Keeping you plugged into the exciting things happening at the Middle School
Published October 23, 2022
Volume 148
Adam Vinson - Middle School Principal
A MESSAGE FROM MR. VINSON
As cold weather sets in, please keep in mind the following dress code guidelines for warmer clothing over the coming months.
All outerwear (fleeces, sweatshirts, hoodies, etc.) must be TCS branded.
Coats and non-TCS branded outerwear must be stored during the school day and may only be worn outside for PE.
Long-sleeved undershirts (worn under short-sleeved polos) must be solid in color and should match the outfit.
Black jeans and leggings (unless worn underneath) are not permitted as part of the every day dress code.
Blankets ARE NOT allowed at school.
Please help us in making sure these guidelines are followed each day!
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
Ryan Appling, youth pastor at Flat Creek Baptist Church, spoke to our students from Luke 5, the story of Jesus healing the paralytic who is brought to Jesus by his friends. Pastor Ryan emphasized how the friends believed that something amazing and extraordinary would happen if they brought their friend to Jesus, and then encouraged our students to see how they can have a similar impact on those around them too. Students were left with the question, “Will you impact others in a positive way by bringing them to Jesus as well?”
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 = Reagan Peavey
7th Grade = Jacob Harper
8th Grade = Jax Latham
MARK YOUR CALENDARS: UPCOMING MIDDLE SCHOOL DATES
October 27 = Fall Family Fest
THIS WEEK’S MEMORY VERSE
Help your child learn their verses this week!
James 1:2-4
v. 2 Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, v. 3 for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. v. 4 And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
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. 5 as well
7th Grade Students - Memorize v. 5 and be prepared to take your quiz with no blanks provided
8th Grade Students - Memorize v. 5, be prepared to take your quiz with no blanks provided and write an application paragraph for the verses
James 1:5 – “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.”
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.
6TH/7TH DAY RETREAT TO CAMP ROCKRIDGE
Our retreat for 6th and 7th grade has been rescheduled for Wednesday, November 2! If you were already signed up before, no need to do anything. If you need to sign up, please email Tiffany McBurnett (tiffany.mcburnett@tcslions.org).
Retreat Reminders:
Drop off at NCG between 7:15-7:50 am. We plan to leave by 8:00 am!
Dress comfortably and appropriately based on the weather for the day.
Lunch and dinner are provided but bring extra money for their Snack Shack if desired.
Pickup at 5:30 pm at Camp Rockridge or at 6:30 pm at TCS.
MEETING: 6TH AND 7TH GRADE OVERNIGHT EXPERIENCES
We are excited about our upcoming spring trips for 6th and 7th graders! Hopefully you were able to attend our parent information meeting last week, but if not, and you have questions, please reach out to Mrs. McBurnett (tiffany.mcburnett@tcslions.org) who can help. Ready to sign up? Use the links below.
6th Trip to TN Aquarium/Huntsville Space Center: https://forms.gle/3oC8jSmrCJFfZem28
7th Trip to Ark Encounter/Creation Museum: https://forms.gle/UbmUYscZQvLmB4pJ9
T-SHIRTS FOR SALE
We have a limited number of these shirts available in XS and S sizes. If you are interested in purchasing one of these for $15, please see Mr. Vinson.
COMING SOON: CHRISTMAS SHOEBOXES
We will once again be partnering with Operation Christmas Child to help deliver the love of Jesus around the world during this holiday season. Be on the lookout in coming weeks for guidance on how to participate!
GENERAL REMINDERS
HOUSE SYSTEM COMPETITION
Check out who is leading the competition at www.tcshouses.weebly.com.
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.
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.
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.