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

Published September 29, 2024

Volume 235

A MESSAGE FROM MR. VINSON

We are entering our final week of Q1 and will be making adjustments to accommodate the two instructional days we lost last week. Please look for communication from teachers about adjusted plans this week as we look to reschedule assignment due dates and assessments from last week. Our goal is to finish out Q1 strong in a way that gives our students the opportunity to succeed on these final grades without overwhelming them in the process. You can keep up with everything happening this week via Blackbaud as well.

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

UPCOMING UPPER ELEMENTARY DATES:

• Sept Sept 24 - House Color Day

• Oct 4 - Remote Learning Day

• Oct 7 - Fall Break Day

• Oct 14 - Picture Retakes

• Oct 23 - National Crocs Day - wear Crocs today

• Oct 31 - House Color Day

NEWS AND NOTES IN THE UPPER ELEMENTARY

4TH GRADE CROCS AND CRAZY SOCKS DAY

Our 4th grade class had the highest Annual Fund participation in Upper Elementary last week and have earned the right to ROCK THEIR CROCS AND CRAZY SOCKS on Monday, September 30. Students should wear normal dress code attire with their Crocs and socks.

ANNUAL FUND SEASON

We are excited about the opportunity for our Trinity family to give in support of each of our students! Mark your calendars for this special campaign.

Each year the Annual Fund helps make a lasting impact with both our teachers and our student body as a result of the additional resources it provides. The Annual Fund enables us to take the educational offerings at TCS to the next level by providing opportunities that otherwise would not be possible. With its support, we have been able to offer unique opportunities for spiritual growth through initiatives like Discipleship Day, and it has helped provide engaging events such as STEAM Day, where students explore hands-on activities that ignite their creativity and enhance their problem-solving skills. Beyond these special events, the Annual Fund has further enhanced our educational environment by funding an upper elementary writer's workshop, expanding classroom libraries, and upgrading faculty workspaces. In addition, it has contributed to new recess equipment, ensuring that our students have both enriching and enjoyable playtime. We are extremely thankful for the support towards our Annual Fund!

PICTURE RETAKE DAY

Fall Picture Day retakes have been scheduled for October 14. If you would like for your child to participate in retakes, please complete this form by October 9.

NEW UPPER ELEMENTARY SPIRIT WEAR AVAILABLE

Check out this year’s spirit wear options designed by our middle school team. You can order t-shirts and hoodies through the link below. 

NEED A HOUSE COLOR SHIRT TOO?

We have you covered with a link to shirts for Elliot, Lewis, Nee, Robinson, and Wycliffe as well. This includes our newly rebranded orange Nee house shirt!

JUST READ QUARTER 1 

We want to invite all of our 4th and 5th graders to participate in our voluntary reading program this year called “Just Read”. Appropriately named, we “just want our students reading” outside of class time independently. Students should use the form below to record their reading for Q1 (first 9 weeks of school). Completed forms should be returned to your child’s homeroom teacher at the end of Quarter, with a prize coming from Mr. Vinson to all who complete the challenge!

Quarter 1 Just Read Form

THIS WEEK IN CHAPEL

Coach Settle spoke to the students from John 1:1-5. He shared with the students the importance of knowing that Jesus came to bring life and created each of us with a purpose in the life He gives us in salvation. The students were challenged with the truth that the only way we can enter into light is through a relationship with 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 = Ansley Dixon

• 5th Grade = Olivia Ingold

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. 

Proverbs 3:5-7

v. 5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.    v. 6 In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. v. 7 Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD, and turn away from evil.

HOUSE SYSTEM COMPETITION

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

UPPER ELEMENTARY ADMINISTRATIVE TEAM:

WE ARE HERE TO HELP!

Principal 

• Adam Vinson (adam.vinson@tcslions.org)

Director of Academics and Student Development 

• Tiffany McBurnett (tiffany.mcburnett@tcslions.org) - Mrs. McBurnett helps oversee our academic program while also handling discipline. 

Director of Curriculum and Instruction

• Kristn Peavy (kristan.peavy@tcslions.org) - Mrs. Peavy provides direction and guidance related to each grade level’s curriculum. 

Academic Coordinator

• Melissa Lanier (melissa.lanier@tcslions.org) - Mrs. Lanier oversees our class placement and return-to-academics process for students who have been absent. 

Director of Spiritual Development

• Wesley Lassiter (wesley.lassiter@tcslions.org) - Mr. Lassister oversees the spiritual development of our student body.

UPPER ELEMENTARY HELPFUL LINKS

24/25 SCHOOL CALENDAR - Stay in the know about upcoming breaks and holidays. 

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

DRESS CODE OVERVIEW- Check out this year’s guidelines.

RIDING HOME WITH A FRIEND?

If your student will be going home with another student during dismissal, please send an email to receptionist@tcslions.org OR tiffany.mcburnett@tcslions.org.

WANT TO CELEBRATE YOUR CHILD’S BIRTHDAY? 

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.

IS YOUR CHILD SICK OR ABSENT?

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 Melissa Lanier (melissa.lanier@tcslions.org) via your child’s homeroom teacher. 

• 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 Melissa Lanier (Return to Academics Coordinator) so we can best determine a makeup plan for your child. Mrs. Lanier 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.

NEED TO ACCESS 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.