Keeping you plugged into the exciting things happening at the Upper Elementary School

Published May 29, 2022

Volume 131

A MESSAGE FROM MR. VINSON

Summer Break is here, and we are excited for the opportunity our students have to rest over the coming weeks after a job well done! My hope and prayer for all of our families this summer is that you find time to relax together, experience spiritual growth through your local church, and make as many fun memories as possible! Our children grow up so quickly and the time to invest in them goes quickly as well. Get outdoors and enjoy these coming weeks to the fullest as a family!

LOOKING AHEAD TO THE 2022/2023 SCHOOL YEAR

Summer Reading (REQUIRED)

Listed below you will find our summer reading requirements for rising 4th-5th grade students. We are excited to jumpstart the summer with a biblical focus as we challenge our students to read during the summer break! Details regarding an application assignment in response to the reading is included below too. Application assignments will be due on the first day of class so be sure to have your child read and do their very best in preparation fo the start of the school year. 

• Rising 4th Grade

  • Choose a Christian fiction book that will interest your child to read. Be sure to choose something that has at least 100 pages. 

  • APPLICATION ASSIGNMENT: Complete the Desert Story Pyramid

  • Here are some suggestions if you don’t have any books in mind:

    • The Secret of the Hidden Scrolls by M.J. Thomas

    • The Door in the Dragon’s Throat by Frank Peretti 

    • A Chameleon, a Boy, and a Quest by J.A. Myhre

    • A Bird, a Girl, and a Rescue by J.A. Myhre

    • The Green Ember by S.D. Smith

    • Jack vs. the Tornado by Amanda Cleary Eastep

    • Wingfeather Saga Series by Andrew Peterson

    • The Prince Warriors by Priscilla Shirer

    • Little Pilgrim’s Progress by Helen L. Taylor

• Rising 5th Grade

  • Stuart’s Run to Faith by Sharon Hambrick - You can purchase the book through this link on Amazon or anywhere the book is available. 

  • Plot Summary – When twelve-year-old Stuart finally learns to accept God's love for him, he changes his mind about going to school at Greenhaven Christian Academy and living with his "preachy" grandma.

  • APPLICATION ASSIGNMENT: Complete the “Finding the Theme” Organizer

COMING IN NEXT WEEK’S ISSUE

1. Welcome to Upper Elementary Video

   • Upper Elementary is an exciting final step in the elementary adventure. As we begin making preparations for the transition to middle school, you won’t want to miss next week’s video that will help inform you about all things related to 4th and 5th grade at TCS.  

2. Class request forms for 22/23 school year

   • We had hoped to have this ready in this week’s edition, but we are making some final tweaks and wil have this available next week. 

3. Supply Lists for 22/23 school year

   • Same thing, we are making a couple of final tweaks and will have this available next week. 

4. Uniform Updates for 22/23 school year

   • An updated guide for uniform requirements is coming to help guide your summer shopping. 

5. Summer Math Skills

   • Are you looking for guidance on how to best prepare your child for next year’s math class? We will have you covered with suggestions next week!

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.