Keeping you plugged into the exciting things happening at the Middle School
Published November 13, 2022
Volume 151
Adam Vinson - Middle School Principal
A MESSAGE FROM MR. VINSON
Psalm 100 reminds us of the great blessings we enjoy as believers and the countless reasons for us to be thankful. Not only do we serve a God who claims us as His own, He has revealed Himself as the source of all goodness who gives an endless supply of love to those who follow Him. May you find time during this Thanksgiving season to make a joyful noise to Him by giving thanks for His ongoing faithfulness to you!
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
Pastor JC Worley from GO Church reminded our students that Jesus is the source of true satisfaction in life. Using the acronym “SNICKERS”, Pastor JC helped our kids to see that Jesus provides Salvation, New Life, Intercession, Comfort, Koinonia, Eternity, Rewards, and the Holy Spirit to those who follow Him. While the candy bar is great (and our students got to enjoy one in chapel), Jesus provides true satisfaction to all those who are hungry!
LIONS OF THE WEEK
6th Grade - Brooks Baldwin
7th Grade - Macy Almand
8th Grade - Taryn Johnson
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!
Psalm 100:4-5
v. 4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name! v. 5 For the LORD is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations.
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. 1-3 as well
7th Grade Students - Memorize v. 1-3 and be prepared to take your quiz with no blanks provided
8th Grade Students - Memorize v. 1-3, be prepared to take your quiz with no blanks provided and write an application paragraph for the verses
Psalm 100:1-3 – Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth! Serve the LORD with gladness! Come into his presence with singing! Know that the LORD, he is God! It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture
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.
POST-THANKSGIVING PLANS
Middle school students will be wrapping up their Quarter 2 academics throughout the weeks after Thanksgiving Break. Please note that there will be NO EXAM week this year. Instead, mid-course assessments will be spread out and will take place throughout the final three weeks of the semester. A schedule will be shared with you soon so you can help your child prepare for final assessments and projects. In addition, the week of December 12-15 will be FULL DAYS (no half days) with several final assessments and benchmark testing (required) taking place during this week along with Christmas parties and activities.
BUILDERS CLUB INTEREST?
Service hours! How will my child meet his/her 10 service hours for the year?? Well, here is a possible solution for you! We are currently seeking student interest in starting an activity in January here at Trinity called Builders Club! Builders Club is a leadership and service group that would be sponsored by Kiwanis International. Builders Clubs meet in middle schools all over the country and the world! Mrs. Jetter (8th Grade skills teacher) will be the faculty advisor for this student- led organization where students can gain valuable experience in creating and participating in service projects and leadership opportunities in our school and community, for the glory of God! The Club will be held once a month during electives (7th period - your child would be pulled from their Tuesday elective). If you are interested in this wonderful service opportunity for your middle school student, please contact Mrs. Jetter at the email below as soon as possible to let her know! We will use your feedback to determine if we have enough student interest to start the club.
CONTACT EMAIL: natalie.jetter@tcslions.org
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 went home this week! Don’t forget, all shoeboxes need to be 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.