Keeping you plugged into the exciting things happening at the Upper Elementary School
Published December 10, 2023
Volume 199
Adam Vinson - Upper Elementary School Principal
A MESSAGE FROM MR. VINSON
We have reached the final week of the semester and Christmas Break is almost here! We are excited about these final 4 days as we wrap up the academic portion of the semester while taking time to celebrate with Christmas parties and celebrations as well. Be sure to check out all of the information this week to help you navigate these next 4 days.
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 15 - Remote Learning Day
LAST WEEK IN CHAPEL
Dr. Anthony spoke to our students from Matthew 25 and the responsibility we have to treat others in a way that honors Jesus by viewing each other as image bearers of God. Using the illustration that Jesus gave for His return, that our treatment of others would be the measure used to evaluate our treatment of Him, Dr. Anthony encouraged our students to seek to love and serve those around them as a means of loving and serving Jesus.
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 -Brooklyn Cobb
5th Grade - Greyson Johnston
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.
John 10:10
v. 10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy.
I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.
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!
REMINDER
Our dress down period of pajama pants and Crocs has finished. Please note the guidelines for dressing down this week. Students who choose to dress down are required to follow the daily theme and guidelines below.
REPORT CARDS
All grades will be updated and report cards will be posted on Monday, January 8 at 4pm.
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!
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!
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.
(pictured l to r) Mrs. McBurnett, Mrs. Lanier, Mr. Higgins, and Mrs. Hanson
Check out our list of administrative faculty below who can help support you with all of your needs throughout this year.
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.