Keeping you plugged into the exciting things happening at the Upper Elementary School
Published May 1, 2022
Volume 127
Adam Vinson - Upper Elementary School Principal
A MESSAGE FROM MR. VINSON
Only 4 weeks until Summer Break! As we step into IOWA assessment week, don’t forget to prioritize rest and sleep as much as you can for your child this week. We have a lot of assessments, but we can’t wait to see how well our students perform. Check out information below regarding FIELD DAY taking place this week too!
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
Mr. Lassiter (7th grade history teacher) spoke to our students on our call to worship God above everything else and how Jesus makes that possible. Speaking from I Samuel 4-6, Mr. Lassiter helped us see that we are not to use God but to serve Him, unlike the children of Israel who sought to use the Ark of the Covenant as a weapon against the Philistines. In showing us how the God of Israel was superior to Dagon, god of Philistia, we were reminded that God alone is the true hope of our life.
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 = Maddie Pinkerton
5th Grade = Yanmiwa Ajayi
MAY MEMORY VERSES: HEBREWS 13:20-21
Help your child learn their memory verses over the course of this month.
Week of May 2
No Memory Verse Quiz this week due to IOWA assessments.
Week of May 9
20 Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant,
Week of May 16
21 equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.
Week of May 23
No Memory Verse Quiz this week due to last week of school.
IOWA WEEK DRESS CODE
Students may wear spirit wear (TCS t-shirts, polos, outerwear, etc.) with approved dress code pants/shorts or jeans throughout this week.
FIELD DAY
Our upper elementary students will participate in their annual Field Day this Friday, May 6 before lunch. We are excited to conclude a week of testing with an outdoor competition together. Students are allowed to wear appropriate athletic attire to school on Friday.
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.
5TH GRADE WALK
Parents of 5th graders are invited to participate in our 5th Grade Walk as we say “goodbye to elementary and hello to middle school!” Our 5th Grade Walk will begin at 8:30am on Thursday, May 26. More details to come but go ahead and mark your calendars now!
MARK YOUR CALENDARS:
UPCOMING UPPER ELEMENTARY DATES
Week of May 2-6 = IOWA Standardized Testing
Monday, May 2 = Orchestra Concert
Tuesday, May 3 = Band Concert
Friday, May 6 = Field Day
Monday, May 9 = Chorus Concert
Week of May 23-26 = Half Day Schedule
May 26 = 5th Grade Walk
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.