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

Published November 14, 2021

Volume 106

A MESSAGE FROM MR. VINSON

If you are like me, time seems to be flying by over the past several weeks. I cannot believe we are already nearing Thanksgiving Break. Where has the school year gone? Please take a moment to pause and reflect on the fact that we are now halfway through Quarter 2. This is a great time to evaluate where your child stands academically in each of their classes and initiate conversations, either with teachers or your child, about what needs to be done in the coming weeks to ensure the upcoming report card grade is satisfactory for the standards you set at home. Our teachers are more than willing to provide insight and guidance on how your child is doing in the classroom and how you can best support them at home regarding their academics. Please take the time to email our teachers if you have any questions or concerns after reviewing your child’s grades.

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. Lassiter (7th History Teacher) reminded our students of their unique giftings as believers (spiritual gifts), and how they can use those gifts to serve as members of the body of Christ. Using the Habitude “Chess and Checkers”, Mr. Lassiter incorporated the leadership principle of how we ought to lead others by their strengths and personality.

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 = Alina Cola

• 7th Grade = Lucas Morimasoto

• 8th Grade = Isabelle Johnson

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.

OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD

Don’t forget to send your child’s shoe box in on Wednesday, November 17. House points will be awarded 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.