Keeping you plugged into the exciting things happening at the Upper Elementary School
Published April 12, 2024
Volume 216
Adam Vinson - Upper Elementary School Principal
A MESSAGE FROM MR. VINSON
Only 6 weeks of school remaining! There are lots of upcoming events as we come to the end of the year, and we want to make sure you stay fully informed about where to be and what to do along the way. Please check out the information below related to several upcoming events, and be sure to look at the list of dates so you can mark your calendars now and not miss out! This month is always so busy and if you blink, you’ll miss it. Take the opportunity to slow down where you can and celebrate the accomplishments of your child. With end of year parties, programs, performances, and other events taking place, it’s a great chance to celebrate as a family all that the LORD has done this year. We have so much to be grateful for, and we look forward to all of the moments where we can express affirmation to our students as we wrap up the year.
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
April 19 = 4th Grade Six Flags Trip
April 26 = 5th Grade Six Flags Field Trip
April 29 = Family Night (No Homework or Assessments on April 30)
May 2 = National Day of Prayer Observance
May 3 = House Color Day
May 6 = Orchestra Concert
May 7 = Band Concert
May 9 = Chorus Concert
May 13-15 = Progress Learning End of Year Testing
LAST WEEK IN CHAPEL
Mr. Vinson spoke to our students on the topic of “Idols”. While idols are a common problem mentioned in the Bible in the Old Testament, the New Testament has a lot to say about idolatry as well. Looking at verses in I Thessalonians 1, Colossians 3, and I John 5, Mr. Vinson challenged our students to examine potential idols in their own lives. Mr. Vinson also recounted the story of God forcing the Philistine idols to bow to Him in I Samuel 5. The challenge to our students was to break their idols and turn from them before God steps in to force it.
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 - Myles Ball
5th Grade - Sofia Seak
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 Goodness. 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.
I Thessalonians 4:14, 17-18
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. v. 17 Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord. v. 18 Therefore encourage one another with these words.
REMINDER: SIX FLAGS FIELD TRIPS COMING SOON
Don’t forget we have our 4th and 5th grade trips to Six Flags coming up in a couple of weeks.
April 19 – 4th Grade
April 26 – 5th Grade
FAMILY NIGHT ON APRIL 29
Reminder, there will be no homework on Tuesday, April 29 and no assessments on Wednesday, April 30. Enjoy the time off together as a family!
PROGRESS LEARNING END OF YEAR TESTING
Progress Learning is our benchmark testing that shows learning growth over the course of this year. Our students will take their final tests the week of May 13.
Here are a few suggestions for maximizing your child’s performance during testing 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.
QUARTER 4 JUST READ FORM
We have one last opportunity for the school year for our students to engage in our Just Read program. Please use this form to record your reading for this upcoming quarter! We will be rewarding our Quarter 3 participants soon after we return from the Remote Learning Day and then will be awarding a special prize at the end of the year for our students who participated in Just Read all 4 Quarters. Encourage your child to keep reading!
Be sure to check out all the details about our end of year events on our family landing page. https://tcslions.org/endofyear
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.