Keeping you plugged into the exciting things happening at the Middle School
Published May 8, 2022
Volume 128
Adam Vinson - Middle School Principal
A MESSAGE FROM MR. VINSON
Now that standardized testing is behind us, we are turning our attention to preparations for our final course assessments (exams) that will take place in a few short weeks. Throughout the rest of this month your child will be completing final papers and projects while also reviewing for these important tests that will serve as the final grades for this school year. Challenge your child to keep working hard! Some are very close to exempting (95% or higher avg) and some are very close to making A or A/B Honor Roll. Let’s encourage all of our students to finish the year strong!
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
We participated as a middle school in the National Day of Prayer together! Students were able to partake in prayer opportunities for our national leaders as well as for spiritual growth within our school.
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 = Kennedie Callen
7th Grade = Amanda Lee
8th Grade = Brett Rogers
MAY MEMORY VERSES: HEBREWS 13:20-21
Help your child learn their memory verses over the course of this month.
20 Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant,
21 equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.
APRIL HABITUDES MOMENT
Check out the leadership principles our students are learning this month! Learn more about our Habitudes curriculum here.
6th = Drivers and Passengers - Leaders own their destinations in life.
Lesson Summary = When life goes bad, people tend to blame someone else for the problem. They act like passengers. Leaders realize they are drivers and are responsible for their attitudes and destination in life.
7th = Tightrope Walker - Leaders build trust through competence.
Lesson Summary = It’s easy to watch a tightrope walker; it’s another thing to trust him enough to climb on his back. Our world is full of people who don’t trust others. Good leaders build trust through competence. They recognize the difference between being liked as a friend and being followed as a leader. .
8th = Backseat Driver - Avoid seeking control and assume responsibility
Lesson Summary = No driver enjoys someone in the backseat screaming at them where to turn next. Similarly, we must recognize where we are seated in a relationship to others. We must not seek control - but when behind the wheel, we must assume responsibility.
VOTE: TEACHER OF THE YEAR
Don’t forget to nominate one of our middle school teachers for “Teacher of the Year”! All submissions are due by Wednesday, May 11 at 5pm.
Voting Link: Teacher of the Year - https://forms.gle/XACXzviSkxzKLkiu8
MONDAY DRESS DOWN
Students have earned the privilege of wearing hats and Crocs or slides Monday, May 9 after defeating the teachers in dodgeball on Friday.
END OF YEAR SCHEDULES AND EVENTS
Be sure to check out the Official Note sent by Mr. Vinson last week (check Blackbaud or your email) with details regarding your child’s grade level events the last week of school. Don’t miss out on what is taking place!
FINAL COURSE ASSESSMENT WEEK
(PREVIOUSLY CALLED EXAM WEEK)
Monday, May 23
8:00-8:45 – Optional Study Time (students are not required to attend)
8:45-9:45 – Math Comprehensive Test
9:55-10:55 – Science - Unit Test
11:00 – Half Day Dismissal (students with Pre-K siblings)
11:30 – Half Day Dismissal (students without Pre-K siblings)
Tuesday, May 24
8:00-8:45 – Optional Study Time (students are not required to attend)
8:45-9:45 – English - Reading comprehension test
9:55-10:55 – History - Unit Test
11:00 – Half Day Dismissal (students with Pre-K siblings)
11:30 – Half Day Dismissal (students without Pre-K siblings)
Students may exempt a test with a 95% or higher average. Grades will be evaluated on May 19 and exemptions will be communicated by May 20. Students who exempt a Final Course Assessment are not required to attend during that session.
ABSENCES THAT IMPACT FINAL COURSE ASSESSMENTS
Will your child be absent from a Final Course Assessment that they will need to make up due to not being exempt? Please submit a Pre-Absence Form by Monday, May 16 so alternate plans can be made for your child to make up the test.
8TH GRADE GRADUATION CEREMONY
Date and Time: Tuesday, May 24 at 7pm in the Stadium
Dress Code: Students may wear normal dress code attire or they may wear their "Sunday best" for their program. Keep in mind it will most likely be very warm even though we are starting at 7pm. If shorts are worn, they must be dress code appropriate. Girls may wear a dress; however, it must be no shorter than two inches above the knee. Dresses may be sleeveless, but they must have straps at least three finger-widths wide. If a dress is in question, please submit a picture to tiffany.mcburnett@tcslions.org for approval.
Prayer of Blessing: Don’t forget to submit the name of the individual who will pray over your child as part of the ceremony. This can be a parent, older sibling, relative, coach, pastor, etc. https://forms.gle/GvSdGxnHFyg63tr77
8TH GRADE “DRESS UP YOUR DENIM” DANCE
All of our 8th graders are invited to join us for a last rodeo of middle school on Monday, May 16 from 6:30-8:30pm at The Gathering Place and outside patio. This is an all-8th grade class social so please no non-TCS students. In addition, no dates! Just plan to have your child come and hang out as we prepare to close out this school year!
Dress Code: Students are encouraged to come in their “dressed up” country attire. Denim is appropriate. Dresses are allowed.
Food: We will have drinks and snacks (parents will be encouraged to sign up to provide)
Activities: We will have a live country band for dancing! We will also have outdoor games, a fire for s’mores, and several giveaways and prizes. You won’t want to miss it!
Cost: Only $5
Be sure to sign up through Blackbaud and email Mrs. McBurnett with any questions!
PICTURES OF RECENT EVENTS
Check out our 8th grade Disney group picture!
REMINDER: COMMUNITY SERVICE HOURS DUE
Don’t forget your child’s Community Service Form will be due during the month of May. Please see your child’s Bible teacher for specific deadlines. Remember, each student is required to complete 10 hours of community service.
MARK YOUR CALENDARS: UPCOMING MIDDLE SCHOOL DATES
Monday, May 9 = Chorus Concert
May 10-13 = 7th Grade Trip to the Ark/Creation Museum
May 12-13 = 6th Grade Trip to Huntsville/Chattanooga
Week of May 23-26 = Half Day Schedule
Monday, May 23 = Math and Science End of Course Assessments
Tuesday, May 24 = English and History End of Course Assessments
Tuesday, May 24 = 8th Grade Graduation (7:00pm in Stadium)
Thursday, May 26 = 6th and 7th Grade Class Parties at Starlight Skating Rink
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? - Reach out to Kasey Hanson (Return to Academics Coordinator) so we can best determine a makeup plan for your child.
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.