Inside the Pride Middle School News - Volume 189

Keeping you plugged into the exciting things happening at the Middle School

Published October 1, 2023

Volume 189

 

Adam Vinson - Middle School Principal

 

A MESSAGE FROM MR. VINSON

We are in the final week of Quarter 1 and looking forward to the upcoming Fall Break. Don’t forget we have a Remote Learning Day this Friday. Please be sure to reference Blackbaud to understand your child’s assignments for the day. As always, your child’s Remote Learning work will be due on the day we return from break. In addition, as we begin finalizing report cards for Q1, our staff will be in touch regarding any particular academic struggles that have not been worked out already over the start of the school year. We have a desire to make sure each of our students is supported appropriately, so please know we will plan to reach out to you to review your child’s performance in Q1 if needed.


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

  • Oct 6 - Remote Learning Day

  • Oct 9 - Fall Break

  • Oct 13 - Picture Retakes

  • Oct 13 - 6th/7th Retreat to Camp Rockridge


LAST WEEK IN CHAPEL

Mr. Vinson spoke to our students from Philippians 4:6-7 and shared with them keys to dealing with worry and anxiety in life. He shared how communication (praying to God), content (focusing on truth) and community (following the example of spiritual mentors) are the prescriptions given by the apostle Paul for overcoming worry.


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 - Pierce Ziobro 

  • 7th Grade - Tristan Drangle

  • 8th Grade - Lily Smelly


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. 

Proverbs 3:5-7

v. 5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.    v. 6 In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. v. 7 Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD, and turn away from evil.

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. 3-4 as well

  • 7th Grade Students - Memorize v. 3-4 and be prepared to take your quiz with no blanks provided

  • 8th Grade Students - Memorize v. 3-4 and be prepared to take your quiz with no blanks provided and write an application paragraph for the verses

***DISTINCTION EXTRA VERSE****

Proverbs 3:3-4 – Let not steadfast love and faithfulness forsake you; bind them around your neck; write them on the tablet of your heart. So you will find favor and good success in the sight of God and man.


OCTOBER 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 Oversized Gift

    • Principle: Giftedness must be balanced with character.

    • Lesson Summary: Leaders are often gifted. They can begin to depend on their gift for success, to the neglect of their character. They begin to “wing it.” Leaders sabotage themselves when their gift is bigger than they are. 

  • 7th Monthly Habitude: Pocket Change

    • Principle:  Earn credibility through integrity and wisdom.

    • Lesson Summary: Leaders earn credibility with others by displaying integrity and making wise decisions. This puts emotional change in their pocket and enhances their influence. If leaders fail to do this, they will lose the change in their pocket with people. Leaders are constantly filling or emptying their pockets.

  • 8th Monthly Habitude: Tollbooths or Roadblocks

    • Principle: See challenges as an opportunity to grow.

    • Lesson Summary: In life, some challenges require us to rise to the occasion. Many are unavoidable. They will either become tollbooths we progress through, or roadblocks. Sometimes it’s like a one-way road—you can only go one direction. We must pay the toll.


OPTIONAL HOUSE COLOR T-SHIRTS

We have had several parents request the option to purchase House shirts to wear on House Color Days. We are excited to announce that we have partnered with Graceful Peach Boutique to offer shirts for Elliot, Lewis, Nee, Robinson and Wycliffe houses! Check out the link below and order your optional shirt today if you are looking for something to wear on House Color Day. 

Our next scheduled House Color Day is October 20!

https://www.gracefulpeachboutique.com/collections/special-order


COMMUNITY SERVICE REMINDER

Don’t forget your child’s Community Service Form will be due May 2024. 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. 

23/24 Community Service Form


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.


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.


(pictured l to r) Mrs. Lanier, Miss. Walter, Mrs. McBurnett, Mr. Higgins, and Mrs. Hanson

Check out our list of administrative faculty below who can help support you with all of your needs throughout this year.

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.