Keeping you plugged into the exciting things happening at the Upper Elementary School
Published April 24, 2022
Volume 126
Adam Vinson - Upper Elementary School Principal
A MESSAGE FROM MR. VINSON
The countdown is on for summer break! Only 5 weeks of school remaining! Be sure to challenge your child to keep working hard and doing their very best in the coming weeks. It will be tempting for students to start thinking of beach trips, pool days and adventures at the lake. The next 5 weeks are super important though when it comes to transitioning them to the next grade level. Make it a priority to encourage your son or daughter to finish out the school year strong!
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
Coach Holly Savoy spoke to our students on how to overcome spiritual mountains and obstacles in our lives by utilizing prayer, Bible study, worship/thankfulness, and Christian community. Using her experience as a teenager on the Nickelodeon TV show “Guts”, Coach Holly helped our students to see that by following God’s path, we can overcome any mountain in our life. Ask your child about the TV clips they were able to view of Coach Holly as she took 1st place by conquering the MegaCrag and winning the Guts competition!
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 = Jane Jung
5th Grade = Heidi Paschal
APRIL MEMORY VERSES: JAMES 1:12-15
Help your child learn their memory verses over the course of this month.
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.
REMINDER: 5TH GRADE FIELD TRIP
Don’t forget our 4th graders will be attending the special science day at Six Flags this coming Friday, April 29. If you have any questions about the trip, please email Mrs. McBurnett (tiffany.mcburnett@tcslions.org).
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.
PREPARING FOR IOWA STANDARDIZED TESTING
Our upcoming IOWA testing will take place the week of May 2. How can you help your child prepare to do their very best? Utilize the suggested tips below to make IOWA week an accurate reflection of your child’s learning and ability.
Make sure your child gets plenty of REST. With no homework or regular assessments being given, strive to have your child in bed early if possible while trying to reduce the events and activities your family will be required to attend.
EAT a good breakfast each day. Sleep + food will help your child think clearly and focus. Good proteins and high fiber foods will help keep your child alert and will reduce the chances of them getting hungry during the test.
ENCOURAGE your child to do their very best. The IOWA tests are one piece of the overall assessment approach taken at TCS. Don’t overemphasize the importance of these testing results. IOWA is meant to show us how your child is growing and learning. The goal is for them to simply do their best.
Prioritize PUNCTUALITY when it comes to arriving at school on time. When students feel rushed, they often feel stressed and aren’t able to do their best. By being on time, you help ensure your child hears all of the instructions for the test which creates a more relaxing testing environment.
Be ACTIVE after school. While students will still engage in physical activity at school during IOWA testing week, the more energy your child can exert the better. Plan some afternoon outdoor activities for your family to help facilitate a more focused testing time for your child.
MARK YOUR CALENDARS:
UPCOMING UPPER ELEMENTARY DATES
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
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.