Keeping you plugged into the exciting things happening at the Middle School
Published October 30, 2022
Volume 149
Adam Vinson - Middle School Principal
A MESSAGE FROM MR. VINSON
Thank you for the adjustments made over the past few weeks to ensure your child is here on time for the start of school each day. Even with the road work continuing near the school, we have seen a great improvement in regards to tardies. Please note that we will begin holding students accountable once again for being at school on time beginning this week as a result of all the adjustments made. This will allow us to fully maximize all of our students’ time in the classroom.
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 to our students about the power of Jesus over the evil in this world. Students were reminded that while real villains exist, Jesus rules over evil, and the Bible promises eventually that Satan and his forces will be defeated forever. In addition, students were reminded that Jesus’ rule extends over trials and difficulties in our lives as He ensures that all circumstances are used for good purposes in the lives of His children.
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 = Carter Dingler
7th Grade = Asher Griffith
8th Grade = Ian Bourque
MARK YOUR CALENDARS: UPCOMING MIDDLE SCHOOL DATES
October 31 = Spirit Wear Dress Down Day
November 2 = 6th/7th Retreat to Rockridge
November 16 = House Color Day
December 8 = MS Discipleship Day
THIS WEEK’S MEMORY VERSE
Help your child learn their verses this week!
I Peter 5:8-9
v. 8 Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. v. 9 Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world.
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. 6-7 as well
7th Grade Students - Memorize v. 6-7 and be prepared to take your quiz with no blanks provided
8th Grade Students - Memorize v. 6-7, be prepared to take your quiz with no blanks provided and write an application paragraph for the verses
I Peter 5:6-7 – Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, 7 casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.
NOVEMBER 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: Fun House Mirror
Principle: Our level of integrity reflects who we are.
Lesson Summary: Carnivals often have mirrors that distort how we really look. Poor leaders do this, pretending or posing to be better than they really are. Our level of integrity is the true reflection of who we are.
7th Monthly Habitude: The Calcutta Paradox
Principle: Humility increases your influence.
Lesson Summary: Humility is magnetic in a leader. When we “under-speak” in regard to our value, others are drawn toward us and our influence increases. When we “over-speak,” others are repelled. When it comes to self-description, leaders know people will fill what is lacking and empty what is too full.
8th Monthly Habitude: Baggage Fees
Principle: Get rid of baggage in order to move forward.
Lesson Summary: Most cars have trunks where we store luggage, but you can only fit so much. Some of us have far too much baggage. Bags in the trunk can weigh us down and get too big to carry. On flights, bags can cost us. We must discard them so they don’t prevent us from moving forward.
MONDAY DRESS DOWN DAY
We are celebrating the end of October with a Spirit Wear Dress Down Day. Students are allowed to “dress like it is Friday” this Monday, October 31.
6TH/7TH DAY RETREAT TO CAMP ROCKRIDGE
Retreat Reminders:
This Wednesday, November 2
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
Reach out to Mrs. McBurnett (tiffany.mcburnett@tcslions.org) with any questions!
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.
OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD SHOEBOXES
Information related to this year’s boxes will go home the week of November 7 with all shoeboxes being turned in at chapel on Wednesday, November 16.
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.