Keeping you plugged into the exciting things happening at the Upper Elementary School
Published August 14, 2022
Volume 138
Adam Vinson - Upper Elementary School Principal
A MESSAGE FROM MR. VINSON
What a great opening week for the 22/23 school year! We are so blessed to already see God working and moving as we get this new year underway. Please know we are here to help support, encourage and push your child to new spiritual, academic and social heights this year. If you have any concerns or issues as we get settled into Week 2, please don’t hesitate to reach out to let me know. I want to make sure each of our students is growing and thriving on our campus every day, and I’m committed to making sure your child has a wonderful experience this year.
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. Vinson reminded our students of the call towards excellence given in I Cor. 10:31 for us to do everything this school for the glory of God. Using the story of Jesus turning water into wine in John 2, Mr. Vinson helped our students see that just as the servants filled their water jars to the brim, we too need to approach every task, including how we eat and drink, with a desire to do it with excellence for God’s glory. Use this lesson to encourage your child even at home to “fill it to the brim” in all they do!
LIONS OF THE WEEK
Starting next week we will be honoring a different student from each grade level for their hard work, exceptional performance or Christ-like example.
THIS WEEK’S MEMORY VERSE
Help your child learn their verses this week!
ROMANS 8:28
“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.”
BLACKBAUD CLASSROOM INFORMATION
Blackbaud is going to be your main source of information this year. Once you login, you will see a drop down arrow in the top left corner to choose which student’s information to look at. When you click on your 4th or 5th grade student, you will see summary information and then when you scroll down, you will see each of your student’s classes. Each class is clickable. Please click on your student’s homeroom class to see the weekly newsletter for 4th or 5th grade. Once you are in your student’s homeroom class, it will open up the Bulletin Board. Here is where you will find the clickable link for the newsletter that will be added each week. Any important information for the week will be found here. To find information on each specific class, you will go back to the main page for your student and click on each individual class. Again, when you click on the desired class, it will open to that class’ Bulletin Board. Here is where you find clickable weekly Lesson Plans that will include the plans for the week, homework assignments, and any upcoming tests, quizzes, or projects.
HOUSE SYSTEM OVERVIEW
Did you know your child has been placed in a house this year??? A special feature of Trinity’s elementary school experience is our house system, which allows students to experience a sense of belonging, camaraderie and healthy competition throughout the school year. Elementary students are placed by grade level in one of five houses named for historical Christian figures: Elisabeth Elliot, C.S. Lewis, Watchman Nee, Jackie Robinson and John Wycliffe. Students are given opportunities to learn and demonstrate healthy character traits for impacting culture positively around them. Houses vie for the distinguished honor of capturing the House Cup at the end of our year-long competition. Learn more about our houses at www.tcshouses.weebly.com.
1st Grade = ROBINSON HOUSE
2nd Grade = ELLIOT HOUSE
3rd Grade = LEWIS HOUSE
4th Grade = NEE HOUSE
5th Grade = WYCLIFFE HOUSE
This Week’s House Focus: ELLIOT HOUSE
Character Trait to Remember : BE READY TO FORGIVE AND LOVE YOUR ENEMIES
Learn more about Elizabeth Elliot below.
HOUSE COLOR DRESS DOWN DAY
On Wednesday, August 17 all upper elementary students are encouraged to dress in their house color! Students may wear appropriate t-shirts that reflect their house color along with jeans or normal dress code pants/shorts. HOUSE POINTS WILL BE GIVEN FOR PARTICIPATION!
4th Grade - NEE HOUSE = PURPLE
5th Grade - WYCLIFFE HOUSE = BLACK
UE SPIRIT WEAR ORDERS (2nd Order)
We will place our second order August 19 and will attempt a third order later in August for those who miss this second deadline. Don’t delay and get your order in as we would like to provide these items to you just as soon as possible!
UE T-Shirts - will be purchased through Graceful Peach Boutique
UE Outerwear - will be purchased through Graceful Peach Boutique
UPPER ELEMENTARY CLUBS
Our students love to participate in our after school clubs. These clubs are designed for 1st-5th grade students. Please check the main page of Inside the Pride to find information on club offerings and start dates.
MARK YOUR CALENDARS:
UPCOMING UPPER ELEMENTARY DATES
August 17 (Wednesday) = House Color Dress Down Day
August 16 (Tuesday 6:30-7:30pm) = 4th Grade Curriculum Night - Come learn more as a parent about the 4th grade transition.
September 2 (Friday) = Remote Learning Day
Week of September 12-16 = Homecoming Spirit Week
REMINDER: ATTENDANCE AND ABSENCES
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.
IMPORTANT 22/23 RESOURCES:
DRESS CODE OVERVIEW - check out this year’s guidelines
PRE-ABSENCE FORM - submit pre-planned absences 5 days ahead of time 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.