Keeping you plugged into the exciting things happening at the Middle School
Published October 29, 2023
Volume 193
Adam Vinson - Middle School Principal
A MESSAGE FROM MR. VINSON
As we look towards the end of this semester, we know many of you will start making plans for Christmas Break. Please keep in mind that we will have school through Thursday, December 14 with a Remote Learning Day on December 15. While that last week of school often incorporates Christmas celebrations and parties, our middle schoolers will have mid-course assessments taking place that week as well. Please plan accordingly as students who miss time that last week of school will still need to make up those missing assessments. We anticipate our final mid-course assessment being taken by Wednesday, December 13 with that last day of the semester, Thursday, December 14, being class Christmas parties and other end of the semester fun activities.
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
Nov 7 - Family Night
Nov 13 - 6th/7th Trip to Camp Rockridge (rescheduled)
Nov 16 - House Color/Competition Day
LAST WEEK IN CHAPEL
Mr. Vinson spoke to our students on the resurrection of Jesus and the hope of His return from both Acts 17 and I John 3. Using the illustration of how some people believe in things that seem far-fetched (like Bigfoot) while having that belief impact their life in little to no way, the resurrection of Jesus is way different. Not only is it not far-fetched to believe Jesus is alive based on the empty tomb, 500+ witnesses, and changed lives of the disciples, the truth of the historical resurrection must have an impact on our lives. We even had a “Bigfoot” show up in chapel to help drive home the lesson!
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 - Jonah Bethea
7th Grade - Timothy Savoy
8th Grade - Tate Strealy
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.
I Peter 5:8-9
v. 8 Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. v. 9 Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world.
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. 6-7 as well
7th Grade Students - Memorize v. 6-7 and be prepared to take your quiz with no blanks provided
8th Grade Students - Memorize v. 6-7 and be prepared to take your quiz with no blanks provided and write an application paragraph for the verses
***DISTINCTION EXTRA VERSE****
I Peter 5:6-7 – Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, 7 casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.
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: Fun House Mirror
Principle: Our level of integrity reflects who we are.
Lesson Summary: Carnivals often have mirrors that distort how we really look. Poor leaders do this, pretending or posing to be better than they really are. Our level of integrity is the true reflection of who we are.
7th Monthly Habitude: The Gardener’s Job
Principle: Healthy environments are key to developing others.
Lesson Summary: A gardener’s primary job is to nurture the development of his plants. Likewise, good leaders center their agendas on growing their team members. Leaders are to be good mentors and invest their lives in others. Their key job is not doing programs or distributing products, but developing people.
8th Monthly Habitude: Pass on the Left
Principle: Healthy endings to relationships
Lesson Summary: In life, you will notice that the people you once hung around may not continue with you on your journey. That’s OK. When you grow in new directions, be sure to pass others appropriately, making sure you burn no bridges along the way.
OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD SHOEBOXES
Be on the lookout this week for information related to packing shoeboxes for our upcoming partnership with Operation Christmas Child. All shoeboxes will need to be returned by Wednesday, November 15.
6th/7th Retreat to Rockridge
Don’t forget, we have rescheduled our day retreat to Camp Rockridge for all 6th and 7th graders on Monday, November 13. More details will be provided along with reminders about the specifics for the day as we get closer. Feel free to reach out to Mrs. McBurnett (tiffany.mcburnett@tcslions.org) if you have any questions in the immediate.
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.
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.