Inside the Pride Middle School News - Volume 100

Keeping you plugged into the exciting things happening at the Middle School

Published October 3, 2021

Volume 100

 

Adam Vinson - Middle School Principal

 
 
 

A MESSAGE FROM MR. VINSON

Can you believe we have made it through Quarter 1? This school year is flying by! What a blessing though to have experienced a mostly normal first 9 weeks of school. We just completed initial field trips for all of our middle schoolers which was a big goal we had at the start of the school year. It was such a blessing to have these out-of-the-classroom experiences to kick off this school year, and we are looking forward to building off these trips with additional opportunities over the remainder of the year. Keep praying each day for God’s added protection as the weather begins to cool and as we enter into the traditional “flu season”. I know students will begin battling various illnesses in the coming weeks/months, but we also know we serve a great God who is fully capable of sustaining us with added protection and quick recoveries too. Thank you for all of the support during Quarter 1. We look forward to improving upon our service even more as we head into Quarter 2. Enjoy your upcoming Fall Break with family and friends!

HOW ARE WE DOING?

Let me know how our team is doing in keeping you informed about your child’s education this year. If you are lacking communication regarding one of your child’s classes, please let me know so I can help! adam.vinson@tcslions.org.

LAST WEEK IN CHAPEL

Coach Carr reminded our students of the need for Christians to stand against culture when it is wrong (Robinson House tagline). As we continue striving for a culture here at TCS that is uniquely Christian, we want to keep empowering our students to take a stand when actions and attitudes are found to be contrary to God’s Word.

LIONS OF THE WEEK

Students who were recognized this week by their teachers for their exceptional example set in their recent performance, attitude or action.

  • 6th Grade = Dawson Price

  • 7th Grade = Taylor Clark

  • 8th Grade = Shelby Dunckel

OCTOBER MEMORY VERSES: Hebrews 1:1-4 (ESV)

Help your child learn their memory verses over the course of this month. 

Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, 2 but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world. 3 He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, 4 having become as much superior to angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs

OCToBER HABITUDES MOMENT

coming soon

FALL PICTURE DAY

Our Fall pictures for middle school are scheduled for Wednesday, October 6. Students are required to wear normal dress code attire for these pictures as they will be used for the yearbook.

REMOTE LEARNING DAYS IN OCTOBER

In anticipation of our Remote Learning Days (Oct 7-8) and Fall Break (Oct 11-12), please note the following structure regarding learning activities for those days.

  • Remote learning work will be distributed by Wednesday Oct 6 and is to be completed over break. All work will be due upon our return to classes on Oct 13. 

  • No virtual classes will be required.

8TH GRADE PSAT INFORMATION

Our 8th grade students will be given the opportunity to take the PSAT on Wednesday, October 13 on our very own TCS campus. This assessment will give our 8th graders great experience for taking the SAT later in high school. This is an optional opportunity with those who choose not to take the test being given an excused absence. Be sure to email Tiffany McBurnett (tiffany.mcburnett@tcslions.org) if your child will not be participating. 

Please note these important details:

  • This will be a half day dismissal for our 8th grade students ONLY.

  • 8am to Noon - 8th Grade Students report to the gym by 7:45 AM SHARP. 

  • Students who are late will not be permitted to test once testing begins. 

  • Students will be walked over to the High School to take the test.

  • All students are registered for the PSAT and will need to pay the $10 in the shopping cart on your  SMART TUITION account. 

  • Please email tiffany.mcburnett@tcslions.org only if you want to OPT OUT. 

  • Students should come with a calculator, bottle of water, snack and in dresscode. Dismissal will be at Noon in the regular Middle School car line line area.

6TH/7TH GRADE RETREAT TO CAMP ROCKRIDGE

Check out the pictures from our recent retreat with 6th and 7th grade.

A GLIMPSE INSIDE OUR CLASSROOMS

September was a busy month in our science classrooms!  Check out pictures from these hands-on activities:

6th grade investigated how much sugar they consumed in just one snack.  Some classes were healthier than others!  6th Grade students also made their own topographic maps using Play-Doh and measured out a scale model of the solar system!

8th grade got messy with the states of matter! Honors students were able to see how dry ice sublimates, and everyone was able to make oobleck and ice cream in a bag. In honors, students also learned about the elements that make up the atmosphere by making density towers.

REMINDER: ATTENDANCE AND ABSENCES

The following steps should be taken for reporting absences for Pre-K - 8th grade:

  • Please send excuses for absences, including doctor’s notes to attendance@tcslions.org.

  • Any questions or issues? Email attendance@tcslions.org. 

  • *PRE-ABSENCE REQUESTS (family trips, etc.) should be submitted by using the Pre-Absence Form found on Blackbaud. Forms may be printed and given to your child’s teacher at the beginning of the school day or emailed to Kasey Hanson (kasey.hanson@tcslions.org). 

If your child has to miss class this year due to sickness or quarantine, check out our process below for getting your child caught up on missing work and assignments. 

  • WHO WILL HELP ORGANIZE MY CHILD’S MAKEUP WORK? - Kasey Hanson is our RTA (Return to Academics) Coordinator and will help oversee connecting you and your child with a list of missing assignments to complete. Be on the lookout for her emails to help you stay connected. 

  • WHAT IF MY CHILD IS ABSENT 1-2 DAYS? - Have your child connect with their teachers upon their return to the classroom. We will not send makeup work home for sick absences of this length. 

  • WHAT IF MY CHILD IS ABSENT 3+ DAYS? - Mrs. Hanson will be emailing you a Google Sheet with all of the assignments your child will need to complete for each class. 

  • NOTE: If your child is sick, we want your child to focus on resting and healing before worrying about missing assignments. Please know our teachers will work diligently to help your child catch up once they are feeling well enough to complete assignments.

ADDITIONAL Reminders

IMPORTANT LINKS

MIDDLE SCHOOL ADMINISTRATIVE CONTACTS

6th Grade Academic Coordinator - Melissa Lanier (melissa.lanier@tcslions.org)

  • Mrs. Lanier will be assisting you with any academic-related needs for 6th grade.

7th and 8th Grade Academic Coordinator - Emily Walter (emily.walter@tcslions.org)

  • Miss Walter will be assisting you with any academic-related needs for 7th and 8th grade. 

Middle School RTA Coordinator - Kasey Hanson (kasey.hanson@tcslions.org) 

  • Mrs. Hanson will be assisting you with makeup work related to any extended absences your child may have this year. 

Director of Student Life - Tiffany McBurnett (tiffany.mcburnett@tcslions.org)

  • Mrs. McBurnett will continue to oversee our special events and field trips while also handling our middle school counseling duties. 

Director of Student Development - Dylan Higgins (dylan.higgins@tcslions.org)

  • Mr. Higgins will continue to oversee the spiritual development of our student body while also assisting with academic needs your child may have. 

Director of Skills Development - Jenn Opsahl (jennifer.opsahl@tcslions.org) 

  • Mrs. Opsahl will continue to oversee our Skills Development Program. 

Dean of Students - Ryan Tipton (ryan.tipton@tcslions.org)

  • Mr. Tipton will continue to address any disciplinary issues throughout the year.