Keeping you plugged into the exciting things happening at the Upper Elementary School
Published August 22, 2021
Volume 94
Adam Vinson - Upper Elementary School Principal
A MESSAGE FROM MR. VINSON
We hope your child has enjoyed an awesome start to the new school year! As a staff, we are praying daily that each of our students will THRIVE this year scholastically, socially and spiritually. As we settle into the year, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me and my staff if we can help support your child in any of the ways listed above.
Be sure to check Blackbaud regularly to stay informed about your child’s progress this year!
LESSON PLANS: Need to know what your child is learning in the classroom? Check the “Bulletin Board” section for each of your child’s classes.
HOMEWORK: Need to know what assignments your child should be completing at home? Check the “Bulletin Board” section for each of your child’s classes.
GRADES/PROGRESS: Need to know how your child did on their last test? Check the “Grade Detail” section for each of your child’s classes.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Need to know more about what is happening in the classroom and the expectations of the teacher? Email your child’s teacher or reach out to your child’s Academic Coordinator. My team is ready and excited to help you!
4th Grade Academic Coordinator = Tiffany McBurnett (tiffany.mcburnett@tcslions.org)
5th Grade Academic Coordinator = Melissa Lanier (melissa.lanier@tcslions.org)
LAST WEEK IN CHAPEL
Mr. Vinson continued our series on the type of culture we hope to see within our upper elementary with Part 2. Using Matthew 7 and Jesus’ teaching on the Golden Rule, Mr. Vinson encouraged our students to approach this year with a desire to treat others like they wish to be treated. While it is easy to show kindness towards those who show us kindness in return, we want to help instill a mindset in our students that everyone deserves to be treated with love, kindness and respect, even if they don’t always return the same treatment to us. Will you join us in praying that our students will learn to show the love of Christ to each other in the hallways, in the locker rooms, in the classrooms, on the athletic fields, etc.?
AUGUST MEMORY VERSES: Deuteronomy 10:12-13 (ESV)
Help your child learn their memory verses over the course of this month.
12 “And now, Israel, what does the Lord your God require of you, but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in all his ways, to love him, to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul, 13 and to keep the commandments and statutes of the Lord, which I am commanding you today for your good?
LIONS OF THE WEEk
4th Grade = Liam Reimer
5th Grade = Landon Barnhill
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.
Send in prepackaged birthday treats purchased from a store for the homeroom class to enjoy together.
Join your child for lunch (beginning in September) in the cafeteria.
BLACKBAUD NOTIFICATIONS
For those that have been at Trinity in years past you will remember that Renweb used to send out weekly grade reports to prompt you to review your child’s grades and progress. While Blackbaud does not send an automated report each week, you do have the option to select which notifications you would like to receive to help you support your child. You can subscribe to the following notifications in Blackbaud if you choose, but you will need to set these individual notifications if you want to subscribe to them.
Assignment Added
Assignment Changed
Assignment Graded
Assignment Missing
Late/Missing Assignment Submitted
REMINDER: SICK ABSENCES AND MAKEUP WORK PROCESS
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.
WHO WILL HELP ORGANIZE MY CHILD’S MAKEUP WORK? - Kasey Hanson is our RTA (Return to Academics) Coordinator and will help oversee connecting you and your child with a list of missing assignments to complete. Be on the lookout for her emails to help you stay connected.
WHAT IF MY CHILD IS ABSENT 1-2 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.
WHAT IF MY CHILD IS ABSENT 3+ DAYS? - Mrs. Hanson will be emailing you a Google Sheet with all of the assignments your child will need to complete for each class.
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.
SPIRIT STORE REOPENED
Don’t forget to order your upper elementary school spirit wear! Our online store will close once again on August 31 so don’t miss out on this opportunity to support our upper elementary!
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
Reminders
Pre-Absence Requests - Be sure to email Kasey Hanson (kasey.hanson@tcslions.org)
Sick Absences - Be sure to email our nurses (nurses@tcslions.org) and our attendance office (attendance@tcslions.org) - You can also include Kasey Hanson as well (kasey.hanson@tcslions.org)
House Competition - Follow along all year www.tcshouses.weebly.com
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.
IMPORTANT LINKS
New Pre-Absence Form - Use when anticipating upcoming absences
Uniform Overview - No changes from last year, just reminders
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. Email Pre-Absence forms to her.
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.