Keeping you plugged into the exciting things happening at the Middle School
Published April 21, 2024
Volume 216
Adam Vinson - Middle School Principal
A MESSAGE FROM MR. VINSON
Only 6 weeks of school remaining! There are lots of upcoming events as we come to the end of the year, and we want to make sure you stay fully informed about where to be and what to do along the way. Please check out the information below related to several upcoming events, and be sure to look at the list of dates so you can mark your calendars now and not miss out! This month is always so busy and if you blink, you’ll miss it. Take the opportunity to slow down where you can and celebrate the accomplishments of your child. With end of year parties, programs, performances, and other events taking place, it’s a great chance to celebrate as a family all that the LORD has done this year. We have so much to be grateful for, and we look forward to all of the moments where we can express affirmation to our students as we wrap up the year.
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
April 23-24 = 6th Grade Chattanooga Trip
April 23-25 = 7th Grade Trip to Ark and Creation Museum
April 29 = Family Night (No Homework or Assessments on April 30)
May 2 = National Day of Prayer Observance
May 2 = 8th Grade Dance (end of year party)
May 3 = House Color/Competition Day
May 6 = Community Service Forms Due in Bible class
May 6 = Orchestra Concert
May 7 = Band Concert
May 8 = MS Talent Show (during school day)
May 9 = Chorus Concert
May 13-15 = Progress Learning End of Year Testing
May 20 = 6th Grade Skating party (end of year party)
May 21 = 7th Grade Bowling party (end of year party)
May 21 = 8th Grade Graduation (last day of required school for 8th graders)
LAST WEEK IN CHAPEL
Mr. Vinson spoke to our students on the topic of “Idols”. While idols are a common problem mentioned in the Bible in the Old Testament, the New Testament has a lot to say about idolatry as well. Looking at verses in I Thessalonians 1, Colossians 3, and I John 5, Mr. Vinson challenged our students to examine potential idols in their own lives. Mr. Vinson also recounted the story of God forcing the Philistine idols to bow to Him in I Samuel 5. The challenge to our students was to break their idols and turn from them before God steps in to force it.
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 - Tenley Callen
7th Grade - Makenzie Knowles
8th Grade - Gage Torning
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 Thessalonians 4:14, 17-18
v. 14 For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with Him those who have fallen asleep. v. 17 Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord. v. 18 Therefore encourage one another with these words.
April 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: Opportunity Statue
Principle: We can spend, invest, or waste each day we have.
Lesson Summary: Leaders manage opportunities. Everyone has 86,400 seconds each day to use or abuse. Opportunity is a statue that has hair in front but is bald in the back—you can’t grab it once it is gone.
7th Monthly Habitude: The Waldorf Principle
Principle: Servant leadership gains influence with others.
Lesson Summary: The way to the top with people is by serving them extravagantly and sacrificially. A simple clerk did this to Mr. Waldorf, and the rich tycoon returned to make that clerk his first hotel manager in New York. People expect good service from leaders. They are surprised when we serve sacrificially.
8th Monthly Habitude: Shortcut or Second Mile
Principle: Work harder for a long-term payoff.
Lesson Summary: In life, we are conditioned to look for shortcuts. We seek the most comfortable and easy and familiar way to get by. Those who go the extra mile may work harder, but they reap benefits through their service that no one else experiences.
FAMILY NIGHT ON APRIL 29
Reminder, there will be no homework on Tuesday, April 29 and no assessments on Wednesday, April 30. Enjoy the time off together as a family!
8th Grade Dance: Dress Up Your Denim
Our 8th grade dance is coming Thursday, May 2 from 6:00-8:30 pm at The Gathering Place and outside patio. This event is designed to be an “end of year” party, a last rodeo for our TCS 8th graders. Please note that dates/guests are not permitted. Instead, we encourage our students to come and enjoy a night of country-themed fun as a group social. More details to come, but mark your calendars now.
DRESS CODE: Students are encouraged to come in their “dressed up” country attire. Denim is appropriate. Dresses are allowed.
FOOD: We will have drinks and snacks. (Parents will be encouraged to sign up to help provide.)
COST: $10 - details for how to sign up coming soon
8TH GRADE GRADUATION CEREMONY
We are so excited to celebrate our 8th graders as they prepare to make the transition to high school! Check out the details below regarding our ceremony, including information related to our special Prayer of Blessing!
Date: Tuesday, May 23
Location: TCS Gymnasium
Time: 6:00-7:00 pm
SUMMARY: We will be celebrating the end of middle school for our 8th graders with an evening of awards and recognitions while also offering a special time of prayer before their promotion to 9th grade. Parents and special guests are invited to attend but seating will be limited due to the gymnasium capacity.
DRESS CODE: Students are encouraged to wear normal dress code attire or their Sunday best. No shorts please.
QUESTIONS: Contact Tiffany McBurnett (tiffany.mcburnett@tcslions.org)
Prayer of Blessing: Each year we conclude our 8th grade graduation ceremony with special prayers by those closest to our graduates. Our students will be seated during this time and those special individuals chosen to pray will stand behind their specific student. Those chosen individuals will have the chance to pray quietly or silently over the student, with Mr. Vinson leading a corporate prayer to close out our time.
Please have your child choose a parent, older sibling, pastor, youth pastor, coach, etc. who they would like to pray over them. Complete this form to indicate who your child has chosen. We want every student to have someone standing with them during this time!
BE PREPARED FOR END OF YEAR ASSESSMENTS
Check out the final assessment schedule for Semester 2 below.
6th and 7th Grades
English = final assessments will be administered by May 17
History = May 22
Science = May 22
Math = May 23
Bible = May 24 (will be extra credit)
8th Grade
English = final assessments will be administered by May 17
History = May 2o
Science = May 20
Math = May 21
Bible = May 21 (will be extra credit)
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.
Be sure to check out all the details about our end of year events on our family landing page. https://tcslions.org/endofyear
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.