Keeping you plugged into the exciting things happening at the Upper Elementary School
Published October 23, 2022
Volume 148
Adam Vinson - Upper Elementary School Principal
A MESSAGE FROM MR. VINSON
As cold weather sets in, please keep in mind the following dress code guidelines for warmer clothing over the coming months.
All outerwear (fleeces, sweatshirts, hoodies, etc.) must be TCS branded.
Coats and non-TCS branded outerwear must be stored during the school day and may only be worn outside for PE.
Long-sleeved undershirts (worn under short-sleeved polos) must be solid in color and should match the outfit.
Black jeans and leggings (unless worn underneath) are not permitted as part of the every day dress code.
Blankets ARE NOT allowed at school.
Please help us in making sure these guidelines are followed each day!
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
Ryan Appling, youth pastor at Flat Creek Baptist Church, spoke to our students from Luke 5, the story of Jesus healing the paralytic who is brought to Jesus by his friends. Pastor Ryan emphasized how the friends believed that something amazing and extraordinary would happen if they brought their friend to Jesus, and then encouraged our students to see how they can have a similar impact on those around them too. Students were left with the question, “Will you impact others in a positive way by bringing them to Jesus as well?”
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 = Graham Floyd
5th Grade = Hannah Thomas
MARK YOUR CALENDARS:
UPCOMING UPPER ELEMENTARY DATES
October 27 = Fall Family Fest
October 28 = 5th Grade GLOW DAY
THIS WEEK’S MEMORY VERSE
Help your child learn their verses this week!
James 1:2-4
v. 2 Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, v. 3 for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. v. 4 And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
Year Book Words of Praise
ATTENTION PARENTS OF K, 5th & 8th grade students!!!
Have you ever wished you could give your child words of encouragement and praise for a job well done? Well, here is your opportunity…purchase a WORDS OF PRAISE Ad for your K, 5th or 8th grader.
QUARTER 2 JUST READ
For those wanting to participate in our Q2 challenge, please use this form to track your child’s reading over the next 9-week period. Forms will need to be submitted to your child’s homeroom teacher at the end of the semester.
Our Q1 Just Read winners were treated to a special hot chocolate treat this past Friday!
5TH GRADE GLOW DAY
Mark your calendars now for Friday, October 28 and stay tuned for more details!
T-SHIRTS FOR SALE
We have a limited number of these shirts available in XS and S sizes. If you are interested in purchasing one of these for $15, please see Mr. Vinson.
COMING SOON: CHRISTMAS SHOEBOXES
We will once again be partnering with Operation Christmas Child to help deliver the love of Jesus around the world during this holiday season. Be on the lookout in coming weeks for guidance on how to participate!
GENERAL REMINDERS
HOUSE SYSTEM COMPETITION
Check out who is leading the competition at www.tcshouses.weebly.com.
REMINDER: 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.
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.
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.
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.