Keeping you plugged into the exciting things happening at the Upper Elementary School
Published November 7, 2021
Volume 105
Adam Vinson - Upper Elementary School Principal
A MESSAGE FROM MR. VINSON
In Ephesians 6:10-20 Paul talks about the reality of spiritual warfare that we face in our world. The greatest enemies are not found in the physical but in the spiritual as Satan and his evil forces fight for the hearts and souls of mankind. The greatest weapons used against us are also not found in the physical but instead can be seen in the deceptive lies and schemes used to turn our minds from truth and our hearts from trusting in God. Each piece of armor mentioned in this chapter is so important for finding victory over these satanic attempts to lead us away from God. I certainly see this war on a daily basis as our students fight to understand who God is and what it means for Him to love us as His children. The world around us will stop at nothing in its attempt to divert our students’ attention from the things that matter most. As we enter into the month of Thanksgiving, I’m so thankful for a school like TCS where we can partner with you as parents in making war against the Enemy to ensure the spiritual development of your children. As Paul reminds us in the latter part of this chapter, prayer is an essential key in gaining ground in this war. Please know that our faculty and staff meet every morning to pray over your children. While we are certainly here to teach your children Math, English, Science, History, etc., our greatest role is found in the efforts we make to point them to Christ. We love each of your children, and we too will stop at nothing in our attempts to point them to the true King and to our true source of joy and satisfaction, not only in this life, but in the one to come as well.
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. Tipton (8th grade Bible teacher) spoke from John 13 and the example Jesus sets for servanthood by washing His disciples’ feet. Using the tag line from the Wycliffe House - “Find Ways to Serve Others When You See A Need” Mr. Tipton reminded our student body of the Christian responsibility we have to put others’ needs above our own. We encourage you to find ways to reinforce this mindset even at home by challenging your child to serve when needs arise.
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.
4th Grade = Liam Peters
5th Grade = Emmy Roth
NOVEMBER MEMORY VERSES: Titus 3:1-7 (ESV)
Help your child learn their memory verses over the course of this month.
3 For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another. 4 But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, 5 he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, 6 whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
JUST READ
Reminder that we have reintroduced our reading incentive program from the Principal’s Office! Just Read is our initiative to get our students reading! For those who choose to accept the challenge, an awesome prize at the end of Quarter 2 awaits. And an even greater prize will be granted to those who meet the requirements for the entire year! Check out the details through the link below and encourage your 4th or 5th grader to READ!
PICTURE DAY RETAKES
Don’t forget that Monday, November 8 is retake day for pictures! Please make sure your child is dressed in appropriate dress code attire. Please see the information below that was previously emailed out by Lisa Railey.
Picture Retakes for all TCS students (Prek-3 through 12th grade) will be Monday, November 8!
If you would like for your student(s) to have their picture retaken, please complete the picture retake form to register them. Be sure to include your student's teacher. *Please fill out a separate form for each student.
This retake is for students whose first picture needs to be redone or if they were absent on the first picture day. The retake picture is the one that will be used in the yearbook and the only picture available for purchase as it will replace the original picture.
Proofs of the original picture should have been delivered directly to your email. If you have not received your child's proofs, please check your spam folder. If you do not find them there, please reach out to eric@richardsstudio.us.
OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD
Be on the lookout for information coming home this week regarding Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes. This is an awesome opportunity to serve others as we enter the holiday season. House points will be given out for all those who participate!
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: ATTENDANCE AND ABSENCES
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.
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
Follow our House Competition all year long!
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 can assist you with any academic-related needs for 4th grade.
5th Grade Academic Coordinator - Melissa Lanier (melissa.lanier@tcslions.org)
Mrs. Lanier can assist you with any academic-related needs for 5th grade.
Upper Elementary RTA Coordinator - Kasey Hanson (kasey.hanson@tcslions.org)
Mrs. Hanson can assist you with makeup work due to any extended absences.
Director of Student Life - Tiffany McBurnett (tiffany.mcburnett@tcslions.org)
Mrs. McBurnett oversees 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 oversees 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 oversees our Skills Development Program.
Dean of Students - Ryan Tipton (ryan.tipton@tcslions.org)
Mr. Tipton addresses any disciplinary issues throughout the year.