Inside the Pride Upper Elementary School News - Volume 137

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

Published August 7, 2022

Volume 137

 

Adam Vinson - Upper Elementary School Principal

 

A MESSAGE FROM MR. VINSON

OPENING DAY is almost here!!!! We are so excited about the start of the new school year and cannot wait to see all of the students back on campus. Hopefully you are feeling prepared for the first day too! Below you will find more helpful information as you prepare to navigate the first few weeks. If you need anything as we get started, don’t hesitate to ask!

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. 

IMPORTANT 22/23 RESOURCES: 

PRE-ABSENCE FORM - submit pre-planned absences for approval.


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)

    1. 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?

  • Have I submitted my UE spirit wear order? (if not, use the links: T-Shirts, Outerwear)

  • Have I watched Mr. Vinson’s Orientation video? (if not, access here)

Meet the Teacher Day: Where Do We Go?

On Monday, August 8 all TCS upper elementary families are invited to come meet teachers, walk schedules, and drop off Homeroom teacher school supplies. 

  • 9:30 - 11:30 am Last Names A – L

  • 1:30 - 3:30 pm Last Names M – Z

Upon arriving, please come to the 4th or 5th hallway to your child’s homeroom class. Here you will receive important information to guide you through your drop-in session.

4th Grade Survival: Helping Your Student Thrive In Upper Elementary

It’s still elementary, but it is a little different…changing classes, multiple teachers…what else is different? Don’t worry, we have you covered! We are committed here at TCS to making sure all of our 4th graders have the tools needed to succeed as they begin this new upper elementary journey. Check out the accommodations we make for all of our 4th graders to aid them as the start this new school year. 

1. Adjusted 1st Week Schedule - our teachers will be using the first week as an introductory week to upper elementary. 

  • DAY 1 (Tuesday) - Students will remain with their homeroom teacher for all core rotations. Students will still attend Bible and Specials. 

  • DAY 2 (Wednesday) - Students will remain with their homeroom teacher in the morning and attend their first UE Chapel. In the afternoon, students will rotate through an adjusted schedule to interact with all of their core teachers. 

  • DAY 3 and 4 (Thursday and Friday) - Students will go through a normal day. 

2. 4th Grade Curriculum Night - come learn more as a parent about the 4th grade transition on Tuesday, August 16 from 6:30-7:30pm. Teachers will introduce you to the UE experience as well help you understand what to expect and how to support your child from home. 

3. August Skill Teaching - we focus heavily on establishing good habits and learning new procedures to ensure a successful start. 

  • No grades taken before the week of August 15 (practice only)

  • Week of August 15 — 1 grade per class may be taken 

  • Week of August 22 — 2 grades per class may be taken

  • Week of August 29 — 1 quiz grade and 1 additional grade taken

  • No tests until after Labor Day — only practice tests before

*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

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

REMINDERS FROM PREVIOUS SUMMER ISSUES: 

Summer Reading (REQUIRED)

Assignments are due the first day of school!

Back to School Event Details

  • 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.

Hardback Textbook Ordering

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