Inside the Pride Middle School News - Volume 130
Keeping you plugged into the exciting things happening at the Middle School
Published May 22, 2022
Volume 130
Adam Vinson - Middle School Principal
A MESSAGE FROM MR. VINSON
We have an exciting last week of school planned as we celebrate our students and all they have accomplished this year! We are praying for all of our students to do their very best on their Final Course Assessments, and we can’t wait to acknowledge our students throughout the week with graduations and awards programs. Let’s end the 21/22 school year with a bang!
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. Vinson challenged our students from Joshua 24 with the question of “Who will you serve?”. As Joshua spoke to the children of Israel for the last time, he wanted to leave a lasting impact by reminding Israel that the one true God gives us every reason to follow Him. As we gathered together for the last time this year, students were reminded that summer is not a break from following God. We want our students to continue growing and maturing spiritually as they seek to follow Jesus throughout the summer months. May we all keep choosing to serve Him!
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 = Gavin Cox
7th Grade = Vincent Mullins
8th Grade = Kate Skinner
HOUSE CUP WINNER
Congratulations to the NEE HOUSE who has won this year’s competition!
LAST WEEK OF SCHOOL DRESS DOWN
For the last week of school, our middle schoolers are invited to wear jeans (or regular dress code pants/shorts) with spirit wear each day. Please no athletic shorts.
LAST WEEK OF SCHOOL SCHEDULE
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)
7:00 – 8th Grade Graduation
Please arrive at 6:15 so Chromebooks can be returned to IT.
Students may exempt a test with a 95% or higher average. Please check your child’s grades on Blackbaud to determine their exempt status. Students who exempt a Final Course Assessment are not required to attend during that session.
Wednesday, May 25
8:00-10:55 – Students will rotate through their entire schedule for the last time with an Awards Program taking place at 8:40 as part of the rotation.
8th graders are not expected to attend school. If you need childcare, please email Mr. Vinson.
11:00 – Half Day Dismissal (students with Pre-K siblings)
11:30 – Half Day Dismissal (students without Pre-K siblings)
Thursday, May 26
9:00-11:00 – 6th and 7th grade class parties at Starlight Skating Rink
Please plan to drop off and pick up your child at the skating rink.
8th graders are not expected to attend school. If you need childcare, please email Mr. Vinson.
8TH GRADE GRADUATION CEREMONY
Date and Time: Tuesday, May 24 at 7pm in the Stadium
Please arrive at 6:15 to return Chromebooks to IT in the HS Auditorium.
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 so choose outfits wisely. 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
COMING IN NEXT WEEK’S ISSUE
Class request forms for 22/23 school year
Supply Lists for 22/23 school year
A GLIMPSE INSIDE THE CLASSROOM
We are in the home stretch now! Check out what’s been happening in our middle school classrooms during the months of April and May:
Mr. Veal’s class has continued their study of Roman history by creating and testing their own aqueducts.
Mrs. Akins’ class had a special guest speaker, Kevin Blumberg, a meteorologist for Delta. He is a Trinity parent; his daughter is in kindergarten at TCS.
Mrs. Hanson’s class is really into their new novel, The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle by Avi.
Mr. Sandefur’s class ended the year with a unit on dissection!
Mrs. Peavy’s class shared in a Socratic Seminar on The Invisible Man by H.G. Wells. Students enjoyed discussion, sharing connections they made from the novel. They also had a fun activity where they interpreted memes using what they learned about idioms.
Mrs. Hasty’s class studied electricity, magnetism, and electromagnetism during the month of April. Students made their own electromagnets in a hands-on lab.
Middle school also enjoyed its first student-led chapel led by a student worship team!
6th, 7th, and 8th grades also took some amazing trips these last couple of months! 6th grade had a blast in Chattanooga and the Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville. 7th grade toured the Ark and Creation Museum, and 8th graders went to Disney!
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.