Keeping you plugged into the exciting things happening at the Middle School
Published September 18, 2022
Volume 143
Adam Vinson - Middle School Principal
A MESSAGE FROM MR. VINSON
Fall is almost here, and we are over halfway through Quarter 1 of this school year! Can you believe it? Be sure to take some time this week to review and evaluate your child’s grades and progress at this point. Our teachers will be reaching out to those with low grades, but if you have any questions or concerns about your child’s performance, please reach out to your child’s teacher to initiate conversations about how we can better support your child. Quarter 2 will be ending on October 7 so encourage your child to finish out this 9-week period by doing their very best!
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 spoke from selected passages in I John, helping to answer the question “How do I know if I am a Christian?” for our student body. Using the key words FACT, ACT and REACT, Mr. Vinson showed from Scripture how believing the right facts about Jesus, acting in obedience to the Bible, and reacting to others in love are all examples and proofs of walking in light and being a true follower of Christ.
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 = Jason Robinson
7th Grade = Emma McEwen
8th Grade = Keelin O'Pry
MARK YOUR CALENDARS: UPCOMING MIDDLE SCHOOL DATES
September 21 = Middle School Fall Picture Day (normal dress code attire)
October 7 = Remote Learning Day/End of Q1
October 10 = Fall Break (No School)
October 12 = 6th/7th Fall Day Retreat
October 12 = 8th Grade PSAT Testing
THIS WEEK’S MEMORY VERSE
Help your child learn their verses this week!
Philippians 4:6-7
v. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be known to God. v. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
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. 8 as well
7th Grade Students - Memorize v. 8 and be prepared to take your quiz with no blanks provided
8th Grade Students - Memorize v. 8, be prepared to take your quiz with no blanks provided and write an application paragraph for the verses
Philippians 4:8 – “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.”
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.
UPCOMING 6TH/7TH DAY RETREAT
We are working to finalize details but mark your calendars now for our 6th/7th Fall Retreat Day to Camp Rockridge (13200 Hwy 100 Franklin, GA) on Wednesday, October 12. Students will be transported by bus that morning for a full day of activities, including a special worship service on top of the mountain! We will wrap up our day after an early dinner with parents being encouraged to pick up their child at Camp Rockridge (if possible) or back at the school around 7:00pm.
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.
SNOWBIRD TRIP RECAP
We had a great spiritual retreat with our 8th graders at Snowbird! Thank you for those who were praying for our time together. We can’t wait to see what the LORD has in store for these 8th graders this year as they wrap up their middle school experience. Our hope is that they lead well by applying all they are learning through God’s Word!
8TH GRADE DISNEY STEAM CLASS TRIP
If you missed the information from last week, be sure to check our recorded informational meeting to learn more! We have 75 student spots reserved but can add more if need be. Registration deadline and down payment are due by Oct 6.
Dates: Feb 27-Mar 2
Cost: $1200 ($400 down payment due Oct 6)
Here is a link to the video recording the meeting.
Be sure to refer to the email sent by Mr. Vinson last week for more information.
HOUSE SYSTEM COMPETITION
Check out who is leading the competition at www.tcshouses.weebly.com.
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.