Keeping you plugged into the exciting things happening at the Upper Elementary School
Published April 30, 2023
Volume 172
Adam Vinson - Upper Elementary School Principal
A MESSAGE FROM MR. VINSON
Over the next 3 weeks, you will see your child engaging in the final testing opportunities for this school year. This week (Monday and Tuesday), our students will take their end of year Progress Learning assessments. Progress Learning is our benchmark testing that shows learning growth over the course of this year.
Here are a few suggestions for maximizing your child’s performance this week.
REST - make sure your child gets plenty of rest the night before the testing.
RELAX - encourage your child to do their very best without stressing.
In addition, PRIORITIZE ATTENDANCE for these days. Students are required to make up any missed Progress Learning testing, so to avoid being pulled or staying after school, please prioritize your child being present and punctual each day.
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
On Thursday, we hosted our National Day of Prayer service with our students engaging in directed prayer for our nation and leaders.
LIONS OF THE WEEK
4th Grade - Boston Caldwell
5th Grade - Caden Owens
ABC DRESS DOWN FOR 5TH GRADE STUDENTS
Continue to check out the weekly newsletter on Blackbaud for access to the “ABC Countdown”. All of our 5th graders are encouraged to participate in these special dress down days.
MARK YOUR CALENDARS:
UPCOMING UPPER ELEMENTARY DATES
May 8-9 = Progress Learning Testing
May 15-16 = IOWA Standardized Testing
THIS WEEK’S MEMORY VERSE
Psalm 18:28, 30
v. 28 For it is You who light my lamp; the LORD my God lightens my darkness.
v. 30 This God – His way is perfect; the word of the LORD proves true; He is a shield for all those who take refuge in Him.
JUST READ QUARTER 4
FORMS ARE DUE MONDAY!
If your child would like to complete the Q4 challenge, please use this form.
ATTENTION RISING 6th - 8th GRADE ARTISTS
Do you think you have what it takes to join the middle school advanced art class?
Please fill out this Google Form and submit your artwork no later than Friday, April 28th to Mrs. Hackworth.
Be sure to check out all the details about our end of year events on our family landing page.
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 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.