Keeping you plugged into the exciting things happening at the Middle School
Published August 18, 2024
Volume 229
Adam Vinson - Middle School Principal
A MESSAGE FROM MR. VINSON
We are two weeks into the school year already, and we are seeing just how blessed we are with an incredible faculty and student body this year. Your children are awesome, and we are already learning to love all the ways that God has made them special. I cannot wait to see all of the growth and development that is in store for them. Hopefully, you are starting to settle into the new year as a parent, too. If not, please reach out to our staff for assistance as we want this to be the best school year yet for your family. Check out our list of administrative faculty below who can help support you with all of your needs throughout this year.
MIDDLE SCHOOL ADMINISTRATIVE TEAM: WE ARE HERE TO HELP!
Principal:
Adam Vinson (adam.vinson@tcslions.org)
Director of Academics and Student Development:
Tiffany McBurnett (tiffany.mcburnett@tcslions.org) - Mrs. McBurnett helps oversee our academic program while also handling discipline.
Director of Curriculum and Instruction
Kristn Peavy (kristan.peavy@tcslions.org) - Mrs. Peavy provides direction and guidance related to each grade level’s curriculum.
Academic Coordinator
Melissa Lanier (melissa.lanier@tcslions.org) - Mrs. Lanier oversees our class placement and return-to-academics process for students who have been absent.
Director of Spiritual Development
Wesley Lassiter (wesley.lassiter@tcslions.org) - Mr. Lassister oversees the spiritual development of our student body.
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
UPCOMING MIDDLE SCHOOL DATES
Aug 19 - Fall Picture Day (Yearbook Pic)
Aug 23 - House Color Dress Down Day
Aug 29 - College Football Dress Down Day
Aug 30 - Remote Learning Day
Sept 2 - Labor Day Holiday
Sept 4-6 - 8th Retreat to Snowbird
Sept 9-13 - Homecoming Week (Parade - Sept 9)
Sept 19 - Family Night (No Homework/Studying)
Oct 18 - 6th/7th Day Retreat to Camp Rockridge
NEWS and NOtes From THE MIDDLE SCHOOL
ELECTIVE CLASS DROP/ADD PERIOD
Don’t forget our period for swapping electives will end on Friday, August 30. Be sure to talk to your child about their elective schedule so you can determine if any changes need to be made.
If your child desires to make an elective change, please follow the same process by emailing Mrs. Peavy (kristan.peavy@tcslions.org).
FALL PICTURE DAY: MONDAY, AUGUST 19
Don’t forget tomorrow is our Fall/Yearbook Picture Day. Students are encouraged to wear a collared shirt if possible. Make up dates will be announced at a later time for those who are absent.
HOUSE COLOR COMPETITION DAY: FRIDAY, AUGUST 23
On Friday our students are encouraged to wear their HOUSE COLOR as we kick off this year’s House Cup competition. Students may wear shirts that correlate with their House color. Normal dress code pants/shorts or jeans should be worn. No hats please.
Note: Your child’s house assignment is connected to their D-Group on their schedule.
Elliot House - GREEN
Lewis House - RED
Nee House - ORANGE
Robinson House - BLUE
Wycliffe House - BLACK
HOUSE FOCUS: THE ELLIOT HOUSE
Our House System at TCS is designed to introduce our elementary and middle school students to important historical Christian figures who exhibit character qualities that we hope to see exemplified in our own student body as well.
This past week, we focused on the ELLIOT HOUSE.
Character Trait to Remember :
BE READY TO FORGIVE AND LOVE YOUR ENEMIES
Who was Elisabeth Elliot? She was a missionary with her husband, Jim Elliot, to the Auca Indians in Ecuador. She continued to work with this tribe despite the fact they murdered her husband.
Learn more about Elisabeth Elliot by watching the video we showed in chapel this 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.
6th Grade = Rosie Poelman
7th Grade = Parker Reagan
8th Grade = Hamilton Houston
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.
Ephesians 2:8-9
v. 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith.
And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, v. 9 not a result of works,
so that no one may boast.
AUGUST 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 Iceberg
Principle: Influence is 10% skill, 90% character
Lesson Summary: The Iceberg represents your leadership. The 10% above the water is your skill. The 90% below the water is your character. It’s what’s below the surface that sinks the ship.
7th Monthly Habitude: Hosts and Guests
Principle: Leaders are intentional in relationships.
Lesson Summary: Leaders take the initiative in relationships. They are intentional about them. They see themselves as hosts, not guests, and they go out of their way to connect with people and provide for them.
8th Monthly Habitude: Compass or GPS
Principle: What Kind of Person are you ? A Compass Person or a GPS Person
Lesson Summary: A GPS or Google Maps are only helpful if you are on paved roads. If you are entering new areas, you need a compass that shows you true north. Similarly, we need values that provide direction when we enter new territory.
HOUSE SYSTEM COMPETITION
Check out who is leading the competition at www.tcshouses.weebly.com.
MIDDLE SCHOOL HELPFUL LINKS AND REMINDERS
24/25 SCHOOL CALENDAR - Stay in the know about upcoming breaks and holidays.
PRE-ABSENCE FORM - Submit pre-planned absences 5 days ahead of time for approval.
COMMUNITY SERVICE FORM - 10 service hours are due by May 2024.
DRESS CODE OVERVIEW - Check out this year’s guidelines.
IT HELP DESK LINK - If your child has an issue with their Chromebook, submit a ticket.
THRIVAL GUIDE - Learn more about how to not just survive, but “thrive” during middle school at TCS with thoughts and tips from our team.
RIDING HOME WITH A FRIEND?
If your student will be going home with another student during dismissal, please send an email to receptionist@tcslions.org OR tiffany.mcburnett@tcslions.org.
IS YOUR CHILD SICK OR ABSENT?
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 Melissa Lanier (melissa.lanier@tcslions.org) via your child’s 1st period teacher.
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 Melissa Lanier (Return to Academics Coordinator) so we can best determine a makeup plan for your child. Mrs. Lanier 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.
NEED TO ACCESS 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.