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

Published July 31, 2022

Volume 136

A MESSAGE FROM MR. VINSON

We are about 1 week away from launching the 2022-2023 school year! While summer is coming to an end, that doesn’t mean the fun and excitement has to end too. That’s why we are calling our 1st day of classes “OPENING DAY” this year! Just like the buzz that surrounds the start of a new baseball season, we are feeling the same excitement about what God has in store for our teachers and students. Will you join us in praying for the upcoming school year? We can’t wait to get started!

OPENING DAY - 1ST DAY OF CLASSES + ADJUSTED DRESS CODE

We have a fun-filled day planned for August 9 to welcome our students back. Opening Day brings a fresh start full of excitement and anticipation about the new season. This new school season is no different.

Baseball-style hats + Spiritwear = Students are encouraged to wear TCS spiritwear with jeans or normal dress code bottoms along with a baseball-style cap to celebrate the start of the new year.

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 I set aside the FLEX teacher supplies to bring to Meet the Teacher Day?
Have I reviewed the dress code and made proper purchases? (see guidelines below)
Have I set your Blackbaud notifications to your desired settings for receiving info?
Have I reviewed my child’s schedule for accuracy and printed a copy for easy reference?
Have I signed my 8th grader up for Snowbird? (if not, use the link below)
Have I submitted my child’s youth pastor contact information? (if not, use link below)

NEW Middle School Spirit Wear Orders

We are excited to offer once again our unique line of middle school spirit wear for this upcoming school year. All the proceeds go to help offset the cost of overnight trips! Check out the options for t-shirts and outerwear below. We will place our first order August 5 and will attempt a second order later in August for those who miss this first deadline. Don’t delay and get your order in as we would like to provide these items to you by the end of August!

MS T-Shirts - will be purchased through Graceful Peach Boutique

MS Outerwear and Bookbags - will be purchased through X-Grain

Dress Code for Back to School 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

*NEW* Opening Day (Tuesday, August 9)

Baseball-style caps + TCS spirit wear with jeans or normal dress code bottoms

UPDATE: Class Schedules

Class schedules will be viewable this week! Please take the time to check your child’s schedule to ensure accuracy for the following:

What you should see on your child’s Middle School schedule:

Bible
Math
Science
English
History
PE
FLEX
Lunch
Dismissal
Electives

Please reference the email that will be sent by Mr. Vinson this week if you want to explore making any changes to your child’s electives. Unfortunately, due to the high enrollment of each grade level, changes to your child’s core class schedule is not possible at this time.

All 6th Graders and New 7th/8th Graders = Chromebook Insurance and Cases

All of our 6th graders and all of our new 7th and 8th graders will be receiving a new Dell 3100 Chromebook this year. Please reference information below if you would like to insure the device through the school. You will also find information for ordering a case.

Chromebook Cases
- You are welcome to purchase your own protective case. There are many types, sizes, and colors available. A simple google search for a case that fits the "Dell Chrome 3100 clamshell" (not the 2-in-1) should yield many options. The following is an example found on Amazon https://a.co/d/hhDXBOi
Chromebook Insurance
- Accidents happen, We will be offering a one year warranty to cover repair for accidental damages caused by surges, drops or spills. The optional warranty will cover the entire 22/23 school year and it will come with a basic Chromebook case (while supplies last). The warranty will cost $40, a signup/purchase link will be available through Blackbaud (more info will be provided at pickup during orientation).
- Note: The warranty does not cover lost or stolen Chromebooks or chargers.
Why purchase insurance?
- Common replacements costs for Chrome devices:
  - Damaged/Cracked Screen - $45 (covered under optional warranty)
  - Replacement Keyboard - $30 (covered under optional warranty)
  - Replacement Trackpad - $30 (covered under optional warranty)
  - Replacement Charger - $35 (not covered)
  - Dell Chromebook replacement - $315

Pre-Absence Form

We would love for your child to have perfect attendance this year, but we know absences are coming. For those absences you are planning in advance, please complete the Pre-Absence Form to ensure our teachers are aware and are able to provide schoolwork in advance of the absence. Following this process will allow your absences to be excused most of the time. Keep in mind that all schoolwork is to be submitted when your child returns to the classroom to avoid late penalties.

Pre-Absence Form Link

REMINDERS FROM PREVIOUS SUMMER ISSUES:

Summer Reading (REQUIRED)

Assignments are due the first day of school!

Rising 6th Grade
- The Magician’s Nephew by C.S. Lewis
Rising 7th Grade
- Morning Star of the Reformation by Andy Thomson
Rising 8th Grade
- In His Steps by Charles Sheldon

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

Back to School Event Details

Sunday, August 7 – Welcome to The ROAR (Fun Night for Families)
- Includes New Families Welcome Session 5-6pm (gym)
- Includes a Social Gathering for ALL families 6-8pm (stadium)
- Includes a Taste of SAGE food sampling
Monday, August 8 – Meet My Teacher DROP-IN Day (walk your child’s schedule)
- 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 Day of Classes (Students attend classes)
- Drop off as early as 7am
- Classes start at 8am

22/23 Supply Lists

This is our current supply list for each grade level.

6th Supply List – email Mrs. Lanier (melissa.lanier@tcslions.org) with any questions
7th Supply List - email Miss Walter (emily.walter@tcslions.org) with any questions
8th Supply List - email Miss Walter (emily.walter@tcslions.org) with any questions

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).

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.

REMINDER 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.

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

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.

6th Grade
- Science - Apologia General Science
7th Grade
- Science - Purposeful Design Life Science
- Math - Pre-Algebra Textbook
8th Grade
- Science - Apologia Physical Science
- Math - Pre-Algebra with Mrs. Smith - PreAlgebra8 Volume 1 and PreAlgebra8 Volume 2

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).

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

7th Grade Skills Development - Maria Jones

Maria Jones obtained her Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of West Georgia and her Master of Arts in Teaching from LaGrange College. She has taught ELA for sixteen years in Georgia. During that time, she has worked in various capacities in the publication of three literary magazines featuring student work and also as a co-sponsor for Junior Beta Club. Mrs. Jones and her husband have been blessed with four children. In her free time, she enjoys hiking/walking with her family, gardening, reading great literature, and doing a bit of creative writing. Mrs. Jones is excited to join the Trinity team. She looks forward to an amazing year as she collaborates with families to support students in achieving their academic goals.

MS Receptionist/Admin Assistant - Jennifer McCloud

Jennifer McCloud, Jen, grew up in Fayetteville, Georgia. Following graduation from Valdosta State University, she spent a year serving at a college campus ministry in Montevallo, Alabama. This is where she met her best friend and husband Adam McCloud. They have lived in Newnan for the past 11 years. Jen and her husband have 2 kids who will be at Trinity in the 8th grade and 6th grade. They have been a homeschool family until recently and are excited for this new stage of life that God is leading them into. Their family loves adventuring together, learning new board games, exploring theme parks, cheering through college football season, and starting new stages of life together. They are excited to be a part of God's plans as He uses them at Trinity and also as He uses Trinity to shape their family more into His image.

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.