Keeping you plugged into the exciting things happening at the Upper Elementary School
Published March 27, 2022
Volume 122
Adam Vinson - Upper Elementary School Principal
A MESSAGE FROM MR. VINSON
We have an exciting two months of school left with lots of exciting events coming up! Be sure to check out the “Mark Your Calendar” section to see the events that have already been planned and stay tuned in the coming weeks for more information to follow.
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
We were blessed to have Pastor JC Worley from GO Church join us, and he spoke about the choices we make in our daily lives. Pastor JC reminded our students that our lives are shaped by our choices. He encouraged our students to make wise choices and to take every thought captive (II Cor. 10:5) using the acronym “PAUSE”. To make wise choices we should P-ray, A-sk for help, U-se our Bibles, S-ay the choice out loud, and E-xperience freedom once we have done so. Thank you Pastor JC for helping our students see the need for wisdom and counsel as they make decisions in a world full of temptations.
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 = Caroline Gallucci
5th Grade = Greyson Godfrey
APRIL MEMORY VERSES: JAMES 1:12-15
Help your child learn their memory verses over the course of this month.
Week of March 28
12 Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.
Week of April 11
13 Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one.
Week of April 18
14 But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire.
Week of April 25
15 Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.
REPORT CARD REMINDER
Did you remember to review your child’s report card for Q3? Log in to Blackbaud now to see your child’s report cards for Quarter 3.
PRIDE PERFORMERS: QUARTER 3
Congratulations to the following students who were nominated by their teachers for their hard work and effort in the classroom these past nine weeks!
4th Grade
ELA with Mrs. Stanfield = Claire McEwen
Math with Mrs. Long = Kierran Godfrey
Social Studies/Science with Mrs. Goss = Nolan Rife
Reading with Mrs. Stephenson = Bailey Bishop
5th Grade
ELA with Mrs. Peters = Jackson Ladd
Math with Ms. Roberts = Heidi Paschal and Brady Hoffman (Advanced)
Social Studies/Science with Miss Dale = Reagan Peavy
Reading with Mrs. Burnett = Logan McMichael and Joy Stanfield (Advanced)
MARK YOUR CALENDARS:
UPCOMING UPPER ELEMENTARY DATES
Friday, April 1 = Half Day Dismissal
Week of April 4 = SPRING BREAK
Friday, April 15 = GOOD FRIDAY (NO SCHOOL)
Friday, April 22 = 4th Grade Six Flags Trip
Friday, April 29 = 5th Grade Six Flags Trip
Week of May 2-6 = IOWA Standardized Testing
Monday, May 2 = Orchestra Concert
Tuesday, May 3 = Band Concert
Monday, May 9 = Chorus Concert
Week of May 23-26 = Half Day Schedule
JUST READ QUARTER 4
Don’t forget to encourage your child to participate in our Q4 reading program with a chance to earn a special reward from Mr. Vinson. Be sure to use this form if your child would like to participate.
ADVANCED/HONORS PLACEMENT TESTING
This Wednesday, March 30 we will be giving all of our upper elementary students our new student entrance assessment to help us collect data on how our students are tracking in comparison to incoming students. Please note that these assessments will not be entered in the grade book but will be used to help us in class placement selections for the 22-23 school year. If you are interested in your child being placed in advanced/honors classes for next year, please review the additional criteria we will be using to evaluate our student placement.
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:
The following steps should be taken for reporting absences for Pre-K - 8th grade:
Send excuses for absences, including doctor’s notes to attendance@tcslions.org.
Send PRE-ABSENCE REQUESTS (family trips, etc.) to Kasey Hanson (kasey.hanson@tcslions.org) via your child’s 1st period teacher.
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.
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? - Reach out to Kasey Hanson (Return to Academics Coordinator) so we can best determine a makeup plan for your child.
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.