Keeping you plugged into the exciting things happening at the Middle School
Published August 13, 2023
Volume 182
Adam Vinson - Middle School Principal
A MESSAGE FROM MR. VINSON
Week 1 was a huge success! We have thoroughly enjoyed having your children back on campus. We spent much of the first week learning new policies and procedures while also enjoying a little fun too! As we head into Week 2, let me encourage you to stay up to date on your child’s progress academically. Blackbaud is our learning management system at TCS and serves as a great resource for staying informed about lesson plans, assignments, and grades. Use the guidance below for accessing this important information throughout the school year.
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 “Topics” section for each of your child’s classes.
HOMEWORK: Need to know what assignments your child should be completing at home? Check the “Topics” section for each of your child’s classes.
GRADES/PROGRESS: Need to know how your child did on their last assessment? Check the “Grade Detail” section for each of your child’s classes.
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
We are kicking off our chapel season this upcoming week.
LIONS OF THE WEEK:
Coming Soon!
MARK YOUR CALENDARS: UPCOMING MIDDLE SCHOOL DATES
August 21st - PICTURE DAY - More details to come soon
September 1st - REMOTE LEARNING DAY - No School
September 4th - SCHOOL HOLIDAY - No School
Sept 6-8 - 8th Grade Snowbird Field Trip
Romans 8:28
v. 28 And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.
Bible Distinction Opportunity: Middle School Students ONLY
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. 29 as well
7th Grade Students - Memorize v. 29 and be prepared to take your quiz with no blanks provided
8th Grade Students - Memorize v. 29, and be prepared to take your quiz with no blanks provided and write an application paragraph for the verses
Romans 8:29 – For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.
BEGINNING OF YEAR BENCHMARK TESTING
As we kickoff the new school year, our students will be participating in benchmark testing at various times throughout the first two weeks of school. Students will be assessed in both ELA and Math to help inform the instruction for each class section this semester. Students will test in both December and May as well, to show areas of growth and improvement over the course of this school year.
SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE UPCOMING SCHOOL YEAR
Check out suggested options and school-related opportunities below if you are looking for ways that your child can complete the required 10 hours by May 2024. 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.
TCS Opportunity - Cafeteria Cleaning Team - To help with the transition between lunches, we are looking for volunteers to help clear tables and pick up any remaining trash at the end of lunch each day to ensure our middle schoolers leave the cafeteria in manageable shape for our hard working lunch ladies. Students may complete their required hours by serving each week. Email Dylan Higgins (dylan.higgins@tcslions.org) if you would like to sign your child up. Note: Space is limited so signing up does not guarantee a spot. Mr. Higgins will reach out to you specifically if your child is selected to participate on this team.
COMMUNITY OPPORTUNITY - On Saturday, August 26, RiverLife will be organizing a community-wide Serve Day for Coweta County. Here's the idea: If every church, every group, every organization, every school in our community pulled together for ONE DAY to show love to our neighbors - what kind of impact would it have?
Register as an individual, family, or group here
Choose a project.
Join other groups at Greenville Street Park at 8:00AM for the kick-off event.
Go make a difference!
Share your #Serve story
8TH GRADE SPIRITUAL RETREAT: SNOWBIRD OUTFITTERS
SIGN UP HERE - https://forms.gle/yhx3V9Aigd2vPtu29
*Note: Please complete the form to indicate YES or NO about your 8th grader’s plans for attending the trip. Students who do not attend will need to remain home from school during the trip dates as there will be no classes for 8th grade on campus.
WHO? - Rising 8th graders.
WHEN? - Sept 6-8
WHERE? - Snowbird Outfitters in Andrews, NC (www.swoutfitters.com)
COST? - $175 (includes transportation, food, recreation)
QUESTIONS? - Email Mr. Vinson (adam.vinson@tcslions.org)
***EXCLUSIVE MIDDLE SCHOOL SPIRIT WEAR ITEMS***
Check out the link below for accessing middle school t-shirts and hoodies for this upcoming school year! Remember, students can wear these spirit wear items EVERY DAY of the week.
MIDDLE SCHOOL RESOURCES
HOUSE SYSTEM COMPETITION
Check out who is leading the competition at www.tcshouses.weebly.com.
23/24 SCHOOL CALENDAR: Stay in the know about upcoming breaks and holidays.
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 2024.
THRIVAL GUIDE: Learn more about how to not just survive, but “thrive” during middle school at TCS with thoughts and tips from our team.
GENERAL REMINDERS
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 “Topics” section for each of your child’s classes.
HOMEWORK: Need to know what assignments your child should be completing at home? Check the “Topics” section for each of your child’s classes.
GRADES/PROGRESS: Need to know how your child did on their last assessment? Check the “Grade Detail” section for each of your child’s classes.
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 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.