Keeping you plugged into the exciting things happening at the Middle School
Published May 28, 2023
Volume 176
Adam Vinson - Middle School Principal
HOUSE CUP CHAMPION
Congratulations to this year’s House Cup Winner…the Lewis House!
LOOKING AHEAD TO THE 2023-2024 SCHOOL YEAR
Summer Break is here and a well deserved rest has finally arrived for each of our students. As we begin this season of vacation, use the information provided below to answer questions you may have about next year. We are excited about a variety of changes that we hope will improve upon the experience your child is already receiving here at TCS. Be on the lookout for even more specific information related to the start of the school year once the Inside the Pride newsletter returns in July.
FINAL REPORT CARDS
Report cards will be available on Blackbaud on June 5th at 8:00am. Please log in to tcslions.myschoolapp.com, click on your student in the top left hand corner, and then under "Performance" you will see "Report Cards" listed. Please click on "Report Cards" to view your student's report card.
SUMMER READING OPPORTUNITIES
There is NO REQUIRED SUMMER READING, but our team has put together a list of suggested books and resources if your child would like to continue reading over the summer. Students who read 3 books from the suggested list will receive an incentive the first week we are back in August. Check out our suggested list here.
SUMMER MATH WORK
Use this document to review information from Mrs. Paige Whitaker, our Math Curriculum Coordinator, regarding grade level skills your child may need to work on over the summer to ensure a smooth transition for next year. These suggestions are great for parents looking to reinforce concepts over the summer or for those just looking to keep their child sharp over the break.
COMMUNITY SERVICE HOURS FOR 2023-2024
Don’t forget, your child can earn community service hours this summer that count towards next year’s requirements. As a reminder, middle school students need 10 hours of service prior to May 6, 2024 to receive full credit. You can access the form for recording hours as well as learn more specific information about the requirements here.
SUPPLY LISTS FOR 2023-2024
Here are the preliminary supply lists for next year for those wanting to get a jump start on purchasing items. Please note that additional items may be added with a finalized list being communicated in the next issue of Inside the Pride in July.
DAILY SCHEDULE FOR 2023-2024
We are making a few adjustments to our daily schedule for next year with a goal of increasing our instructional time (a big request from teachers) while also finding ways to increase our discipleship efforts as well. Check our anticipated schedule for next year below.
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday
8:00-8:50 1st Period
8:55-9:45 2nd Period
9:50-10:40 3rd Period
10:45-11:20 Lunch
11:25-12:15 4th Period
12:20-1:10 5th Period
1:15-2:10 6th Period (w/Snack Time)
2:15-2:45 7th Period (electives)
2:50 Dismissal
Wednesday (Chapel Day)
8:00-8:20 D-Groups (divided by Houses)
8:25-9:00 Chapel
9:05-9:50 2nd Period
9:55-10:40 3rd Period
10:45-11:20 Lunch
11:25-12:10 4th Period
12:15-1:00 5th Period
1:05-1:55 6th Period (w/Snack Time)
2:00-2:45 1st Period
2:50 Dismissal
As you can see, we will no longer have FLEX class in the middle of the day in order to give our students a little longer in the lunch room as we transition to all students eating SAGE. In addition, we are adding discipleship groups next year that we are excited about as well. Our D-Groups will be utilized for building relationships between students and teachers with a spiritual emphasis. These discipleship groups will help prepare our students for chapel each week as well. D-Groups will function in a similar fashion as FLEX has in previous years in that students will be paired with a teacher for their duration of middle school in order to provide a specific point person for supporting your child. In addition, our D-Groups will coincide with the House your child is assigned to for our House Competition. Learn more about our House System here.
STUDENT SCHEDULES FOR 2023-2o24
We will spend most of the month of June working on student schedules with a plan on releasing individual schedules by the end of July in anticipation of our Meet the Teacher Day on August 7. Thank you for your patience as we work to get each student schedule correct. Please make sure you have completed class preference forms if you have not done so already to aid us in building your child’s schedule.
*NOTE: The forms above reflect Performing Arts classes (Band, Chorus, Orchestra) as meeting 3 days a week with no additional elective choices being possible. We have made a change that will allow students who select a Performing Arts class to have 1 additional elective. IF YOUR CHILD IS WANTING TO TAKE BAND, CHORUS, OR ORCHESTRA, please email me (adam.vinson@tcslions.org) directly for an alternate form that will allow your child to take Band, Chorus or Orchestra with an additional elective as well.
AUGUST BACK TO SCHOOL EVENTS
Mark your calendars now for our 2023-2o24 kickoff events to the new school year!
Sunday, August 6: WELCOME TO THE ROAR = a block party style event for all of our new and returning TCS families
Monday, August 7: MEET MY TEACHER DAY = an opportunity to walk through schedules, meet teachers, etc.
Tuesday, August 8: FIRST DAY OF CLASSES = the new school year begins!
8TH GRADE SPIRITUAL RETREAT: SNOWBIRD OUTFITTERS
For all of our rising 8th graders, mark your calendars now for our annual 8th grade retreat to Andrews, NC.
WHEN? - Sept 6-8
WHERE? - Snowbird Outfitters in Andrews, NC (www.swoutfitters.com)
COST? - $175 (includes transportation, food, recreation)
DID YOU MISS OUR NEW STUDENT ORIENTATION?
Check out the link below to our middle school orientation meeting from the beginning of May.
LOOKING AHEAD TO THE JULY EDITIONS OF INSIDE THE PRIDE
While the above information will help prepare you for the start of the school year, there is more information to come as we get closer to August. Check out the preview list below of additional items that will be covered in upcoming issues of Inside the Pride.
MS Spirit Wear Options - we will be offering our annual t-shirts and sweatshirts that are unique to Middle School. Stay tuned for designed and ordering instructions.
Lockers and Chromebooks - we will give you guidance on how your child will obtain both for the upcoming school year.
Chromebook Insurance - we will give you optional purchasing opportunities for how to protect your child’s Chromebook from accidental damages.
MUCH MUCH MORE
MIDDLE SCHOOL RESOURCES
23/24 SCHOOL CALENDAR: Stay in the know about upcoming breaks and holidays.
THRIVAL GUIDE: Learn more about how to not just survive, but “thrive” during middle school at TCS with thoughts and tips from our team.
SUMMER CONTACT LIST
MIDDLE SCHOOL ADMINISTRATION
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 Skills Development - Jenn Opsahl (jennifer.opsahl@tcslions.org)
Mrs. Opsahl oversees our Skills Development Program.