Inside the Pride Upper Elementary School News - Volume 136

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

Published July 31, 2022

Volume 136

 

Adam Vinson - Upper Elementary School Principal

 

A MESSAGE FROM MR. VINSON

We are about 1 week away from launching the 2022-2023 school year! While summer is coming to an end, that doesn’t mean the fun and excitement has to end too. That’s why we are calling our 1st day of classes “OPENING DAY” this year! Just like the buzz that surrounds the start of a new baseball season, we are feeling the same excitement about what God has in store for our teachers and students. Will you join us in praying for the upcoming school year? We can’t wait to get started!

OPENING DAY - 1ST DAY OF CLASSES + ADJUSTED DRESS CODE

We have a fun-filled day planned for August 9 to welcome our students back. Opening Day brings a fresh start full of excitement and anticipation about the new season. This new school season is no different. 

Baseball-style hats + Spiritwear = Students are encouraged to wear TCS spirit-wear with jeans or normal dress code bottoms along with a baseball-style cap to celebrate the start of the new year.


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:

Summer Checklist:

How prepared am I for the start of school?

  • Has my child completed the summer reading? (if not, reference the requirements below)

  • Have I purchased school supplies yet? (double check the grade level list below)

    • Have I set aside the HR teacher supplies to bring to Meet the Teacher Day?

  • Have I reviewed the dress code and made proper purchases? (see guidelines below)

  • Have I set your Blackbaud notifications to your desired settings for receiving info?

  • Have I reviewed my child’s schedule for accuracy and printed a copy for easy reference?

  • Have I marked Tues, Aug 16 on my calendar to attend the 4th grade Curriculum night?

*NEW* Upper Elementary Spirit Wear Orders

We are excited to offer once again our unique line of upper elementary spirit wear for this upcoming school year. Check out the options for t-shirts and outerwear below. We will place our first order August 5 and will attempt a second order later in August for those who miss this first deadline. Don’t delay and get your order in as we would like to provide these items to you by the end of August!

  • UE T-Shirts - will be purchased through Graceful Peach Boutique

  • UE Outerwear - will be purchased through Graceful Peach Boutique

Dress Code for New Events

Welcome to the Roar (Sunday, August 7)

  • Appropriate athletic/summer attire

Meet My Teacher (Monday, August 8)

  • Normal school dress code or spirit wear with jeans

*NEW* Opening Day (Tuesday, August 9)

  • Baseball-style caps + TCS spirit wear with jeans or normal dress code bottoms

UPDATE: Class Schedules

Class schedules will be viewable this week! Please take the time to check your child’s schedule to ensure accuracy for the following:

What you should see on your child’s 4th Grade schedule:

  • Homeroom

  • Bible

  • Math

  • Science/Social Studies

  • ELA

  • Reading

  • Recess

  • Lunch

  • Dismissal

  • Specials

What you should see on your child’s 5th Grade schedule:

  • Homeroom

  • Bible

  • Math

  • Science

  • Social Studies

  • ELA

  • Recess

  • Lunch

  • Dismissal

  • Specials

Note: If something doesn’t look right on your child’s schedule, please email Mr. Vinson. 

Pre-Absence Form

We would love for your child to have perfect attendance this year, but we know absences are coming. For those absences you are planning in advance, please complete the Pre-Absence Form to ensure our teachers are aware and are able to provide schoolwork in advance of the absence. Following this process will allow your absences to be excused most of the time. Keep in mind that all schoolwork is to be submitted when your child returns to the classroom to avoid late penalties.

REMINDERS FROM PREVIOUS SUMMER ISSUES: 

Summer Reading (REQUIRED)

Assignments are due the first day of school!

Back to School Event Details

  • Sunday, August 7 – Welcome to The ROAR (Fun Night for Families) 

    • Includes New Families Welcome Session 5-6pm (gym)

    • Includes a Social Gathering for ALL families 6-8pm (stadium)

    • Includes a Taste of SAGE food sampling

  • Monday, August 8 – Meet My Teacher DROP-IN Day (walk your child’s schedule)

    • No classes

    • Bring school supplies!

    • 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 Day of Classes (Students attend classes)

    • Drop off as early as 7am

    • Classes start at 8am

4th Grade Introduction/Curriculum Night

Parents, mark your calendars for Tuesday, Aug 16 from 6:30-7:30pm for an introductory experience to 4th grade. This will be a parent-only event as our teachers will walk you through important information to aid you as your child transitions to Upper Elementary. More details to come!

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. 

Daily Drop Off and Pick Up

Be sure to check out the arrival and dismissal videos once they are made available in the main section of the newsletter. For returning families, there are no major changes, but for our new families, these videos will give you a helpful overview of what to expect. 

  • Reminders: You can drop off as early as 7:00am and pickup usually ends around 3:30-3:40pm. 

IMPORTANT: On the Meet My Teacher Day (Monday, August 8) you will receive your family’s safe Dismissal pickup card. 

Lunch Visitations

Our plan is to offer parents the opportunity once again to join their child for lunch. We will need the first few weeks to get our students settled, especially with our new dining services, but be on the lookout for information after Labor Day about when you can start visiting your child.

4th/5th Daily Schedule

While schedules are still being finalized, here is a basic overview of what a 4th and 5th grade day looks like each week. 

4th Grade Daily Schedule: 

  • 7:00-7:40 = Arrival in the Gym

  • 7:40-8:00 = Arrival in Homeroom Class

  • 8:00-8:05 = Homeroom

  • 8:10-8:50 = Specials Classes

  • 8:55-9:35 = Bible/Snack

  • 9:40-10:30 = Class Rotation 1

  • 10:35-11:25 = Class Rotation 2

  • 11:30-12:00 = Lunch

  • 12:05-12:55 = Class Rotation 3

  • 1:00-1:50 = Class Rotation 4

  • 1:55-2:45 = Class Rotation 5

  • 2:45-2:50 = Prep for Dismissal

  • 2:50-3:30 = Dismissal

5th Grade Daily Schedule

  • 7:00-7:40 = Arrival in the Gym

  • 7:40-8:00 = Arrival in Homeroom Class

  • 8:00-8:05 = Homeroom

  • 8:10-8:50 = Bible/Snack

  • 9:00-9:40 = Specials Classes

  • 9:45-10:35 = Class Rotation 1

  • 10:40-11:30 = Class Rotation 2

  • 11:35-12:00 = Lunch

  • 12:05-12:55 = Class Rotation 3

  • 1:00-1:50 = Class Rotation 4

  • 1:55-2:45 = Class Rotation 5

  • 2:45-2:50 = Prep for Dismissal

  • 2:50-3:30 = Dismissal

Teaching Team Introductions

As we grow and add classes, that means moving some teachers around while also adding new teachers too! Check out our teaching teams for each grade level this year. 

4th Grade: Academic Coordinator = Tiffany McBurnett

  • Bible - Jason Settle

  • Language Arts - Natalie Stanfield

  • Reading - Christy Stephenson

  • Math - Tracey Long

  • Science/Social Studies - Kristi Goss

  • Skills Development - Rachel Stedham

5th Grade: Academic Coordinator = Melissa Lanier

  • Bible - Wendy Peters

  • Language Arts - Jenny Hagauer (new to TCS)

  • Math - Jennifer Roberts

  • History - JoAllison Higgins (moving from middle school)

  • Science - MacKenzie Dale

  • Skills Development - Rachel Stedham

Meet Our New Teachers

5th Grade Language Arts - Jenny Hagauer

With a heart for literacy and student engagement, Jenny Hagauer can’t wait to join the 5th-grade team as the ELA Teacher!  Mrs. Hagauer lives in Sharpsburg with her husband, Rick, and three children - Rhett (4), Lively (2), and Beau (3 months).  Rhett will be starting PK-4 this year and the Hagauer family is excited for Lively and Beau to join in the coming years.  She holds an undergraduate degree from The University of Alabama and a Masters in Elementary Education from Grand Canyon University.

Elementary STEAM - Rachel Kieffer

Rachel Kieffer graduated from the University of Georgia with a degree in Education. She also holds a Master's Degree in Education from the University of West Georgia. She will be teaching 4th-6th grade STEAM, as well as assisting with 7th-grade honors science. Rachel and her husband Brett have two children, Kade (6) and Nora (4), who will be attending Trinity in Kindergarten and Pre-K 4 this year. Before staying home with her children, Rachel taught science for 4th through 6th grades at Woodward Academy for 8 years. In her free time, Rachel enjoys spending time with her family, especially outdoors. Rachel is excited to jump back into the classroom this year. She hopes to inspire students to love learning and grow in a personal relationship with the Lord.

Hardback Textbook Ordering

Would you like a textbook to keep at home? Use the links below if you would like to order.