Keeping you plugged into the exciting things happening at the Middle School
Published November 3, 2024
Volume 240
Adam Vinson - Middle School Principal
A MESSAGE FROM MR. VINSON
As we look towards the month of December and the end of Semester 2, we wanted to go ahead and share that we will be offering optional half-day dismissals starting on Tuesday, Dec 17 through Thurs, Dec 19. With high school and middle school exams taking place on those days, we will be offering a half-day dismissal for middle school at 12:30pm. Students may remain at school if you choose as we will plan to run a second dismissal at 3:00pm. Students who are not picked up after the second dismissal will be sent to after-school like normal. More details will be coming in the next few weeks, but we wanted to go ahead and let you plan accordingly for the option that will serve your family best that last week of school before Christmas Break.
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
Nov 5 - Family Night (No Homework)
Nov 18 - House Color Day
Nov 25-29 - Thanksgiving Break
Dec 11 - Discipleship Day
NEWS and NOtes From THE MIDDLE SCHOOL
FAMILY NIGHT: NO HOMEWORK OR ASSESSMENTS
Our next Family Night is coming up on Tuesday, Nov 5. This will be another night with NO HOMEWORK on Tuesday and NO ASSESSMENTS on Wednesday. Use the evening to enjoy some extended time together without any need to focus on school work
OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD SHOEBOXES
Information for this year’s shoebox service project will be sent home on Monday, Nov 11 with all shoeboxes being due in chapel on Wednesday, Nov 20. Please make plans to participate in this special project!
DISCIPLESHIP DAY IS COMING
Our annual Discipleship Day is coming up on Wednesday, Dec 11. This is one of the best days of the school year, and you do not want your child to miss it. For those who have never had a child participate, here are some important details:
What is Discipleship Day? A day devoted exclusively to spiritual development (discipleship). We cancel all academic classes and intentionally focus on spiritual growth.
What happens on Discipleship Day? Students spend the morning at NCG Theatre where we have rented out multiple auditoriums for special breakout sessions led by guest speakers. Topics will focus on spiritual maturity, personal identity and handling tragedy. We are excited about this year’s lineup and the speakers who are coming!
What does it cost? It’s free unless you want to purchase popcorn and a drink! All other costs related to the day are covered. We will be sending out a form soon if you would like to purchase concessions at NCG as part of the day.
6TH AND 7TH GRADE OVERNIGHT EXPERIENCES
Hopefully, you were able to join us at our recent parent meetings or you were able to review the information emailed about our upcoming overnight experiences this spring. For your convenience, the signup links are posted again below.
6TH GRADE CHATTANOOGA TRIP - Sign up to secure your spot
7TH GRADE ARK/CREATION MUSEUM TRIP - Sign up to secure your spot
NEW MIDDLE SCHOOL SPIRIT WEAR AVAILABLE
Please click on the link below or scan the QR code to be directed to your mini-store to begin ordering.
Team Store Close Date
11/18/2024
Current turnaround time is about 3 WEEKS + SHIPPING TIME from the close date of this store.
All stores closed on or before November 21st are guaranteed to arrive before Christmas.
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 of answering the question “Who is Jesus?” The students were pointed to Genesis 3:15 and Revelation 1:12-18 to see that Jesus is our Hero. Through these verses, students were shown how Jesus is the “Serpent-Killer” and the “Key Holder”. They were encouraged to consider that our greatest enemies and greatest fears are defeated by Jesus, who is our Hero.
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 - Holly Jeffcoat
7th Grade - Jax Gosdin
8th Grade - Leland Carswell
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.
I Peter 5:8-9
v. 8 Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. v. 9 Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world.
For Middle School Only:
Distinction Requirements:
I Peter 5:6-7 – Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, 7 casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.
6th Grade - Memorize v. 6-7
7th Grade - Memorize v. 6-7 and quiz with no blanks
8th Grade - Memorize v. 6-7, quiz with no blanks and write application paragraph
NOVEMBER 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: Fun House Mirror
PrinciPrinciple: Our level of integrity reflects who we are.
Lesson Summary: Carnivals often have mirrors that distort how we really look. Poor leaders do this, pretending or posing to be better than they really are. Our level of integrity is the true reflection of who we are.
7th Monthly Habitude: Hot Air Balloons
Principle: Encouragement is the oxygen of the soul.
Lesson Summary: Hot air balloons rise as the burner is released, but eventually they begin to fall and need to be refiled. They must continue to be filled in order to go up. People are like this. They must be consistently encouraged in order to reach their highest potential.
8th Monthly Habitude: Tollbooths or Roadblocks
Principle: In life, some challenges require us to rise to the occasion. Many are unavoidable. They will either become tollbooths we progress through or roadblocks. Sometimes it’s like a one-way road where you can only go in one direction. We must pay the toll.
Lesson Summary: For many of us life is a painting in various stages of completion. As we progress through life, we must navigate our way as we reach junctions, points of transition, and roads on different grades of slope forcing us to shift gears and slow down. Suddenly, we realize we have to pay a price to proceed, like a toll booth. The price might be a tough decision that we have to make or a situation we must leave behind. In moments like these, we have to discover if the junction ahead will be a roadblock or a tollbooth.
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.