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

Published November 13, 2022

Volume 151

A MESSAGE FROM MR. VINSON

Psalm 100 reminds us of the great blessings we enjoy as believers and the countless reasons for us to be thankful. Not only do we serve a God who claims us as His own, He has revealed Himself as the source of all goodness who gives an endless supply of love to those who follow Him. May you find time during this Thanksgiving season to make a joyful noise to Him by giving thanks for His ongoing faithfulness to you!

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

Pastor JC Worley from GO Church reminded our students that Jesus is the source of true satisfaction in life. Using the acronym “SNICKERS”, Pastor JC helped our kids to see that Jesus provides Salvation, New Life, Intercession, Comfort, Koinonia, Eternity, Rewards, and the Holy Spirit to those who follow Him. While the candy bar is great (and our students got to enjoy one in chapel), Jesus provides true satisfaction to all those who are hungry!

LIONS OF THE WEEK

• 4th Grade - Miles Kidd

• 5th Grade - James Chambers

MARK YOUR CALENDARS:

UPCOMING UPPER ELEMENTARY DATES

• November 16 = House Color Day

• November 21-25 = Thanksgiving Break

THIS WEEK’S MEMORY VERSE

Help your child learn their verses this week!

Psalm 100:4-5

v. 4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name! v. 5 For the LORD is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations.

POST-THANKSGIVING PLANS

Upper elementary students will be wrapping up their Quarter 2 academics throughout the weeks after Thanksgiving Break. Please note that the week of December 12-15 will be FULL DAYS (no half days) with benchmark testing (required) taking place during this week along with Christmas parties and activities.

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.

OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD SHOEBOXES

Information related to this year’s boxes went home this week! Don’t forget, all shoeboxes need to be turned in at chapel on Wednesday, November 16.

GENERAL REMINDERS

HOUSE SYSTEM COMPETITION

Check out who is leading the competition at www.tcshouses.weebly.com.

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: 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

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 4th - 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 homeroom 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.