Keeping you plugged into the exciting things happening at the Upper Elementary School
Published December 4, 2022
Volume 154
Adam Vinson - Upper Elementary School Principal
A MESSAGE FROM MR. VINSON
Only 2 weeks until Christmas Break! Be sure to utilize your child’s homeroom teacher’s newsletter on Blackbaud to ensure you stay organized about tests, quizzes, and projects over these final weeks. Q2 will be ending as we head into Christmas Break, and we want to make sure all of our students finish strong 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 to our students about the meaning of Christmas, specifically how the significance of Christmas extends far beyond the simple story of Jesus being born in Bethlehem. The real meaning is found in the reason behind Jesus coming and what was accomplished through his life. Focusing on the words PEACE, HOPE and JOY, Mr. Vinson used various Scripture passages to help our students see how Jesus’ coming that first Christmas helped bring PEACE between us and God, HOPE for our future, and JOY for our daily lives.
LIONS OF THE WEEK
4th Grade - Ethan Jerger
5th Grade - Lorenzo Carpenter
MARK YOUR CALENDARS:
UPCOMING UPPER ELEMENTARY DATES
December 7 = House Color Day
December 16 = Remote Learning Day
January 13 = Grandparents Day
THIS WEEK’S MEMORY VERSE
Help your child learn their verses this week!
Matthew 7:12 - The Golden Rule
v. 12 So whatever you wish that others would do to you,
do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.
END OF SEMESTER ACTIVITIES
December 12-15 will be FULL DAYS (no half days)
Monday, Dec 12 = Progress Learning Assessment (Math)
Tuesday, Dec 13 = Progress Learning Assessment (ELA)
Wednesday, Dec 14 = Movie Day at NCG with afternoon activities back at school
Thursday, Dec 15 = Grade-Level Christmas Parties
FUNDRAISING FOR DISNEY
HELP SUPPORT OUR 8TH GRADE TRIP
Check out the exciting ways you can help support our 8th grade trip during December!
HOLLY JOLLY TROLLY SNACKS - Upper Elementary can take part in our Snack Cart each day during recess by enjoying special Christmas treats. Be sure to send money for your child to enjoy Christmas Tree Little Debbies, Candy Canes, etc.
LAST WEEK OF SEMESTER DRESS DOWN DAYS
Students may wear jeans or normal dress code pants/shorts if following the special themed Christmas dress down days.
Monday, December 13: Candy Cane Day (Red and White)
Tuesday, December 14: Christmas Sweater Day (regular or ugly) and Christmas Socks
Wednesday, December 15: Cozy Christmas Day (Pajamas)
Thursday, December 16: Holiday Cheer Day (Red and Green)
QUARTER 2 JUST READ
Just Read Q2 forms are due Tuesday, December 13. Forms will need to be submitted to your child’s homeroom teacher. Students who complete the challenge will receive a special reward from Mr. Vinson when we return from Christmas Break.
REMOTE LEARNING DAY (FRIDAY, DEC 16)
Upper elementary students will be provided with optional activities to complete over the break.
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.