Keeping you plugged into the exciting things happening at the Middle School
Published September 19, 2021
Volume 98
Adam Vinson - Middle School Principal
A MESSAGE FROM MR. VINSON
One of our goals this year is to help cultivate a deeper appreciation and love amongst our students for God’s Word. We want our students to not only be equipped to read and memorize Scripture, but we also want them to treasure the promises, guidance and truth found within the pages of the Bible in a way that shapes every aspect of their existence. As I Peter 2:1-3 says, if we will seek to know God through His Word, we will be aided greatly in our efforts to love others faithfully. Please continue praying alongside our faculty and teachers as we seek to instill this type of passion within our students’ hearts. Ultimately, the Holy Spirit creates the spiritual growth we are describing so pray specifically that God’s Spirit would move in our Bible classes, chapel services, etc. in such a way that our students are driven to know God and love others in response to His Word.
HOW ARE WE DOING?
Let me know how our team is doing in keeping you informed about your child’s education this year. If you are lacking communication regarding one of your child’s classes, please let me know so I can help! adam.vinson@tcslions.org
LAST WEEK IN CHAPEL
Mr. Higgins spoke to our students from Philippians 3:12-14 and encouraged them to keep their eyes set on moving forward as they pursue Christ with their whole hearts. What a timely message as we celebrate 30 years of ministry here at TCS with a mind set on “always forward”!
LIONS OF THE WEEK
Students who were recognized this week by their teachers for their exceptional example set in their recent performance, attitude or action.
6th Grade = Alex LaFleur
7th Grade = Chase Porter
8th Grade = Brady Rainwater
SEPTEMBER MEMORY VERSES: Matthew 22:36-40 (ESV)
Help your child learn their memory verses over the course of this month.
36 “Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?” 37 And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. 38 This is the great and first commandment. 39 And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. 40 On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets.”
SEPTEMBER HABITUDES MOMENT
Check out the leadership principles our students are learning this month! Learn more about our Habitudes curriculum here.
6th Grade = The Starving Baker - Leaders feed themselves for personal growth.
7th = The Talking Stick - Listen and empathize before you lead.
8th = A Compass or a GPS - We need ethics to guide us in new situations.
REMOTE LEARNING DAYS IN OCTOBER
In anticipation of our Remote Learning Days (Oct 7-8) and Fall Break (Oct 11-12), please note the following structure regarding learning activities for those days.
Remote learning work will be distributed by Wednesday Oct 6 and is to be completed over break. All work will be due upon our return to classes on Oct 13.
No virtual classes will be required.
6TH/7TH GRADE RETREAT TO CAMP ROCKRIDGE
WHEN: Friday, September 24
WHERE: Camp Rockridge (13200 GA Hwy 100 Franklin, GA)
COST: $35 (covers transportation, lunch, dinner, and activities)
DROP-OFF/PICK-UP: Please drop off your child at the normal time at TCS. Students will be available for pick-up at Camp Rockridge beginning at 7:30 pm. For those needing to pick up at the school, we should be back around 9:00 pm.
PERMISSION FORM: Please print and submit to your child’s FLEX teacher.
8TH GRADE PSAT INFORMATION
Our 8th grade students will be given the opportunity to take the PSAT on Wednesday, October 13 on our very own TCS campus. This assessment will give our 8th graders great experience for taking the SAT later in high school. This is an optional opportunity with those who choose not to take the test being given an excused absence.
Please note these important details:
This will be a half day dismissal for our 8th grade students ONLY
8am to Noon - 8th Grade Students report to the gym by 7:45 AM SHARP
Students who are late will not be permitted to test once testing begins.
Students will be walked over to the High School to take the test.
All students are registered for the PSAT and will need to pay the $10 in the shopping cart on your SMART TUITION account.
Please email tiffany.mcburnett@tcslions.org only if you want to OPT OUT.
Students should come with a calculator, bottle of water, snack and in dresscode. Dismissal will be at Noon in the regular Middle School car line line area.
PICTURES FROM OUR 8TH GRADE RETREAT TO SNOWBIRD
Check out some of the memories made during our week in Andrews, NC
REMINDER: SICK ABSENCES AND MAKEUP WORK PROCESS
If your child has to miss class this year due to sickness or quarantine, check out our process below for getting your child caught up on missing work and assignments.
WHO WILL HELP ORGANIZE MY CHILD’S MAKEUP WORK? - Kasey Hanson is our RTA (Return to Academics) Coordinator and will help oversee connecting you and your child with a list of missing assignments to complete. Be on the lookout for her emails to help you stay connected.
WHAT IF MY CHILD IS ABSENT 1-2 DAYS? - Have your child connect with their teachers upon their return to the classroom. We will not send makeup work home for sick absences of this length.
WHAT IF MY CHILD IS ABSENT 3+ DAYS? - Mrs. Hanson will be emailing you a Google Sheet with all of the assignments your child will need to complete for each class.
NOTE: If your child is sick, we want your child to focus on resting and healing before worrying about missing assignments. Please know our teachers will work diligently to help your child catch up once they are feeling well enough to complete assignments.
Reminders:
Blackbaud Questions - Email Tiffany McBurnett (tiffany.mcburnett@tcslions.org)
Pre-Absence Requests - Be sure to email Kasey Hanson (kasey.hanson@tcslions.org)
Sick Absences - Be sure to email our nurses (nurses@tcslions.org) and our attendance office (attendance@tcslions.org) - You can also include Kasey Hanson as well (kasey.hanson@tcslions.org)
House Competition - Follow along all year www.tcshouses.weebly.com
IMPORTANT LINKS
New Pre-Absence Form - Use when anticipating upcoming absences
Dress Code Overview - No changes from last year, just reminders
Community Service Form - 10 hours due by May 2022
Thrival Guide - Don’t just survive middle school, THRIVE during these years
MIDDLE SCHOOL ADMINISTRATIVE CONTACTS
6th Grade Academic Coordinator - Melissa Lanier (melissa.lanier@tcslions.org)
Mrs. Lanier will be assisting you with any academic-related needs for 6th grade.
7th and 8th Grade Academic Coordinator - Emily Walter (emily.walter@tcslions.org)
Miss Walter will be assisting you with any academic-related needs for 7th and 8th grade.
Middle School RTA Coordinator - Kasey Hanson (kasey.hanson@tcslions.org)
Mrs. Hanson will be assisting you with makeup work related to any extended absences your child may have this year.
Director of Student Life - Tiffany McBurnett (tiffany.mcburnett@tcslions.org)
Mrs. McBurnett will continue to oversee our special events and field trips while also handling our middle school counseling duties.
Director of Student Development - Dylan Higgins (dylan.higgins@tcslions.org)
Mr. Higgins will continue to oversee the spiritual development of our student body while also assisting with academic needs your child may have.
Director of Skills Development - Jenn Opsahl (jennifer.opsahl@tcslions.org)
Mrs. Opsahl will continue to oversee our Skills Development Program.
Dean of Students - Ryan Tipton (ryan.tipton@tcslions.org)
Mr. Tipton will continue to address any disciplinary issues throughout the year.