Keeping you plugged into the exciting things happening at the Middle School
Published October 20, 2024
Volume 238
Adam Vinson - Middle School Principal
A MESSAGE FROM MR. VINSON
SIGN UP: COFFEE WITH THE PRINCIPAL
This week marks our return to hosting “Coffee with the Principal”. I hope you can join us for both a time of fellowship and discussion about what is happening at TCS. Please take a moment to sign up to let us know you are coming through this link. We look forward to seeing you Thursday, Oct 24 at 8;15am. Please park in available spots and then sign in through the main office. You will then be directed to The Gathering Place.
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 23 - National Crocs Day - wear Crocs today
Oct 31 - House Color Day
Nov 5 - Family Night (No Homework)
NEWS and NOtes From THE MIDDLE SCHOOL
COOLER WEATHER IS HERE: OUTERWEAR REMINDER
We are entering into the cooler months finally which means fluctuating temperatures throughout the day. Please review the reminders below about outwear attire as it relates to dress code.
All outerwear must be Trinity branded if it is worn inside the building and/or in classrooms. Students will be asked to remove unbranded items for the day. All coats should be stored in lockers.
Students should bring appropriate clothing for PE classes based on the anticipated weather for the day. Students are encouraged to wear hats, gloves, etc. if needed.
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 CHESS CLUB SEASON
Coach Rodney Lewis and Championship Chess present a systematic, fun way to build chess skills during chess instruction and supervised play. Studies show that chess improves math, reading and problem solving and our methods connect these academic benefits to our classes.
Chess Contact: Rodney Lewis 770-560-1071 rodneylewis33@gmail.com
School Contact: Lisa Railey, 770-251-6770 lisa.railey@tcslions.org
Cost: $199 per child for this session
Day and Time: Thursday after school from 3:00-4:00 pm.
Pre-registration is required, at least 2 days before the first class.
Dates: Winter Session Nov. 7-Feb. 13 . No chess: Nov. 28, Dec. 19, 26, Jan. 2 and 9. Parents need to record these dates.
Chess club will start as scheduled unless you receive a notification.
Who can play: Any student.
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. Vinson continued our theme by answering the question “Who is Jesus?” and sharing with students that Jesus is our propitiation. Students were shown in Romans 3, Hebrews 2, and 1 John 2 that propitiation is “the appeasement or satisfaction of God’s wrath toward sin.” Students were challenged to consider that we have a problem because of our sins, and Jesus is the answer who calls us to live obedient lives as the fruit of our salvation.
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 - Halo Gonzalez
7th Grade - Caden Barajas
8th Grade - Zoey New
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.
For Middle School Only:
Distinction Requirements:
James 1:5 – If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.
6th Grade - Memorize v. 5
7th Grade - Memorize v. 5 and quiz with no blanks
8th Grade - Memorize v. 5, 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.