Keeping you plugged into the exciting things happening at the Middle School
Published October 31, 2021
Volume 104
Adam Vinson - Middle School Principal
A MESSAGE FROM MR. VINSON
We had an awesome time at our Fall Family Event last week. I was incredibly thankful to see so many of you and your families who were able to join us. I continue to remind our teachers and students what a privilege it is to be on campus together. It’s events like this that remind me how much we have to be thankful for here at TCS. The family feel at TCS is invaluable. Thank you for all you do to contribute to the community here. My family is so grateful to be a part of the TCS family!
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
Mr. Vinson spoke from Ephesians 5:8-14, emphasizing the difference between being in the darkness and being in the light. Mr. Vinson showed that walking in the light means seeking to do those things that are good, right and true. It also means seeking the will of God through His Word with a desire of living it out in obedience as a means of pleasing Him. As we seek to cultivate a culture of purity more and more here at TCS, continue partnering with us in prayer that our students would comprehend God’s desire for them to separate from the darkness and live in the light.
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 = Caleb Lander
7th Grade = Riley Cook
8th Grade = Hayden Devenney
NOVEMBER MEMORY VERSES: Titus 3:1-7 (ESV)
Help your child learn their memory verses over the course of this month.
3 For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another. 4 But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, 5 he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, 6 whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
NOVEMBER 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.
8TH GRADE CELEBRATION LUNCH
We are a little late, but we want to give our 8th graders the chance to celebrate their last Q1 of middle school by eating at CFA for lunch this week. We will be taking the 8th grade girls to lunch on Thursday, November 4 and the 8th grade boys on Friday, November 5. Students who prefer to eat lunch on campus will be permitted to stay behind. Students should bring the appropriate amount of money for their appetites. :)
Please sign up to give your child permission through this form.
REMINDER: ATTENDANCE AND ABSENCES
The following steps should be taken for reporting absences for Pre-K - 8th grade:
Send excuses for absences, including doctor’s notes to attendance@tcslions.org.
Send PRE-ABSENCE REQUESTS (family trips, etc.) to Kasey Hanson (kasey.hanson@tcslions.org) via your child’s 1st period teacher.
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.
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? - Kasey Hanson (Return to Academics Coordinator) 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.
IMPORTANT LINKS
Follow our House Competition all year long!
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.