Keeping you plugged into the exciting things happening at the Middle School
Published October 13, 2024
Volume 237
Adam Vinson - Middle School Principal
A MESSAGE FROM MR. VINSON
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?
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 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
QUARTER 1 PRIDE PERFORMERS
Congratulations to the following students who are being acknowledged by their teachers for their hard work and outstanding effort during Quarter 1. These students were identified as individuals who sought to do their very best by “filling it to the brim” in the classroom. Great job middle schoolers!
6th Grade Bible - Brock Foley and Marie Meissen
6th Grade English - Rosie Poelman, Zoey Christopher
6th Grade History - Camilla Anne Brown
6th Grade Math - Graham Floyd, Sophia Shaver
6th Grade Science - Colt Phillips
7th Grade Bible - Madi Marie Gumm
7th Grade English - Sevilla Shabani, Chandler Haning
7th Grade History - Liam Peters
7th Grade Math - Blair Gill, Brooks Baldwin
7th Grade Science - Jaycie Chambers, AJ Patterson
8th Grade Bible - Braeden Forbes, Mackenzie Clark
8th Grade English - Carter Dingler, Gracie Smelley
8th Grade History - Brady Hoffman
8th Grade Math - Mason Jones
8th Grade Algebra 1 - Micaiah Scruton, Ethan Wagy
8th Grade Science - Sophia Fader, Brayden Price
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!
NATIONAL CROCS DAY IS COMING
All students are invited to wear their Crocs on Wednesday, October 23 to celebrate “National Croc Day”. Students should dress in normal dress code attire along with their Crocs.
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
Students had the opportunity to see parts of the One Act play “The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe” during chapel. While watching scenes of the play, the students were also encouraged to reflect on the gospel truth that Jesus laid down His life as payment for sins.
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.
Returning next week
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.
James 1:2-4
v. 2 Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, v. 3 for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. v. 4 And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
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.