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

Published November 7, 2021

Volume 105

A MESSAGE FROM MR. VINSON

In Ephesians 6:10-20 Paul talks about the reality of spiritual warfare that we face in our world. The greatest enemies are not found in the physical but in the spiritual as Satan and his evil forces fight for the hearts and souls of mankind. The greatest weapons used against us are also not found in the physical but instead can be seen in the deceptive lies and schemes used to turn our minds from truth and our hearts from trusting in God. Each piece of armor mentioned in this chapter is so important for finding victory over these satanic attempts to lead us away from God. I certainly see this war on a daily basis as our students fight to understand who God is and what it means for Him to love us as His children. The world around us will stop at nothing in its attempt to divert our students’ attention from the things that matter most. As we enter into the month of Thanksgiving, I’m so thankful for a school like TCS where we can partner with you as parents in making war against the Enemy to ensure the spiritual development of your children. As Paul reminds us in the latter part of this chapter, prayer is an essential key in gaining ground in this war. Please know that our faculty and staff meet every morning to pray over your children. While we are certainly here to teach your children Math, English, Science, History, etc., our greatest role is found in the efforts we make to point them to Christ. We love each of your children, and we too will stop at nothing in our attempts to point them to the true King and to our true source of joy and satisfaction, not only in this life, but in the one to come as well.

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. Tipton spoke from John 13 and the example Jesus sets for servanthood by washing His disciples’ feet. Using the tag line from the Wycliffe House - “Find Ways to Serve Others When You See A Need” Mr. Tipton reminded our student body of the Christian responsibility we have to put others’ needs above our own. We encourage you to find ways to reinforce this mindset even at home by challenging your child to serve when needs arise. And don’t forget, one of the reasons we implemented community service years ago was to cultivate this habit even further in the lives of our middle schoolers as well.

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 = Asher Griffith

• 7th Grade = Landon Hoekstra

• 8th Grade = Hudson Griffin

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 = Fun House Mirror - Our level of integrity reflects who we are. 

  • Lesson Summary = Carnivals often have mirrors that distort how we really look. Poor leaders do this, pretending or posing to be better than they really are. Our level of integrity is the true reflection of who we are. 

• 7th = The Calcutta Paradox - Humility increases your influence. 

  • Lesson Summary = Humility is magnetic in a leader. When we “under-speak” in regard to our value, others are drawn toward us and our influence increases. When we “over-speak,” others are repelled. When it comes to self-description, leaders know people will fill what is lacking and empty what is too full. 

• 8th = Baggage Fees - Get rid of baggage in order to move forward.

  • Lesson Summary = Most cars have trunks where we store luggage, but you can only fit so much. Some of us have far too much baggage. Bags in the trunk can weigh us down and get too big to carry. On flights, bags can cost us. We must discard them so they don’t prevent us from moving forward.

PICTURE DAY RETAKES

Don’t forget that Monday, November 8 is retake day for pictures! Please make sure your child is dressed in appropriate dress code attire. Please see the information below that was previously emailed out by Lisa Railey.

Picture Retakes for all TCS students (Prek-3 through 12th grade) will be Monday, November 8!

• If you would like for your student(s) to have their picture retaken, please complete the picture retake form to register them.  Be sure to include your student's teacher.   *Please fill out a separate form for each student.  

Picture Retake Form

• This retake is for students whose first picture needs to be redone or if they were absent on the first picture day.  The retake picture is the one that will be used in the yearbook and the only picture available for purchase as it will replace the original picture.  

• Proofs of the original picture should have been delivered directly to your email.  If you have not received your child's proof, please check your spam folder.  If you do not find them there, please reach out to eric@richardsstudio.us.

OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD

Be on the lookout for information coming home this week regarding Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes. This is an awesome opportunity to serve others as we enter the holiday season. House points will be given out for all those who participate!

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!

• Dress Code Overview 

• 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.