Keeping you plugged into the exciting things happening at the Middle School
Published December 8, 2024
Volume 245
Adam Vinson - Middle School Principal
A MESSAGE FROM MR. VINSON
One of my favorite Christmas songs growing up was always “Little Drummer Boy”. I can still remember our annual church Christmas party and the older lady who would always gather the children up on stage while playing her guitar to sing the song with us. Now that I am older, I still love this old song, and I’ve particularly fallen in love with For King and Country’s rendition of it. In addition to the excellent drum components of the song, I absolutely love the heart behind this Christmas carol. The idea is that this young boy wants to bring an offering to the King, and his best idea is to use the talent he has been given for Him specifically. This absolutely captures the heart of TCS. We are committed to helping our students embrace this mindset that the talents and gifts they possess have been given to them by God to be used for His glory. As we celebrate this Christmas season, let us all be intentional to bring whatever we have to the foot of our King as a means of worshipping Him.
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
Dec 9 - Progress Learning (English)
Dec 9 - Orchestra Concert
Dec 10 - Band Concert
Dec 11 - Discipleship Day
Dec 13 - House Color Day
Dec 17-19 - Exam Week (half days)
Dec 20 - Remote Learning Day
NEWS and NOtes From THE MIDDLE SCHOOL
PRE-CHRISTMAS WEEK DRESS-DOWN DAYS
In addition to our dress-down option for the first two weeks of December, we will have special dress-down days for the final week before Christmas Break as well.
Check out the schedule below:
Monday, Dec 16 – Rudolph Red or Grinch Green
Tuesday, Dec 17 - Tacky/Ugly Christmas Sweater
Wednesday, Dec 18 - Winter Wonderland (Blue/White)
Thursday, Dec 19 - Christmas Pajamas
PROGRESS LEARNING MID-YEAR TESTING
Our English Progress Learning tests will begin on Monday, December 9. Please encourage your child to do their very best as we look to assess their progress so far this school year.
EXAM WEEK - MID COURSE ASSESSMENTS
As we come to the end of Semester 1, it’s time for us to wrap up each of our classes with our final assessments for the calendar year. Check out our plans for exam week assessments below as we finish out Semester 1. You’ll notice that instead of having a designated “math exam day” we will be testing by periods. Students will report to their normal classroom for each period to take their exams on these days.
December 16 - No Assessments, Exam Review Day
December 17 - Period 1 and Period 2 Exams
December 18 - Period 3 and Period 4 Exams
December 19 - Period 5 and Period 6 Exams
December 20 - Remote Learning Day (Bible Survey Assignment)
DISCIPLESHIP DAY: WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 11
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.
OPTIONAL EARLY DISMISSAL REMINDER
We will be offering optional half-day dismissals starting on Tuesday, Dec 17 through Thurs, Dec 19 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.
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!
Weekly Updates and Information
THIS WEEK IN CHAPEL
Pastor Engle, FBC Newnan, shared his testimony with students. He shared Psalm 34:18 with the students and encouraged them to look to God during difficult times because he is close to those who are brokenhearted. The students were challenged to look to God for 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 - Briggs Bowman
7th Grade - Evan Schloegel
8th Grade - Colton Withrow
THIS WEEK’S MEMORY VERSE
John 10:10
v. 10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy.
I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.
For Middle School Only:
Distinction Requirements:
John 10:9 – I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture.
6th Grade - Memorize v. 9
7th Grade - Memorize v. 9 and quiz with no blanks
8th Grade - Memorize v. 9, quiz with no blanks and write application paragraph
DECEMBER 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: Pop Quiz
Principle: Tests are proving grounds for growth.
Lesson Summary: Leaders experience tests as they mature. These tests range from motive checks, to authority tests, to integrity checks. They reveal the leader’s potential and maturity and are a pathway to progress.
7th Monthly Habitude: The Gardener’s Job
Principle: A gardener's job is to nurture the development of his plants.
Lesson Summary: Like gardeners, good leaders center their agendas on growing team members. Leaders are to be good mentors and invest their lives in others. Their key job is not doing programs or distributing products, but developing people.
8th Monthly Habitude: Destination vs. The Trip
Principle: People can be divided into two groups: those who are in it only to reach a goal and those who just enjoy the journey. Both attitudes are good. Once you choose the right destination, the journey can become part of the satisfaction.
Lesson Summary: Have you ever noticed that some people are really into their goals while others are only into living from day to day just enjoying the journey? I believe both lifestyles are important, but it's difficult to balance the two. Some people believe in the journey and somehow find satisfaction in conquering day-to-day challenges. I believe one could do this because they are so convinced that their goals are worthwhile. All the setbacks, hurdles and barriers do not deter from your goal. The stumbling blocks become stepping stones. The obstacles become opportunities. The problems become possibilities.
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.