Keeping you plugged into the exciting things happening at the Middle School
Published October 17, 2021
Volume 102
Adam Vinson - Middle School Principal
A MESSAGE FROM MR. VINSON
Welcome back for Quarter 2! We are so proud of our students and their effort in Quarter 1. You should be able to review report cards at the end of the day on Monday, October 18. Please take the time to reach out to any of your child’s teachers if you have any questions or concerns about the final results of Quarter 1. As an administrative team, we are reviewing all of our students’ performances and will be reaching out as well if we notice anything that needs to be discussed further. Overall, our students did great, and we are looking forward to seeing their continued progress over the next nine weeks.
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
Dr. Anthony spoke to our students from Matthew 25 regarding the separation of sheep and goats. He reminded our students that a strong indicator of a true relationship with Jesus can be found in how we treat others, particularly those who are marginalized. We are continuing to emphasize the need for our students to embrace the Golden Rule mindset of treating others as image bearers of God both in the words they say and the actions they choose.
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.
Returning next week
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
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.