Keeping you plugged into the exciting things happening at the Middle School
Published December 11, 2022
Volume 155
Adam Vinson - Middle School Principal
A MESSAGE FROM MR. VINSON
We are approaching the final week and are looking forward to a strong finish from all of our students. Keep using the December Assessment Calendar to keep your child on track this week. Grade book assessments will wrap up on Tuesday and then Wednesday and Thursday will be devoted to Progress Learning (benchmark testing to help us measure growth in learning over the course of this school year).
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
Dr. Anthony spoke to our students from Matthew 8 with a retelling of the story of “Jesus and the Leper.” By looking at the importance of human touch and interaction, Dr. Anthony helped our students see the great impact that Jesus had on those around Him through His intentionality in His interactions. The challenge to our students was to see the impact they are capable of having by being intentional to encourage and lift up others, particularly those who often feel isolated and left out.
LIONS OF THE WEEK
6th Grade - Hamilton Houston
7th Grade - Lucy Reichenbach
8th Grade - Graham Reichenbach
MARK YOUR CALENDARS: UPCOMING MIDDLE SCHOOL DATES
December 16 = Remote Learning Day
January 3 = Students Return from Christmas Break
THIS WEEK’S MEMORY VERSE
Help your child learn their verses this week!
John 10:10
v. 10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy.
I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.
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. 9 as well
7th Grade Students - Memorize v. 9 and be prepared to take your quiz with no blanks provided
8th Grade Students - Memorize v. 9, be prepared to take your quiz with no blanks provided and write an application paragraph for the verses
John 10:9 – I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture.
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 RECAP
We had a great day at NCG Theatre and on our campus this past Friday with our annual Discipleship Day. Students were challenged through breakout sessions and chapel services, and even had the chance to listen to a Q/A session with our Bible Department regarding student questions that were submitted. As a reminder, the general topics discussed for the day are listed below. What a great day for our students to enjoy and what a great reminder of the privileges of being a part of a Christian school like Trinity where we can be intentional with the spiritual development of our students in addition to the academic preparation.
Topics Discussed:
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?
PROGRESS LEARNING TESTING ROOMS
Please see the classroom lineup below to help ensure your child reports to the correct area on Wednesday and Thursday this week for our benchmark testing.
RM 401 = 6th Grade (A-B last name)
RM 402 = 6th Grade (C-G last name)
RM 403 = 6th Grade (G-L last name)
RM 404 = 6th Grade (L-S last name)
RM 405 = 6th Grade (S-Y last name)
RM 421 = 7th Grade (A-C last name)
RM 422 = 7th Grade (C-H last name)
RM 423 = 7th Grade (H-P last name)
RM 424 = 7th Grade (P-S last name)
RM 425 = 7th Grade (S-W last name)
RM 426 = 6th Grade (A-C last name)
RM 427 = 6th Grade (C-H last name)
RM 428 = 6th Grade (H-M last name)
Art RM = 6th Grade (M-S last name)
STEAM RM = 6th Grade (S-Z last name)
FUNDRAISING FOR DISNEY
HELP SUPPORT OUR 8TH GRADE TRIP
This is final week of the Holly Jolly Trolly…don’t forget to send in money if your child would like to enjoy a special Christmas treat this week!
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 12: Candy Cane Day (Red and White)
Tuesday, December 13: Christmas Sweater Day (regular or ugly) and Christmas Socks
Wednesday, December 14: Cozy Christmas Day (Pajamas)
Thursday, December 15: Holiday Cheer Day (Red and Green)
CEREAL COLLECTION FOR BACKBACK BUDDIES
This is the final week for collections. Please send in any cereal boxes by Wednesday 12/12.
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.