Keeping you plugged into the exciting things happening at the Middle School
Published November 15, 2020
Volume 60
Adam Vinson - Middle School Principal
A MESSAGE FROM MR. VINSON
My brother-in-law recently preached a sermon at our church from Matthew 6:1-18. In this passage Jesus challenges His followers to guard against living righteously (doing good works) for the purpose of being seen and praised for it. Whether it is giving, praying, or fasting, the goal should be to obey God and to be content with His pleasure regardless if we ever receive praise and affirmation from man. My brother-in-law illustrated this truth with what we are seeing in sporting events today. To compensate for the loss of crowds in stadiums, many of you have noticed how cardboard cutouts of fans are being used in addition to fake crowd noise being pumped into the arena. Why? Because most athletes are conditioned to perform when the crowds cheer. And without the crowds due to COVID, fake noise has to be created to avoid a drop off in performance. Are we ever like that? Does our Christian performance ever wane if we are lacking affirmation from man? Let us hear the words of Jesus and strive to obey Him whether man notices and praises us or not.
LAST WEEK IN CHAPEL
Mr. Higgins, Director of Student Development, spoke on the idea that suffering should not feel strange to a follower of Jesus Christ due Scripture promising that at times we will be called to suffer as Christians. Joy can be found in the fact that God chooses to bless us in our suffering. This was a great tie in with the Nee House motto, “Do what is right, even when it is costly.”
NOVEMBER MEMORY VERSE: Romans 10:9-10 (ESV)
Because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved.
LIONS OF THE WEEK
Congratulations to the following students that were nominated by their teachers for making good choices or setting a good example recently.
6th Grade = Campbell McInvale
7th Grade = Evan Osterman
8th Grade = Bryan Shirk
HABITUDES MOMENT
Ask your child about this month’s image that is being focused on in our Habitudes leadership/character development classes.
6th - Thermostat and Thermometer
Leaders set the tone for those around them. People are either thermometers or thermostats. They will merely reflect the climate around them, or they will set it. Leaders develop values and principles to live by and set the tone for others.
7th and 8th - Chess and Checkers
Lead others by their strengths and personality. 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, not checkers, as they manage relationships. They connect with individuals based on their unique personality and strengths.
PICTURE DAY RETAKES
Monday, November 30 - Students should wear normal dress code attire.
OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD
Don’t forget to send in your shoe boxes this Wednesday (chapel day)! House points will be awarded as well.
END OF FALL SEMESTER (LAST WEEK SCHEDULE 12/14-12/18)
Dr. Anthony has granted us half days the final week of the Fall Semester as we look towards Christmas Break. We WILL NOT have a typical class Christmas party due to COVID restrictions, but we will have a Christmas breakfast to share with the students one day of the week.
Monday-Wednesday (School with half-day dismissal)
NOTE: Please arrive at the appropriate time, and do not arrive earlier to avoid traffic issues.
Students with Pre-K siblings - Dismissal begins at 11:00am
Students without Pre-K siblings - Dismissal begins at 11:30am
Monday - Exam Review Day
Tuesday - Science and Math Exams
8:00-8:45 Optional Exam Study Time (students may choose to arrive late)
8:45 Science Exam
9:55 Math Exam
Wednesday - History and English Exams
8:00-8:45 Optional Exam Study Time (students may choose to arrive late)
8:45 History Exam
9:55 English Exam
Thursday (Teacher Workday, Lower School programs - NO SCHOOL for students)
NOTE: Pre-K-3rd grade will have Christmas programs taking place on campus throughout the day.
Friday (NO SCHOOL - MERRY CHRISTMAS)
*For students who are unable to be picked up at the half day dismissal time on Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday, we will provide free care until 3:30pm. Normal Extended Day rates will apply after 3:30pm.
EXAM EXEMPTIONS AND CONFLICTS
Students may exempt 1 exam (English, History or Science) if they have a 95% or higher in the class. Teachers will communicate exemption eligibility as we get closer to exam week.
Students needing to take an exam early due to absence-related issue must submit a Pre-Absence Request Form to Mr. Vinson by Monday, December 7 so that appropriate arrangements can be made.
Reminders
Sick Absences - Be sure to email Adam Vinson (adam.vinson@tcslions.org)
House Competition - Follow along all year www.tcshouses.weebly.com
Staff Contacts
Director of Student Life - Tiffany McBurnett (tiffany.mcburnett@tcslions.org)
Available to assist with student life-related questions (field trips, parties, etc.), discipline issues, and social and emotional-related challenges
Dean of Students - Ryan Tipton (ryan.tipton@tcslions.org)
Available to assist with disciplinary concerns.