Keeping you plugged into the exciting things happening at the Upper Elementary School
Published August 21, 2022
Volume 139
Adam Vinson - Upper Elementary School Principal
A MESSAGE FROM MR. VINSON
We are settling into the new year on campus and hope you are as a family too. The LORD has already been so good to us, and we can’t wait to see what all He has in store next. Now that we are past the first two weeks of school, please take some time to evaluate if there is anything we can do to help serve you better. Perhaps you are a new family who still has questions as you figure TCS out. Or maybe you are a veteran TCS parent but the transition to Upper Elementary or Middle School has left you with more questions than answers. Don’t hesitate to reach out to let me know if I can help in any way.
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 explained to our students the desire we have at TCS to instill within each of them a biblical worldview. We discussed how the Bible is meant to serve as a guiding lamp to us (Ps. 119:104-105) as it shapes us to see and understand the world through the truths of God’s Word. The following truths were emphasized to help the students remember what Christians believe to be true of our world.
God created everything
Man ruined everything
God still controls everything
Jesus fixes everything
The Bible tells us everything
LIONS OF THE WEEK
The following students were honored last week for their hard work and exemplary behavior noticed by our faculty and staff.
4th Grade = Ciel Watson
5th Grade = Nate Robinson
MARK YOUR CALENDARS:
UPCOMING UPPER ELEMENTARY DATES
September 2 (Friday) = Remote Learning Day
Week of September 12-16 = Homecoming Spirit Week
HOMECOMING WEEK
Plan now to dress up and join in on the homecoming fun!
Monday 9/12- Character Day
Tuesday 9/13 - Twin Day
Wednesday 9/14 - Pirate Day
Thursday 9/15 - Mismatch Day
Friday 9/16 - TCS Spirit Day
THIS WEEK’S MEMORY VERSE
Help your child learn their verses this week!
EPHESIANS 2:8-9
v. 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, v. 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast.
*NEW* - TCS HATS NOW PART OF FRIDAY DRESS DOWN DAYS
Students may now wear TCS hats with their TCS spirit wear and jeans. Only TCS hats are permitted to be worn. This new option will be allowed for all Friday dress down days moving forward.
JUST READ PROGRAM
Don’t forget to encourage your child to participate in our Q1 reading program with a chance to earn a special reward from Mr. Vinson. Be sure to use this form if your child would like to participate.
BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS
Would you like to celebrate your child’s birthday this year? Consider one of the following options as a way to make their day special.
Purchase birthday cart treat items from our snack cart for your child’s homeroom class for $25. Email our Director of Student Life, Tiffany McBurnett (tiffany.mcburnett@tcslions.org), if you would like to schedule a day.
Send in prepackaged birthday treats purchased from a store for the homeroom class to enjoy together.
Join your child for lunch (beginning in September) in the cafeteria.
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: LEWIS HOUSE
Character Trait to Remember : REFLECT GOD’S GLORY THROUGH YOUR CREATIVITY
Learn more about C.S Lewis below.
REMINDER: 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.
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.