Inside the Pride Middle School News - Volume 201
Keeping you plugged into the exciting things happening at the Middle School
Published December 31, 2023
Volume 201
Adam Vinson - Middle School Principal
A MESSAGE FROM MR. VINSON
Happy New Year! We are excited to see all the LORD has in store for us as we turn towards the 2024 portion of this school year. The changing of the calendar always brings excitement with renewed resolutions and hope for what the new year might hold. In Psalm 73:28, the psalmist declares that God’s presence is his good. As I think about this new year, I want to echo Moses when he told God in Exodus 33:15 that he was only interested in going where God was planning to go too. Meaning, unless the LORD goes with us, we don’t want to go. As we head into 2024, my desire is that I only take steps in the direction that the LORD is going too. I want 2024 to be filled with all kinds of good, but I also recognize, His presence with me is my ultimate good for this year. My plan is to follow Him wherever He might take me and to experience whatever He might have in store for me with a heart of contentment and gratitude as I seek to trust Him. May it be the same for your family as well. Make 2024 be filled with His good presence in your life all year long!
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
January 2 - Classes resume (wear your favorite non-TCS hoodie/sweatshirt)
January 5 - House Color/Competition Day
January 12 - Remote Learning Day
LAST WEEK IN CHAPEL
Returning next week
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.
Returning next 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 Goodness. 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 Corinthians 10:31
v. 31 So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.
NO DISTINCTION VERSE THIS WEEK
JANUARY 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: Pop Quiz
Principle: Tests are Proving Grounds for Growth
Lesson Summary: Leaders experience tests as they mature. These tests range from motive checks, to authority tests, to integrity checks. They reveal the leader’s potential and maturity and are a pathway to progress.
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: Flight Delay
Principle: Learn to calibrate expectations.
Lesson Summary: Experienced travelers know they’re not in complete control. Delays occur, storms erupt and interruptions happen. Similarly, we must calibrate our expectations, manage disappointments and be realistic about the speed and ease of our lives.
FAVORITE HOODIE/SWEATSHIRT DAY
On our first day back for class (Tuesday, January 2), students are allowed to wear their favorite non-TCS hoodie or sweatshirt with normal dress code pants/shorts. Show off your favorite Christmas gift as we ring in the new year!
REPORT CARDS
All grades will be updated and report cards will be posted on Monday, January 8 at 4pm.
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.