sent to After School.
Early Learning (PreK-kindergarten @ Go Church)
We will be offering a half-day dismissal at 12:30pm for full day students only. Students may remain at school if you choose as we will plan to run a second dismissal at 2:15pm. Jr. Lions will only be offered at the 2:15pm dismissal time. After-school will be offered as normal.
Please note that if you are planning to pick up students at both locations, we recommend picking up your early learning student (Go Church) prior to your main campus arrival.
Prayer Requests
Our Lower School administration team meets every Friday morning to pray over our students and families. If you have a prayer request, we would love to pray for you specifically. We believe in the power of prayer and are committed to supporting our families through this dedicated time of intercession.
"Therefore encourage one another and build each other up." I Thessalonians 5:11
How to Submit a Prayer Request:
Fill Out the Form: Provide details about your request in the form below by clicking on the link. You can share as much or as little as you feel comfortable with.
Submit Confidentially: All submissions are kept confidential and are only shared with our Lower School administration team who will lift your request in prayer.
Last Week in Chapel
We had a wonderful time in Chapel as we continued our series, Songs of Christmas. This week, we focused on the song Joy to the World. We reflected on how God brought joy to the world through the gift of His Son and explored the difference between happiness and joy. Despite life's challenges, we can experience true joy in the presence of Jesus. We concluded Chapel with a worship song, singing Goodness of God, where your children beautifully lifted their voices in praise.
Main Focus: Jesus brings joy - no matter the circumstances!
Power Verse: “ ....in your presence there is fullness of joy…” Psalm 16:11
Whatchagaddaknow: I will have joy - no matter what!
LOWER SCHOOL SPIRIT WEAR
This is a fun way to share in our Lower School family pride and show your TCS spirit! We have four fun designs specifically created for Lower School students and families to choose from!
Remember, all TCS spirit wear is an approved uniform option! Please click the link below to place your order.
See design styles below:
Elementary Clubs
Our students love to participate in our elementary clubs. These clubs are designed for 1st-5th grade students and meet after school dismisses. Check out the main page of Inside the Pride for more information.
Staying Informed and Up-to-date
with Classroom Happenings
To stay informed of what’s happening in your child’s classroom, please login into Blackbaud weekly. You will be able to see information such as weekly classroom announcements, upcoming events, weekly academic focus, grades, attendance, etc. This is the key to staying informed and replaces hardcopy newsletters. I encourage you to login each week. Information will be updated each Sunday at 5pm.
Accessing your child's class information weekly:
Login to your Blackbaud account and select your child's name under "Children".
Find your child's homeroom class under the "Progress" tab by scrolling down to where classes are listed.
After selecting the homeroom class, you will see the teacher's main class page where you will locate upcoming dates, class reminders and news.
Select the "Topics" tab to see specific information for each individual subject. Within each subject folder, you will see a plan for the week and upcoming projects and test information.
The "Topics" pages update each Sunday evening at 5pm and will remain current until the following Sunday evening.
Administrative Contacts
If you have any questions throughout the summer, please do not hesitate to reach out to us. We are happy to help! Please see the guide below to reach the most appropriate personnel.
Lower School Principal - Sherry Randolph (sherry.randolph@tcslions.org)
LS Academic Dean - Leslie Cook (leslie.cook@tcslions.org)
Mrs. Cook can assist you with any academic-related needs for PreK-.3rd grade
LS Director of Student Life - Ashley Moore (ashley.moore@tcslions.org)
Mrs. Moore can assist you with general questions regarding the school calendar, uniforms, supply lists, etc.
LS Director of LEO Program - Jennifer Duncan (jennifer.duncan@tcslions.org)
Mrs. Duncan oversees our Learning Enrichment Opportunity Program
(pictured l to r) Lisa Railey, Jenn Duncan, Sherry Randolph, Leslie Cook, and Ashley Moore