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

Published April 2, 2023

Volume 169

A MESSAGE FROM MR. VINSON

Have an awesome Spring Break and an incredible time celebrating the resurrection of our Savior on Easter Sunday! May the victory that Jesus has won over sin and death encourage you with a hope that confounds the world around us. Whether you are experiencing particular trials, sickness or even find yourself  in a season of grief or sorrow, remind yourself regularly that the tomb is empty and our Savior lives today!

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

Mrs. Peters (6th grade Bible teacher) spoke to our students on the humility shown through the crucifixion of Jesus. Contrasting the pride of the disciples, Pharisees and Roman guards, Mrs. Peters reminded our students that Jesus models humility for us as He becomes a man in order to sacrifice Himself for us.

LIONS OF THE WEEK

• 4th Grade - Ricky Green

• 5th Grade - Natalia Glover

MARK YOUR CALENDARS:

UPCOMING UPPER ELEMENTARY DATES

• April 19 - House Color Day

• April 21 - 5th Grade Trip to Six Flags

• April 28 - 4th Grade Trip to Six Flags

• May 5 - Upper Elementary STEAM DAY

THIS WEEK’S MEMORY VERSE

I Thessalonians 4:14

v. 14 For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with Him those who have fallen asleep.

UPPER ELEMENTARY STEAM DAY

Our team is hard at work on planning an exciting STEAM Day for our 4th and 5th graders on Friday, May 5. All of our regular class curriculum will be adjusted for the day as we focus on STEAM related activities. This is going to be an exciting day filled with hands-on activities! Your child won’t want to miss it!

SIX FLAGS FIELD TRIPS

We are looking forward to taking our 4th and 5th graders to Six Flags’ special science education days in April.

JUST READ QUARTER 4

If your child would like to complete the Q4 challenge, please use this form.

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)

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.