Keeping you plugged into the exciting things happening at the Middle School
Published November 21, 2021
Volume 107
Adam Vinson - Middle School Principal
A MESSAGE FROM MR. VINSON
We hope you and your family have a wonderful Thanksgiving Break! While this will undoubtedly be a busy week with family gatherings and holiday celebrations, let me encourage you to find time to rest over the course of this week too! Enjoy the fruits of your labor, and be sure to offer thanksgiving to the One who is the source of every good gift. (James 1:17)
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. Higgins (Director of Student Development) spoke from I Thess. 5:17-18 and reminded our students that, as believers, we have a responsibility to give thanks to God in all things. Oftentimes the “will of God” seems veiled to us, but this passage helps us to see that God’s will is for us to trust Him in all circumstances by giving thanks for all that He has done for us. What a great reminder as we head into Thanksgiving Break!
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 = Kinley Kunkel
7th Grade = Andrew Billings
8th Grade = Ashton Dinglern
DECEMBER MEMORY VERSES: I John 4:9-10 (ESV)
Help your child learn their memory verses over the course of this month.
9) In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him. 10) In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.
DECEMBER HABITUDES MOMENT
Check out the leadership principles our students are learning this month! Learn more about our Habitudes curriculum here.
6th = The Oversized Gift - Giftedness must be balanced with character.
Lesson Summary = Leaders are often gifted. They can begin to depend on their gift for success, to the neglect of their character. They begin to “wing it.” Leaders sabotage themselves when their gift is bigger than they are.
7th = The Waldorf Principle - Servant leadership gains influence with others.
Lesson Summary = The way to the top with people is by serving them extravagantly and sacrificially. A simple clerk did this to Mr. Waldorf, and the rich tycoon returned to make that clerk his first hotel manager in New York. People expect good service from leaders. They are surprised when we serve sacrificially.
8th = Sturdy Guardrails - Boundaries help keep us from poor decisions.
Lesson Summary = We often don’t notice guardrails until we need them. They keep us on the road during a curve or dangerous spot. Similarly, we must place guardrails in our lives—boundaries or people who keep us from damaging ourselves with poor decisions.
OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD
A big thank you to all who participated in our shoebox campaign! We collected over 390 total shoeboxes. Congratulations to the LEWIS HOUSE for collecting the most boxes overall!
UPCOMING FUNDRAISING OPPORTUNITIES
Our 8th grade class will be taking their annual trip to Disney World in April, and we need your help! Please review the opportunities below for how you can help our students raise funds for this upcoming experience.
December Dress Down Days
Beginning on Monday, November 29, students may purchase the right to wear jeans or sweatpants/athletic pants with a TCS spirit wear top for $2. This option will be available every day during the first two weeks we are back from Thanksgiving. Students will need to bring cash to their 1st period teacher.
Chick-fil-a Sandwiches for Lunch
Students will have the option to purchase a CFA sandwich on the following dates in December. Please note that a signup will be required. Cost is $5 per sandwich.
Friday, Dec 3 = Sign Up Link - DUE WEDNESDAY, Dec 1 at 3:30pm
Wednesday, Dec. 8 = Sign Up Link - DUE FRIDAY, Dec 3 at 3:30pm
Winter Spirit Wear Store
We are offering several unique items for you to purchase to show your school spirit. Options include sweatpants, pajama pants, Columbia fishing-style shirts and more! Does your child often lose their sweatshirt, hoodie or jacket??? We have you covered with personalized items (no additional cost) as well! Get your orders in now and plan to receive those items in January!
ORDERS DUE BY TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 30 at 5pm
Spirit Store Link #1 (Includes sweatpants, pj pants, Columbia items, etc.) https://forms.gle/kZXmwpWvznnvUg7u6
Spirit Store Link #2 (Includes personalized hoodies, jackets and bags) - note this link will be emailed to you on Monday.
MIDDLE SCHOOL DISCIPLESHIP DAY
Our annual Discipleship Day is coming up on Friday, December 3. This is a special day when we intentionally focus the entire school day on spiritual formation and development. Our students will participate in various breakout sessions, multiple chapel services and a time of reflection for application. We are blessed to have staff members from Snowbird Wilderness Outfitters in Andrews, NC who will be joining us for the day too. In addition, we have several ministry leaders in the area who will be coming to speak to our students as well. We are really excited and invite you to pray alongside us, that God would work and move amongst our student body.
DETAILS TO KNOW:
Drop Off: Please drop your child off at NCG Theatre between 7:30-7:55am. We will start our day promptly at 8:00am with breakout sessions in the NCG theatres.
Concessions: There will be a concession stand option while we are at NCG Theatre. Your child can purchase candy and snacks while on break. NCG is also offering a special popcorn deal. You can order popcorn here for $7. Orders must be placed by Wednesday, Dec 1 at 3:30pm.
Lunch: There will be NO HOT LUNCH available on this day due to our adjusted schedule for the day. We will have CFA sandwiches available for purchase for $5. Hopefully, you read above that this sandwich order is being used as a fundraiser. The link to order is here. Be sure to submit your order by Wednesday, Dec 1 at 3:30pm. Students should plan to bring the rest of their lunch from home.
Pick Up: We will be back on campus by the end of the day so you will pick up like normal at the normal time as well.
Teaching Topics:
Our students will sit through breakout sessions covering the following topics:
The Gospel: What Does It Mean to Be a Christian?
Set Apart: Key Ways a Christian Should Be Different
Going Deeper: Answering Tough Questions About God
MID-COURSE ASSESSMENTS WEEK (PREVIOUSLY CALLED EXAM WEEK)
It won’t be long after we return from Thanksgiving Break that our finals week will be upon us. To borrow the new language being used in high school, our Mid-Course Assessments (previously called exams) will take place during the final week of Semester 1 (Week of December 13). Please review the specific information below regarding these important assessments and the half-day dismissal schedule for the week.
Assignments leading up to Mid-Course Assessment Week - students will be expected to complete the following assignments leading up to their MCAs. Details about each assignment will be communicated from your child’s teacher.
History = a project and/or presentation that will be counted as 1 ½ test grade
Science = a project and/or presentation that will be counted as 1 ½ test grade
English = a writing assignment that will be counted as 1 ½ test grade
Assignments during Mid-Course Assessment Week - students will be given a final test.
History = a non-cumulative test that will be counted as 1 test grade
Science = a non-cumulative test that will be counted as 1 test grade
English = a reading comprehension test that will be counted as 1 test grade
Math = a cumulative test that will be counted as 1 ½ test grade
MID-COURSE ASSESSMENT EXEMPTIONS - Students with a 95% or higher may exempt the Mid-Course Assessment given during Mid-Course Assessment Week. Final grades will be uploaded by Friday, Dec. 10 at 5pm. Note: All students, regardless of their class percentage grade, will be expected to complete all assignments leading up to Mid-Course Assessment Week.
MID COURSE ASSESSMENT ABSENCES - If for some reason your child is going to be absent during their mid-course assessments and will need to schedule a makeup time due to not being exempt, a Pre-Absence Form must be completed and submitted by Monday, Dec 6 so alternate arrangements can be made.
MID-COURSE ASSESSMENT WEEK SCHEDULE
Monday-Thursday (School with half-day dismissal)
NOTE: Please arrive at the appropriate time, and do not arrive earlier to avoid traffic issues.
Students with Pre-K siblings - Dismissal begins at 11am
Students without Pre-K siblings - Dismissal begins at 11:30am
Monday, Dec 13 - OPTIONAL REVIEW DAY
8:00-11:00 - Students will rotate through all of their classes to review.
Tuesday, Dec 14 - Math and Science Mid-Course Assessments
8:00-8:45 - Optional Mid-Course Assessment Study Time (students may choose to arrive late and will not be counted tardy as long as they are in the classroom by 8:40)
8:45 Math Mid-Course Assessment
9:55 Science Mid-Course Assessment
Wednesday, Dec 15 - English and History Mid-Course Assessments
8:00-8:45 - Optional Mid-Course Assessment Study Time (students may choose to arrive late and will not be counted tardy as long as they are in the classroom by 8:40)
8:45 English Mid-Course Assessment
9:55 History Mid-Course Assessment
*For students who are unable to be picked up at the half day dismissal time on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday, we will provide free supervision until 3:30pm. Normal Extended Day rates will apply after 3:30pm.
QUARTER 2 CLASSROOM GLIMPSE
We have had an awesome Quarter 2 in middle school. Check out some of the engaging activities our students have been involved in over the past few weeks!
6th Grade History: Mr. Veal’s history class has been learning about Egypt! They have practiced cuneiform and built pyramids.
6th Grade Science: Mrs. Akins’ science class was out of this world this month! Students learned about the phases of the moon and eclipses in some interactive lab activities.
7th Grade Bible: Mr. Moore’s Bible class fought Goliath in an interactive outdoor activity. Students were able to experience what it was like for David by using a shepherd’s sling and trying to hit a target as tall as the giant!
7th Grade Science: Mr. Sandefur’s science class dove into classification during the month of October. To begin their unit, they classified and named different types of pasta noodles. They also learned about bacteria and how easily germs spread. Look out for the Glitter Virus!
8th Grade English: Mrs. Peavy’s English class worked on theme and analysis this month. Students were given the opportunity to create a visual of an overlapping theme in Kisses from Katie and a Bible story of their choice.
8th Grade Science: Mrs. Hasty and Mrs. Higgins’ science classes had a blast with chemical reactions! Students made lava lamps, rockets, and elephant toothpaste.
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
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.
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.