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

Published April 18, 2021

Volume 80

A MESSAGE FROM MR. VINSON

Spring is one of my favorite times of the school year due to the excitement surrounding the anticipation of summer break. Students are lively, the days are warmer, and there is just a general appreciation for school as the realization sets in that time is short for making final memories before moving on to the next grade level. Last spring was so hard on me personally as I missed the daily interaction with our students particularly during this spring period. What a blessing to be on campus with the option for face-to-face learning as we continue moving through April and as we look forward to May. In the coming weeks we will have more and more opportunities to celebrate the accomplishments of your children this year. I’m so grateful for all that the LORD has done, and I am excited to make the most of these final weeks. May the LORD fill our students with spiritual moments and memories between now and summer break that will impact them for a lifetime!

LAST WEEK IN CHAPEL 

Coach Carr kicked off our new series entitled “Finish Strong” by highlighting the call Jesus gave to his initial disciples in Mark 1:16-20 . As we look towards finishing this school year strong, Coach Carr reminded us that we need to be fully devoted in our walk with Jesus as a starting point for finishing strong. May the LORD continue to call our students into a deeper relationship with Him!

APRIL MEMORY VERSE: ROMANS 8:28-29 (ESV)

And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.

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 = Caleb Buck

• 8th Grade = Ainsley Lawson

HABITUDES MOMENT

Ask your child about the new leadership images being introduced in Habitudes this month. 

6th Grade:

Discipline Bridge - Personal discipline is the bridge to the goal.

Lesson Summary - Leaders don’t build character without crossing the bridge of discipline. Personal discipline is like a bridge that crosses from where you are to where you want to be. It gets you where you want to go.

7th & 8th Grade:

The Waldorf Principle - Servant leadership gains influence with others.

Lesson Summary - The way to the top with people is by serving them extravagantly and sacrificially. A simple clerk did this to Mr. Waldorf, and the rich tycoon returned to make that clerk his first hotel manager in New York. People expect good service from leaders. They are surprised when we serve sacrificially.

MIDDLE SCHOOL TALENT SHOW

Talent Show Date: Wednesday, May 12 - 1:45pm in the Gym

Auditions: Thursday, April 22 - 2:45pm in the Student Center (Pre-School Building)

Deadline: Sign up to audition by Monday, April 19

FINAL EXAM INFORMATION

Please note the plans for middle school exam week and the final calculation of grades.

• Bible = NO EXAM — final grade will be calculated by assignments given until May 21.

• English = Final exam will be a reading comprehension assessment.

• History = Final exam will be a non-comprehensive unit test. 

• Math = Final exam will be a comprehensive test over all content/material learned.

Science = Students will be given a non-comprehensive unit test.

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. 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, May 10 so that appropriate arrangements can be made.

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).

COMMUNITY SERVICE UPDATE

With the challenges presented by COVID this year regarding allowed ways to serve, we are making our 10 hours of community service an “encouraged” assignment vs. a “required” assignment this year. Students who complete their 10 hours of community service will receive a 100 test grade in Bible. Students who are unable to complete the 10 hours of community service will not incur a penalty.

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.

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.