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Date November 15, 2024| Issue #15


TCAS Calendar



  • Nov 20: School Thanksgiving Meal for students and staff.
  • Nov 24-Dec 1: Thanksgiving Holiday break
  • Dec 2: School resumes
  • Dec 4: 3rd-4th Field trip
  • Dec 10: Camp Mivoden Promo
  • Dec 12-15: Journey to Bethlehem
  • Dec 19: Christmas Program
  • Dec 22-Jan 5: Christmas Holiday



TCAS Announcements

  • Parents, do not forget to send the appropriate food type for the school's Thanksgiving meal on November 20th. Below is the menu.
  • If you have pictures from any TCAS events, here is a link for you to upload those pictures if you would be willing. LINK
  • Remember TCAS families have received a free access to RightNow Media. If you are unable to log in, please contact the school.
  • The November theme for Friendzy is "You First." The goal is to consider the needs of others before one's own needs. This is based on Philippians 2:2-5.

Principal's Message


Outside my office window in our home in Fresno, California, I spent countless hours gazing at the above birch tree, just within my view. Over time, that tree and I became unlikely companions. As an artist, I’ve studied its colors, shapes, volume, and the lines formed by its branches stretching into space. Each observation offered a new perspective, a small detail that escaped my notice. But beyond its beauty, the birch has also become a source of spiritual renewal, a quiet reminder of deeper truths.


One afternoon, as I was intently observing its trunk, I noticed something peculiar: a shape in the bark that resembled an eye gazing directly back at me. (picture below) For a moment, I was taken aback. I don’t believe trees possess souls, yet the sight of that "eye" made me wonder—if it had a soul, what would it see in me? What would it think, and if it could speak, what would it say?


This simple observation brought to mind several scriptures about God’s eyes being upon His people. I remembered the words, “The eyes of the Lord are toward the righteous and His ears toward their cry.” The imagery of God's watchful, ever-present, and attentive eye came alive to me at that moment. Like the birch that stood silently by my side, God watches over us, quietly attentive to our lives, always ready to hear our prayers.


Psalm 33:18 says, “Behold, the eye of the Lord is on those who fear Him, on those who hope in His steadfast love.” What an incredible comfort to know that God sees us in all our joyful and challenging moments. We are not hidden from Him. His loving gaze is fixed on us, offering guidance, peace, and reassurance.


Thank you, Mr. Birch Tree, for the gentle reminder that I am never alone. Just as I study you each day, God studies me—watching, guiding, and listening. May I always remember to keep my eyes fixed on Jesus, as He keeps His eyes on me.


Scriptures to Reflect On:

  • Psalm 34:15 — “The eyes of the Lord are toward the righteous, and His ears toward their cry.”
  • Psalm 33:18 — “Behold, the eye of the Lord is on those who fear Him, on those who hope in His steadfast love.”
  • 1 Peter 3:12 — “For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and His ears are open to their prayer.”


May these verses encourage you this week as you walk through the days, knowing that God’s eyes are lovingly upon you.


The above article was written by Mr. Norton and Ai edited.

TCAS Topics

TCAS in Action

TCAS Veterans Program November 11th

National Pickle Day

TCAS Education News

Last week, we examined the new master-based proficiency grading processes of Standard-based Learning. Subsequent articles focus on factors that influence academics and grades. The first factor to be addressed is attendance. Every year, I tell my students that I have seen individuals fired for poor attendance, denied wages and advancements because of poor attendance, and not being hired because of poor attendance. Attendance is important.


Attendance significantly affects elementary students' academic performance and overall grades. Here’s a breakdown of the ways in which consistent attendance impacts students’ learning outcomes:


1. Missed Instruction and Learning Gaps

  • Elementary students often rely heavily on in-person instruction to grasp foundational concepts, especially in literacy and numeracy. Regular absences lead to missed lessons, which can result in learning gaps that may affect future comprehension and mastery.
  • In elementary education, each day builds upon previous knowledge, so missing even a few days can disrupt a child’s learning flow and make it harder to keep up with peers.


2. Social-Emotional Development and Classroom Engagement

  • Regular attendance promotes positive relationships with peers and teachers, which is crucial for a child’s social-emotional development. Students who frequently miss school may feel isolated or disconnected, making engaging in class harder and affecting their motivation to learn.
  • Children who are consistently present in class tend to have a stronger sense of belonging, which enhances their confidence and enthusiasm for school activities.


3. Impact on Grades and Assessment Performance

  • Attendance is often linked to academic achievement because students who are present regularly are more likely to perform better on assessments. Consistent classroom exposure allows students to fully understand the curriculum, practice new skills, and prepare for evaluations.
  • Absences can lead to lower grades, as students might struggle to catch up on assignments, quizzes, and tests they missed. This can particularly affect subjects where skills are cumulative, like reading and math.


4. Development of Work Habits and Responsibility

  • Consistent attendance helps young students develop important habits such as punctuality, responsibility, and routine. These qualities are essential not only for academic success but also for overall personal development.
  • Children learn to value their education and feel a sense of responsibility for their schoolwork when they attend regularly, helping them establish routines and self-discipline.


5. Early Indicators of Academic Success

  • Studies show that chronic absenteeism in elementary school strongly predicts academic challenges later on. Children who miss many days in elementary school are more likely to struggle in middle and high school and have higher dropout rates.
  • Establishing good attendance habits early on increases the likelihood of academic success throughout a student’s educational journey.


6. Teacher Support and Individualized Attention

  • Regular attendance enables teachers to monitor each student’s progress more effectively, allowing for timely support or interventions when a student struggles. When students miss school often, it is harder for teachers to provide consistent support or tailor instruction to individual needs.


7. Family Engagement and Consistent Expectations

  • Families play a significant role in establishing attendance habits, and regular attendance fosters strong family-school connections. Engaged families can support learning at home, reinforce concepts, and encourage good study habits.
  • When families prioritize attendance, children learn to value their education, understanding that school is a priority and that their presence matters.


In summary, regular attendance in elementary school contributes directly to better academic performance, stronger social-emotional skills, and the development of healthy habits that prepare students for future educational success. Families and schools working together to encourage consistent attendance can help set children up for long-term achievement and well-being.


The above article was co-written by Mr. Norton and Ai.