Keeping you plugged into the exciting things happening at the Upper Elementary School
Published September 26, 2021
Volume 99
Adam Vinson - Upper Elementary School Principal
We are quickly coming to the end of Quarter 1 with only 1 ½ weeks left. Keep encouraging your child to do their best and finish strong as we look towards our first report cards of the year. This is a great opportunity to reach out to teachers and connect about any questions or issues you are experiencing. Our teachers are ready and willing to help by providing additional insight and guidance about what they are seeing in the classroom with your child. Don’t hesitate to send an email if you would like further insight into how your child is progressing.
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.
LAST WEEK IN CHAPEL
Mr. Vinson reinforced the desire we have to build a culture of purity here at TCS within our student body. Using Ephesians 5:3-6, Mr. Vinson spoke specifically on the purity God desires when it comes not only to actions but our speech as well. Too often we are tempted to use excuses like “I was only joking” or “I was just trying to be funny” to justify our missteps. The Bible is clear about the proper and improper ways for our humor to be expressed. Our hope is to create an expectation here at TCS that our middle schoolers uphold a standard of purity when it comes to their conversations at the lunch table, in the hallways, in the locker rooms, etc.
REMOTE LEARNING DAYS IN OCTOBER
In anticipation of our Remote Learning Days (Oct 7-8) and Fall Break (Oct 11-12), please note the following structure regarding learning activities for those days.
Remote learning work will be distributed by Wednesday Oct 6 and is to be completed over break. All work will be due upon our return to classes on Oct 13.
No virtual classes will be required.
LIONS OF THE WEEK
Students who were recognized this week by their teachers for their exceptional example set in their recent performance, attitude or action.
4th Grade = Ridley Benz
5th Grade = Mackenzie Clark
SEPTEMBER MEMORY VERSES: Matthew 22:36-40 (ESV)
Help your child learn their memory verses over the course of this month.
36 “Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?” 37 And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. 38 This is the great and first commandment. 39 And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. 40 On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets.”
GWINNETT STRIPERS EDUCATION DAY BASEBALL GAME
We are looking forward to a fun time on Wednesday with our 4th and 5th grade students! If you are signed up to chaperone as a parent, be on the lookout for an email this week about specific instructions for joining us.
***Dress Code***
We are encouraging students to wear jeans or TCS uniform bottoms with TCS spirit wear.
WHEN: Wednesday, September 29
WHERE: Gwinnett Stripers Baseball Game (Education Day)
COST: $10 (covers transportation, hot dog lunch, and game ticket)
DROP-OFF: Please drop off your child at the normal time at TCS.
PICK UP: Students will be picked up from the NCG Parking Lot around 3:30 pm
NOTE: You are welcome to send your child with additional money for purchasing concession items or souvenirs.
REMOTE LEARNING DAYS IN OCTOBER
In anticipation of our Remote Learning Days (Oct 7-8) and Fall Break (Oct 11-12), please note the following structure regarding learning activities for those days.
Remote learning work will be distributed by Wednesday Oct 6 and is to be completed over break. All work will be due upon our return to classes on Oct 13.
No virtual classes will be required.
FALL PICTURE DAY
Our Fall pictures for upper elementary are scheduled for Thursday, October 14. Students are required to wear normal dress code attire for these pictures as they will be used for the yearbook.
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.
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.
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.