Keeping you plugged into the exciting things happening at the Middle School
Published March 12, 2023
Volume 166
Adam Vinson - Middle School Principal
A MESSAGE FROM MR. VINSON
Don’t forget we have a short week coming up with our Remote Learning Day on Friday, March 17. All remote learning assignments should be turned in when we return to the classroom on Monday, March 20. Also, this is the final week of Q3 so help encourage your child to finish strong over these final few days. The actual grading period will end on Wednesday, March 15, and report cards will be made available on Monday, March 27. Keep reminding your child of the sowing/reaping principle found in Galatians 6:9! Don’t give up!
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 from Psalm 119:9-11 (this week’s memory verse) and emphasized the importance of memorizing Scripture, not for the purpose of passing a quiz, but instead for the purpose of fighting sin and obeying God. The phrase “what we know will determine how we go” was used to reinforce the biblical idea that what we know about God (His character, His promises, etc.) will help determine how we go throughout each day. By memorizing the Bible, the Holy Spirit will help us recall important truths to fight through temptation and navigate challenging circumstances as they come. May our kids embrace a love for God’s Word by memorizing it well!
LIONS OF THE WEEK
6th Grade - Emmy Roth
7th Grade - Asher Griffith
8th Grade - Jaxon Archibald
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.
SPRING PICTURES: MARCH 15
Students are allowed to wear spring attire for pictures, but be sure to keep within our dress code guidelines.
Tops/Dresses may not have spaghetti-type straps.
Shorts/Skirts may be worn, but must adhere to the guidelines of no more than 3 inches above the knee.
Jeans may be worn WITHOUT rips/holes.
The following should NOT be worn: flip flops, tank tops, strapless or low cut tops.
ST. PATRICK’S DAY DRESS DOWN
Students are encouraged to wear green with jeans on Thursday, May 16 (since we won’t be at school for St. Patrick’s Day). Students may also wear green with normal dress code pants/shorts.
REMOTE LEARNING DAY: MARCH 17
Here are the plans for our upcoming Remote Learning Day on Friday, March 17.
Middle School (6th-8th)
1 assignment per class (Bible, English, History, Math, and Science) = 5 total
Assignments will be weighted as .5 in the grade book.
These assignments will be the first grades entered for Q4.
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.