Keeping you plugged into the exciting things happening at the Middle School
Published April 23, 2023
Volume 171
Adam Vinson - Middle School Principal
A MESSAGE FROM MR. VINSON
As we come to the end of April and look towards May, be sure to reference all of the important information related to events, performances and end of year programs. In the coming weeks, more details will be posted to help make sure you are prepared. We have a lot going on as we prepare to celebrate the completion of this school year so don’t miss out!
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 I Corinthians 10:31, reminding them that all we do is to be done for His glory. Coach Settle pointed out that just as we put time, attention and effort into mastering our interests and hobbies, we must work hard to understand God’s Word so we can rightly apply it in all situations of our life.
LIONS OF THE WEEK
6th Grade - Sammi Fasogbon
7th Grade - Camden Shirley
8th Grade - Josh Cobb
TALENT SHOW
Don’t forget, if you would like to show off your talents in this year’s show, you need to complete the form below. The MS Talent Show will take place during school hours on Wednesday, May 3.
SIGN UP FORM: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfDi1isYALzpUGdXLuULHh71ML0Zlnpfq_Xddod1BdKXD0SYQ/viewform
MARK YOUR CALENDARS: UPCOMING MIDDLE SCHOOL DATES
MontMonth of April = Middle School Dodgeball Tournament
April 27-28 = 6th Grade Chattanooga/Huntsville Trip
May 3 = MS Talent Show
May 8-9 = Progress Learning Testing
May 9 = 8th Grade Dance
May 15-16 = IOWA Standardized Testing
THIS WEEK’S MEMORY VERSE
Matthew 28:19-20
v. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, v. 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.
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. 18 as well
7th Grade Students - Memorize v. 18 and be prepared to take your quiz with no blanks provided
8th Grade Students - Memorize v. 18, and be prepared to take your quiz with no blanks provided and write an application paragraph for the verses
Matthew 28:18 – And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.”
APRIL 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: Discipline Bridge
Principle: Personal discipline is the bridge to the goal.
Lesson Summary: Leaders don’t build character without crossing the bridge of discipline. Personal discipline is like a bridge that crosses from where you are to where you want to be. It gets you where you want to go.
7th Monthly Habitude: Tightrope Walker
Principle: Leaders build trust through competence.
Lesson Summary: It’s easy to watch a tightrope walker; it’s another thing to trust him enough to climb on his back. Our world is full of people who don’t trust others. Good leaders build trust through competence. They recognize the difference between being liked as a friend and being followed as a leader.
8th Monthly Habitude: ATTITUDE: Tank Half Full or Empty?
Principle: Replace discontentment with dissatisfaction.
Lesson Summary: It’s an age-old question: Is it half-empty or half-full? The answer is both, depending on whether you’re emptying it or filling it. In life, we must replace discontentment, where we see things as half-empty, with dissatisfaction, where we strive to fill things more.
8TH GRADE DANCE: DRESS UP YOUR DENIM
Our 8th grade dance is coming Tuesday, May 9 from 6:30-8:30pm at The Gathering Place and outside patio. This event is designed to be an “end of year” party, a last rodeo for our TCS 8th graders. Please note that dates are not permitted. Instead, we encourage our students to come and enjoy a night of country-themed fun as a group social. More details to come, but mark your calendars now.
DRESS CODE: Students are encouraged to come in their “dressed up” country attire. Denim is appropriate. Dresses are allowed.
FOOD: We will have drinks and snacks. (Parents will be encouraged to sign up to help provide.)
COST: $10 - details for how to sign up coming soon
ATTENTION RISING 6th - 8th GRADE ARTISTS
Do you think you have what it takes to join the middle school advanced art class?
Please fill out this Google Form and submit your artwork no later than Friday, April 28th to Mrs. Hackworth.
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.