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

Published August 21, 2022

Volume 139

A MESSAGE FROM MR. VINSON

We are settling into the new year on campus and hope you are as a family too. The LORD has already been so good to us, and we can’t wait to see what all He has in store next. Now that we are past the first two weeks of school, please take some time to evaluate if there is anything we can do to help serve you better. Perhaps you are a new family who still has questions as you figure TCS out. Or maybe you are a veteran TCS parent but the transition to Upper Elementary or Middle School has left you with more questions than answers. Don’t hesitate to reach out to let me know if I can help in any way.

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 explained to our students the desire we have at TCS to instill within each of them a biblical worldview. We discussed how the Bible is meant to serve as a guiding lamp to us (Ps. 119:104-105) as it shapes us to see and understand the world through the truths of God’s Word. The following truths were emphasized to help the students remember what Christians believe to be true of our world.

1. God created everything

2. Man ruined everything

3. God still controls everything 

4. Jesus fixes everything

5. The Bible tells us everything

LIONS OF THE WEEK

The following students were honored last week for their hard work and exemplary behavior noticed by our faculty and staff. 

• 6th Grade = Jack McCloud

• 7th Grade = MaryCallaway Brezina

• 8th Grade = Zoe Joyner

MARK YOUR CALENDARS: UPCOMING MIDDLE SCHOOL DATES

• September 2 (Friday) = Remote Learning Day

• September 7-9 (Wednesday-Friday) = 8th Grade Trip to Snowbird

• Week of September 12-16 = Homecoming Spirit Week

THIS WEEK’S MEMORY VERSE

Help your child learn their verses this week!

EPHESIANS 2:8-9

v. 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, v. 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast.

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. 10 as well

• 7th Grade Students - Memorize v. 10 and be prepared to take your quiz with no blanks provided

• 8th Grade Students - Memorize v. 10, 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.

HOUSE SYSTEM OVERVIEW

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: LEWIS HOUSE

Character Trait to Remember : REFLECT GOD’S GLORY THROUGH YOUR CREATIVITY

Learn more about C.S Lewis below

*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? 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. 

REMINDER: 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. 

MS COMMUNITY SERVICE FORM

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.