Keeping you plugged into the exciting things happening at the Upper Elementary School
Published January 8, 2023
Volume 157
Adam Vinson - Upper Elementary School Principal
A MESSAGE FROM MR. VINSON
We are off to a great start to 2023, and we are so excited to have students back on campus. The next 18 weeks will go by quickly so be sure to check the newsletter each week to ensure you stay on top of all that is taking place on our school campus. We want to give your child the best experience possible during Semester 2 so don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or concerns. Thank you to those who took time to complete our survey on our December Remote Learning Day. We are working through all of the feedback now and processing through ways we can improve as a result. Thank you again for taking time to share your thoughts and insight. We greatly appreciate it!
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 kicked off the new calendar year by drawing our students’ attention to Galatians 6:7-9 with a focus on the sowing/reaping principle. Students were reminded that the next 18 weeks will require intentional decisions if they want to see specific results at the end of May. Just as Paul encourages the believer not to grow weary in doing good, students were encouraged to not give up as they pursue doing their very best during Semester 2.
LIONS OF THE WEEK
Returning next week!
MARK YOUR CALENDARS:
UPCOMING UPPER ELEMENTARY DATES
January 9 = Report Cards viewable at 4pm
January 13 = Grandparents Day
January 16 = Martin Luther King Jr Holiday (No School)
January 18 = HOUSE COLOR Day
January 19 = 100 Days of School (dress like you are 100 years old)
January 20 = 101 Days of School (dress like a Dalmatian)
THIS WEEK’S MEMORY VERSE
I Corinthians 10:31
v. 31 So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.
PRIDE PERFORMERS
Congratulations to the following students who were nominated by their teachers for their hard work and effort to do their very best in the classroom during Quarter 2.
4th Grade
ELA - Sophia Shaver
Math - Morire Ajayi, Sydney Spradlin
Science/Social Studies - Greyson Johnson
Reading - Sadie Stedham, Anna Kate Whittle
5th Grade
ELA - Gavin Ahmeti, Ian Stewart
Math - Judan Smith, Claire McEwen
Science - Aliz Sluk
Social Studies - Hannah Thomas
GRANDPARENTS DAY/REMOTE LEARNING
Students are encouraged to attend our Grandparents Day/Special Friends Day on January 13. There will be NO remote learning assignments given for this day due to the special opportunity to attend school with a loved one. We look forward to celebrating this day as we highlight our classrooms, Specials classes…and even provide a sampling of Sage Dining!
JUST READ QUARTER 3
We are kicking off another 9 weeks of reading and want to encourage all of our students to participate. Please use this link to track your child’s reading for Q3 Just Read Form Q3. Our Upper Elementary students were reminded that if they sow well by reading these 9 weeks, they will most certainly reap well when Mr. Vinson rewards them at the finish line (see chapel notes for context).
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.