Keeping you plugged into the exciting things happening at the Middle School
Published May 4, 2025
Volume 264
Adam Vinson - Middle School Principal
A MESSAGE FROM MR. VINSON
The countdown is on as we hit the 3-week mark until the end of school with only 15 days until summer break! While the end is in sight, we still have much to accomplish and much to celebrate. Continue to refer to the items listed below to ensure you don’t miss anything coming up. We are so excited for all the Lord has done this year, and we are so excited to finish out the year strong!
UPCOMING MIDDLE SCHOOL EXAM SCHEDULE
Friday, May 16 - 5th and 6th Period Exams - 8th Grade Only
Monday, May 19 - 3rd and 4th Period Exams - 8th Grade Only
Tuesday, May 20 - 1st and 2nd Period Exams - 6th, 7th and 8th Grades
Wednesday, May 21 - 3rd and 4th Period Exams - 6th and 7th Grades Only
Thursday, May 22 - 5th and 6th Period Exams - 6th and 7th Grades Only
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
May 5 - Community Service forms due
May 5 - House Color Day
Orchestra Concert - May 5
Band Concert - May 6
Chorus Concert - May 8
8th Grade Promotion Night - May 20
6th and 7th Awards Day - May 21
6th Grade Skating Party - May 23
7th Grade Bowling Party - May 23
NEWS and NOtes From THE MIDDLE SCHOOL
PROGRESS LEARNING BENCHMARK TESTING
Progress Learning Benchmark Assessments are coming up! Remember, these tests are meant to show growth and progress throughout the year. No studying is needed at home, but please make sure your child gets a good night’s rest before and eats a nutritious breakfast the morning of.
Monday, May 5 = Math Testing
8TH GRADE BIBLICAL WORLDVIEW PROJECTS DUE
Our 8th graders are finishing up their year-long papers with the final chapter being due this Friday, May 9.
8TH GRADE DANCE: THEIR FINAL MIDDLE SCHOOL RODEO
Last week, our 8th graders enjoyed their end-of-year party as they celebrated the end of middle school together. We are so proud of all our 8th graders and their accomplishments this year. We can’t wait to hear about all their upcoming adventures as they prepare to step into 9th grade. Only 12 more days of school for our 8th graders!
UPCOMING MARKET DAY
In our Business Finance Class, we have focused on the importance of saving. In order to help students begin a savings account under your supervision, Ms. Chadee will be hosting a Market Day on campus in the TCS Middle School Gym on:
Monday, April 28th - 6th grade will be given an opportunity to shop
Friday, May 9th - 7th and 8th grades will be given opportunity to shop
*** Time: 2:15-2:45 pm each day.
Students will be selling specially made pastries, healthy snacks, drinks, bracelets, and other handmade items. Be sure to bring cash for the three days of the Market Day.
Prices will be ranging from $1-$20.00
MIDDLE SCHOOL DODGEBALL TOURNAMENT
Our dodgeball tournament is underway with most of the matches taking place after lunch. If your child is on a team, please try to avoid early checkouts to avoid them missing out.
COMMUNITY SERVICE FORM REMINDER:
Don’t forget all middle school community service forms are due on Monday, May 5. Forms should be submitted to your child’s Bible teacher. Remember, 10 hours should be completed to receive full credit for this grade. You can access this year’s form here.
8TH GRADE PROMOTION:
PRAYER OF BLESSING
Each year we conclude our 8th grade promotion ceremony with special prayers by those closest to our 8th graders. Our students will be seated during this time and those special individuals chosen to pray will stand behind their specific student. Those chosen individuals will have the chance to pray quietly or silently over the student with Mr. Vinson leading a corporate prayer to close out our time.
Please have your child choose a parent, older sibling, pastor, youth pastor, coach, etc. who they would like to pray over them. Complete this form to indicate who your child has chosen. We want every student to have someone standing with them during this time!
Other Details:
Date: Tuesday, May 20
Location: TCS Gymnasium
Time: 6:00-7:00 pm
SUMMARY: We will be celebrating the end of middle school for our 8th graders with an evening of awards and recognitions while also offering a special time of prayer before their promotion to 9th grade. Parents and special guests are invited to attend but seating will be limited due to the gymnasium capacity.
DRESS CODE: Students are encouraged to wear normal dress code attire or their Sunday best. No shorts, please.
QUESTIONS: Contact Tiffany McBurnett (tiffany.mcburnett@tcslions.org)
Weekly Updates and Information
THIS WEEK IN CHAPEL
Mr. Moore shared with the students the spiritual discipline of biblical meditation. He challenged students to think of biblical meditation not as an emptying of the mind but a filling of the mind with truth. Referencing Joshua 1 and Psalm 1, students were shown the biblical call to meditate on God’s Word. The Bible commands us to think on God, the Word of God, what God has done/will do, and spiritual things mentioned in Philippians 4:8-9. He shared practical ways for the students to begin meditating on God’s Word through carving out time to read God’s Word, limiting distractions, starting with prayer, and obeying the Word.
LIONS OF THE WEEK
6th Grade - Warren Bugden
7th Grade - Natalia Glover
8th Grade - Liam Coggins
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.
Psalm 18:28, 30
v. 28 For it is You who light my lamp; the LORD my God lightens my darkness.
v. 30 This God – His way is perfect; the word of the LORD proves true; He is a shield for all those who take refuge in Him.
For Middle School Only:
Distinction Requirements:
Psalm 18:27 – For you save a humble people, but the haughty eyes you bring down.
6th Grade - Memorize v. 27
7th Grade - Memorize v. 27 and quiz with no blanks
8th Grade - Memorize v. 27, quiz with no blanks & write application paragraph
MAY 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: Emotional Fuel
Principle: Our future is shaped by those closest to us.
Lesson Summary: A leader’s future is shaped by the people closest to him or her. A leader’s personal network is his emotional fuel: his models, heroes, mentors, inner circle, and accountability partners.
7th Monthly Habitude: The Poet’s Gift
Principle: Poets express ideas in creative ways.
Lesson Summary: Poets are students of their culture and grab the hearts of readers by expressing ideas in relevant and creative ways. Likewise, leaders interpret the landscape before they communicate. They interpret before they inform. They read before they lead. This makes for relevant communication.
8th Monthly Habitude: The 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 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. Mr. Honda believed in his journey and somehow found satisfaction in conquering his day-to-day challenges. I believe he could do this because he was so convinced that his goal was worthwhile. All the setbacks, hurdles and barriers did not deter him from his goal. The stumbling blocks became the stepping stones. The obstacles became opportunities. The problems became possibilities. Someone once said, "Successful people build their dreams from the bricks others throw at them.”
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.