Keeping you plugged into the exciting things happening at the Middle School
Published August 14, 2022
Volume 138
Adam Vinson - Middle School Principal
A MESSAGE FROM MR. VINSON
What a great opening week for the 22/23 school year! We are so blessed to already see God working and moving as we get this new year underway. Please know we are here to help support, encourage and push your child to new spiritual, academic and social heights this year. If you have any concerns or issues as we get settled into Week 2, please don’t hesitate to reach out to let me know. I want to make sure each of our students is growing and thriving on our campus every day, and I’m committed to making sure your child has a wonderful experience this year.
HOW ARE WE DOING?
Let me know how our team is doing in keeping you informed about your child’s education this year. If you are lacking communication regarding one of your child’s classes, please let me know so I can help! adam.vinson@tcslions.org
LAST WEEK IN CHAPEL
Mr. Vinson reminded our students of the call towards excellence given in I Cor. 10:31 for us to do everything this school for the glory of God. Using the story of Jesus turning water into wine in John 2, Mr. Vinson helped our students see that just as the servants filled their water jars to the brim, we too need to approach every task, including how we eat and drink, with a desire to do it with excellence for God’s glory. Use this lesson to encourage your child even at home to “fill it to the brim” in all they do!
LIONS OF THE WEEK
Starting next week we will be honoring a different student from each grade level for their hard work, exceptional performance or Christ-like example.
THIS WEEK’S MEMORY VERSE
Help your child learn their verses this week!
ROMANS 8:28
“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.”
Bible Distinction Opportunity:
Middle School Students who wish to earn the honor of distinction at our end of the year program in May may complete the following extra assignments/expectations for their memory verse. Students who choose these standards will be uniquely honored for going above and beyond in their spiritual walk.
6th Grade Students - Memorize v. 29 as well
7th Grade Students - Memorize v. 29 and be prepared to take your quiz with no blanks provided
8th Grade Students - Memorize v. 29, be prepared to take your quiz with no blanks provided and write an application paragraph for the verses
AUGUST HABITUDES MOMENT
Below you will find the monthly habitude for each grade level highlighting important leadership principles to implement in their own lives. Learn more about our Habitudes curriculum here.
6th Monthly Habitude: The Iceberg
Principle: Influence is 10% skill, 90% character
Lesson Summary: The Iceberg represents your leadership. The 10% above the water is your skill. The 90% below the water is your character. It’s what’s below the surface that sinks the ship.
7th Monthly Habitude: Hosts and Guests
Principle: Leaders are intentional in relationships.
Lesson Summary: Leaders take the initiative in relationships. They are intentional about them. They see themselves as hosts, not guests, and they go out of their way to connect with people and provide for them.
8th Monthly Habitude: Windshields and Rearview Mirrors
Principle: Let go of the past to make future progress.
Lesson Summary: Everyone focuses on something—the past or the future. Where does your energy come from? When our dreams are bigger than our memories, we gain energy from the hope that lies ahead. Often, we must let go of the comfort from our past to make progress.
BLACKBAUD CLASSROOM INFORMATION
Be sure to check Blackbaud regularly to stay informed about your child’s progress this year!
LESSON PLANS: Need to know what your child is learning in the classroom? Check the “Bulletin Board” section for each of your child’s classes.
HOMEWORK: Need to know what assignments your child should be completing at home? Check the “Bulletin Board” section for each of your child’s classes.
GRADES/PROGRESS: Need to know how your child did on their last test? Check the “Grade Detail” section for each of your child’s classes.
REMINDER: COMMUNITY SERVICE HOURS DUE
Don’t forget your child’s Community Service Form will be due Monday, May 8, 2023. Please email your child’s Bible teacher regarding any questions about community service. Remember, each student is required to complete 10 hours of community service.
HOUSE SYSTEM OVERVIEW
Did you know your child has been placed in a house this year??? A special feature of Trinity’s middle school experience is our house system, which allows students to experience a sense of belonging, camaraderie and healthy competition throughout the school year. Students are placed in one of five houses named for historical Christian figures: Elisabeth Elliot, C.S. Lewis, Watchman Nee, Jackie Robinson and John Wycliffe. Students are given opportunities to learn and demonstrate healthy character traits for impacting culture positively around them. Houses vie for the distinguished honor of capturing the House Cup at the end of our year-long competition. Learn more about our houses at www.tcshouses.weebly.com.
This Week’s House Focus: ELLIOT HOUSE
Character Trait to Remember : BE READY TO FORGIVE AND LOVE YOUR ENEMIES
Learn more about Elizabeth Elliot below.
HOUSE COLOR DRESS DOWN DAY
On Wednesday, August 17 all middle school students are encouraged to dress in their house color! Students may wear appropriate t-shirts that reflect their house color along with jeans or normal dress code pants/shorts. HOUSE POINTS WILL BE GIVEN FOR PARTICIPATION!
ELLIOT HOUSE = GREEN
LEWIS HOUSE = RED
NEE HOUSE = PURPLE
ROBINSON HOUSE = BLUE
WYCLIFFE HOUSE = BLACK
MS SPIRIT WEAR ORDERS (2ND ORDER)
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!
MS T-Shirts - will be purchased through Graceful Peach Boutique
MS Outerwear and Bookbags - will be purchased through X-Grain
*REMINDER* 8TH GRADE RETREAT: Deadline to register is Monday, August 22
Details:
Place: Snowbird Wilderness Outfitters in Andrews, NC (www.swoutfitters.com)
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.
Note: 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.
MARK YOUR CALENDARS: UPCOMING MIDDLE SCHOOL DATES
August 17 (Wednesday) = House Color Dress Down Day
September 2 (Friday) = Remote Learning Day
September 7-9 (Wednesday-Friday) = 8th Grade Trip to Snowbird
Week of September 12-16 = Homecoming Spirit Week
REMINDER: ATTENDANCE AND ABSENCES
The following steps should be taken for reporting absences for Pre-K - 8th grade:
Send excuses for absences, including doctor’s notes to attendance@tcslions.org.
Send PRE-ABSENCE REQUESTS (family trips, etc.) to Kasey Hanson (kasey.hanson@tcslions.org) via your child’s 1st period teacher.
If your child has to miss class this year due to sickness or quarantine, check out our process below for getting your child caught up on missing work and assignments.
WHAT IF MY CHILD IS ABSENT 1-2 DAYS? - Have your child connect with their teachers upon their return to the classroom. We will not send makeup work home for sick absences of this length.
WHAT IF MY CHILD IS ABSENT 3+ DAYS? - Reach out to Kasey Hanson (Return to Academics Coordinator) so we can best determine a makeup plan for your child.
NOTE: If your child is sick, we want your child to focus on resting and healing before worrying about missing assignments. Please know our teachers will work diligently to help your child catch up once they are feeling well enough to complete assignments.
IMPORTANT 22/23 RESOURCES:
IT HELP DESK LINK - if your child has an issue with their Chromebook, submit a ticket
DRESS CODE OVERVIEW - check out this year’s guidelines
PRE-ABSENCE FORM - submit pre-planned absences 5 days ahead of time for approval.
MS COMMUNITY SERVICE FORM - 10 service hours are due by May 2023.
MS THRIVAL GUIDE - learn how to THRIVE and not just survive middle school at TCS.
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.