Keeping you plugged into the exciting things happening at the Upper Elementary School
Published May 15, 2022
Volume 129
Adam Vinson - Upper Elementary School Principal
A MESSAGE FROM MR. VINSON
Can you believe we are down to our last full week of school? Summer is almost here, and we plan to finish out this school year strong! Most of our final assessments for the gradebook will take place this week, and then we will have lots of end-of-the-year activities planned for the final week during our half-day schedules. Encourage your child to do their very best this week on all of their school, not just for a good grade, but remind them it is a way to worship and honor God too! (I Cor. 10:31)
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. Higgins taught from James 1:22-25 about the man who looks intently at himself in the mirror. He challenged the students to see themselves through the Word of God and then obey the Word of God; to be hearers and doers.
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 = Ashton Baldwin
5th Grade = Gabbi Phillips
MAY MEMORY VERSES: HEBREWS 13:20-21
Help your child learn their memory verses over the course of this month.
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.
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. Be sure to check out the Official Note (check Blackbaud or your email) sent by Mr. Vinson last week for more details!
LAST WEEK OF SCHOOL + HALF DAYS
Don’t forget the last week of school is an early dismissal week.
11:00 am Dismissal = Students with Pre-K siblings
11:30 am Dismissal = Students without Pre-K siblings
MARK YOUR CALENDARS:
UPCOMING UPPER ELEMENTARY DATES
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.