Keeping you plugged into the exciting things happening at the Middle School
Published August 20, 2023
Volume 183
Adam Vinson - Middle School Principal
A MESSAGE FROM MR. VINSON
We are two weeks into the school year already, and we couldn’t be more thankful for the work that the LORD is already doing amongst our student body. This is a great group of kids, and we are anticipating a tremendous year of growth and development for each of them. Hopefully, you are starting to settle into the new year just like your child. If not, please reach out to our staff for assistance as we want the start off the new school year to be smooth for you, as a parent, too. Check out our list of administrative faculty below who can help support you with all of your needs throughout this year.
(pictured l to r) Mrs. Lanier, Miss. Walter, Mrs. McBurnett, Mr. Higgins, and Mrs. Hanson
MIDDLE SCHOOL ADMIN TEAM: WE ARE HERE TO HELP!
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.
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
MARK YOUR CALENDARS: UPCOMING MIDDLE SCHOOL DATES
Aug 21 - School Picture Day
Collared shirts required…TCS colors preferred
Aug 28 - House Color Day
Students are encouraged to wear a house color shirt
Normal dress code bottoms required
No hats!
Aug 31 - Favorite Football Team Spirit Day
Students may wear their favorite football team jersey or t-shirt
No hats except for TCS hats!
Sept 1 - Faculty Professional Development Day - NO SCHOOL
Sept 4 - Labor Day - NO SCHOOL
Sept 6-8 - 8th Grade Snowbird Field Trip
Sept 18-22 - Homecoming Week
LAST WEEK IN CHAPEL
Mr. Vinson kicked off the year with an emphasis on the culture we desire for our middle school student body. There are 3 areas of emphasis your child will hear mentioned over and over again this year as we seek to create a Christ-honoring culture for our students.
1. Emphasis #1 - Doing everything with excellence…aka “Fill it to the brim”
Just like the servants who filled the empty pitchers with water “to the brim” at the wedding in Cana (John 2) where Jesus workefd his first miracle, we want our students to give their best effort in all they are asked to do as well. “Filling it to the brim” is a key phrase in our middle school because we want our students pushing back against the tendency to do things half-heartedly.
2. Emphasis #2 - Doing everything with kindness (the Golden Rule)
While it’s common to hear that “kids at this age are just mean”, we desire a different experience at TCS. Our students are pushed to understand the call placed on their life as Christians to treat others in the ways they want to be treated. We want love and kindness to be the experience all of our students have here at TCS.
3. Emphasis #3 - Doing everything with purity (using the Bible as our guide)
Middle schoolers aren’t too young to treasure God’s Word. As Ps. 119 says, we want our students to use the Bible as their lamp/light for making choices and decisions each day. Particularly, we want our students to see the call God gives for purity in our thoughts, words, and actions.
Join us in emphasizing these same important truths at home! May all of our students learn to do everything with excellence, kindness, and purity.
LIONS OF THE WEEK:
Students who have been recognized by their teachers for setting a good example and making right choices during the school day.
6th Grade - Hollis Peck
7th Grade - Caden Blackwood
8th Grade - Mia Moreno
HOUSE FOCUS: THE ELLIOT HOUSE
Our House System at TCS is designed to introduce our elementary and middle school students to important historical Christian figures who exhibit character qualities that we hope to see exemplified in our own student body as well. This week, we are focusing on the ELLIOT HOUSE.
Character Trait to Remember :
BE READY TO FORGIVE AND LOVE YOUR ENEMIES
Who was Elisabeth Elliot? She was a missionary with her first husband, Jim Elliot, to the unreached Auca Indians in Ecuador. She continued to work with this tribe despite the fact that they murdered her husband.
Learn more about Elisabeth Elliot by watching the video we showed in chapel this week.
THIS WEEK’S MEMORY VERSE:
As you may notice, our 4th-8th graders memorize the same verses each year. These memory verses are selected intentionally based on the promises and truths they contain that are so relevant for our students as they learn to follow Jesus. Our hope is that these 20 verses will be remembered for years to come after being memorized for multiple years in Upper Elementary and Middle School.
Ephesians 2:8-9
v.8 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, v.9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast.
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. 10 as well
7th Grade Students - Memorize v. 10 and be prepared to take your quiz with no blanks provided
8th Grade Students - Memorize v. 10, and be prepared to take your quiz with no blanks provided and write an application paragraph for the verses
***DISTINCTION EXTRA VERSE****
Ephesians 2:10 – For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.
AUGUST 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: The Iceberg
Principle: Influence is 10% skill, 90% character
Lesson Summary: The Iceberg represents your leadership. The 10% above the water is your skill. The 90% below the water is your character. It’s what’s below the surface that sinks the ship.
7th Monthly Habitude: Lightning Rods
Principle: Embrace criticism while redirecting negativity
Lesson Summary: A lightning rod protects a building by safely taking the strike and grounding it. It channels the impact of that strike to a safe place. Leaders handle anger and criticism in a similar way. They take the heat for the team, and they find appropriate outlets for their own anger.
8th Monthly Habitude: A Bridge Not a Wall
Principle: Build bridges of trust with others who are different
Lesson Summary: Each of us encounters new and different people through life. Our natural inclination is to see differences and put up a wall. We’re prone to distrust. We must consciously build bridges that can bear the weight of honest disclosure.
MEET OUR NEW MIDDLE SCHOOL FACULTY
7th/8th GIRLS PE TEACHER
Born in Raleigh, NC, Lady Grooms considers Atlanta her home due to her frequent relocations growing up as a military child. She earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Georgia and had an illustrious basketball career, playing professionally in Europe and the WNBA. After retiring from basketball, she became a WNBA scout and coach. Lady began her teaching career at Arlington Christian School in 2009, where she discovered a passion for coaching. Later, she moved to Greater Atlanta Christian School, achieving success in both coaching and teaching while growing in her faith. Driven by her ministry to guide students and build their character through basketball, Lady continued her coaching tenure at Landmark Christian School, consistently improving the team's performance. Recently, Lady made the decision to join Trinity Christian School. The school's Christian focus and vibrant atmosphere resonated with her, and she knew it was the ideal community for herself and her daughter. They are eagerly looking forward to becoming part of the TCS family. With her profound experience in basketball and her genuine passion for teaching, Lady Grooms is excited to inspire and lead students on their athletic and spiritual journeys at Trinity Christian School.
MIDDLE SCHOOL ART TEACHER
Ansley Boone is thrilled to teach Art to Upper Elementary and Middle School students this year. She is a devoted mother of three boys, Tucker (11th grade), Sawyer (10th grade), and Cooper (7th grade), who she passionately cheers on at football games every weekend. Living in Moreland, she enjoys outdoor activities like hiking, ziplining, and rafting. Traveling with her sons has become a recent passion. She feels grateful that her family became part of the Trinity community, which values supporting each other and sharing the love of Jesus with the children. Ansley majored in Art and Design with a focus on painting. Having been a 2nd-grade teacher assistant for the past two years, Ansley felt a calling to pursue teaching further. Ansley sees teaching as a divine calling and a way to share her love for Jesus with her students. Working at Trinity has been fulfilling, and she is excited to be given the opportunity to share her artistic passion and encourage her students to pursue their creativity in ways that honor Jesus.
8TH GRADE BIBLE TEACHER
Brian Overholtzer was born and raised in Long Beach, California. He met his wife at Bible College, where Brian pursued Biblical Languages (Greek and Hebrew) and Elizabeth studied missions. Together, they have two children, ages 3 and 1. They enjoy family activities such as hiking, walking, swimming, reading, and watching movies and TV shows. Brian has a passion for writing, researching, and preaching.
Brian's teaching experience includes instructing 9th graders in Old Testament studies for two years in Anchorage, Alaska. He holds ACSI certification as a Bible Specialist and has attained a Masters of Divinity. Currently, he is embarking on a research Masters of Theology in preparation for a PhD in the Old Testament.
Teaching is Brian's true calling, and he firmly believes that the Lord has gifted him in this area. His deepest desire for his students aligns with Paul's prayer in Ephesians 1:15: "that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him." This focus on Bible-centered education drew him to Trinity Christian School, where he is excited to be a part of the community.
8TH GRADE HISTORY TEACHER
Chris Bass, a native of Newnan, Georgia, has deep roots in the community, graduating from Newnan High School in 2000. He furthered his education at the University of Alabama, earning a BA degree in 2004. With four decades of active involvement in Newnan and Coweta County, Chris has become an integral part of the area. As the eldest son of Blake and Lila Bass, he takes immense pride in being a devoted father to Ethan (15) and Maggie (11). Beyond his teaching role, Chris is involved in youth athletics, coaching baseball for the Newnan Youth Athletic Association and football for the Coweta County Recreation Department for the past 12 years. An avid sports fan, he cherishes attending Alabama's Crimson Tide football games and passionately supports the Atlanta Braves. In his leisure time, Chris enjoys hunting, golfing, and religiously follows the Augusta Masters. Chris' love for Georgia's history and its captivating landscapes inspires his eagerness to teach 8th grade Georgia history at Trinity. He aims to enrich his students' lives with a Godly and Biblical worldview, impacting both Georgia's history and their everyday experiences. Devoted to his students' success, Chris prioritizes inclusivity, rigor, and immersive teaching. He is dedicated to nurturing young minds at TCS, empowering them to thrive academically and spiritually.
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.
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.
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
WHO? - Rising 8th graders.
WHEN? - Sept 6-8
WHERE? - Andrews, NC (www.swoutfitters.com)
COST? - $175 (includes travel,, food, recreation)
QUESTIONS? - (adam.vinson@tcslions.org)
Don’t forget…you must register with Snowbird. Use the details in the email from Mr. Vinson to guide you.
Make your payment now on Blackbaud too!
CHECK OUT THE WHAT TO BRING LIST too!
***EXCLUSIVE MIDDLE SCHOOL SPIRIT WEAR ITEMS***
Check out the link below for accessing BRAND NEW middle school spiritwear!
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: 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.