Keeping you plugged into the exciting things happening at the Middle School
Published May 15, 2022
Volume 129
Adam Vinson - Middle School Principal
A MESSAGE FROM MR. VINSON
Only 1 more week of school before we hit finals week! We have a lot going on this upcoming week with our 8th grade dance, the finale of our dodgeball tournament, and the final preparations for the last week of testing. As a reminder, we will be sharing whether your child is exempt from a final course assessment by this Friday as well. Summer is almost here but let’s make the most of these final days of school!
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 taught from James 1:22-25 about the man who looks intently at himself in the mirror. He challenged the students to see themselves through the Word of God and then obey the Word of God; to be hearers and doers..
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 = Grayson Judd
7th Grade = Mia Owens
8th Grade = Jackson Upshaw
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.
MAY 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.
7TH GRADE DRESS DOWN MONDAY
We had an impromptu visit to the Florence Y’alls baseball game as part of our 7th grade trip and many of the students bought Y’alls apparel (hats, jerseys, t-shirts, etc.). Students are encouraged to wear their Y’alls spirit wear on Monday, May 16 with jeans or normal dress code bottoms. Students who purchased Y’alls sweat pants may wear those too.
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.
FINAL COURSE EXEMPTIONS
An email will be sent after school on Friday, May 20 letting you know that all eligible grades contributing to exempt statuses have been entered so you can evaluate which final course assessments your child will need to complete the following week.
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 6th grade picture from the Space Center!
Check out our 7th grade picture from the Ark Encounter!
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
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.