Keeping you plugged into the exciting things happening at the Upper Elementary School
Published March 12, 2023
Volume 166
Adam Vinson - Upper Elementary School Principal
A MESSAGE FROM MR. VINSON
Don’t forget we have a short week coming up with our Remote Learning Day on Friday, March 17. All remote learning assignments should be turned in when we return to the classroom on Monday, March 20. Also, this is the final week of Q3, so help encourage your child to finish strong over these final few days. The actual grading period will end on Wednesday, March 15, and report cards will be made available on Monday, March 27. Keep reminding your child of the sowing/reaping principle found in Galatians 6:9! Don’t give up!
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 from Psalm 119:9-11 (this week’s memory verse) and emphasized the importance of memorizing Scripture, not for the purpose of passing a quiz, but instead for the purpose of fighting sin and obeying God. The phrase “what we know will determine how we go” was used to reinforce the biblical idea that what we know about God (His character, His promises, etc.) will help determine how we go throughout each day. By memorizing the Bible, the Holy Spirit will help us recall important truths to fight through temptation and navigate challenging circumstances as they come. May our kids embrace a love for God’s Word by memorizing it well!
LIONS OF THE WEEK
4th Grade - Shaelynn Phan
5th Grade - Kinley Warren
MARK YOUR CALENDARS:
UPCOMING UPPER ELEMENTARY DATES
March 15 = Spring Picture Day
March 16 = St. Patrick’s Dress Down Day (jeans with green)
March 17 = Remote Learning Day
March 22 = House Color Day
THIS WEEK’S MEMORY VERSE
Psalm 119:9-11
v. 9 How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to your word.
v. 10 With my whole heart I seek you; let me not wander from your commandments!
v. 11 I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.
SPRING PICTURES: MARCH 15
Students are allowed to wear spring attire for pictures, but be sure to keep within our dress code guidelines.
Tops/Dresses may not have spaghetti-type straps.
Shorts/Skirts may be worn, but must adhere to the guidelines of no more than 3 inches above the knee.
Jeans may be worn WITHOUT rips/holes.
The following should NOT be worn: flip flops, tank tops, strapless or low cut tops.
ST. PATRICK’S DAY DRESS DOWN
Students are encouraged to wear green with jeans on Thursday, May 16 (since we won’t be at school for St. Patrick’s Day). Students may also wear green with normal dress code pants/shorts.
REMOTE LEARNING DAY: MARCH 17
Upper Elementary (4th/5th)
1 assignment per class (Reading, ELA, Math, Science/History) = 4 assignments total
Assignments will be weighted as .5 in the grade book.
These assignments will be the first grades entered for Q4.
MAY HAPPENINGS
The month of May is always busy with end of the year events. Keep checking back in this section for details leading up to the end of the school year.
May 1 = Orchestra Concert
May 2 = Band Concert
May 8-9 = Progress Learning Testing
May 11 = Chorus Concert
May 15-16 = IOWA Standardized Testing
LAST WEEK OF SCHOOL (Note: Each day will be a full day of school)
Thursday, May 25
4th/5th Awards Program (8:15am - only parents of students receiving a reward to attend due to parking/seating capacity)
5th Grade Walk (9:15am - all 5th grade parents invited)
5th Grade Parent/Student Kickball Game (9:45am - all 5th grade parents invited…but try to keep it a secret from the students!)
4th/5th Classroom Parties (1:45pm - parents do not attend)
JUST READ QUARTER 3
Don’t forget to encourage your child to read these 9 weeks! A special reward will be given to all those who complete the challenge. Please use this link to track your child’s reading for Q3 Just Read Form Q3.
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. Please also notify the nursing team to make them aware of surgeries or long-term illnesses at nurses@tcslions.org.
WHAT IF MY CHILD IS ABSENT 1-5 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 through our Return to Academics program.
WHAT IF MY CHILD IS ABSENT 5+ DAYS? - Reach out to Kasey Hanson (Return to Academics Coordinator) so we can best determine a makeup plan for your child. Mrs. Hanson will help collect makeup work for you to simplify the process.
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.