Keeping you plugged into the exciting things happening at the Middle School
Published May 2, 2021
Volume 82
Adam Vinson - Middle School Principal
A MESSAGE FROM MR. VINSON
The homestretch of the school year is here, but we haven’t reached summer break just yet. Keep encouraging your child to finish the school year strong!
LAST WEEK IN CHAPEL
Mr. Vinson continued our chapel series on “Finish Strong” by teaching from several passages of Scripture. In order to finish strong, students were reminded to 1) Keep their eyes on Jesus, 2) Keep good company with friends and 3) Keep trusting God with the results of their efforts. Our hope is that our students will finish the year strong by remembering that doing their best as a student is an act of worship to God. Check out this video as a reminder of what it looks like to celebrate early before you have finished the race!
MAY MEMORY VERSE: JAMES 1:2-3 (ESV)
Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
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 = Myla Ball
7th Grade = Rebecca Savoy
8th Grade = Helene 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
8TH GRADE SNOWBIRD TRIP
Don’t forget to turn in your child’s permission form if you plan to have them attend our end of the year treat on May 17-19!
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.
8TH GRADE GRADUATION PLANS
Tuesday, May 25 at 6pm
We are going to move the event to the stadium so that parents, siblings and other extended family and friends can join us in the outdoor setting. We will be honoring our 8th grade students with their academic awards for the year while recognizing each of our 8th graders for completing middle school. The event will also be live streamed for those who are unable to attend.
Prayer of Blessing
To close our ceremony we would like for each 8th grader to identify 1 special person in their life who they would like to pray a special prayer of blessing over them as they prepare to enter high school. This person can be a mom, dad, grandparent, pastor, etc. Each 8th grader should select 1 individual to participate in this part of our ceremony.
Please complete this form regarding who will be praying over your child.
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.