Keeping you plugged into the exciting things happening at the Middle School
Published September 4, 2022
Volume 141
Adam Vinson - Middle School Principal
A MESSAGE FROM MR. VINSON
We hope you and your family have had an awesome long weekend together and that you enjoy Labor Day Monday to the fullest. Please keep in mind that as we return on Tuesday that all remote learning work is due and will be subject to a late penalty if not turned in during class. If you have any questions about the remote learning assignments, please reach out to your child’s teacher or Academic Coordinator (see contact list below). We look forward to seeing everyone back on campus Tuesday!
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
Coach Settle spoke to our students from Psalm 1, reminding them of the dangers of yielding to the wrong influences in life. Students were encouraged to choose their inner circle of friends wisely and to lean into God’s Word as their ultimate source of guidance and direction.
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 = Landon Barnhill
7th Grade = Bronc Nixon
8th Grade = Taryn Johnson
MARK YOUR CALENDARS: UPCOMING MIDDLE SCHOOL DATES
September 7 = House Color Dress Down Day
September 7-9 (Wednesday-Friday) = 8th Grade Trip to Snowbird
Week of September 12-16 = Homecoming Spirit Week
September 21 = Middle School Fall Picture Day
Homecoming Week Themes:
Monday 9/12 - Character Day
Tuesday 9/13 - Twin Day
Wednesday 9/14 - Pirate Day
Thursday 9/15 - Mismatch Day
Friday 9/16 - TCS Spirit Day
THIS WEEK’S MEMORY VERSE
Help your child learn their verses this week!
I John 1:5
v. 5 This is the message we have heard from Him and proclaim to you, that God is light, and in Him is no darkness at all.
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. 7 as well
7th Grade Students - Memorize v. 7 and be prepared to take your quiz with no blanks provided
8th Grade Students - Memorize v. 7, be prepared to take your quiz with no blanks provided and write an application paragraph for the verses
I John 1:7 – “But if we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin.
SEPTEMBER 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 Starving Baker
Principle: Leaders feed themselves for personal growth.
Lesson Summary: This is a common hazard for leaders. We’re like the baker who spends so much time baking bread for others, we forget to eat ourselves. Leaders must feed themselves for personal growth.
7th Monthly Habitude: A Compass or a GPS
Principle: We need ethics to guide us in new situations.
Lesson Summary: A GPS or Google Maps are only helpful if you are on paved roads. If you are entering new areas, you need a compass that shows you true north. Similarly, we need values that provide direction when we enter new territory.
8th Monthly Habitude: The Talking Stick
Principle: Listen and empathize before you lead.
Lesson Summary: The Talking Stick reminds us that before we lead we must listen. Leaders seek to understand the perspective of others before they communicate their own point. They show empathy and ask good questions. As a result, they earn the right to be heard.
8TH GRADE RETREAT
Don’t forget to meet at NCG Theatre to depart by 8:00 am. You may begin dropping off students as early as 7:15 am with all students needing to arrive by 7:45 am. If your child will need medication for the trip, please plan to bring it to give to our nurse when you arrive too.
HOUSE COLOR DRESS DOWN
Students are encouraged to dress in their house color with jeans or dress code pants/shorts on Wednesday, September 7. Students can earn house points for participating.
FALL PICTURE DAY
6th-8th graders will have their Fall Picture Day on Wednesday, September 21. Students should attend school in normal dress code attire for these pictures.
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: ROBINSON HOUSE
Character Trait to Remember: STAND AGAINST CULTURE WHEN IT IS WRONG
Learn more about Jackie Robinson below.
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.
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.