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

Published December 3, 2023

Volume 198

A MESSAGE FROM MR. VINSON

We are counting down the days until Christmas Break, and we are enjoying the celebration of each day along the way. It’s a busy season with lots going on, so don’t hesitate to reach out to me if you have any specific questions about where your child needs to be throughout the course of this month. In addition, let me encourage you to find ways to celebrate this special season together as a family. Yes, the season is busy, but let us remember the hope that this season reminds us of. Not only do we worship our King for coming at Christmas, we anticipate His triumphant return as well. I’m including this link to one of my favorite Christmas songs for you to check out in case you have never heard it. Let it encourage you to remain hopeful as we wait for Him!

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

MARK YOUR CALENDARS:

UPCOMING UPPER ELEMENTARY DATES

• Dec 4 - House Color Day

• Dec 4 - Recorders/Orchestra Concert

• Dec 5 - Band Concert

• Dec 7 - Chorus Concert

• Dec 14 - UE Christmas Parties and Christmas Movie Day at NCG Theatre

• Dec 15 - Remote Learning Day

LAST WEEK IN CHAPEL

This week in chapel, Mrs. Peters shared part two of the Parable of the Good Samaritan with our Upper Elementary students.  Mrs. Peters reviewed the Shema and the Ten Commandments, and in this we learned that the first four commandments are about loving God, and the last six commandments are about loving others. So, loving "the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself,” (Luke 10:27) is a summation of the whole law.  In the parable, we discovered that the scribe believed that he loved God well, but was proved wrong because he did not love others as he should. This truth was confirmed after reading 1 John 4 together.  Our prayer is that we will love others as we should because the love of the Father is in us.

LIONS OF THE WEEK

Students who have been recognized by their teachers for setting a good example and making right choices during the school day. 

• 4th Grade - Adalyn Emory 

• 5th Grade - Alli Leonard

THIS WEEK’S MEMORY VERSE: 

As you may notice, our 4th-8th graders memorize the same verses each year. These memory verses are selected intentionally based on the promises and truths they contain that are so relevant for our students as they learn to follow Jesus. Our hope is that these 20 verses will be remembered for years to come after being memorized for multiple years in Upper Elementary and Middle School.

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.

DECEMBER DRESS DOWN

Did you miss the chance for your child to dress down for these two weeks? No problem! Your child can still join in on the action by paying $15 to wear sweatpants/pajama pants and/or Crocs for this week only! Students are required to wear TCS approved dress code shirts/spiritwear. Email Mrs. McBurnett directly if you would like to purchase this dress down option. Final purchases are due by Monday morning. All money raised will be used to offset the cost of our middle school overnight experiences. 

UPDATE: PROGRESS LEARNING MID-YEAR TESTING

Our students were able to complete their mid-year progress testing for both Math and ELA, and we were pleased with the overall results of our students. Our teachers are doing a great job in preparing each of your children for what lies ahead. Please note if we notice a concern with your child’s progress, we will plan to reach out directly to let you know, otherwise, know that our students are doing a great job, and we look forward to seeing how they continue to grow and learn next semester. 

THE HOLLY JOLLY TROLLEY CONTINUES

Don’t forget, you can send in money each day for your child to enjoy a special Christmas treat during lunch. All proceeds will go to help offset the cost of our upcoming middle school overnight experiences. We appreciate the support!

DRESS CODE GUIDELINES FOR CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN WEEK

• No spaghetti straps, tank tops, or tops with low V neck

• Holes/rips/tears in jeans should not be above the knee  

• Mesh/see-thru tops should not be worn unless there is a full coverage top underneath it.  

• Shirts should touch the top of the pants, shorts, skirt, etc - if you lift your arms and I can see your skin it is too short.

• Shorts must be no more than 5 inches above the knee (about the length of an index card). 

• Skirts must be no more than 2 inches above the knee (unless full leggings are worn underneath). 

• Hats may be worn all week. 

• Boys shirts must stay buttoned. 

• Full spandex body suits are not allowed. 

• Leggings are not allowed.

• Shoes can be open toe and open back.

CHRISTMAS PARTY AND MOVIE DAY

On Thursday, December 14, our Upper Elementary students will have breakfast Christmas parties with their classes and then will be transported over to NCG Theater for a special Christmas movie as well! Be sure to reference the communication sent by Mrs. McBurnett regarding attending (and purchasing popcorn). You may also attend the movie with your child, and they may be checked out at lunch time (after the movie) if you choose as well. 

ALL FORMS ARE DUE THIS MONDAY!

JUST READ QUARTER 2 

Your child has 1 more week to complete their reading requirement. Check out the information below and encourage your child to participate!

ALL FORMS ARE DUE MONDAY, DECEMBER 11

Students should use the form below to record their reading for Q2.. Completed forms should be returned to your child’s homeroom teacher at the end of Quarter 2, with a prize coming from Mr. Vinson to all who complete the challenge!

Quarter 2 Just Read Form

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 you will find helpful information such as what to do should your student be absent. For information regarding lesson plans that will include the plans for the week, homework assignments, and any upcoming tests, quizzes, or projects, you will need to click on the “Topics” tab.

To recap:

• Weekly newsletter is found on your student’s homeroom Bulletin Board.

• Lesson plans, assignments, etc…are found in the specific classes Topic tab.

UPPER ELEMENTARY SCHOOL RESOURCES

HOUSE SYSTEM COMPETITION

Check out who is leading the competition at www.tcshouses.weebly.com. 

23/24 SCHOOL CALENDAR: Stay in the know about upcoming breaks and holidays.

DRESS CODE OVERVIEW - Check out this year’s guidelines

PRE-ABSENCE FORM - Submit pre-planned absences 5 days ahead of time for approval.

GENERAL REMINDERS

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: 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 ADMIN TEAM: WE ARE HERE TO HELP!

• 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.