Keeping you plugged into the exciting things happening at the Middle School
Published October 10, 2021
Volume 101
Adam Vinson - Middle School Principal
A MESSAGE FROM MR. VINSON
Happy Fall Break! We hope each of you has a wonderful time off 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
BJ Cobb, pastor at First Baptist Senoia, spoke from Galatians 5:13 and explained what it means to be free in Christ by showing how we are freed to follow Christ. He used the example of a train and discussed that while a train is bound by the tracks, it is actually able to function as designed by being bound to the tracks. As image bearers of God, we are created to worship our Creator meaning we are able to best function as we are designed when we are bound to following Christ.
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 = Tison Dardy
7th Grade = Julia Johnson
8th Grade = Feyi Ajayi
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
Check out the leadership principles our students are learning this month! Learn more about our Habitudes curriculum here.
6th = Thermostat and Thermometer - Leaders set the tone for those around them.
Lesson Summary = People are either thermometers or thermostats. They will merely reflect the climate around them, or they will set it. Leaders develop values and principles to live by and set the tone for others.
7th = Chess and Checkers - Lead others by their strengths and personalities.
Lesson Summary = In checkers, all the game pieces move in the same way. In chess, you move each piece differently based on its ability. Wise leaders play chess, not checkers, as they manage relationships. They connect with individuals based on their unique personality and strengths.
8th = A Bridge Not a Wall - Build bridges or trust with others who are different.
Lesson Summary = Each of us encounters new and different people through life. Our natural inclination is to see differences and put up a wall. We’re prone to distrust. We must consciously build bridges that can bear the weight of honest disclosure.
QUARTER 1 PARENT SURVEY
We would love to get feedback from you on how we did in meeting your child’s needs and your expectations during Q1 so we can make potential improvements as we head into Q2. Please take the time to complete the short survey for your child’s grade level so we can process through the feedback with your teachers. We appreciate your thoughts on how we are doing and ask for your continued support and prayers as we strive to both love and serve your children over the next nine weeks!
6th Grade Survey Link: https://forms.gle/mYvUss8sDHUMmveo9
7th Grade Survey Link: https://forms.gle/DrKChQE8arzFqc1X8
8th Grade Survey Link: https://forms.gle/Utee33x5sy183PHH7
REMOTE LEARNING DAYS IN OCTOBER
Don’t forget that all remote learning work is due by October 13 when we return from Fall Break!
REPORT CARD POSTING
All report cards will be made available for parents on Monday, October 18 at the end of the day.
QUARTER 1 PRIDE PERFORMERS
Congratulations to the following students for their recognition by their teachers for their outstanding performance in Quarter 1. These students are being highlighted for their hard work and overall desire to do their very best in the classroom. Great job students!
6th Grade Students
Mr. Carr (Bible) - Logan Parker
Mrs. Hanson (English) - Grayson Judd
Mrs. Lanier (Honors English) - Tarik Tipton
Mr. Veal (History) - Hailey Beatenbough
Mrs. Brown (Math) - Miles Bell and Becka Williams
Mrs. Akins (Science) - Eliza Wilson
7th Grade Students
Mr. Moore (Bible) - Avery Ross
Mr. Settle (Bible) - Harper Douglas
Mrs. Huddleston (English) - Chase Baer
Mr. Lassiter (History) - Taylor Clark
Miss Jackson (Math) - Brian Moore
Mr. Sandefur (Science) - Julia Johnson
8th Grade Students
Mr. Tipton (Bible) - Bakari Hamilton
Mr. Higgins (Bible) - Mackenzie Clark
Mrs. Peavy (English) - Genna Rinkenberger
Mrs. Baer (Honors English) - Grace Salvanera
Mr. Dickens (History) - Tessa Adkins
Ms. Whitaker (Math) - Noah Knowles
Mrs. Smith (Math) - Reid Lander
Miss Walter (Honors Math) - Serenity Johnson
Mrs. Higgins (Science) - Hudson Griffin
Mrs. Hasty (Honors Science) - Isabelle Johnson
8TH GRADE PSAT: Wednesday, October 13
Students participating in the PSAT are to report to the gym no later than 7:45 on Wednesday, October 13 (our first day back from Fall Break). Students not participating in the PSAT are to remain off campus for the day. All students should be picked up beginning at 12 noon through the normal dismissal line. If you have any questions, please email Tiffany McBurnett (tiffany.mcburnett@tcslions.org).
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.
REMINDER: ***Students who are late will not be permitted to test once testing begins.***
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
Blackbaud Questions - Email Tiffany McBurnett (tiffany.mcburnett@tcslions.org)
Pre-Absence Requests - Be sure to email Kasey Hanson (kasey.hanson@tcslions.org)
House Competition - Follow along all year www.tcshouses.weebly.com
IMPORTANT LINKS
New Pre-Absence Form - Use when anticipating upcoming absences
Dress Code Overview - No changes from last year, just reminders
Community Service Form - 10 hours due by May 2022
Thrival Guide - Don’t just survive middle school, THRIVE during these years
MIDDLE SCHOOL ADMINISTRATIVE CONTACTS
6th Grade Academic Coordinator - Melissa Lanier (melissa.lanier@tcslions.org)
Mrs. Lanier can assist you with any academic-related needs for 6th grade.
7th and 8th Grade Academic Coordinator - Emily Walter (emily.walter@tcslions.org)
Miss Walter can assist you with any academic-related needs for 7th/8th grade.
Middle School RTA Coordinator - Kasey Hanson (kasey.hanson@tcslions.org)
Mrs. Hanson can assist you with makeup work due to any extended absences.
Director of Student Life - Tiffany McBurnett (tiffany.mcburnett@tcslions.org)
Mrs. McBurnett oversees 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 oversees 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 oversees our Skills Development Program.
Dean of Students - Ryan Tipton (ryan.tipton@tcslions.org)
Mr. Tipton addresses any disciplinary issues throughout the year.