Keeping you plugged into the exciting things happening at the Middle School
Published February 23, 2025
Volume 254
Adam Vinson - Middle School Principal
A MESSAGE FROM MR. VINSON
Thank you to those who were able to join us this past Thursday for our 3rd installment of Coffee with the Principal. We had great discussions about club offerings and ideas for next school year. Be on the lookout for a follow-up survey this Spring about potential clubs for next year! Our 4th Coffee with the Principal date will be announced soon, too! Thank you for the feedback that was provided, and as always, if I can do anything to serve your family, please don’t hesitate to reach out and ask.
HOW ARE WE DOING?
Let me know how our team is doing in keeping you informed about your child’s education this year. If you are lacking communication regarding one of your child’s classes, please let me know so I can help! adam.vinson@tcslions.org
UPCOMING MIDDLE SCHOOL DATES
Feb 24 - 90 Days ‘til 9th Grade
(8th grade only)
Feb 27 - Family Night
(no homework or assessments)
Mar 10 - Spring Picture Day
(wear Spring attire - details to come)
NEWS and NOtes From THE MIDDLE SCHOOL
90 DAYS 'TIL 9TH GRADE
Our 8th graders’ time in middle school is quickly coming to an end, and we want to help them celebrate. On Monday, February 24 (1st day back from Winter Break) we will celebrate the 90 calendar days left until the end of 8th grade in 90’s style! Check out the activities we have planned for this special day.
Mrs. Michelle Hutcheson, our 9th-grade counselor, will be visiting our history classes to discuss the upcoming transition to 9th grade.
Students are encouraged to dress like the ‘90s decade for this special day.
Cell phones will be allowed in between classes (just like at the high school).
We will also have some special activities at lunch from our 8th-grade teachers.
Spring Picture Day
Dear Trinity Families,
In preparation for Spring Picture Day on Monday, March 10th, here are answers to some commonly asked questions to help you and your students prepare.
What to wear?
Attire Guidelines
Spring attire within dress code guidelines may be worn or uniforms/spiritwear
Skirts and dresses must be dress code length
No crop tops, no spaghetti straps
Tops must have at least a 3-finger width size strap.
The following should NOT be worn: flip flops, tank tops, strapless or low cut tops.
No leggings
Jeans are fine, no rips, holes, or tears
Middle School Attire
Only Dress code pants, skirts or shorts are approved
Shirts - must be free from large graphics that would be considered as inappropriate
Will there be make-up pictures?
No. There will not be make-up pictures for Spring pictures.
Will there be class pictures taken?
No. Class pictures are taken in the Fall only.
How do we order Spring photos?
Ordering instructions:
A Lifetouch picture order form was sent home with your student. Parents do not have to pre-order pictures. If you place an order before picture day, use the following code, which can also be found on the form: EVT8TV9NV. Shipping is free for orders placed prior to picture day.
8TH GRADE ACADEMIC ADVISEMENT WORKSHOP
In preparation for the upcoming course registration week for the 2025-2026 school year, the high school counseling department will be hosting an informational workshop for all 8th-grade students and parents on Tuesday, March 18th at 6:30 pm in the Student Center of Building 1. At this workshop, our team will discuss best practices for high school course selection, the benefits of Dual Enrollment and Advanced Placement (AP) coursework, HOPE scholarship information and more. CLICK HERE to sign up for this workshop.
FAMILY NIGHT: NO HOMEWORK OR ASSESSMENTS
Plan to enjoy our upcoming Family Night on Thursday, February 27, which includes no assessments to prepare for and NO HOMEWORK.
MATH TEACHER NEEDED FOR 2025-2026
We are looking to hire a math teacher for next year if you know of any qualified candidates. Please refer them to the employment section on our TCS website for additional details or have them email Mr. Vinson directly!
Weekly Updates and Information
THIS WEEK IN CHAPEL
Returning next week
LIONS OF THE WEEK
Returning next week
THIS WEEK’S MEMORY VERSE
As you may notice, our 4th-8th graders memorize the same verses each year. These memory verses are selected intentionally based on the promises and truths they contain that are so relevant for our students as they learn to follow Goodness. Our hope is that these 20 verses will be remembered for years to come after being memorized for multiple years in Upper Elementary and Middle School.
I Corinthians 10:31
v. 31 So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.
FEBRUARY HABITUDES MOMENT
Below you will find the monthly habitude for each grade level highlighting important leadership principles to implement in their own lives. Learn more about our Habitudes curriculum here.
6th Monthly Habitude: Drivers and Passengers
Principle: Leaders own their destinations in life.
Lesson Summary: When life goes bad, some people tend to blame someone else for the problem. They act like passengers. Leaders realize they are drivers and are responsible for their attitudes and destination in life.
7th Monthly Habitude: Pocket Change
Principle: Leaders earn credibility by displaying integrity.
Lesson Summary: Leaders earn credibility with others by displaying integrity and making wise decisions. This puts emotional change in their pocket and enhances their influence. If leaders fail to do this, they lose the change in their pocket with people. Leaders are consistently filling or emptying their pockets.
8th Monthly Habitude: Flight Delay
Principle: Experienced travelers know they are not in complete control. Delays occur, storms erupt, and interruptions happen. Similarly, everyone must calibrate their expectations, manage disappointments, and be realistic about the speed and ease of our lives.
Lesson Summary: This Habitude is another picture of life, especially when we are living in seasons of transition. We begin with a certain expectation. Inevitably, though, something will happen that we didn't expect. Somehow, the best-laid plans can fail. Life shifts. We find that we're not in control.
HOUSE SYSTEM COMPETITION
Check out who is leading the competition at www.tcshouses.weebly.com.
MIDDLE SCHOOL ADMINISTRATIVE TEAM:
WE ARE HERE TO HELP!
Principal:
Adam Vinson (adam.vinson@tcslions.org)
Director of Academics and Student Development:
Tiffany McBurnett (tiffany.mcburnett@tcslions.org) - Mrs. McBurnett helps oversee our academic program while also handling discipline.
Director of Curriculum and Instruction
Kristn Peavy (kristan.peavy@tcslions.org) - Mrs. Peavy provides direction and guidance related to each grade level’s curriculum.
Academic Coordinator
Melissa Lanier (melissa.lanier@tcslions.org) - Mrs. Lanier oversees our class placement and return-to-academics process for students who have been absent.
Director of Spiritual Development
Wesley Lassiter (wesley.lassiter@tcslions.org) - Mr. Lassister oversees the spiritual development of our student body.
MIDDLE SCHOOL HELPFUL LINKS AND REMINDERS
24/25 SCHOOL CALENDAR - Stay in the know about upcoming breaks and holidays.
PRE-ABSENCE FORM - Submit pre-planned absences 5 days ahead of time for approval.
COMMUNITY SERVICE FORM - 10 service hours are due by May 2024.
DRESS CODE OVERVIEW - Check out this year’s guidelines.
IT HELP DESK LINK - If your child has an issue with their Chromebook, submit a ticket.
THRIVAL GUIDE - Learn more about how to not just survive, but “thrive” during middle school at TCS with thoughts and tips from our team.
RIDING HOME WITH A FRIEND?
If your student will be going home with another student during dismissal, please send an email to receptionist@tcslions.org OR tiffany.mcburnett@tcslions.org.
IS YOUR CHILD SICK OR ABSENT?
The following steps should be taken for reporting absences for 4th - 8th grade:
Send excuses for absences, including doctor’s notes to attendance@tcslions.org.
Send PRE-ABSENCE REQUESTS (family trips, etc.) to Melissa Lanier (melissa.lanier@tcslions.org) via your child’s 1st period teacher.
WHAT IF MY CHILD IS ABSENT 1-5 DAYS? - Have your child connect with their teachers upon their return to the classroom. We will not send makeup work home for sick absences of this length through our Return to Academics program.
WHAT IF MY CHILD IS ABSENT 5+ DAYS? - Reach out to Melissa Lanier (Return to Academics Coordinator) so we can best determine a makeup plan for your child. Mrs. Lanier will help collect makeup work for you to simplify the process.
NOTE: If your child is sick, we want your child to focus on resting and healing before worrying about missing assignments. Please know our teachers will work diligently to help your child catch up once they are feeling well enough to complete assignments.
NEED TO ACCESS BLACKBAUD CLASSROOM INFORMATION?
Be sure to check Blackbaud regularly to stay informed about your child’s progress this year!
LESSON PLANS: Need to know what your child is learning in the classroom? Check the “Topics” section for each of your child’s classes.
HOMEWORK: Need to know what assignments your child should be completing at home? Check the “Topics” section for each of your child’s classes.
GRADES/PROGRESS: Need to know how your child did on their last assessment? Check the “Grade Detail” section for each of your child’s classes.