Keeping you plugged into the exciting things happening at the Middle School
Published March 5, 2023
Volume 165
Adam Vinson - Middle School Principal
A MESSAGE FROM MR. VINSON
Our first grade level trip of the year was a major success as the 8th graders had an awesome experience at Disney World last week! Students had the chance to participate in science classes while enjoying the parks each day! It was fascinating to see how the physics concepts being learned in our 8th grade science classes play a major role in the design of amusement park rides. Next up, we have our 7th grade Creation Museum/Ark Trip coming at the end of March and then our 6th grade trip to Chattanooga/Huntsville at the end of April. We are so thankful for the time outside the normal classroom to connect with our students and to help connect them with real world experiences.
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
In chapel, Mr. Higgins shared that the heavens declare God's order (Jeremiah 31:35), God's glory (Psalm 19:1), and God's authority (Job 38:31). He directed the students to see that, when things seem chaotic and out of control in our lives, God has a plan and He remains in control and can be fully trusted.
LIONS OF THE WEEK
6th Grade - Adeline New
7th Grade - Erik Hickey
8th Grade - Braeden Staffins
MARK YOUR CALENDARS: UPCOMING MIDDLE SCHOOL DATES
March 14 = Pi Day (details to come from math teachers)
March 15 = Spring Picture Day
March 16 = St. Patrick’s Dress Down Day (jeans with green)
March 17 = Remote Learning Day
March 22 = House Color Day
March 29-31 = 7th Grade Ark Encounter/Creation Museum Trip
THIS WEEK’S MEMORY VERSE
Psalm 119:9-11
v. 9 How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to your word.
v. 10 With my whole heart I seek you; let me not wander from your commandments!
v. 11 I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.
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. 12-13 as well
7th Grade Students - Memorize v. 12-13 and be prepared to take your quiz with no blanks provided
8th Grade Students - Memorize v. 12-13, and be prepared to take your quiz with no blanks provided and write an application paragraph for the verses
Psalm 119:12-13 – Blessed are you, O LORD; teach me your statutes! With my lips I declare all the rules of your mouth.
MARCH 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: Emotional Fuel
Principle: Our future is shaped by those closest to us.
Lesson Summary: A leader’s future is shaped by the people closest to him or her. A leader’s personal network is his emotional fuel: his models, heroes, mentors, inner circle, and accountability partners.
7th Monthly Habitude: The Waldorf Principle
Principle: Servant leadership gains influence with others.
Lesson Summary: The way to the top with people is by serving them extravagantly and sacrificially. A simple clerk did this to Mr. Waldorf, and the rich tycoon returned to make that clerk his first hotel manager in New York. People expect good service from leaders. They are surprised when we serve sacrificially.
8th Monthly Habitude: Flight Delay
Principle: Learn to calibrate expectations.
Lesson Summary: Experienced travelers know they’re not in complete control. Delays occur, storms erupt and interruptions happen. Similarly, we must calibrate our expectations, manage disappointments and be realistic about the speed and ease of our lives.
REMOTE LEARNING DAY: MARCH 17
Mark your calendars, if you haven’t already, for our next upcoming Remote Learning Day on Friday, March 17. Students will be provided with grade-level appropriate work for the day during the week of March 13.
MAY HAPPENINGS
The month of May is always busy with end of the year events. Keep checking back in this section for details leading up to the end of the school year.
May 1 = Orchestra Concert
May 2 = Band Concert
May 3 = MS Talent Show (during school)
May 8-9 = Progress Learning Testing
May 9 = 8th Grade Dance (TCS Campus)
May 11 = Chorus Concert
May 15-16 = IOWA Standardized Testing
LAST WEEK OF SCHOOL (Note: Each day will be a full day of school - 8th graders will be finished with required school on Tuesday, May 23)
Monday, May 22 - 6th Grade Skating Party
Tuesday, May 23 - 8th Grade Graduation (6pm - TCS Gym)
Wednesday, May 24 - 7th Grade Bowling Party
Thursday, May 25 - 6th/7th Awards Program (1:30pm - only parents of students receiving a reward to attend due to parking/seating capacity)
DO YOU HAVE A COMMUNITY SERVICE PLAN?
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. Please also notify the nursing team to make them aware of surgeries or long-term illnesses at nurses@tcslions.org.
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.