Keeping you plugged into the exciting things happening at the Middle School
Published October 6, 2024
Volume 236
Adam Vinson - Middle School Principal
A MESSAGE FROM MR. VINSON
Happy Fall Break! I hope each of your families is enjoying another extended weekend together as we celebrate the end of Quarter 1. Don’t forget, as we return from break this week, several of our classes will be completing final assessments that will still count towards Q1 as part of our adjusted plan from Hurricane Helene. In addition, be sure to have your child complete their remote science work, so it can be submitted in class on Tuesday as well.
Also, just a quick note to say “thank you” for all of your support throughout Q1. We consider it a great privilege to serve your family, and I’m grateful you have chosen TCS for your child’s education needs. If there is anything me or my team can do for you over the next 9 weeks, please don’t hesitate to ask.
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
Oct 7 - Fall Break Day
Oct 14 - Picture Retakes
Oct 18 - 6th/7th Day Retreat to Camp Rockridge
Oct 23 - National Crocs Day - wear Crocs today
Oct 31 - House Color Day
NEWS and NOtes From THE MIDDLE SCHOOL
YOU’RE INVITED: COFFEE WITH THE PRINCIPAL
Prior to Covid, we used to offer a periodic fellowship for parents and the principal to connect for questions, concerns, and feedback about the current school year. I have missed these times greatly as I always enjoyed the chance to connect and dialogue with parents. Well, we are officially bringing back “Coffee with the Principal,” and we plan to host our first meeting on Thursday, October 24 at 8:15am. Mark your calendars and plan to join if you are able. Topics of discussion will include:
Spiritual Development - How are we strategically seeking to instill a biblical worldview in the hearts and minds of our students and what future plans do we have to strengthen our approach?
Student Learning Assessment - How are we using Progress Learning? What purpose did the ACSI Bible Assessment serve last year? What about standardized testing?
Artificial Intelligence - What are we seeing, and what do you need to know as a parent?
QUARTER 1 PARENT SURVEY
As we wrap up the first 9 weeks, we would love to have your feedback about your child’s Quarter 1 experience. Please take a few minutes to complete this short survey to help us improve going forward. We appreciate your feedback and look forward to a great Q2.
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
Mr. Howard, the 9th grade Bible teacher, shared with the students from Matthew 6:7-15. Looking at the Lord’s Prayer, the students were shown how Jesus’ instruction on how to pray informs us of our union with the Father through Jesus. Mr. Howard showed the students that the prayer is Jesus welcoming us into a relationship with the Father. The students were challenged to seek God daily for all they need and know there is an invitation to the table for a relationship with God.
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 = Lincoln Griffith
7th Grade = Elizabeth Brown
8th Grade = Maya Thomas
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.
Proverbs 3:5-7
v. 5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. v. 6 In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. v. 7 Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD, and turn away from evil.
For Middle School Only:
Distinction Requirements:
Proverbs 3:3-4 – Let not steadfast love and faithfulness forsake you; bind them around your neck; write them on the tablet of your heart. So you will find favor and good success in the sight of God and man.
6th Grade - Memorize v. 3-4
7th Grade - Memorize v. 3-4 and quiz with no blanks
8th Grade - Memorize v. 3-4, quiz with no blanks and write application paragraph
OCTOBER 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 Oversized Gift
Principle: Giftedness must be balanced with character.
Lesson Summary: Leaders are often gifted. They can begin to depend on their gift for success to the neglect of their character. They begin to “wing it.” Leaders sabotage themselves when their gifts are bigger than they are.
7th Monthly Habitude: Chess and Checkers
Principle: Leaders play chess and not checkers.
Lesson Summary: In checkers, all the game pieces move in the same way. In chess, you move each piece differently based on its ability. Wise leaders play chess and not checkers as they manage relationships.
8th Monthly Habitude: A Bridge Not a Wall
Principle: We naturally tend to hang around people who are similar. We are prone to like those who are like us. We tend to pre-judge those who are different, and we tend to shy away from those aren’t like us. We should strive to go against our natural instinct and attempt to accept all those around us.
Lesson Summary: Each of us encounters new and different people throughout life. Our natural inclination is to see differences and put up a wall. We’re prone to distrust. We must consciously build bridges that can bear the weight of honest disclosure.
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.