Keeping you plugged into the exciting things happening at the Middle School
Published October 2, 2022
Volume 145
Adam Vinson - Middle School Principal
A MESSAGE FROM MR. VINSON
We are only a week away from Fall Break and the end of Quarter 1. Don’t forget we have a short 4-day week with a Remote Learning Day this Friday, October 7. There is also no school on Monday, October 10. We are looking forward to the extra time away from campus, but be sure to encourage your child to work hard as we finish out this 9-weeks. Report Cards will be issued not long after we return, so be on the lookout for upcoming issues of Inside the Pride to learn how to view those finalized Quarter 1 grades.
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 the Book of Daniel and the story of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. Students were reminded to stand firm and to do what is right, even in the midst of a culture where morals continue to decline. Thank you Coach Settle for challenging our students to live in obedience!
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 = Sophia Fader
7th Grade = John Diaz
8th Grade = Ashton Clare
MARK YOUR CALENDARS: UPCOMING MIDDLE SCHOOL DATES
October 6 = Spirit Wear Dress Down Day (It’s a Thursday, but treat it like Friday)
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
October 19 = House Color Dress Down Day
THIS WEEK’S MEMORY VERSE
Help your child learn their verses this week!
Proverbs 3:5-7
v. 5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. v. 6 In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. v. 7 Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD, and turn away from evil.
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. 3-4 as well
7th Grade Students - Memorize v. 3-4 and be prepared to take your quiz with no blanks provided
8th Grade Students - Memorize v. 3-4, be prepared to take your quiz with no blanks provided and write an application paragraph for the verses
Proverbs 3:3-4 – “Let not steadfast love and faithfulness forsake you; bind them around your neck; write them on the tablet of your heart. So you will find favor and good success in the sight of God and man.”
OCTOBER 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: Thermostat and Thermometer
Principle: Leaders set the tone for those around them.
Lesson Summary: People are either thermometers or thermostats. They will merely reflect the climate around them, or they will set it. Leaders develop values and principles to live by and set the tone for others.
7th Monthly Habitude: Chess and Checkers
Principle: Lead others by their strengths and personality.
Lesson Summary: In checkers, all the game pieces move in the same way. In chess, you move each piece differently based on its ability. Wise leaders play chess, not checkers, as they manage relationships. They connect with individuals based on their unique personality and strengths.
8th Monthly Habitude: A Bridge, Not a Wall
Principle: Build bridges of trust with others who are different.
Lesson Summary:Each of us encounters new and different people through life. Our natural inclination is to see differences and put up a wall. We’re prone to distrust. We must consciously build bridges that can bear the weight of honest disclosure.
REMOTE LEARNING DAY PLANS
Be sure to look at communication coming from your child’s teacher regarding plans for this Friday’s Remote Learning Day. All Remote Learning work will be due on Tuesday, October 11 when we return to the classrooms.
UPCOMING DRESS DOWN DAYS
Thursday, October 6 - TCS SPIRIT WEAR DAY
Since we won’t have school on Friday (on campus), we will treat Thursday like a Friday this week. Students are encouraged to wear TCS spirit wear with jeans or normal pants/shorts.
Wednesday, October 19 - HOUSE COLOR DAY
Show your House Spirit by wearing your house color! Students are encouraged to wear shirts reflecting their house color along with jeans or normal pants/shorts.
6TH/7TH DAY RETREAT TO CAMP ROCKRIDGE
Don’t forget to register for our upcoming day trip to Camp Rockridge! Instructions have been sent via Blackbaud for registration and payment.
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
It’s not too late to sign up! 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 of our informational meeting.
Be sure to refer to the email sent by Mr. Vinson 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.