Keeping you plugged into the exciting things happening at the Upper Elementary School
Published October 6, 2024
Volume 236
Adam Vinson - Upper Elementary School Principal
A MESSAGE FROM MR. VINSON
Happy Fall Break! I hope each of your families is enjoying another extended weekend together as we celebrate the end of Quarter 1. Don’t forget, as we return from break this week, several of our classes will be completing final assessments that will still count towards Q1 as part of our adjusted plan from Hurricane Helene. In addition, be sure to have your child complete their remote reading work, so it can be submitted in class on Tuesday as well.
Also, just a quick note to say “thank you” for all of your support throughout Q1. We consider it a great privilege to serve your family, and I’m grateful you have chosen TCS for your child’s education needs. If there is anything me or my team can do for you over the next 9 weeks, please don’t hesitate to ask.
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:
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
YOU’RE INVITED: COFFEE WITH THE PRINCIPAL
Prior to Covid, we used to offer a periodic fellowship for parents and the principal to connect for questions, concerns, and feedback about the current school year. I have missed these times greatly as I always enjoyed the chance to connect and dialogue with parents. Well, we are officially bringing back “Coffee with the Principal,” and we will plan to host our first meeting on Thursday, October 24 at 8:15am. Mark your calendars and plan to join if you are able. Topics of discussion will include:
Spiritual Development - How are we strategically seeking to instill a biblical worldview in the hearts and minds of our students and what future plans do we have to strengthen our approach?
Student Learning Assessment - How are we using Progress Learning? What purpose did the ACSI Bible Assessment serve last year? What about standardized testing?
Artificial Intelligence - What are we seeing, and what do you need to know as a parent?
QUARTER 1 PARENT SURVEY
As we wrap up the first 9 weeks, we would love to have your feedback about your child’s Quarter 1 experience. Please take a few minutes to complete this short survey to help us improve going forward. We appreciate your feedback and look forward to a great Q2.
UPCOMING 5TH FIELD TRIP: STONE MOUNTAIN
Our 5th graders will be spending the day at Stone Mountain on Friday, November 3. In addition to having access to the normal park activities, our students will also be able to participate in the Native American Festival and Pow Wow. The cost of the field trip is $18, and payment can be submitted through Blackbaud. Don’t forget, students will need to bring a sack lunch for the day. We will leave from TCS at 8:15am and will return by 4:15pm.
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!
THIS WEEK IN CHAPEL
Mrs. Peters continued our Spiritual Theme of “Who is Jesus?” looking to Jesus as sustainer. Students have learned that Jesus is eternal, Creator, and sustainer from Hebrews 1:1-2 and Colossians 1:15-17. The students learned the comfort and good news that Jesus holds all things together. They were encouraged and challenged to trust Him and follow Him.
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 = Maggie Fields
5th Grade = Cameron Camper
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.