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Dear Parents,
Encounter week was ouTSTanding! We wanted to share a recap of the week-long events. Enjoy reading about encounter week along with watching the recap video!
MONDAY
Rising Freshmen
After Morning Meeting on Monday, 8th graders assembled in the gym to kick-off Encounter Week with a scavenger hunt to meet and get to know upper school teachers. It was fun to watch as our 8th graders learned facts like…
- who started at TST as a volunteer
- who owns the most pets
- who has lived in another country
- who has 3 generations of family currently working at TST
Our TST 8th graders seemed to feel at ease interacting with teachers some of whom they hadn’t yet met.
WTG, Izzie Newsom for being the first to complete the scavenger hunt! Enjoy the prize!
To conclude the first day of Encounter Week, our Seniors ‘23 handed out Class of 2028 t-shirts to the 8th grade class!
5th Grade
After chapel on Monday morning, 5th graders began a scavenger hunt to get to know the middle school faculty. Our fifth graders were not intimidated a bit. They asked questions and got tons of signatures from teachers validating answers to questions such as...
- who started their teaching career as a student teacher at TST
- who has or had children attending TST
- who plays a musical instrument
Norah Lindsey received the prize for being the first to complete the scavenger hunt!
One middle school teacher went above and beyond by providing his signature 48 times - Mr. Meredith definitely deserves a prize for that!
To conclude Encounter Week activities for Monday, 5th graders joined middle school at chapel to enjoy the praise band music and to learn about Longview Community Ministries and the annual Longview Canned Food Drive from TST parent, Britt Norvell, Josephine’s dad.
TUESDAY
Rising Freshmen
On Tuesday morning 8th grade students participated in the classes of Mrs. Ponder, TST US math teacher, and Mr. Allen, TST US English teacher. These two teachers are at the top of their fields and were complimentary of our 8th grade students who were enthusiastic, attentive and participated well.
Mrs. Ponder's class -
- PEMDAS - order of operations and its importance in math and life
Mr. Allen’s class -
- Discussed an original essay by a TST student and the writing process and evaluation
- Played Verb Hopscotch - a physical interaction game
5th Grade
Fifth grade began Tuesday in the classroom of Mrs. McWilliams, the middle school language arts teacher with an interactive lesson.
Reader’s Theatre - “Who Stole the Turkey”
Student sleuths got into character to read their lines and considered motive, means and opportunity to try and solve a crime. Students were 100% engaged in the lesson, lively discussion and solving the mystery of “Who Stole the Turkey.”
WEDNESDAY
Rising Freshmen
Faculty sponsors and club officers presented information to our 8th grade students about the clubs and athletics available in upper school.
- Z Club
- Student Government
- TAPPS Academic Contests
- Stock Market Challenge
- College preparation including college visits
- Athletics - football, basketball, volleyball, golf, tennis, track, cross country, soccer
5th Grade
During their regular P.E. class on Wednesday, fifth grade students learned about middle school athletics and houses.
THURSDAY
Rising Freshmen
8th grade joined a panel of seniors who spoke about their experiences in upper school. They discussed:
- The importance of clubs and sports
- The ability to start your own club
- College visits with Mr. Kodali and how his college connections open doors for special treatment at college tours
- Resume Building - opportunities are always open and available internally and externally. Advice…start writing down everything now!
- Teacher relationships
5th Grade
Students divided in two groups to attend two middle school Seminar classes
- Gaming - online activities in the computer lab
- 1-Act Play - discussed the importance of stage blocking and audience etiquette, and then played an interactive and fun game of Press Conference!
FRIDAY
Rising Freshmen
8th joined seniors for a Pizza King lunch
5th Grade
5th grade joined middle school and upper school at Break in the Hollandsworth Commons
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