Keeping you plugged into the exciting things happening at the Middle School

Published November 22, 2020

Volume 61

A MESSAGE FROM MR. VINSON

Thanksgiving Break is here! Oh the blessings we have to be thankful for this year. God has been so good to us this school year in more ways than I can count. I’m excited about a week off from school to celebrate all that we have to be thankful for here at TCS and within our families. May each of you have a safe and healthy week together with those you love!

LAST WEEK IN CHAPEL 

Coach Carr spoke on our need to love God and to love others (Matt. 22:36-40) and explained that by doing so, we will begin to faithfully live out the tag lines for each of our Houses.

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 = Luke Lanier

• 7th Grade = Feyi Ajay

• 8th Grade = TJ Timpson

HABITUDES MOMENT

Ask your child about this month’s image that is being focused on in our Habitudes leadership/character development classes.

• 6th - Fun House Mirror

  • 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 and 8th - The Calcutta Paradox

  • Humility is magnetic in a leader. When we “under-speak” in regard to our value, others are drawn toward us and our influence increases. When we “over-speak,” others are repelled. When it comes to self-description, leaders know people will fill what is lacking and empty what is too full.

PICTURE DAY RETAKES

Monday, November 30 - Students should wear normal dress code attire.

DISCIPLESHIP DAY

On Wednesday, December 9 we will be devoting the entire day to a spiritual focus. Students will have the chance to attend breakout sessions and chapel services led by various pastors and youth leaders. Please reference Mr. Vinson’s email for more information!

Note: Would you like to order popcorn/soda for your child while we are at NCG Theatre? Complete this order form to have your FACTS account charged.

MIDDLE SCHOOL EXAM WEEK (Week of Dec. 14) INFORMATION

CALCULATION OF MID-TERM GRADES: Note: All Mid-Term Exams will actually count as a test grade. Exams WILL NOT count as a separate percentage grade as in previous years.

• Bible = Final grades will be calculated through assignments given up until Dec. 11 - there will be no assessment given during the exam week. 

• English = Students will be given a writing assignment in class (the week before exam week) and a reading assessment (exam week) with both assessments being combined into 1 final test grade (weighted as 1 test). 

• History = Students will give a presentation in class (the week before exam week) and will take a unit test (non-comprehensive, exam week) with both assessments being combined into 1 final test grade (weighted as 2 tests). 

• Math = Students will take a comprehensive final test (exam week) that will cover all material learned so far this year (weighted as 1 test). 

• Science = Students will submit a project (the week before exam week - due Dec. 11) and will take a unit test (non-comprehensive, exam week) with both assessments being combined into 1 final test grade (weighted as 2 tests). 

*Teachers will be providing information about the History presentation and Science project when we return from Thanksgiving Break so that ample time is given for students to complete all of their work.*

Exam Schedule

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 am

  • Students without Pre-K siblings - Dismissal begins at 11:30 am

• Monday - Christmas Breakfast and Exam Review Day

  • Students will have the chance to enjoy a grade level Christmas party first thing in the morning.

  • Students will attend class on an abbreviated schedule with a review for exams being the focus.

• Tuesday - Science and Math Exams

  • 8:00-8:45 Optional Study Time (students may choose to arrive late and will not be counted tardy as long as they are in the classroom by 8:40)

  • 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 and will not be counted tardy as long as they are in the classroom by 8:40)

  • 8:45 History Exam

  • 9:55 English Exam

• Thursday (Teacher Workday, Lower School programs - NO SCHOOL for students)

  • NOTE: Pre-K-3rd grade and 5th-grade Chorus 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 3:30 pm. Normal Extended Day rates will apply after 3:30 pm.

EXAM EXEMPTIONS AND CONFLICTS

• Students may exempt up to 2 exams (English, History, or Science) if they have a 95% or higher in the class. Exemptions ONLY APPLY to the portion taken during exam week. Students will still be responsible for projects, presentations, and other assignments leading up to exam week. Teachers will communicate exemption eligibility as we get closer to exam week. Exempt students are not required to attend school during the exam they have exempted. 

• Students needing to take an exam early due to an 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.