Keeping you plugged into the exciting things happening at the Lower School
Published August 24, 2025
Volume 275
Sherry Randolph - Early Learning & Lower School Principal
The Principal’s Piece: A Note From Mrs. Randolph
In Lower School, there are a few special ways we intentionally care for our students and families that you may not know about—especially if you’re new to our Trinity family.
🔹 Weekly Prayer for Families
Every Wednesday, our Lower School administration team gathers to pray over our students and families. We believe deeply in the power of prayer and want to lift you up specifically. See the section below for details on how to submit a request.
“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up.” — 1 Thessalonians 5:11
📖 Chapel Moments + Family Devotion
Each week, our Chapel Moments section highlights what students are learning in chapel. But did you know it also includes a Family Devotion? This is a simple resource designed to help you continue the lesson at home and connect your child’s faith and learning with everyday family life. Don’t miss it—it’s a special way to grow together!
Check out our SCHOOL CALENDAR.
Aug 25: House Color Day (wear your house colors)
Aug 28: College Football Dress Down Day
Aug 29: Remote Learning Day
Sept 1: Labor Day (No School)
Sept 12: K3 Pastries With Parents Event
Sept 22-26: HOCO Week
Oct 6: Fall Picture Retakes
Starting Strong: First Benchmarks Complete!
We are excited to share that K-3rd grade initial benchmark testing is now complete, and we are so proud of our students for their hard work! Classroom teachers will be reviewing these results to identify each child’s academic strengths and areas for growth, as well as to track progress throughout the year. This information also helps us tailor instruction to meet individual needs and support academic success. Please note that there is no specific score expectation for these first benchmark tests. They serve as a baseline to guide instruction and measure growth as the year progresses. Thank you for your continued partnership in your child’s learning journey!
Progress Learning Benchmark Assessment (K-3rd), August 21-22
On August 21st and 22nd, we will be conducting our initial benchmark assessment for both English Language Arts (ELA) and Mathematics. It's important to note that these assessments are designed to evaluate students' understanding of the academic concepts covered throughout this school year and to measure their academic growth as an individual student. These assessments do not contribute to their academic grades. Students are encouraged to eat a healthy breakfast and arrive at school on time, as testing will begin promptly each morning.
Elementary Clubs
Our students love to participate in our elementary clubs. These clubs are designed for 1st-5th grade students and meet after school dismisses.
Chess Club - Championship Chess, Coach Rodney Lewis - rlewis_29@gmail.com.
Dance Club - see Performing Arts section of “Inside the Pride”
Drama Club - see Performing Arts section of Pride. Performing Arts Drama Club
Running Club Running Club Sign Up - Coach Cassie Richardson. - cassie.richardson@tcslions.org
Elementary Drama Club
WINNIE THE POOH
1st-3rd grade will be presenting WINNIE THE POOH KIDS. We still have FIVE spots left in our 1st-3rd Grade Drama Club Production of Winnie the Pooh Kids!
For information on dates and how to be involved, please explore the following links:
Link to register ---> https://forms.gle/XamCsUjwEjbvY2NP6
Please email Lizzie Perez with any questions - Lizzie Perez
Picture Retakes
Fall Picture Retakes will be held on Monday, October 6. This is for any student who was absent on the original picture day or would like their photo retaken.
Bringing Reading Home—With Purpose (K-3rd)
Student login information for Lower School's reading curriculum will be sent home soon! This resource provides families with an opportunity to review vocabulary words, grammar skills, and spelling patterns through interactive games. In addition, students can review the reading story that is read throughout the week in class. Teachers have beautifully woven a Biblical perspective within each lesson to connect and apply God's truths throughout this curriculum. As you navigate the online resource, we encourage parents to discuss those Biblical principles with their child as they will not be evident in the curriculum itself. As with any online learning, we recommend parent supervision. We feel this resource will strengthen the partnership between the classroom and home to ensure academic success for all students. When you login, select the reading book image to launch the online program.
Attendance & Absences:
What To Do When Your Child Is Out
To help us keep accurate records and ensure smooth communication, please follow the steps below when reporting your child’s absence:
Early Learning Students (Preschool & Kindergarten):
Email all absence excuses, including doctor’s notes, to: ls.attendance@tcslions.org
1st – 3rd Grade Students:
Email all absence excuses, including doctor’s notes, to: attendance@tcslions.org
For All Students (Preschool – 3rd Grade):
Pre-Absence Requests (such as family trips or planned time away) should be sent in your child’s folder for teacher review and administrative approval.
Thank you for helping us stay informed and keeping our records accurate!
CHAPEL MOMENTS
It was a fun week in chapel as Mrs. Duncan continued our Psalm 23 series, Livin’ the Sheep Life. In last week's lesson, through the story of Mary & Martha, students learned that with God as our Good Shepherd, he leads us to very peaceful places when we feel worn out from life’s troubles. What a wonderful promise!
Power Verse: “He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams.." -Psalm 23:2
Whatchagaddaknow: “When I Am Stressed, God Gives Me Rest! ”
Last Chance to join: Third Grade
Worship Team Opportunity
Our third graders have a special role as the leaders of our Lower School.
To honor that, we’re excited to offer them the opportunity to help lead worship during our weekly Chapel services. This invitation is open to all third graders who have a heart for worship and are willing to step onto the stage and sing. The purpose of this worship team is simple: to model joyful, heartfelt worship and point others to Jesus through their example.
I’m thrilled to create a space where our students can boldly share their faith and shine God’s light in our school community.
If your third grader is interested in joining, please click the link below to sign up.
Don’t Forget: Noon Deadline for Dismissal Changes (Kindergarten & Pre-K4 Families)
This is a friendly reminder that all dismissal changes must be submitted through PickUp Patrol by 12:00 PM (noon) on the day of the change.
The system will not accept updates after the noon deadline, as this helps us ensure a smooth and safe dismissal process for all students.
Thank you for your attention to this important routine and for helping us keep everything running smoothly!
Staying Informed and Up-to-date with
Classroom Happenings
To stay informed of what’s happening in your child’s classroom, please login into Blackbaud weekly. You will be able to see information such as weekly classroom announcements, upcoming events, weekly academic focus, grades, attendance, etc. This is the key to staying informed and replaces hardcopy newsletters. I encourage you to login each week. Information will be updated each Sunday at 5pm.
Accessing your child's class information weekly:
Login to your Blackbaud account and select your child's name under "Children".
Find your child's homeroom class under the "Progress" tab by scrolling down to where classes are listed.
After selecting the homeroom class, you will see the teacher's main class page where you will locate upcoming dates, class reminders and news.
Select the "Topics" tab to see specific information for each individual subject. Within each subject folder, you will see a plan for the week and upcoming projects and test information.
The "Topics" pages update each Sunday evening at 5pm and will remain current until the following Sunday evening.
Show Your Trinity Pride! Order
Lower School Spirit Wear Here
Check out our fresh new spirit wear designs—perfect for dress-down days, events, or everyday wear. Spirit wear is completely optional, but a fun way for students and families to feel connected all year long!
Dress Code Guidelines for K5-3rd Grades
Before the year kicks off, take a look at our Dress Code Overview to brush up on the guidelines.
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