Keeping you plugged into the exciting things happening at the Upper Elementary School
Published March 6, 2022
Volume 119
Adam Vinson - Upper Elementary School Principal
A MESSAGE FROM MR. VINSON
Don’t forget, we have a 3-day week ahead of us with remote learning days on Thursday and Friday. Be sure to check out our remote learning plan below for upper elementary.
Remote Learning Plans (Upper Elementary):
ELA, Math, Reading, Science/History = 1 assignment per class will be assigned for submission
All assignments will be due upon our return to school on Monday, March 14.
Be sure to check Blackbaud for your child’s newsletter to find remote learning assignments this week.
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
Gabe Rivera with Acts the 3 Man Show that is performing in Newnan March 11, 12, 13, challenged our students to stay true to Scripture as they learn to use whatever gifts God has given them to share the truth of the Gospel.
Acts the 3 Man Show is comprised of 3 professional actors, two from Hollywood, and one from right here in Newnan, who travel the country presenting the Book of Acts from Scripture. Each actor plays 17-24 characters, and the powerful stories of the early church are shared in dramatic form on the stage. From Paul’s conversion, shipwreck, and missionary journeys to the stories of Peter, Luke, John Mark, Nero, and many others, this show will challenge your faith, encourage your heart, and empower your witness for the Lord Jesus Christ in this day and age!
Here at TCS, we are passionate about helping our students have opportunities to see and hear the truth of the Word of God in new ways, so we are reaching out to let you know that the performance next Friday, March 11th is especially focused on students! Mr. Hurt, our Head of Performing Arts, will be opening the show in prayer, and we would love to have as many TCS students and families there!
This is also an incredible outreach opportunity to invite those who may not know the Lord, to see this show. Many times, people will come to a show like this before they will come to a church service. So we would love to see our students get excited about sharing this with their friends.
Here is a trailer for the show if you would like to learn more: https://youtu.be/UNunDoap2NA
Tickets are available at www.fbcnewnan.org for each of the showings.
Info: Acts the 3 Man Show www.Acts3ManShow.com
Where:
First Baptist Church Newnan
15 W. Washington St
Newnan, GA. 30263
When:
March 11 @ 7:00 pm
March 12 @ 7:00 pm
March 13 @ 3:00 pm
We hope to see you there!
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 = Aliz Ferencz
5th Grade = Cade Johnson
MARCH MEMORY VERSES: PHILIPPIANS 2:12-16
Help your child learn their memory verses over the course of this month.
Week of February 28
12 Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling,
Week of March 7
13 for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.
14 Do all things without grumbling or disputing,
Week of March 14
15 that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world,
Week of March 21
16 holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain.
A GLIMPSE INSIDE THE CLASSROOM
February seemed to fly by, but our classes never lost momentum! Check out what has been happening in our upper elementary classrooms this month:
4th Grade Reading - Mrs. Stephenson’s class is finishing up their study of The Sign of the Beaver by creating a fun brochure about the novel.
4th Grade Science - Mrs. Goss’ class has been studying simple machines by making their own!
4th Grade ELA - Mrs. Stanfield’s class spent some time writing about God’s love, how it is unconditional and never changes!
4th Grade Math - Mrs. Long’s students have really been focusing on long division this month. When her students “blow her away” with their brilliance, Mrs. Long rewards them with some bubble gum to chew during class!
5th Grade Science - Students in Miss Dale’s class have been busy learning all about electricity and magnets this month! They have created their own copper circuits and seen the magnetic field during some fun, interactive labs.
5th Grade ELA - Students in Mrs. Peters’ class have been working on compound and complex sentences. They’ve displayed some of their best in the hallway for all to see!
MEMORY VERSE REMINDER
Don’t forget that this week’s memory verse quiz will be weighted as “2” in the grade book. This is a great chance for your child to improve upon their Bible grade so encourage them to study this week so they can do their very best! This week’s verse quiz is over Philippians 2:13-14!
***DEADLINE FOR JUST READ QUARTER 3***
Don’t forget, Quarter 3 Just Read forms are due on Wednesday, March 9! Forms should be given to your child’s homeroom teacher.
ST. PATRICK’S DAY DRESS DOWN
On Thursday, March 17, students may wear green with jeans to celebrate the day!
SIX FLAGS FIELD TRIP
Don’t forget we will be taking our 4th and 5th graders to Six Flags for their special Science Days! Additional information has been emailed to you by Mrs. McBurnett. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to her at tiffany.mcburnett@tcslions.org.
April 22 = 4th grade trip
April 29 = 5th grade trip
reminder: ADVANCED/HONORS PLACEMENT FOR 22/23 SCHOOL YEAR
If you are interested in your child being placed in advanced/honors classes for next year, please review the criteria we will be using to evaluate our student placement for next year.
reminder: IOWA TESTING DATE CHANGE
To help provide our teachers with additional instructional time and our students more exposure to their grade level content, we are moving our standardized testing week to May 2-6. More specific information will be provided soon. We are exploring the option of being able to complete our testing online as well.
reminder: 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.