Keeping you plugged into the exciting things happening at the Middle School
Published February 7, 2021
Volume 70
Adam Vinson - Middle School Principal
A MESSAGE FROM MR. VINSON
Recently, I’ve been studying James 2 as part of a men’s group I’m a part of at church. How timely given that we are in the midst of celebrating Black History Month as the message of James 2 is all about fighting our tendencies to show partiality and favoritism towards others based on what we perceive to be true about them. Let me encourage you to read through chapter 2 and meditate on the truth of the words found there. May we all learn to see each other as image-bearers of God, and may we all embrace our responsibility to treat each other with the same love and respect we desire for our own selves.
LAST WEEK IN CHAPEL
We had an unbelievable G.R.A.C.E. Day on Wednesday with special teaching sessions in the morning and then a really great experience at NCG Theatre watching Overcomer. If you haven’t seen the movie before, let me encourage you to check it out here as it paralleled greatly with everything we talked about for G.R.A.C.E. Day. Thank you for praying for our special day. Let me encourage you to keep praying that God would help each of our students to see their classmates through the lens of God’s image as they embrace their own identity in Christ.
FEBRUARY MEMORY VERSE: EPHESIANS 2:8-10 (ESV)
For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.
LIONS OF THE WEEK
Returning after Winter Break
HABITUDES MOMENT
Ask your child about the new leadership images being introduced in Habitudes this month.
6th Grade:
Pop Quiz - 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 & 8th Grades:
Hot Air Balloons - Encouragement brings out other's potential.
Lesson Summary - Hot air balloons rise as the burner is released… but eventually, they begin to fall and need to be refilled. They must continue to be filled in order to go up. People are like this. They must be consistently encouraged in order to reach their highest potential.
BLACK HISTORY MONTH
To celebrate, our teachers will be emphasizing important African-American figures throughout history, specifically using the words Foundation, Innovation, and Transformation to highlight roles and impacts each had on culture today.
Week of February 1 - FOUNDATION = Our teachers will be emphasizing African-Americans who were the first black individuals to do or accomplish certain feats that helped lay the foundation for others.
Week of February 8 - INNOVATION = Our teachers will be emphasizing African-Americans who were instrumental in creating new ideas, products and systems that have contributed to our culture over all.
Week of February 22 - TRANSFORMATION = History teachers will be emphasizing African-Americans who were "culture-changers" by their attitudes, actions and responses to "stand against culture in its wrongness.” (see Robinson House tagline)
FEBRUARY FRENZY DODGEBALL TOURNAMENT
We are going to postpone the start of our tournament until after we return from Winter Break to ensure all team members are back on campus.
MAKE UP WORK LINKS
For those needing to check on missing work for their child due to sick absences, please reference the links below. Remember, there are tabs at the bottom of each sheet for your child’s different subjects. These are live documents so keep checking back through next Wednesday.
LAST WEEK OF SCHOOL SCHEDULE
Please utilize this link to access our middle school schedule for the last week of school so you can make plans to join us for 6th and 7th grade awards programs (virtually for parents) and our 8th grade graduation (in-person for parents).
HONORS PLACEMENT FOR 21/22 SCHOOL YEAR
Please utilize this link to access requirements used for determining honors class placement for next year’s schedule. The placement requirements will apply to our current 6th and 7th grade students as 8th grade students will be placed according to the high school requirements.
UPDATE: 8TH GRADE RETREAT
Unfortunately, due to rising COVID numbers we are going to err on the side of caution and look towards the spring months for our 8th grade retreat to Snowbird.
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.