Inside the Pride Middle School News - Volume 134

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

Published July 17, 2022

Volume 134

 

Adam Vinson - Middle School Principal

 

A MESSAGE FROM MR. VINSON

Below you will find several new pieces of information related to the start of the school year. If anything doesn’t make sense or if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask! While school is just around the corner, summer isn’t over yet! Keep enjoying these days of vacation and keep making lasting memories as a family.

IMPORTANT 22/23 RESOURCES: 

MS THRIVAL GUIDE - learn how to THRIVE and not just survive middle school at TCS. 

MS COMMUNITY SERVICE FORM - 10 service hours are due by May 2023.

MIDDLE SCHOOL ADMINISTRATIVE CONTACTS

If you have any questions throughout the summer or upcoming school year, use the guide below to ensure your questions are directed to the most helpful personnel. 

  • 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. 

  • 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. 

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

    • Mrs. Opsahl oversees our Skills Development Program.

NEW INFORMATION IN THIS ISSUE:

Are You Receiving Blackbaud Communication?

While the bulk of the information related to middle school will come to you through the Inside the Pride newsletter, there is time-sensitive and more child-specific information that will need to be sent to you via Blackbaud throughout the year. While this information can always be viewed within Blackbaud, it is also helpful if you have properly set up your notification settings so that you receive email prompts about the communication in case you aren’t logging in to Blackbaud every day. Go ahead and double check your Blackbaud settings to make sure you have your notifications set to serve your needs best.

Honors Placement Communication

Students who qualified for honors classes were notified by email on Thursday, July 14. If you received a notification from your child’s Academic Coordinator, please be sure to let us know if you wish to decline the honors placement by Monday, July 18. This will help us great as we move forward in the scheduling process for all of our students.

Last Call: Class Selection Forms

Do you still need to submit your child’s elective preferences? This week is your last chance to get these requests in as we begin finalizing student schedules. 

Community Service Opportunities

As you know, middle schoolers are TCS are required to complete 10 hours of community service before May 2023. Hopefully some of you have already started tracking service hours this summer! For some, finding a place to serve can be challenging. We want to help connect your child with opportunities on campus when possible to make it easier on you as the parent. Check out 2 specific opportunities below: 

  • CHAPEL SETUP TEAM = We are looking for servant-minded individuals who would like to come early on Wednesday mornings each week to help set up chairs for our chapel services. Students are required to arrive no later than 7:30am each Wednesday of the school year and can complete their required hours by setting up and tearing down chairs in the gym. If you are interested in having your child participate, please email Dylan Higgins (dylan.higgins@tcslions.org). He will plan to follow up with you by the first week of August with additional details. 

PRE-PLANNING WEEK TEACHER HELP = It’s possible that our teachers could use some help during the first week of August as they prepare their classrooms for the start of the school year. If you would like your child’s name placed on a call list if needs arise, please email Tiffany McBurnett (tiffany.mcburnett@tcslions.org).

Meet Our New Teachers

Next week we are going to kick off our introductions to new teachers. I’m so excited about the new faculty and staff joining our middle school this year and look forward to introducing you to each of them.

Update: Middle School Spirit Wear

We are making final design approvals and hope to have order forms sent to you within the next week! We are excited about the new spirit wear options that are coming!

REMINDERS FROM PREVIOUS SUMMER ISSUES:

Summer Reading (REQUIRED)

Did you miss the information regarding summer reading? Be sure to check out the information below for your child’s grade level. Assignments are due the first day of school!

Back to School Event Details

Don’t miss out on our Back to School Events! Please look for more information regarding these events in the general section of this newsletter.

Sunday, August 7 – Welcome to The ROAR (Social Gathering for ALL Families)

  • 5:00 - 6:00 pm - NEW Families Welcome Session (Gym)

  • 6:00 - 8:00 pm - Social Gathering for ALL Families (Stadium)

  • Includes a Taste of SAGE food sampling

Monday, August 8 – Meet My Teacher Day (Classroom Visits & School Supply Drop-offs)

  • No classes

  • Chromebooks available for pickup

  • Locker assignments to be given - bring school supplies to store

  • Staggered Visiting Schedule:

    • 9:30 - 11:30 am Last Names A – L

    • 1:30 - 3:30 pm Last Names M – Z

Tuesday, August 9 – First Official Day of Classes (Students attend classes)

  • Drop off as early as 7:00 am

  • Classes start at 8:00 am

8th Grade Retreat

More information will be coming to you in July, but mark your calendars now for our annual 8th grade spiritual retreat to Snowbird Wilderness Outfitters in Andrews, NC. Trip dates will be September 7-9. Learn more about where we are going at www.swoutfitters.com.

22/23 MS Dress Code Policy

Please take the time to review our updated dress code policies for next year to help guide you in making purchases this summer. Remember, students are required to wear TCS branded outerwear (sweatshirts, hoodies, fleeces, etc).

22/23 Supply Lists

This is our current supply list for each grade level.