Keeping you plugged into the exciting things happening at the Middle School
Published September 22, 2024
Volume 234
Adam Vinson - Middle School Principal
A MESSAGE FROM MR. VINSON
We have 2 weeks remaining in Q1, and Fall Break is almost here, too! Let me encourage you to check out Blackbaud and to make sure you are up to date on your child’s progress in each class so far this school year. We want to provide any help or support you may need as we seek to ensure your child is thriving this year.
In addition, be sure to check out the additional information below about this year’s ANNUAL FUND. We are looking forward to partnering with you and your family over the next week on how we can give together!
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 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.
Each year the Annual Fund helps make a lasting impact with both our teachers and our student body as a result of the additional resources it provides. The Annual Fund enables us to take the educational offerings at TCS to the next level by providing opportunities that otherwise would not be possible. With its support, we have been able to offer unique opportunities for spiritual growth through initiatives like Discipleship Day, and it has helped provide engaging events such as STEAM Day, where students explore hands-on activities that ignite their creativity and enhance their problem-solving skills. Beyond these special events, the Annual Fund has further enhanced our educational environment by funding an upper elementary writer's workshop, expanding classroom libraries, and upgrading faculty workspaces. In addition, it has contributed to new recess equipment, ensuring that our students have both enriching and enjoyable playtime. We are extremely thankful for the support towards our Annual Fund!
INTEREST MEETING
Don’t forget to join us for our parent meeting for the Spring Semester 8th grade Disney trip on Tuesday, September 24 at 5:30 pm in The Gathering Place. We look forward to sharing details with you about this exciting opportunity!
6TH AND 7TH GRADE RETREAT
Be sure to complete the Blackbaud form, so your child can attend our upcoming day retreat on Friday, October 18. Students will spend the day at Camp Rockridge in Franklin, GA and return to TCS by 6:30 pm. The day will be filled with lots of outdoor activities, house competition games and a special worship service on top of the mountain!
PICTURE RETAKE DAY
Fall Picture Day retakes have been scheduled for October 14. If you would like for your child to participate in retakes, please complete this form by October 9.
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!
THIS WEEK IN CHAPEL
Pastor BJ Cobb, from FBC Senoia, shared about life that is offered through Jesus from John 6. He showed how Jesus displayed his ability to give life using the stories of feeding the 5,000 and walking on water. He answered our spiritual theme “Who is Jesus?” showing that Jesus is inexhaustible, the eternal king, the giver of blessings, and the giver of life. His challenge to the students was to stop looking to the world for fulfillment and instead look to Jesus who is the bread of life.
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 = Graysen Cox
7th Grade = Ridley Benz
8th Grade = BJ Sumlin
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.
For Middle School Only:
Distinction Requirements:
Philippians 4:8 – Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.
6th Grade - Memorize v. 8
7th Grade - Memorize v. 8 and quiz with no blanks
8th Grade - Memorize v. 8, quiz with no blanks and write application paragraph
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.