Inside the Pride Middle School News - Volume 137

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

Published August 7, 2022

Volume 137

 

Adam Vinson - Middle School Principal

 

A MESSAGE FROM MR. VINSON

OPENING DAY is almost here!!!! We are so excited about the start of the new school year and cannot wait to see all of the students back on campus. Hopefully you are feeling prepared for the first day too! Below you will find more helpful information as you prepare to navigate the first few weeks. If you need anything as we get started, don’t hesitate to ask!

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: 

PRE-ABSENCE FORM - submit pre-planned absences for approval.

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 submitted my MS spirit wear order? (if not, use the links: T-Shirts, Outerwear)

  • Have I watched Mr. Vinson’s Orientation video? (if not, access here)

  • 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)

Meet MY Teacher Day: Where Do We Go?

On Monday, August 8 all TCS middle school families are invited to come meet teachers, walk schedules, get lockers, pickup Chromebooks (all 6th graders, new 7th/8th graders), and drop off FLEX teacher school supplies. 

  • 9:30 - 11:30 am Last Names A – L

  • 1:30 - 3:30 pm Last Names M – Z

Upon arriving, please come to the MS entrance to the table set up outside the band room. Here you will receive important information to guide you through your drop-in session.

6th Grade Survival: Helping Your Student Thrive In Middle School

“Help! I have a middle schooler, now what?” - Don’t worry, we have you covered! We are committed here at TCS to making sure all of our 6th graders have the tools needed to succeed as they begin this new middle school journey. Check out the accommodations we make for all of our 6th graders to aid them as the start this new school year. 

1. August Skill Teaching - we focus heavily on establishing good habits and learning new procedures to ensure a successful start. 

  • No grades taken before the week of August 15 (practice only)

  • Week of August 15 — 1 grade per class may be taken 

  • Week of August 22 — 2 grades per class may be taken

  • Week of August 29 — 1 quiz grade and 1 additional grade taken

  • No tests until after Labor Day — only practice tests before

2. SOAR Study Skills - all of our 6th graders take this unique elective that is meant to help with studying and organizing with a goal of creating a mindset of personal accountability and responsibility for our students. 

3. Limited Homework - 6th graders can expect about 60 minutes of written homework (does not include studying) but only on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays. There is no homework on Wednesday nights or over the weekend. 

4. Week-At-A-Glance Emails - parents of 6th graders receive a summary email each week that highlights homework, assignments and assessments for the upcoming week. 

Learn more about thriving during middle school by reading our THRIVAL GUIDE!

*NEW* Middle School Spirit Wear Orders

We will place our second order August 19 and will attempt a third order later in August for those who miss this second deadline. Don’t delay and get your order in as we would like to provide these items to you just as soon as possible!

REMINDERS FROM PREVIOUS SUMMER ISSUES: 

Summer Reading (REQUIRED)

Assignments are due the first day of school!

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

Back to School Event Details

  • 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

Dress Code for Back to School Events

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

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). 

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. 

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 

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 

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.

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. 

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).