Keeping you plugged into the exciting things happening at the Upper Elementary School
Published January 2, 2022
Volume 111
Adam Vinson - Upper Elementary School Principal
A MESSAGE FROM MR. VINSON
I hope each of you had a wonderful Christmas Break and enjoyed celebrating and anticipating the coming of Christ with friends and family. As we step into 2022, may the LORD continue to bless and sustain your family. We are so excited about our second semester and cannot wait to see all that God has planned for our student body. In Isaiah 46:3-4, Yahweh reminds Israel of why He is better than idols (and the things of this world). While idols offer temporary comfort, ultimately we have to carry idols with us wherever we go. But God is the carrier of us! From our time in the womb until our old age, God never ceases to carry us through. May He carry each of us well into 2022!
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
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.
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.
Returning this week!
JANUARY MEMORY VERSES: PSALM 119:1-7
Help your child learn their memory verses over the course of this month.
Week of January 10:
1 Blessed are those whose way is blameless, who walk in the law of the Lord!
2 Blessed are those who keep his testimonies, who seek him with their whole heart,
3 who also do no wrong, but walk in his ways!
Week of January 17:
4 You have commanded your precepts to be kept diligently.
5 Oh that my ways may be steadfast in keeping your statutes!
Week of January 24:
6 Then I shall not be put to shame, having my eyes fixed on all your commandments.
7 I will praise you with an upright heart, when I learn your righteous rules.
JUST READ QUARTER 3
We are kicking off the second semester with our Quarter 3 Just Read program. Don’t forget, any student who completes the requirements will receive a special reward from Mr. Vinson! Be sure to review the form below and have your child record their reading this quarter! All forms are due by Wednesday, March 9.
BLACKBAUD REMINDER
Don’t forget to utilize Blackbaud weekly for gaining access to your child’s grades while also staying up to date regarding assessments, assignments, and homework! If you have any questions regarding how to access important classroom information for your child, please email Tiffany McBurnett (tiffany.mcburnett@tcslions.org).
REPORT CARD UPDATE
All report cards will be viewable on Blackbaud at the end of the day on Monday, January 10. Please email Tiffany McBurnett (tiffany.mcburnett@tcslions.org) if you have any issues viewing your child’s grades.
MLK HOLIDAY
In observance of Martin Luther King Day, there will be no school on Monday, January 17.
A GLIMPSE INSIDE OUR CLASSROOMS:
With the holiday season came lots of fun and excitement! Here is a glimpse into what our upper elementary classrooms were up to during November and December:
4th grade ELA learned that expository writing can be delicious with an engaging s’mores writing activity!
4th grade reading did an amazing job presenting their biography book reports.
5th grade history has been busy learning all about inventors and inventions! They participated in their own candy-car assembly line. Henry Ford would be proud!
All of our students participated in collecting and packaging boxes for Operation Christmas Child. What a blessing this was to see!
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.