Keeping you plugged into the exciting things happening at the Upper Elementary School
Published September 18, 2022
Volume 143
Adam Vinson - Upper Elementary School Principal
A MESSAGE FROM MR. VINSON
Fall is almost here, and we are over halfway through Quarter 1 of this school year! Can you believe it? Be sure to take some time this week to review and evaluate your child’s grades and progress at this point. Our teachers will be reaching out to those with low grades, but if you have any questions or concerns about your child’s performance, please reach out to your child’s teacher to initiate conversations about how we can better support your child. Quarter 2 will be ending on October 7 so encourage your child to finish out this 9-week period by doing their very best!
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 spoke from selected passages in I John, helping to answer the question “How do I know if I am a Christian?” for our student body. Using the key words FACT, ACT and REACT, Mr. Vinson showed from Scripture how believing the right facts about Jesus, acting in obedience to the Bible, and reacting to others in love are all examples and proofs of walking in light and being a true follower of Christ.
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 = Evangeline Higgins
5th Grade = Cade Andrews
MARK YOUR CALENDARS:
UPCOMING UPPER ELEMENTARY DATES
September 22 = Upper Elementary Fall Picture Day (normal uniform attire)
September 28 = Field Trip to Gwinnett Stripers Education Day Baseball Game
October 7 = Remote Learning Day/End of Q1
October 10 = Fall Break (No School)
THIS WEEK’S MEMORY VERSE
Help your child learn their verses this week!
Philippians 4:6-7
v. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be known to God. v. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
EXTRA SPIRIT WEAR AVAILABLE
Did you forget to order an Upper Elementary shirt and would still like to get one? We have a few extras! Shirts can be purchased for $25.
3 - Youth Medium
4 - Youth Large
3 - Youth XLarge
1 - Adult Small
1 - Adult Medium
1 - Adult Large
If you are interested in purchasing, please email Lindsey Schloegel at gracefulpeachboutique@gmail.com.
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.
PLEASE GIVE A 2-DAY NOTICE SO PREPARATIONS CAN BE MADE
Send in prepackaged birthday treats purchased from a store for the homeroom class.
Join your child for lunch (beginning in September) in the cafeteria.
REMINDER: BLACKBAUD CLASSROOM INFORMATION
Be sure to check Blackbaud regularly to stay informed about your child’s progress this year!
LESSON PLANS: Need to know what your child is learning in the classroom? Check the “Bulletin Board” section for each of your child’s classes.
HOMEWORK: Need to know what assignments your child should be completing at home? Check the “Bulletin Board” section for each of your child’s classes.
GRADES/PROGRESS: Need to know how your child did on their last test? Check the “Grade Detail” section for each of your child’s classes.
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.