Inside the Pride Middle School News - Volume 210
Keeping you plugged into the exciting things happening at the Middle School
Published March 3, 2024
Volume 210
Adam Vinson - Middle School Principal
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
March 11 = Spring Pictures
March 12 = House Color Day and House Competition
March 14 = Pi Day (celebrated in math classes)
March 15 = Remote Learning Day
March 26-28 = 7th Grade Trip to Ark and Creation Museum
March 29 = Good Friday Holiday
LAST WEEK IN CHAPEL
Jevaughn Huggins, Youth Pastor at Southcrest Church, taught our middle school students from Luke 10 and the Good Samaritan. He shared that our kindness needs to be both biblical and authentic. He helped the students to understand that loving your neighbor is costly and not self-seeking but rather seeking out the best interest of anyone in need.
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.
Psalm 119:9-11
v. 9 How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to your word.
v. 10 With my whole heart I seek you; let me not wander from your commandments!
v. 11 I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.
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. 12-13 as well
7th Grade Students - Memorize v. 12-13 and be prepared to take your quiz with no blanks provided
8th Grade Students - Memorize v. 12-13 and be prepared to take your quiz with no blanks provided and write an application paragraph for the verses
***DISTINCTION EXTRA VERSE****
Psalm 119:12-13 – Blessed are you, O LORD; teach me your statutes! With my lips I declare all the rules of your mouth.
Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good! ~ Psalm 34:8
On Monday, March 18th from 6:00 - 8:00 pm, current 8th -11th grade students and parents are invited to attend our 2024 Advisement Night. This event kicks off Advisement Week where students will connect with their teachers to select their core classes and electives for the fall semester.
There will be opportunities to hear from the high school leadership team, learn about AP and Dual Enrollment classes, find out about fine arts, athletics, clubs, electives and more.
Current 8th Grade Students and Parents
It is highly recommended that all 8th grade students and parents attend.
We want the transition to high school to run smoothly and the information at this event will greatly help students understand what high school at TCS is all about.
Schedule for 8th grade Taste and See
6:00 - 6:45 - Assembly in Multi-Purpose Room, Building 5
6:45 - 8:00 - Course Preview in selected classrooms and AP/DE breakout sessions
In addition to our Taste and See event, there will be Coffee Talk sessions with our 9th-10th grade counselor, Mrs. Hutcheson, on March 21-22. These sessions will give you an opportunity to ask specific questions about what to expect as your student transitions to high school. Sign up for Coffee Talk with Mrs. Hutcheson here.
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.