Keeping you plugged into the exciting things happening at the Middle School
Published November 6, 2022
Volume 150
Adam Vinson - Middle School Principal
A MESSAGE FROM MR. VINSON
November is here and the holiday season is coming! The next few weeks will undoubtedly fly by as I’m sure your family schedule will fill up quickly. Don’t forget to keep an eye on your child’s performance in the midst of all the holiday craziness. If you have any questions or concerns about your child’s academics, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me as I’m happy to help support you and your child.
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
Our 6th and 7th graders enjoyed their retreat to Rockridge where Mr. Vinson spoke from I Peter 5:6-9 (this month’s memory verse), reminding our students that pride and worry puts us in a position of danger where we can then be impacted by the Enemy. Our 8th graders enjoyed a unique 8th-grade-only chapel day with the guys being taught by Mr. Tipton and our girls enjoying a small group setting with several of our female teachers.
LIONS OF THE WEEK
Lions of the Week will return next week!
MARK YOUR CALENDARS: UPCOMING MIDDLE SCHOOL DATES
November 16 = House Color Day
November 21-25 = Thanksgiving Break
December 8 = MS Discipleship Day
COMING NEXT WEEK:
Final Assessment Plans for December
Check out next week’s issue for detailed plans regarding final tests, exams, etc. for the month of December, including information related to the last week of school.
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.
CAMP ROCKRIDGE RECAP
We had a great day last week with our 6th and 7th graders at Camp Rockridge! The weather turned out beautiful after having to reschedule from earlier in the year due to rain. Students enjoyed basketball, kickball, gaga ball, ropes course, swing, canoeing/kayaking and archery tag. In addition, we had a great hike up the mountain for a special mid-day chapel service. We are so thankful for the fun and memories made!
CHESS CLUB WINTER SESSION
Would you like your student to learn a systematic, fun way to build chess skills during chess instruction and supervised play? Follow the link below for details.
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
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.
REMINDER: ATTENDANCE AND ABSENCES
The following steps should be taken for reporting absences for 4th - 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.