Keeping you plugged into the exciting things happening at the Lower School
Published July 20, 2025
Volume 270
Sherry Randolph - Early Learning & Lower School Principal
The Principal’s Piece: A Note From Mrs. Randolph
Our Lower School staff is excited to welcome your child to campus! We remain deeply committed to creating a nurturing, joyful environment where each student feels loved, supported, and known.
We are grateful to start the 2025–26 school year with a strong team—60 of our Lower School employees are returning, bringing consistency, care, and experience to our classrooms. We’re also excited to welcome two new teachers, Regina Stevens (3rd) and Karis Carlson (2nd), and one new assistant, Emily Holmertz, who are already a great fit and bring fresh energy to our team!
This year, we look forward to partnering with you as your child continues to grow—academically, spiritually, and socially. It’s an honor to be part of their journey, and we can’t wait to see all the ways they will shine this year!
2025-2026 Lower School Teaching Teams
Below are our dedicated teaching teams for the 2025–26 school year:
K3: Mrs. Byrom, Mrs. Wainwright
K4: Mrs. Cooper, Mrs. Farr, Mrs. Hickman, Mrs. Spurgeon, Mrs. Upshaw
K5: Mrs. Calvert, Mrs. Judy, Mrs. Kuehl, Mrs. Lackey, Mrs. McAuley, Mrs. Ross
1st Grade: Mrs. Barham, Mrs. Moore, Ms. McConnell, Mrs. Rock, Ms. Sterling
2nd Grade: Mrs. Carlson, Mrs. Cottrell, Mrs. Rollins, Mrs. Russell, Mrs. Varela
3rd Grade: Mrs. Akey, Mrs. Burnett, Mrs. Gable, Mrs. Jaroszewski, Mrs. Stevens
We are ready for a wonderful year together and excited to see all that God will do in and through our students this year!
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11
Exciting News!
New Lower School Spirit Wear Designs Are Here!
I am excited to announce that our Lower School Spirit Wear has been updated with fun and fresh new designs! These new looks are a great way for students to show off their school pride in a stylish and comfortable way.
Spirit wear is completely optional, but if you’d like to purchase items for your child (or yourself!), just click the link below:
TCS Lower School Apparel Store
We can’t wait to see our students showing off their school spirit in these great new looks!
Go Lions!
Back To School Events
Sunday, August 3rd – Welcome to the Roar
We’re kicking off the school year with a block party-style event for all of our new and returning TCS families! Our students always enjoy this fun-filled night. More details soon!Monday, August 4th – Meet My Teacher Day
This is a wonderful opportunity to meet your child’s teachers and visit the classroom. Kindergarten through third grade students may wear any variation of our school uniform on this day. Please remember to bring your school supplies. You may also drop off any medications with our school nurse. We will have a staggered visiting schedule by last name. If you have a student at both our Go Church campus and our main campus, please just choose to begin at whichever campus is most convenient for you.Here is our visiting schedule: Staggered by last name (both campuses):
9:30–11:30 AM – Last names A–L
1:30–3:30 PM – Last names M–ZTuesday, August 5th – First Day of School
The first official day of school is here! We can’t wait to launch into the year with our students.
Check out our SCHOOL CALENDAR.
Aug 3rd: Welcome to the Roar
Aug 4th: Meet My Teacher Day
Aug 5th: First Official Day of School
Aug 29th: Remote Learning Day
Sept 1st: Labor Day (No School)
Administrative Update
I wanted to share a few quick updates regarding our Lower School leadership team:
Ashley Moore now holds the title of Assistant Principal. While her role remains the same, this updated title better reflects the leadership she already provides to our students, families, and teachers - particularly in the areas of day-to-day operations and student discipline.
Leslie Cook will continue in her role as Academic Dean, focusing on curriculum, instructional leadership, and supporting our students, teachers, and families with excellence in academics.
Jennifer Duncan has a new title: Director of Enrichment and Spiritual Development. In this role, she will continue to oversee our LEO program for advanced learners and will also help support spiritual development opportunities across the Lower School.
I am grateful for the dedication of these leaders and the many ways they help our school community thrive. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to me or any member of our administrative team—we consider it a privilege to partner with and serve our families.
Pre-K4 and Kindergarten Parents/Students Only
We employ a system called PickUp Patrol for the dismissal of K4 and Kindergarten students located at the Go Church Campus to manage dismissals. With three distinct dismissal options for our Early Learning students, this tool guarantees the safety and accurate dismissal of each child daily.
Afternoon Dismissal Options for Go Church Campus Students (Pre-K4 and Kindergarten):
Carline pickup - begins at 2:15pm
Students with Siblings at Main Campus may ride the after school shuttle to main campus to be picked up with their siblings during the 2:50pm carline
Students attending AGAPE afterschool program will ride the after school shuttle to main campus. The shuttle departs Go Church at 2:10pm.
PLEASE NOTE THIS TIME: Changes to Go Church dismissal must be submitted by 12:00pm on the day of the change. You will not be able to make changes after the 12:00pm deadline.
Please watch for an email regarding PickUp Patrol on or about August 1st. You will be able to set and confirm your dismissal plan and get instructions on how to use the tool for when your student's dismissal plans change. Stay tuned for more details!
Student Supply Lists 2025-2026
Each grade level has prepared a student supply list. Please bring these items to school on Meet My Teacher Day, August 4th. Student Supply Lists are available on Blackbaud but may also be accessed through the links below.
Many families took advantage of ordering the EPI Student Supply Kits at the end of the school year. For those who ordered, your child’s school supply kit will be on their desk on August 4th for Meet My Teacher Day. Please double check the supply lists as a few items may need to be purchased separately.
Class Placement for the 2025-2026 School Year
We are working to finalize class placement for your student. Please pray along with us as we seek God for His wisdom and guidance in determining the best placement for each student. We are still developing these lists and anticipate that it will take a few more weeks for final completion. You will receive an email when your child’s teacher and schedule is viewable in Blackbaud.
Prayer Requests
Our Lower School administration team meets every Friday morning to pray over our students and families. If you have a prayer request, we would love to pray for you specifically. We believe in the power of prayer and are committed to supporting our families through this dedicated time of intercession. "Therefore encourage one another and build each other up." I Thessalonians 5:11
How to Submit a Prayer Request:
Fill Out the Form: Provide details about your request in the form below by clicking on the link. You can share as much or as little as you feel comfortable with.
Submit Confidentially: All submissions are kept confidential and are only shared with our Lower School administration team who will lift your request in prayer.
Administrative Contacts
If you have any questions throughout the summer, please do not hesitate to reach out to us. We are happy to help! Please see the guide below to reach the most appropriate personnel.
LS Principal - Sherry Randolph (sherry.randolph@tcslions.org)
LS Assistant Principal - Ashley Moore (ashley.moore@tcslions.org)
LS Academic Dean - Leslie Cook (leslie.cook@tcslions.org)
LS Director of Enrichment and Spiritual Development - Jennifer Duncan (jennifer.duncan@tcslions.org)
LS Executive Coordinator - Lisa Railey (lisa.railey@tcslions.org)
(pictured l to r) Lisa Railey, Jenn Duncan, Sherry Randolph, Leslie Cook, and Ashley Moore