Inside the Pride Upper Elementary School News - Volume 90

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

Published July 25, 2021

Volume 90

 

Adam Vinson - Upper Elementary School Principal

 
 
 

A MESSAGE FROM MR. VINSON

Enjoy the final days of summer! May each of you find time for final vacations, pool parties and outdoor activities. Please let me know if you have any questions about the start of the school year. We cannot wait to see everyone at our Welcome to the Roar events to kick off the new year.

*CLASS SCHEDULE UPDATE*

We are still on pace to release your child’s schedule on August 1. I’ll keep you updated regarding any changes to that date. Remember, as we make the switch to Blackbaud, your child’s schedule will not be available on RenWeb. Stay tuned for guidance on how to access your child’s schedule on Blackbaud as we get closer to August.

*NEW PRE-ABSENCE FORM*

As you anticipate planned absences this year, please utilize the updated Pre-Absence Form (link below) which can be used for any grade level. This will allow our teachers to gather make-up work in advance for your child to complete while away. 

For all notes related to absences, please email Kasey Hanson, our Return to Academic Coordinator, at kasey.hanson@tcslions.org along with the Attendance Office at attendance@tcslions.org. 

Note: Beginning this year, students will now be expected to return to school with make-up work completed on their first day back in the classroom in order for the absence to be excused. 

***NEW PRE-ABSENCE FORM LINK***

*PARENTS: RETURNING TO CAMPUS*

We are still evaluating specific logistics and protocols, but we are anticipating that parents will be able to return to campus in various capacities this year. Specifically, we are planning to allow parents to visit for lunch time in the cafeteria. Please give us until after Labor Day to get necessary procedures in place as our students get started with the new year, but plan on joining us shortly after the school year starts as you desire.

*HOSPITALITY BUDDIES*

Do you have a new student beginning at TCS this year? Our Director of Student Life, Tiffany McBurnett, is working to pair your child up with one of our Hospitality Team members to help them acclimate quickly. Our hope is to introduce your child to their buddy at our Welcome to the Roar events, but if a connection is not made there, be assured that your child will meet their buddy on the 1st day of school. If you have any questions about our hospitality program, feel free to reach out to Mrs. McBurnett at tiffany.mcburnett@tcslions.org.

*UPDATED GRADING SCALE*

To be consistent with the high school grading scale, our school will collectively be making the change to the following grade scale below for this upcoming school year. 

  • A – 90-100

  • B – 80-89

  • C – 71-79

  • D – 70

  • F – 69 and below

AFTER SCHOOL CLUBS

Check out the current after school clubs we are planning to offer for upper elementary students this year. If you have any questions, please email Lisa Railey (lisa.railey@tcslions.org) who oversees all of our elementary clubs. 

Wednesdays

  • Drama Club - 1st-3rd grades

  • Running Club - 1st-3rd grades 

Thursdays

  • Chess Club

  • Running Club - 4th-5th grades

Fridays

  • Drama Club - 4th-5th grades

IMPORTANT LINKS

Reminders:

SUMMER READING REMINDER

  • Don’t forget to complete your summer reading book before the start of school.

***REMINDER: Students who have completed their summer reading requirements by the 1st day of school will be entered into a drawing for a $25 Amazon gift card.***


UPPER ELEMENTARY SPIRIT WEAR OPTIONS

  • Support the upper elementary by purchasing unique spirit wear items made especially for upper elementary school students! Access the link below to find options for cotton t-shirts, quick dry shirts and hoodies! Each of these items may be worn on Fridays with jeans or normal dress code attire. 

*WELCOME TO THE ROAR EVENT FOR NEW FAMILIES*

  • When: Thursday, August 5th from 6:30-8:30pm

  • Who: New Families

  • What: New Family Event (Ice Cream Social)

  • Please join us at the athletic stadium for a brief message at 6:30pm. We will then enjoy a time of fellowship together. Afterwards, we invite you to make your way to the upper elementary school building so you can walk through your child’s schedule and meet teachers. Remember, 4th grade classrooms are upstairs and 5th grade classrooms are downstairs.

  • This is a perfect time to bring your child’s school supplies to give to their homeroom teacher. 

  • New families are invited to attend on August 5th, August 8th, or both dates depending on your availability. We are excited to welcome our new families!

*WELCOME TO THE ROAR EVENT FOR ALL TRINITY FAMILIES*

  • When: Sunday, August 8th from 5:30-8:30pm

  • Who: All Trinity Families

  • Upon your arrival, please go directly to the upper elementary school building to walk your child’s schedule and meet teachers! Remember, 4th grade classrooms are upstairs and 5th grade classrooms are downstairs. Please note that classrooms will close at 7:30pm. After you have had a chance to walk your child’s schedule, head to the stadium for a time of fellowship with other families as our students enjoy playing on a variety of inflatables.

  • This is a perfect time to bring your child’s school supplies to give to their homeroom teacher. 

  • We invite our new and returning families to join us for this evening of fun and fellowship. Trinity thrives on community and we would love to see you there!

*FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL - Tuesday, August 10th* 

  • Begins Normal School Hours: 8:00am - 2:50pm

NEW TEACHING TEAMS 

With all of our continued growth, we have expanded upon our awesome faculty at the upper elementary and shifted some of our teachers into new roles. Check out the teaching teams for each grade level below. 

4th Grade Teaching Team

  • Bible - Jason Settle and JoAlison Higgins

  • ELA Reading - Christy Stephenson

  • ELA Writing - Natalie Stanfield *New Teacher*

  • History/Science - Kristi Goss *New Teacher*

  • Math - Tracey Long

  • Recess Supervisor - Josh Henry *New Teacher*

  • Skills Development - Rachel Stedham

5th Grade Teaching Team

  • Bible - Jason Settle and JoAlison Higgins

  • ELA Reading - Kathy Burnett

  • ELA Writing - Wendy Peters

  • History/Science - MacKenzie Dale

  • Math - Jennifer Roberts

  • Recess Supervisor - Crissy Powell

  • Skills Development - Rachel Stedham

CARPOOL REQUESTS

For those parents in need of carpool help, please email me your specific needs based on the criteria below. 

  • Number of children

  • Home location - city, neighborhood, etc. 

  • Specific needs - morning drop-off, afternoon pickup, specific days needed, etc. 


NEW UPPER ELEMENTARY ADMINISTRATIVE CONTACTS

Please note the new administrative positions and the individuals serving in those capacities for next year. 

  • 4th Grade Academic Coordinator - Tiffany McBurnett (tiffany.mcburnett@tcslions.org)

    • Mrs. McBurnett will be assisting you with any academic-related needs for 4th grade.

  • 5th Grade Academic Coordinator - Melissa Lanier (melissa.lanier@tcslions.org) 

    • Mrs. Lanier will be assisting you with any academic-related needs for 5th grade. 

  • Upper Elementary RTA Coordinator - Kasey Hanson (kasey.hanson@tcslions.org) 

    • Mrs. Hanson will be assisting you with makeup work related to any extended absences your child may have this year. 

RETURNING UPPER ELEMENTARY ADMINISTRATIVE CONTACTS

These administrative staff are returning in the same capacities as last year and are ready to assist you with any needs you might have related to their specific areas. 

  • Director of Student Life - Tiffany McBurnett (tiffany.mcburnett@tcslions.org)

    • Mrs. McBurnett will continue to oversee 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 will continue to oversee the spiritual development of our student body while also assisting with academic needs your child may have. 

  • Director of Skills Development - Jenn Opsahl (jennifer.opsahl@tcslions.org) 

    • Mrs. Opsahl will continue to oversee our Skills Development Program. 

  • Dean of Students - Ryan Tipton (ryan.tipton@tcslions.org)

    • Mr. Tipton will continue to address any disciplinary issues throughout the year.