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

Published May 29, 2022

Volume 131

A MESSAGE FROM MR. VINSON

Summer Break is here, and we are excited for the opportunity our students have to rest over the coming weeks after a job well done! My hope and prayer for all of our families this summer is that you find time to relax together, experience spiritual growth through your local church, and make as many fun memories as possible! Our children grow up so quickly and the time to invest in them goes quickly as well. Get outdoors and enjoy these coming weeks to the fullest as a family!

LOOKING AHEAD TO THE 2022/2023 SCHOOL YEAR

***New Community Service Form***

For those looking to get a headstart on the middle school community service requirement (10 hours), you can access the 2022-2023 form here. Remember, all 6th-8th students are required to complete 10 hours of service between June 1, 2022-May 8, 2023. Note: We will be offering several opportunities on campus throughout the school year for those needing service hours. Your child’s Bible teacher will be the main point of contact for questions related to community service once the school year begins. While 10 hours is required, we always encourage our students to serve more!

Summer Reading (REQUIRED)

Listed below you will find our summer reading requirements for rising 6th-8th grade students. We are excited to jumpstart the summer with a biblical focus as we challenge our students to read during the summer break! Details regarding an application assignment in response to the reading is included below too. The content of the book will be used during the month of August in your child's English class so be sure to have your child read and do their very best in preparation for next year. Application assignments will be due on the first day of class. 

• Rising 6th Grade

  • The Magician’s Nephew by C.S. Lewis - You can purchase the book through this link on Amazon or anywhere the book is available. 

  • Plot Summary – On a daring quest to save a life, two friends are hurled into another world, where an evil sorceress seeks to enslave them. But then the lion Aslan's song weaves itself into the fabric of a new land, a land that will be known as Narnia. And in Narnia, all things are possible.

  • APPLICATION ASSIGNMENT: MS Summer Reading Directions, Template, Choice Board, and Rubric

• Rising 7th Grade

  • Morning Star of the Reformation by Andy Thomson - You can purchase the book through this link on Amazon or anywhere the book is available. 

  • Plot Summary – When young John of Wycliffe arrives at Oxford University, he finds it a fascinating and perilous place. With his friend, Sebastian Ayleton, John experiences the terrible plague called the "Pestilence" (the Black Death), and he becomes involved in clashes between university factions as well as riots among the townspeople. Whenever he can find time away from his studies, John's favorite place is the inn of the Kicking Pony. There he and his companions discuss the political and religious issues of the day, and it is with his friends that he first shares his growing vision of an English Bible for all Englishmen to read. In the darkness of medieval England, John's pursuit of truth gleams like a solitary star: the morning star that promises the sunrise to come. He paved the way for the theologians of the next century and opened hearts in preparation for the great Reformation itself.

  • APPLICATION ASSIGNMENT: MS Summer Reading Directions, Template, Choice Board, and Rubric

• Rising 8th Grade

  • In His Steps by Charles Sheldon - You can purchase the book through this link on Amazon or anywhere the book is available. 

  • Plot Summary –  In His Steps takes place in the railroad town of Raymond, probably located in the eastern U.S.A., and Chicago Illinois. The main character is the Rev. Henry Maxwell, pastor of the First Church of Raymond, who challenges his congregation to not do anything for a whole year without first asking: What Would Jesus Do?"

APPLICATION ASSIGNMENT: MS Summer Reading Directions, Template, Choice Board, and Rubric

COMING IN NEXT WEEK’S ISSUE

1. Welcome to Middle School Video

   • Middle school is a new adventure if you are stepping into it for the first time. Our welcome video next week will help prepare you for all things middle school at TCS. 

2. Class request forms for 22/23 school year

   • We had hoped to have this ready in this week’s edition, but we are making some final tweaks and wil have this available next week. 

3. Supply Lists for 22/23 school year

   • Same thing, we are making a couple of final tweaks and will have this available next week. 

4. Dress Code Updates

   • An updated guide for dress code is coming to help guide your summer shopping. 

5. Summer Math Skills

   • Are you looking for guidance on how to best prepare your child for next year’s math class? We will have you covered with suggestions next week!

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 discipline issues. 

• Director of Skills Development - Jenn Opsahl (jennifer.opsahl@tcslions.org) 

  • Mrs. Opsahl oversees our Skills Development Program.