Keeping you plugged into the exciting things happening at the Middle School
Published September 15, 2024
Volume 233
Adam Vinson - Middle School Principal
A MESSAGE FROM MR. VINSON
We are excited about our upcoming Family Night this Thursday, Sept 19. Family Nights are designed to create space within the calendar during a normal school week for families to take a break from homework, studying, etc.
Enjoy a night off this week with NO HOMEWORK on Thursday and NO ASSESSMENTS on Friday. We hope your family can find something special to do together with the extra time!
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
Sept 19 - Family Night (No Homework/Studying)
Sept 24 - House Color Day
Oct 4 - Remote Learning Day
Oct 14 - Picture Retakes
Oct 18 - 6th/7th Day Retreat to Camp Rockridge
Oct 23 - National Crocs Day - wear Crocs today
NEWS and NOtes From THE MIDDLE SCHOOL
ANNUAL FUND SEASON
We are excited about the opportunity for our Trinity family to give in support of each of our students! Mark your calendars for this special upcoming campaign.
8TH GRADE SNOWBIRD SHIRT DAY
Tomorrow our 8th graders are allowed to wear Snowbird shirts purchased on our recent retreat along with jeans or normal dress code bottoms.
PICTURE RETAKE DAY
Fall Picture Day retakes have been scheduled for October 14.
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!
HOUSE FOCUS: THE NEE 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 WYCLIFFE HOUSE.
Character Trait to Remember :
STAND AGAINST CULTURE WHEN IT IS WRONG
Who was John Wycliffe? John Wycliffe’s beliefs and works made him known as a precursor to the Reformation. He is most well known for his tireless efforts to translate the Bible into English and making copies of the Bible more readily available.
Learn more about John Wycliffe by watching the video we showed in chapel this week.
THIS WEEK IN CHAPEL
Mr. Paschal, who is the 10th-grade Bible teacher, talked about how Jesus fulfills the scriptures from Matthew 5:17-20. He explained that Jesus is the one the Bible talks about, that He perfectly obeyed all the laws, and that He gave these laws a deeper, spiritual meaning. He encouraged the students that in light of these truths, we can have a personal relationship with God through Jesus’ righteousness given to us.
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 = Jude Hayes
7th Grade = Anna Slaton
8th Grade = Reagan Peavy
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.
Philippians 4:6-7
v. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be known to God. v. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
SEPTEMBER 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: Thermostat and Thermometer
Principle: Leaders set the tone for those around them.
Lesson Summary: People are either thermometers or thermostats. They will merely reflect the climate around them, or they will set it. Leaders develop values and principles to live by and set the tone for others.
7th Monthly Habitude: The Talking Stick
Principle: Listen and empathize before you lead.
Lesson Summary: The Talking Stick reminds us that before we lead we must listen. Leaders seek to understand the perspective of others before they communicate their own points. They show empathy and ask good questions. As a result, they earn the right to be heard.
8th Monthly Habitude: Gas Tank: Half-Full or Half-Empty?
Principle: Personal discipline is used to not only manage unnecessary stress but also to lower stress levels and improve everyday life while feeling personal gain from fulfilling a need, desire, or accomplishment.
Lesson Summary: It’s an age-old question: Is it half-empty or half-full? The answer is both, depending on whether you’re emptying it or filling it. In life, we must replace discontentment, where we see things as half-empty, with dissatisfaction, where we strive to fill things more.
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.