Inside the Pride Middle School News - Volume 135

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

Published July 24, 2022

Volume 135

 

Adam Vinson - Middle School Principal

 

A MESSAGE FROM MR. VINSON

We are getting closer to the start of school, which means that while summer isn’t over just yet, it’s time to really start thinking about how to best prepare for this upcoming year. Don’t wait until the last minute to complete summer reading or pick up school supplies! Also, make sure you have marked your calendar for both of our kickoff events this year. Our Welcome to the Roar gathering on Sunday, August 7 will be a fun night to welcome everyone back to campus. Included in the evening will be a special opportunity for you to taste SAGE Dining to see what all the rave is about regarding our new dining services. Also, our Meet My Teacher Day on Monday, August 8 is a crucial day for starting the year smoothly as you will have the opportunity to walk your child’s schedule, meet teachers, select a locker and pick up a Chromebook. You won’t want to miss it. Enjoy this week’s content as I hope the information is helpful as we look towards school starting in just a couple of weeks.

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:

Summer Checklist:

How prepared am I for the start of school?

  • Has my child completed the summer reading? (if not, reference the requirements below)

  • Have I purchased school supplies yet? (double check the grade level list below)

  • Have you reviewed the dress code and made proper purchases? (see guidelines below)

  • Have you set your Blackbaud notifications to your desired settings for receiving info?

Dress Code for New Events

Welcome to the Roar (Sunday, August 7)

  • Appropriate athletic/summer attire

Meet My Teacher (Monday, August 8)

  • Normal school dress code or spirit wear with jeans

8th Grade Retreat

We are excited to kick off the year with our annual spiritual retreat for 8th graders to Snowbird Wilderness Outfitters in Andrews, NC! Snowbird (www.swoutfitters.com) holds a special place in my heart as not only did I work there for two summers, but it’s also where I met my wife. I’m so thankful once again to be able to introduce our 8th grade class to a place that has had such a lasting spiritual impact on my life. I can’t wait for this class to experience this trip!

Details:

  • Dates: September 7-9 (leave early on 9/7, return by 3:30 on 9/9)

  • Cost: $150

  • Activities: Ropes courses, Zip-line, Swimming Pool, Whitewater Rafting, and more!

  • Chaperones: 8th grade teachers and staff (including a TCS nurse)

  • What to Bring: Snowbird Packing List

  • Questions? More details will be coming soon, but if you have any immediate questions, email me (adam.vinson@tcslions.org)

How do I sign my child up?: Complete this form

How do I pay for the trip?: Instructions will be sent to those who sign up.

If you choose to not allow your child to attend this trip, we will be happy to excuse those 3 days of absences. We will not be able to offer any classes or childcare on those days due to our faculty being away on the trip. All students who do not attend will need to remain off campus. 

UPDATE: Class Schedules

Class schedules are being finalized this week and will hopefully be released next week. 

Teaching Team Introductions

As we grow and add classes, that means moving some teachers around while also adding new teachers too! Check out our teaching teams for each grade level this year. 

6th Grade: Academic Coordinator = Melissa Lanier

  • Bible - Dylan Higgins, Wendy Peters (moving up from 5th grade)

  • English - Melissa Lanier, Kasey Hanson

  • History - Harris Veal

  • Math - Brandi Brown

  • Science - Abby Akins

  • Skills Development - Michele Cordwell

7th Grade: Academic Coordinator = Emily Walter

  • Bible - Tyson Moore

  • English - Kiley Huddleston

  • History - Wesley Lassiter

  • Math - Beth Jackson

  • Science - Tim Sandefur (our reigning TEACHER OF THE YEAR)

  • Skills Development - Maria Jones (new to TCS)

8th Grade: Academic Coordinator = Emily Walter

  • Bible - Ryan Tipton

  • English - Jennifer Baer, Kristan Peavy, Andy Hover (new to TCS)

  • History - Nic Dickens

  • Math - Emily Walter, Paige Whitaker, Millie Smith

  • Science - Amber Hasty, Stephanie Spencer (new to TCS)

  • Skills Development - Natalie Jetter (new to TCS)

Meet Our New Teachers

8th Grade English - Andy Hover

Mr. Hover has been in the classroom for nearly 20 years, most of which were spent teaching English at a middle school in Minnesota.  Since moving to Georgia 5 years ago, he and his family have enjoyed the outdoor adventures and beauty (particularly the mountains) that Georgia has to offer.  Mr. Hover looks forward to coaching middle school football, guiding students in curiosity and creativity, and developing meaningful relationships with each of his students.

8th Grade Skills Development - Natalie Jetter

Natalie Jetter joins the TCS staff this year with  a great love for the Lord and for children of all ages. In addition to a wealth of teaching experience in both public and private Christian schools, she has her Masters degree in Early Childhood Education, her Bachelors degree in Elementary Education, as well as her New York, California and Georgia Teaching Certificates.  Natalie truly enjoys those " light bulb moments"  where a student takes delight in coming to understand a difficult concept. She is greatly looking forward to experiencing more of those moments, while at the same time, influencing her students for Jesus Christ.

Daily Drop Off and Pick Up

Be sure to check out the arrival and dismissal videos once they are made available in the main section of the newsletter. For returning families, there are no major changes, but for our new families, these videos will give you a helpful overview of what to expect. 

  • Reminders: You can drop off as early as 7:00am and pickup usually ends around 3:30-3:40pm. 

IMPORTANT: On the Meet the Teacher Day (Monday, August 8) you will receive your family’s safe Dismal pickup card.

Extended Day

We offer after school options for our middle school students for those in need. Ryan Tipton, our 8th grade Bible teacher, oversees our Extended Day program and will be providing information in next week’s issue. As a general overview, MS Extended Day runs from 3:30-6:00pm and the cost is $3 per half hour. 

Lunch Visitations

Our plan is to offer parents the opportunity once again to join their child for lunch. We will need the first few weeks to get our students settled, especially with our new dining services, but be on the lookout for information after Labor Day about when you can start visiting your child. 

Hardback Textbook Ordering

While we will provide your child with some hardback textbooks, there are also e-textbooks we provide that are accessible for the Chromebook. If you wish to purchase a hardback textbook to keep at home in addition to the e-textbook we provide, use the links below to help you find the right textbook. 

Youth Pastor Contact Information

We would love to connect with your child’s youth pastor about possible chapel speaking opportunities, discipleship needs throughout the year and even just the chance to show our appreciation for local church leaders with a period breakfast. Please complete this form to let us know what church you attend and who the youth pastor is so we can add that person to our contact list. 

FORM LINK: https://forms.gle/tEqYZXUKp1LPkmce9 

Update: Middle School Spirit Wear

We are still waiting to get final proofs and ordering information from our two vendors. Our plan is to offer t-shirts, hooded sweatshirts and backpacks. I hope to send that information to you just as soon as I have it and will most likely send it separately to you before the next newsletter.

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

22/23 Supply Lists

This is our current supply list for each grade level. 

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).

Community Service Opportunities

Don’t forget…10 hours are required by May 2023!

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).