
TOPS Middle School Newsletter
September 26, 2018
Empower to Learn. Equip to Succeed.
Important Dates
October 8: Parent/Teacher Conferences
October 9-12: Benchmark 1
October 26: Pumpkin Patch Outing! Sign-ups are coming soon!
We Are Excited to Announce...
Our art teacher, Mrs. Wallace, welcomed a baby girl into her family on Friday evening! Her bundle of joy was anxious to meet her mom, dad, and big sister! She arrived a few weeks earlier than expected. Currently Mrs. Horn, one of our lead teachers, is monitoring the art course as a substitute teacher until our official Art substitute begins. Class Connect sessions will be cancelled in the meantime. Please continue to complete coursework for art class, if you are enrolled in Art 1, Art 2, or Art 3. Mrs. Wallace is scheduled to return on November 26, 2018.
Please join us in congratulating Mrs. Wallace and her family on their sweet bundle of joy!
Benchmark One is Almost Here!
Do your best to show off what you have learned! These tests will be awarded a grade in your courses, although we will adjust the score because we know that you haven't been taught all of the material yet.
Remember that these tests are required.
Where Do I Mark Attendance?
How many hours am I expected to attend each day?
Students are expected to attend a total of 420 min. (7 hours) per day. An hour of that time should be spent on lunch and breaks. The time spent in each course will vary daily. You may spend more time in one course than another. For example, writing an English paper might take more time than completing a math quiz.
What should be included in my logged attendance?
Learning coaches will input time spent in Class Connects, USA Test Prep, courses, and any work done offline.
Learning coaches will input attendance for lunch time in the Online Learning course.
When do I mark attendance in USATP?
Learning coaches will input attendance for any time spent by your student working within USATP in this category.
Middle School Anti-Bullying Assemblies
Have You Shared Your Story?
Learning Coach University
TOPS Middle School Clubs & Social Times
Book Club, Grades 6-8
1st Monday of the month, 3:00-4:00
Come join us for fun and rewarding reading challenges and book discussions!
Math Games & Puzzles Club, Grades 6-8
Math Games & Puzzles Club is a fun time for students to come and play some games and puzzles together
Geography Club, Grade 6
2nd Thursday of the month, 3:00-4:00
Geography Club is a place for you to come explore a part of the world that interests you!
History Club, Grade 8
2nd and 4th Tuesdays of the month, 3:00-4:00
History Club is a time for students to dig deeper into historical or political that interest them. They will be given the opportunity to research, discuss, and work on presentations.
Literary Magazine, Grades 6-8
2nd Tuesday of the month, 3:15-4:00
Join TOPS literary magazine. Together we can focus on publishing locally and also enter contests for fame and fortune. We need YOU to help compile students’ writing and turn it into a magazine we will publish for our whole middle school to enjoy four times a year.
National Junior Honor Society, Grades 7-9
2nd & 4th Monday of the month, 3:00-4:00
By invitation only. If your child has been accepted into a different Chapter's NJHS program, please contact Naomi Armstrong at narmstrong@texasonlineprep.org or Heather Horn at hhorn@texasonlineprep.org with any documentation you have of your acceptance.
Buzz Time
Every Monday, 3:00-4:00
Social time for 6th grade students and moderated by 6th grade teachers and advisors. Students are asked to follow TOPS student expectations.
Buzz Time
Every Tuesday, 3:30-4:00
Every Thursday, 3:30-4:00
Social time for 7th grade students and moderated by 7th grade teachers and advisors. Students are asked to follow TOPS student expectations.
Buzz Time
Every Tuesday, 3:30-4:00
Every Thursday, 3:30-4:00
Social time for 8th grade students and moderated by 8th grade teachers and advisors. Students are asked to follow TOPS student expectations.
Middle School Administration Team
Mr. Charles Forrest Smith
Mrs. Elizabeth Nelson
Mrs. Crystal Frost
Lead Teacher
- Language Arts
- Social Studies
- PE/Health
- Music
(210) 764-9147
Mrs. Heather Horn
Mrs. Aubrie Firebaugh
Lead Advisor
Advisor for 6th Grade, Last Name T-Z
Advisor for 7th Grade, Last Name A-I
afirebaugh@texasonlineprep.org
(940) 784-3352
Mrs. Kelly Smith
Middle School Counselor
High School Counselor, Last Names Hb-Ma
469-912-0945
Elizabeth Nelson, M.A.
Mrs. Elizabeth Nelson joined the K12 team in 2013. She has 10 years of experience in education:, including writing math curriculum and helping at-risk students achieve success. Mrs. Nelson earned a BA in Mathemetics and a BS in Secondary Education from Indiana University. She also earned a MA in Educational Leadership from Ball State University and is currently working on her Ed.D in Instructional Leadership at the American College of Education. She holds principal certification in Texas and Arizona.
Email: elnelson@texasonlineprep.org
Website: tops.k12.com/
Location: 1955 Lakeway Drive, Lewisville, TX, United States
Phone: (469) 893-0366
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/avzaelizabeth.brown
Twitter: @MrsENelsonTeach