Keeping you plugged into the exciting things happening at the Middle School
Published November 27, 2022
Volume 153
Adam Vinson - Middle School Principal
A MESSAGE FROM MR. VINSON
The holiday season is here, and we are excited to celebrate all month long as we come to the end of the semester. Be on the lookout each week for new information related to academics and Christmas activities.
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
Returning next week!
LIONS OF THE WEEK
Returning next week!
MARK YOUR CALENDARS: UPCOMING MIDDLE SCHOOL DATES
December 7 = House Color Day
December 8 = MS Discipleship Day
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.
END OF SEMESTER ASSESSMENT PLANS
Please take note of the upcoming assessments after Thanksgiving Break as we wrap up Q2 and our first semester of school. This calendar shows our in-class assessments (no studying needed) along with projects, quizzes and unit tests that will wrap up Q2. Please note that only 1 cumulative exam will be given (Math). Use this calendar to help guide you through the busy holiday season. Calendar Link: December MS Assessment Calendar
FUNDRAISING FOR DISNEY
HELP SUPPORT OUR 8TH GRADE TRIP
Check out the exciting ways you can help support our 8th grade trip during December!
SWEATPANTS/PAJAMA PANTS TO SCHOOL - Pay $25 to wear sweatpants or pajama pants (with TCS spiritwear) to school for 10 days straight! Weeks included are Nov 28-Dec 2 and Dec 5-Dec 9. Complete the payment form sent by Mrs. McBurnett through Blackbaud.
HOLLY JOLLY TROLLY SNACKS - Our MS Snack Cart gets an upgrade in December with special Christmas treats. Be sure to send extra money each day for your child to enjoy Christmas Tree Little Debbies, Candy Canes, etc.
LAST WEEK OF SEMESTER DRESS DOWN DAYS
Students may wear jeans or normal dress code pants/shorts if following the special themed Christmas dress down days.
Monday, December 13: Candy Cane Day (Red and White)
Tuesday, December 14: Christmas Sweater Day (regular or ugly) and Christmas Socks
Wednesday, December 15: Cozy Christmas Day (Pajamas)
Thursday, December 16: Holiday Cheer Day (Red and Green)
12 DAYS ‘TIL CHRISTMAS BREAK
Our annual middle school tradition of celebrating the 12 days ‘til Christmas Break returns Wednesday, November 30. Each day our students will enjoy a special treat for Mr. Vinson related to the days remaining until Christmas Break.
CEREAL COLLECTION FOR BACKBACK BUDDIES
As we enter into a season of gratitude and thankfulness, we should also remember those in our community that are not as privileged as we are. For the next few weeks we will utilize our collective strength to make a big impact on those around us in need. Backpack Buddies is a local organization that combats hunger needs for at-risk youth in our community. Some of these youth rely on subsidized school lunches everyday and significantly struggle when school is out for holiday breaks. A HUGE help for the Backpack Buddies organization is full size cereal boxes. Would you consider joining us for a cereal drive? Our goal is 800 boxes by Christmas break!
Collection Dates: Monday 11/28 - Wednesday 12/12
If you would like to participate, please send cereal boxes with your child to give to their FLEX teacher. House Points will be awarded to the House that collects the most boxes.
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.