Keeping you plugged into the exciting things happening at the Upper Elementary School
Published October 3, 2021
Volume 100
Adam Vinson - Upper Elementary School Principal
A MESSAGE FROM MR. VINSON
Can you believe we have made it through Quarter 1? This school year is flying by! What a blessing though to have experienced a mostly normal first 9 weeks of school. We just completed initial field trips for all of our middle schoolers which was a big goal we had at the start of the school year. It was such a blessing to have these out-of-the-classroom experiences to kick off this school year, and we are looking forward to building off these trips with additional opportunities over the remainder of the year. Keep praying each day for God’s added protection as the weather begins to cool and as we enter into the traditional “flu season”. I know students will begin battling various illnesses in the coming weeks/months, but we also know we serve a great God who is fully capable of sustaining us with added protection and quick recoveries too. Thank you for all of the support during Quarter 1. We look forward to improving upon our service even more as we head into Quarter 2. Enjoy your upcoming Fall Break with family and friends!
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
No chapel this past week due to the field trip.
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.
LIONS OF THE WEEK
Returning soon
OCTOBER MEMORY VERSES: Hebrews 1:1-4 (ESV)
Help your child learn their memory verses over the course of this month.
Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, 2 but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world. 3 He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, 4 having become as much superior to angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs.
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.
FALL PICTURE DAY
Our Fall pictures for upper elementary are scheduled for Friday, October 15. Previously, it was communicated that pictures would be taken on Thursday. Students are required to wear normal dress code attire or Friday spirit wear for these pictures as they will be used for the yearbook.
A GLIMPSE INSIDE OUR CLASSROOMS
September was a busy month in our science classrooms! Check out pictures from these hands-on activities:
4th Grade learned about the phases of the moon with a tasty Oreo lab!
5th Grade did a water taste test to practice the scientific method. They also learned how to classify!
BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS
Would you like to celebrate your child’s birthday this year? Consider one of the following options as a way to make their day special.
Purchase birthday cart treat items from our snack cart for your child’s homeroom class for $25. Email our Director of Student Life, Tiffany McBurnett (tiffany.mcburnett@tcslions.org), if you would like to schedule a day.
Send in prepackaged birthday treats purchased from a store for the homeroom class to enjoy together.
Join your child for lunch (beginning in September) in the cafeteria.
REMINDER: SICK ABSENCES AND MAKEUP WORK PROCESS
The following steps should be taken for reporting absences for Pre-K - 8th grade:
Please send excuses for absences, including doctor’s notes to attendance@tcslions.org.
Any questions or issues? Email attendance@tcslions.org.
*PRE-ABSENCE REQUESTS (family trips, etc.) should be submitted by using the Pre-Absence Form found on Blackbaud. Forms may be printed and given to your child’s teacher at the beginning of the school day or emailed to Kasey Hanson (kasey.hanson@tcslions.org).
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.
ADDITIONAL 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
AFTER SCHOOL CLUBS
Check out the current after school clubs we are planning to offer for upper elementary students this year. If you have any questions, please email Lisa Railey (lisa.railey@tcslions.org) who oversees all of our elementary clubs.
IMPORTANT LINKS
New Pre-Absence Form - Use when anticipating upcoming absences
Uniform Overview - No changes from last year, just reminders
UPPER ELEMENTARY ADMINISTRATIVE CONTACTS
Please note the new administrative positions and the individuals serving in those capacities for next year.
4th Grade Academic Coordinator - Tiffany McBurnett (tiffany.mcburnett@tcslions.org)
Mrs. McBurnett will be assisting you with any academic-related needs for 4th grade.
5th Grade Academic Coordinator - Melissa Lanier (melissa.lanier@tcslions.org)
Mrs. Lanier will be assisting you with any academic-related needs for 5th grade.
Upper Elementary 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. Email Pre-Absence forms to her.
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.