Keeping you plugged into the exciting things happening at the Upper Elementary School
Published July 17, 2022
Volume 134
Adam Vinson - Upper Elementary School Principal
A MESSAGE FROM MR. VINSON
Below you will find several new pieces of information related to the start of the school year. If anything doesn’t make sense or if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask! While school is just around the corner, summer isn’t over yet! Keep enjoying these days of vacation and keep making lasting memories as a family.
UPPER ELEMENTARY ADMINISTRATIVE CONTACTS
If you have any questions throughout the summer or upcoming school year, use the guide below to ensure your questions are directed to the most helpful personnel.
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.
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 discipline issues.
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 Skills Development - Jenn Opsahl (jennifer.opsahl@tcslions.org)
Mrs. Opsahl oversees our Skills Development Program.
NEW INFORMATION IN THIS ISSUE:
Are You Receiving Blackbaud Communication?
While the bulk of the information related to upper elementary will come to you through the Inside the Pride newsletter, there is time-sensitive and more child-specific information that will need to be sent to you via Blackbaud throughout the year. While this information can always be viewed within Blackbaud, it is also helpful if you have properly set up your notification settings so that you receive email prompts about the communication in case you aren’t logging in to Blackbaud every day. Go ahead and double check your Blackbaud settings to make sure you have your notifications set to serve your needs best.
Advanced Class Placement Communication
Students who qualified for advanced classes were notified by email on Thursday, July 14. If you received a notification from your child’s Academic Coordinator, please be sure to let us know if you wish to decline the advanced placement by Monday, July 18. This will help us great as we move forward in the scheduling process for all of our students.
Last Call: Class Selection Forms
Do you still need to submit your child’s Specials preferences? This week is your last chance to get these requests in as we begin finalizing student schedules.
Upper Elementary Specials Class Selection and Friend Request Forms
Upper Elementary Homeroom Request Forms
New Teachers Coming Aboard
Next week we are going to kick off our introductions to new teachers. I’m so excited about the new faculty and staff joining our middle school this year and look forward to introducing you to each of them.
Update: Upper Elementary Spirit Wear
We are making final design approvals and hope to have order forms sent to you within the next week! We are excited about the new spirit wear options that are coming!
REMINDERS FROM PREVIOUS SUMMER ISSUES:
Summer Reading (REQUIRED)
Did you miss the information regarding summer reading? Be sure to check out the information below for your child’s grade level. Assignments are due the first day of school!
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.
APPLICATION ASSIGNMENT: Complete the “Finding the Theme” Organizer
Back to School Event Details
Don’t miss out on our Back to School Events! Please look for more information regarding these events in the general section of this newsletter.
Sunday, August 7 – Welcome to The ROAR (Social Gathering for ALL Families)
5:00 - 6:00 pm - NEW Families Welcome Session (Gym)
6:00 - 8:00 pm - Social Gathering for ALL Families (Stadium)
Includes a Taste of SAGE food sampling
Monday, August 8 – Meet My Teacher Day (Classroom Visits & School Supply Drop-offs)
No classes
Chromebooks available for pickup
Locker assignments to be given - bring school supplies to store
Staggered Visiting Schedule:
9:30 - 11:30 am Last Names A – L
1:30 - 3:30 pm Last Names M – Z
Tuesday, August 9 – First Official Day of Classes (Students attend classes)
Drop off as early as 7:00 am
Classes start at 8:00 am
22/23 UE Uniform Policy
Please take the time to review our updated uniform policies for next year to help guide you in making purchases this summer. Remember, students are required to wear TCS branded outerwear.
22/23 Supply Lists
This is our current supply list for each grade level.
4th Supply List – email Mrs. McBurnett (tiffany.mcburnett@tcslions.org) with any questions
5th Supply List - email Mrs. Lanier (melissa.lanier@tcslions.org) with any questions