Keeping you plugged into the exciting things happening at the Middle School
Published February 2, 2025
Volume 251
Adam Vinson - Middle School Principal
A MESSAGE FROM MR. VINSON
As we kick off the month of February, we will once again have our annual focus on G.R.A.C.E. as we seek to remind our students what it means to appreciate and love the imago dei in every person. G.R.A.C.E. stands for Gender, Resources, Ability, Color and Ethnicity. Our focus is to show our students how people of the opposite GENDER, people of different economic status (RESOURCES), people who lack certain ABILITIES (viewed as disabilities) and people who look different, talk different, and act different (COLOR AND ETHNICITY) are still very much image bearers of God…a quality we often embrace about ourselves, but often fail to see in others. We can look to Scripture to see Jesus modeling this approach as well. He was quick to target women who were often minimized in His culture, He was quick to seek out the poor as an application of the OT laws that were structured to support the poor, He ministered to the disabled…the very ones who the religious leaders were chastised for neglecting, and He sought those who were rejected for their color and/or ethnicity (the Samaritan woman being a great example).
I believe Jesus wanted to ensure His commissioned disciples at the beginning of Acts would plant churches that were filled with all kinds of peoples, and that whether they came across slave or free, male or female, Jew or Gentile… all would be viewed as image bearers of God who can have a place at that worship service in heaven (Rev 7:9). Throughout this month we will be reminding our students to embrace the Golden Rule taught by Jesus…that we ought to treat others in the ways we desire to be treated ourselves, especially those who are “different” than us.
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
Feb 7 - Super Bowl Dress Down Day
(wear your favorite team jersey)
Feb 10 - House Color Day
Feb 14 - Valentine’s Day Dress Down
(wear pink or red)
Feb 24 - 90 Days ‘til 9th Grade
(8th grade only)
Feb 27 - Family Night
(no homework or assessments)
NEWS and NOtes From THE MIDDLE SCHOOL
SUPER BOWL DRESS DOWN DAY
Students are invited to wear their favorite sports team jersey, t-shirt or sweatshirt this Friday to celebrate the upcoming Super Bowl game on Sunday. No hats except for TCS hats.
MATH TEACHER NEEDED FOR 2025-2026
We are looking to hire a math teacher for next year if you know of any qualified candidates. Please refer them to the employment section on our TCS website for additional details or have them email Mr. Vinson directly!
YOU’RE INVITED: COFFEE WITH THE PRINCIPAL
We are excited to host our 3rd “Coffee with the Principal” for this school year! Our next gathering is scheduled for Thursday, February 13 at 8:15am. Mark your calendars and plan to join if you are able. Topics of discussion will include:
Semester 2 Events - What special activities and trips are planned for the Spring Semester?
Clubs - What challenges have we faced with clubs and how might we overcome those challenges in order to offer more clubs next school year?
2025-2026 Ideas - Speaking of next school year, as we think through adjustments and improvements for next year, what would you like to see added or emphasized in anticipation of 2025-2026?
Want to join us for this time of fellowship and discussion? SIGN UP HERE
Weekly Updates and Information
THIS WEEK IN CHAPEL
Pastor Cobb, FBC Senoia, shared with the students from Romans 12:1-2. He challenged the students in the question “How do I live for Jesus?”. He shared how as Christians we received a new heart which then brings new actions. Students were encouraged to think through whether they are conformers or transformers. We become transformed by no longer living for ourselves but as a living sacrifice to God.
LIONS OF THE WEEK
6th Grade - Maggie Mullins
7th Grade - Joseph Berry
8th Grade - Brady Hoffman
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.
Hebrews 3:12-13
v. 12 Take care, brothers, lest there be in any of you an evil, unbelieving heart, leading you to fall away from the living God. v. 13 But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called “today,” that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.
FEBRUARY 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 Starving Baker
Principle: Leaders own their destinations in life.
Lesson Summary: When life goes bad, some people tend to blame someone else for the problem. They act like passengers. Leaders realize they are drivers and are responsible for their attitudes and destination in life.
7th Monthly Habitude: The Velvet Covered Brick
Principle: Leaders earn credibility by displaying integrity.
Lesson Summary: Leaders earn credibility with others by displaying integrity and making wise decisions. This puts emotional change in their pocket and enhances their influence. If leaders fail to do this, they lose the change in their pocket with people. Leaders are consistently filling or emptying their pockets.
8th Monthly Habitude: Windshields and Rear View Mirrors
Principle: Experienced travelers know they are not in complete control. Delays occur, storms erupt, and interruptions happen. Similarly, everyone must calibrate their expectations, manage disappointments, and be realistic about the speed and ease of our lives.
Lesson Summary: This Habitude is another picture of life, especially when we are living in seasons of transition. We begin with a certain expectation. Inevitably, though, something will happen that we didn't expect. Somehow, the best-laid plans can fail. Life shifts. We find that we're not in control.
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.