Keeping you plugged into the exciting things happening at the Middle School
Published September 25, 2022
Volume 144
Adam Vinson - Middle School Principal
A MESSAGE FROM MR. VINSON
A big thank you to all who have already supported TCS through this year’s Annual Fund! Each year the Annual Fund helps provide tools, resources and experiences outside of our normal budgetary provisions. Every dollar you give supports our study body! Our teachers thank you for your generosity and support to the mission of TCS.
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
BJ Cobb, pastor of First Baptist Senoia, spoke to our students on the story of Elijah from I Kings 19. Pastor BJ helped remind our students of the need to listen to God’s voice in the highs (victory at Mt. Carmel) and the lows (running from Queen Jezebel) of our Christian walk. Sometimes God’s voice comes to us through pastors, teachers, parents or friends, but God’s voice is always consistent with His Word. Thank you Pastor BJ for the reminder to listen to God’s voice over all the other noise coming to us today!
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 = Emma Conant
7th Grade = Garrett Gumm
8th Grade = Emma Hiatt
MARK YOUR CALENDARS: UPCOMING MIDDLE SCHOOL DATES
Picture Day for 1st - 5th Grade has been rescheduled for Thursday, October 6th.
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 M6th 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: 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 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.
6TH/7TH DAY RETREAT TO CAMP ROCKRIDGE
It’s time to sign up for our annual retreat to Camp Rockridge with our 6th and 7th graders. Camp Rockridge is located at 13200 Hwy 100 in Franklin, Georgia. We are excited for our students to have a day out of the classroom to help strengthen relationships with teachers and enjoy extended time building friendships with their peers. It’s going to be an exciting day with our students participating in the following activities: low-ropes course, canoeing, paddle boats, gaga ball, basketball, archery, and more! In addition, we can’t wait to worship God together on top of the mountain at Camp Rockridge.
SIGN UP PROCESS: Please check your Blackbaud account for the form and payment.
Details:
Wednesday, October 12
Cost: $35
Depart by bus from NCG parking lot at 8am
Pickup at 6pm from Camp Rockridge or at 7pm from TCS
Note: Students may be picked up earlier in the afternoon if needed - note our spiritual emphasis will take place in the morning before lunch. .
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.
ART CLUB MIDDLE SCHOOL COMMUNITY SERVICE HOURS OPPORTUNITY
Mrs. Hackworth still needs some middle school helpers for the Thursday 3rd & 5th grade Art Club.
Please contact Mrs. Hackworth at erica.hackworth@tcslions.org if you middle schooler wants to earn some community service hoursby helping assist After School Art Club (6 weeks). Begins September 15th.
Yearbook Words of Encouragement
ATTENTION PARENTS OF K, 5th & 8th grade students!!!
Have you ever wished you could give your child words of encouragement and praise for a job well done? Well, here is your opportunity…purchase a WORDS OF PRAISE Ad for your K, 5th or 8th grader.
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.