Keeping you plugged into the exciting things happening at the Middle School
Published August 25, 2024
Volume 230
Adam Vinson - Middle School Principal
A MESSAGE FROM MR. VINSON
Did you know we have a specific culture we want to create here at TCS within our middle school? Every year we seek to instill the following values into the hearts of our students. This is part of the Christ-like culture of excellence that helps make Trinity the place that it is.
Excellence - Fill It to the Brim
Borrowing from the story of Jesus turning water into wine from John 2, we encourage our students to “fill it to the brim” just like the servants at the wedding. In preparation for His first miracle, Jesus instructed the workers to fill jugs with water. The text tells us they “filled it to the brim”, implying they put the maximum amount of water they could into the containers. What would it look like if we gave maximum effort to everything Jesus asks of us as well? It’s this effort of excellence in obeying Jesus that we strike to cultivate in the hearts of each of our students.
Kindness - The Golden Rule
Matthew 7:12 tells us we ought to treat others the way we desire to be treated. From a secular standpoint, the world will even seek to get behind this philosophy at times, too. But the aspect that separates the biblical worldview from that of this world is that Christians are called to act this way towards others whether they ever receive the treatment back or not. We want our students to fully embrace the call to serve and love with kindness those around them…including their enemies. This isn’t just the Trinity Way, this is the Christ-like way!
Purity - His Word is Our Lamp
In a day and age when truth and guidance are relative, making morals and the concept of purity relative, too, we push our students towards the only absolute source available. We want our students evaluating good and bad, right and wrong through the lens of God’s Word. What we say, where we go and what we do should all be shaped by the “lamp to our feet and the light to our path” that is His Word.
May the LORD help our middle schoolers continually embrace these mindsets as we labor to build a culture that honors our Creator well here at TCS.
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 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
NEW MIDDLE SCHOOL SPIRIT WEAR AVAILABLE
Check out this year’s spirit wear options designed by our middle school team. You can order t-shirts and hoodies through the link below.
NEED A HOUSE COLOR SHIRT TOO?
We have you covered with a link to shirts for Elliot, Lewis, Nee, Robinson, and Wycliffe as well. This includes our newly rebranded orange Nee house shirt!
COLLEGE FOOTBALL DRESS DOWN DAY
The new football season is underway, and our students are invited to wear their favorite team shirts or jerseys on Thursday, August 29 to celebrate. Normal dress code pants/shorts are required.
REMOTE LEARNING: AUGUST 30
Don’t forget on Friday, we will have our 1st Remote Learning Day of the school year. This year we will be focusing on 1 subject area each Remote Learning Day. For August 30, your child’s MATH teacher will be communicating specific work for this day. We hope you enjoy the longer Labor Day weekend.
HOMECOMING SPIRIT WEEK DRESS CODE GUIDELINES:
As you start planning your homecoming week outfits, please use the guidelines below to ensure your creativity is appropriate for the school day.
As a reminder for this week, in conjunction with our student handbook, we are asking for male and female students to refrain from dressing as the opposite gender as part of the homecoming week activities. Thank you so much for your help and compliance.
THEME DAYS:
Monday - ‘Merica Day - Note: Politically charged costumes will NOT be allowed (no items supporting a candidate, no costumes to depict a candidate, etc)
Tuesday - City vs. Country
Wednesday - Night In vs. Night Out
Thursday - Disney Day
Friday - Spirit Day
Specific Guidelines:
Shorts can be worn but must meet the dress code guidelines of mid-thigh.
Skirts can be worn but must meet dress code requirements..
Leggings may be worn ONLY with a top that meets the length requirement for shorts. (and fits the theme for the day)
Holes/rips/tears in jeans should not be above the knee.
Spaghetti straps or tank tops are not allowed.
Mesh or see-thru tops are not allowed.
Crop tops are not allowed. All shirts should at least touch the top of the pants, shorts, skirts, etc…
Any low cut or low v-neck cut shirts must have modest camisole underneath.
Open toe/back shoes/sandals are permitted for this week only.
Hats may be worn all week.
Full spandex bodysuits are not permitted.
If your student chooses to not participate in dressing up for spirit week, they need to be in regular dress code attire.
GENERAL RULE: If you have concerns about your outfit..it may be best to pick out something else to wear.
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).
HOUSE FOCUS: THE LEWIS 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 LEWIS HOUSE.
Character Trait to Remember :
REFLECT GOD’S GLORY THROUGH YOUR CREATIVITY
Who was C.S. Lewis? C.S. Lewis, or Clive Staples Lewis, was a Christian author most known for his writings about good and evil in the land of Narnia in the Narnia Chronicles. He used his exceptional writing skills to creatively point people to the character of God and the work of Jesus through his unique story-telling.
Learn more about C.S. Lewis 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 = Holly Jeffcoat
7th Grade = Hadley Raptis
8th Grade = Cooper Boone
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.
For Middle School Only
Distinction Requirements:
Ephesians 2:10 – For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.
6th Grade - Memorize v. 10
7th Grade - Memorize v. 10 and quiz with no blanks
8th Grade - Memorize v. 10, quiz with no blanks and write application paragraph
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 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.
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.