Keeping you plugged into the exciting things happening at the Middle School
Published July 9, 2023
Volume 177
Adam Vinson - Middle School Principal
I hope each of you is enjoying Summer Break and making tons of memories with your family and friends. As we look to the upcoming 2023-2o24 school year, we are trusting the LORD and all of the plans He is making for this upcoming year. In the coming weeks, please make sure to read the Inside the Pride newsletter to stay informed about new information we will be releasing to help you prepare for the start of school. For our new families, our goal is to provide you with all of the weekly, pertinent information you need all year long in our school-wide newsletter. So be sure to check out each issue on Sunday evenings!
LOOKING AHEAD TO THE 2023-2024 SCHOOL YEAR
While we still have a month of Summer Break to enjoy, we know you are getting anxious to know more about the upcoming year. Over the next several weeks we will be releasing more and more information to help you prepare. Check out some reminders below related to information we shared at the beginning of the summer, along with some new information as well.
NEW INFO - NEW DRESS CODE OPTIONS FOR 2023-2024
While our dress code requirements are not changing, we are providing additional flexibility for our students this year. Students will now be permitted to wear approved TCS spirit wear, including TCS t-shirts, every day of the week! Jeans may also be worn every day of the week if worn with a TCS branded polo or spirit wear t-shirt. Check out all of the dress code guidelines in the updated student handbook.
NEW INFO - ***EXCLUSIVE MIDDLE SCHOOL SPIRIT WEAR ITEMS***
In next week’s issue we will be providing an order form for you to purchase this year’s uniquely designed TCS Middle School t-shirts and hoodies! Remember, these items can be worn every day of the week this year!
SUPPLY LISTS FOR 2023-2024
Here is our most current supply list for the upcoming year.
STUDENT SCHEDULES FOR 2023-2o24
We are about halfway done with creating schedules and hope to release your child’s specific schedule in the coming weeks. If for some reason you have not yet submitted your child’s elective requests, please do so through the forms below.
*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 23-24 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!
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
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.
DAILY SCHEDULE
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 this upcoming 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
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)
OFFICIAL SIGN-UPS COMING SOON!!!!!
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.