Keeping you plugged into the exciting things happening at the Middle School
Published December 4, 2022
Volume 154
Adam Vinson - Middle School Principal
A MESSAGE FROM MR. VINSON
Only 2 weeks until Christmas Break! Please keep utilizing our December Assessment Calendar to stay on top of all the end of semester assignments for our middle school. Q2 will be ending as we head into Christmas Break, and we want to make sure all of our students finish strong by doing their very best.
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 meaning of Christmas, specifically how the significance of Christmas extends far beyond the simple story of Jesus being born in Bethlehem. The real meaning is found in the reason behind Jesus coming and what was accomplished through his life. Focusing on the words PEACE, HOPE and JOY, Mr. Vinson used various Scripture passages to help our students see how Jesus’ coming that first Christmas helped bring PEACE between us and God, HOPE for our future, and JOY for our daily lives.
LIONS OF THE WEEK
6th Grade - Maxine Midas
7th Grade - Kennedy Brooks
8th Grade - Gracie Little
MARK YOUR CALENDARS: UPCOMING MIDDLE SCHOOL DATES
December 7 = House Color Day
December 8 = MS Discipleship Day
December 16 = Remote Learning Day
THIS WEEK’S MEMORY VERSE
Help your child learn their verses this week!
Matthew 7:12 - The Golden Rule
v. 12 So whatever you wish that others would do to you,
do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.
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. 11 as well
7th Grade Students - Memorize v. 11 and be prepared to take your quiz with no blanks provided
8th Grade Students - Memorize v. 11, be prepared to take your quiz with no blanks provided and write an application paragraph for the verses
Matthew 7:11 – If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him.
DECEMBER 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: The Oversized Gift
Principle: Giftedness must be balanced with character.
Lesson Summary: Leaders are often gifted. They can begin to depend on their gift for success, to the neglect of their character. They begin to “wing it.” Leaders sabotage themselves when their gift is bigger than they are.
7th Monthly Habitude: Hot Air Balloons
Principle: Encouragement brings out other's potential.
Lesson Summary: Hot air balloons rise as the burner is released… but eventually, they begin to fall and need to be refilled. They must continue to be filled in order to go up. People are like this. They must be consistently encouraged in order to reach their highest potential.
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.
DISCIPLESHIP DAY PLANS
Date: Thursday, December 8
Location: NCG Theatre and TCS
7:15-7:55 am = Drop off at NCG Theatre
Our day will begin across the street at NCG Theatre where we have rented each theatre to help accommodate our 6th-8th grades in a large-teaching format. Students may be dropped off as early as 7:15 am. Students will be broken up by grade level for breakout sessions throughout the morning. Please be sure to have your child at NCG Theatre on time so we can start promptly at 8:00 am with our sessions. Topics include the following:
Identity: What does it mean for me to be a child of God?
Assurance: What does God promise me through His Word?
Defense: What proof is there that God and His Word are true?
The event is free, but if you would like to purchase popcorn/drink as part of the experience, be sure to complete the form sent by Mrs. McBurnett.
POPCORN/DRINK FORM: https://forms.gle/4561mex4gsbaxw3cA
Pickup at the End of the Day = TCS CAMPUS
Students will be transported back to TCS for lunch, and various afternoon activities, including a joint chapel service. Be sure to pick up your child at TCS at the end of the day like normal.
WHAT TO BRING ON DISCIPLESHIP DAY
Bible, notebook, and pen
Lunch (unless on the Sage plan)
Note: Chromebooks are not required for the day
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!
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 special celebrations each day will continue this week as we count down to Christmas Break!
CEREAL COLLECTION FOR BACKBACK BUDDIES
Keep sending in your cereal boxes! All boxes should be brought to 1st period.
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.
REMOTE LEARNING DAY (FRIDAY, DEC 16)
Middle schoolers will be given a short survey to complete on Remote Learning Day to help us assess the school year so far and give us feedback and suggestions for possible changes as we look towards Semester 2.
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.