Keeping you plugged into the exciting things happening at the Upper Elementary School
Published December 12, 2021
Volume 110
Adam Vinson - Upper Elementary School Principal
A MESSAGE FROM MR. VINSON
Only 1 week left until Christmas Break! This week will be different with half day dismissals, Christmas activities, Movie Day (Wednesday) and grade level parties. Be sure to check out the information this week listed below to ensure you have all the details you need for each day.
LAST WEEK IN CHAPEL
Pastor JC Worley from GO Church reminded our students of the biblical application of the Nee House tagline “Do what is right even when it is costly '' by teaching from the story of the Prodigal Son. As Christians, it will almost always cost us something to do what is right, especially if others around us aren’t committed to doing right as well. Pastor JC encouraged our student body with the truth that doing the right thing is always the best thing even when it might feel like the worst thing.
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.
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 = Madi Gumm
5th Grade = Colton Askew
JANUARY MEMORY VERSES: COMING SOON
Help your child learn their memory verses over the course of this month.
MEMORY VERSE REPLACEMENT QUIZ
Don’t forget on Tuesday, Dec 14 we are offering a replacement quiz over I John 4:11-12 (ESV) for any student desiring to replace a low grade this quarter.
JUST READ REMINDER
All JUST READ Forms are due by December 16. Mr. Vinson will plan to reward those who participated as soon as we return from Christmas Break! Be sure to review the form below and have your child record their reading for this special reward.
THANK YOU FOR FUNDRAISING HELP
A big thank you to everyone who has helped contribute so far to our 8th grade Disney Trip. We had a great response with our dress down days and Holly Jolly Trolly purchases!
CHRISTMAS PERFORMANCES
Don’t forget about our upcoming Upper Elementary performances to celebrate the Christmas season!
4th Grade
Recorders and Strings = December 13 at TCS/HS Auditorium (7pm)
5th Grade
Chorus = December 6 at First Baptist Newnan (7pm)
Strings = December 13 at TCS/HS Auditorium (7pm)
Band = December 14 at TCS/HS Auditorium (7pm)
THIS WEEK’S SCHEDULE
MONDAY, DEC 13 - Specials, Bible and Teacher-led activities in the classrooms
Dress Down Option: Candy Cane Day (wear red and white)
DISMISSAL FOR MONDAY
Students with Pre-K siblings - Dismissal begins at 11am
Students without Pre-K siblings - Dismissal begins at 11:30am
Any students not picked up by 12 noon will be sent to Agape After School (no charge up to 3:30pm)
TUESDAY, DEC 14 - Specials, Bible and Teacher-led activities in the classrooms
Dress Down Option: Christmas Sweater and Socks Day (regular or ugly)
BIBLE MEMORY VERSE REPLACEMENT QUIZ over I John 4:11-12 (ESV)
DISMISSAL FOR TUESDAY
Students with Pre-K siblings - Dismissal begins at 11am
Students without Pre-K siblings - Dismissal begins at 11:30am
Any students not picked up by 12 noon will be sent to Agape After School (no charge up to 3:30pm)
WEDNESDAY, Dec 15 - Movie at NCG Theatre (The Grinch 2018 version)
Dress Down Option: Cozy Christmas Day (Pajamas)
Note: We will meet at NCG theatre beginning at 8:30am (9:00am showing)
Option 1: You may bring your child to NCG and attend the movie as well.
Option 2: You may drop your child off at NCG between 8:30-9:00am.
Option 3: You may drop your child off at TCS prior to 8:30am and we will transport him/her over to NCG.
Students may be picked up at NCG beginning at 11:00am. You will park and come into NCG to retrieve your child. If you are attending the movie, you will simply be dismissed with your child.
THURSDAY, Dec 16 - Bible, Teacher-led activities in the classrooms, grade level parties
Dress Down Option: Holiday Cheer Day (Red and Green)
DISMISSAL FOR THURSDAY
Students with Pre-K siblings - Dismissal begins at 11am
Students without Pre-K siblings - Dismissal begins at 11:30am
Any students not picked up by 12 noon will be sent to Agape After School (no charge up to 3:30pm)
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.