Keeping you plugged into the exciting things happening at the Middle School
Published January 15, 2023
Volume 158
Adam Vinson - Middle School Principal
A MESSAGE FROM MR. VINSON
We hope you enjoyed the long holiday weekend! Don’t forget your child will need to turn in all remote learning assignments (Thursday night’s homework) on Tuesday to avoid a late penalty. As we enter into Quarter 3, keep in mind that this season of the school year is historically challenging. The post-Christmas slump can be a real thing so be sure to stay on top of your child’s performance and keep encouraging them to do their very best. Join us in praying that the LORD will show Himself mighty over this 9-week period and that our students will accomplish great things for Him!
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
Coach Settle spoke to our students from II Chronicles 34 by highlighting the type of king that Josiah was in spite of his young age. Coach Settle reminded our students that the bulk of the Israelite kings were known for their wickedness, while a small minority were known for their casual faithfulness. Even less were known for their whole-hearted devotion to God. The challenge given to our students is to be the young man or woman of God that does not “turn aside to the right hand or to the left” but instead does what is “right in the eyes of the LORD.”
LIONS OF THE WEEK
6th Grade - Colton Withrow
7th Grade - Lucy King
8th Grade - Ian Bourque
MARK YOUR CALENDARS: UPCOMING MIDDLE SCHOOL DATES
January 18 - HOUSE COLOR Day
February 22 - G.R.A.C.E. Day (details coming soon)
February 23 - 90 Days to 9th Grade (details coming soon - for 8th grade only)
February 27-March 2 - 8th Grade Trip to Disney World
THIS WEEK’S MEMORY VERSE
Help your child learn their verses this week!
Romans 12:1-2a
v. 1 I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. v. 2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind.
Distinction Requirements:
Romans 12:2b – that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
6th Grade - Memorize v. 2b
7th Grade - Memorize v. 2b and quiz with no blanks
8th Grade - Memorize v. 2b, quiz with no blanks and write application paragraph
JANUARY 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: Personal Laptop
Principle: What gets put in is what will come out.
Lesson Summary: Our minds work like a computer. They only spit out the data they have been fed. Garbage in, garbage out. Leaders are disciplined about what they store in their mind and heart.
7th Monthly Habitude: The Velvet Covered Brick
Principle: Be soft with people and firm with values.
Lesson Summary: Good leaders possess both strength and sensitivity. They are tough and tender. They are soft on the outside (relational), but firm as a brick on the inside (principle-centered). Because they are emotionally secure, they’re able to handle confrontation, criticism and conflict in a healthy way.
8th Monthly Habitude: Sturdy Guardrails
Principle: Boundaries help keep us from poor decisions.
Lesson Summary: We often don’t notice guardrails until we need them. They keep us on the road during a curve or dangerous spot. Similarly, we must place guardrails in our lives—boundaries or people who keep us from damaging ourselves with poor decisions.
ACADEMIC QUIZ BOWL RUNNER-UPS
Congratulations to our middle school Academic Bowl Team who were the GAPPS runner-ups at their state competition this past week.
Team Members Include:
Samuel Leyimu, Caleb Walls, Caleb Goode, Will Lambert
Mia Pettersson, Alina Cola, Lila Chitwood, Audrey Williams
DON’T FORGET: COMMUNITY SERVICE HOURS
Don’t forget that all middle schoolers are required to complete 10 hours of community service by May 8. This semester will go by quickly so don’t delay in thinking through how your child can complete this requirement to give back to others!
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 1-5 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 through our Return to Academics program.
WHAT IF MY CHILD IS ABSENT 5+ DAYS? - Reach out to Kasey Hanson (Return to Academics Coordinator) so we can best determine a makeup plan for your child. Mrs. Hanson will help collect makeup work for you to simplify the process.
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.