Keeping you plugged into the exciting things happening at the Middle School
Published March 26, 2023
Volume 168
Adam Vinson - Middle School Principal
A MESSAGE FROM MR. VINSON
Spring is here, and we are excited about all that is taking place on our campus. Our students have had lots of opportunities recently to showcase their talents in the areas of academics, athletics and performing arts. We are so proud of all the ways our students are pointing others to Jesus as they use their gifts for His glory.
Don’t forget to check Blackbaud this Monday afternoon to view your child’s Q3 report card grades. Our students have worked hard over the past 9 weeks and should be celebrated for the fruits of their labor. As we look to this final quarter, there is going to be a lot of excitement as we trend towards the end of the year. Be on the lookout for coming information related to field trips, class parties and other end of year celebrations.
As always, if you have any questions or concerns related to middle school, don’t hesitate to reach out to me. It is a joy to serve your family as the middle school principal.
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
Pastor BJ Cobb from First Baptist Senoia taught our students from Matthew 8:23-9:8 by taking a deeper look at Jesus’ authority over nature, demons and sin. Using the 3 different stories, Pastor BJ challenged our students regarding the type of response they have towards Jesus.
LIONS OF THE WEEK
6th Grade - Hannah Cobb
7th Grade - Alex Cornwell
8th Grade - Brie Todhunte
MARK YOUR CALENDARS: UPCOMING MIDDLE SCHOOL DATES
March 29-31 = 7th Grade Ark Encounter/Creation Museum Trip
COMING SOON = Middle School Dodgeball Tournament
April 11 and 18 = Bible Bowl
April 19 = House Color Day
April 27-28 = 6th Grade Chattanooga/Huntsville Trip
THIS WEEK’S MEMORY VERSE
Hebrews 10:23-24
v. 23 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. v. 24 And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works.
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
Hebrews 10:25 – not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.
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.
EPIC DODGEBALL TOURNAMENT
Our 3rd annual “Epic Dodgeball Tournament” is just around the corner. Information will be released at chapel this week so that students can begin forming their teams in order to complete registration. Once we return from Spring Break, we will begin playing matches regularly until we crown this year’s CHAMPION!
7TH GRADE OVERNIGHT EXPERIENCE
Our trip to the Creation Museum and Ark Encounter is finally here! We cannot wait to enjoy this incredible experience with our students this week. Be sure to double check all of the information emailed to you by Mrs. McBurnett as your child packs and makes final preparations.
Reminder: Students who are not attending the trip will not attend school for those 3 days but do have a project to complete (see email from Mrs. Hasty).
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.