Inside the Pride Middle School News - Volume 274

Keeping you plugged into the exciting things happening at the Middle School

Published August 17, 2025

Volume 274

 

Adam Vinson - Middle School Principal

 

A MESSAGE FROM MR. VINSON

As we start our third week of the school year, I just want to say “thank you” for choosing TCS for your child’s education this year. There is always such excitement during the first few weeks of school and this year is no different. It’s a joy to have your children on campus, and it’s a pleasure to hear their footsteps and voices throughout the hallways once again. We count it such a privilege to partner with you and are grateful for the chance to serve your family. May the Lord have His hand of blessing upon us each step of the way throughout this new year.

Due to weather conditions earlier this month, we had to postpone the original date for our end of summer bash.

So, we invite all new Trinity families to join us for the Welcome to the Roar: New Families Tailgate on Friday, August 22, from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. at the Gathering Place on our main campus. This special event is exclusively for first-time families, and will take place before the Friday Night Lights experience at the football game.

Save the Date: Fall Family Fest – Thursday, October 9
While the Welcome to the Roar tailgate is focused on welcoming our newest Lions, we’re also preparing a school-wide event for all Trinity families in October. Be sure to mark your calendars for the TCS Fall Family Fest on Thursday, October 9. More details will be shared soon!

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

ACADEMIC BOWL TEAM SIGN-UPS

Would your student like to compete against other school teams in the areas of math, geography, spelling, essay-writing, and history? We are looking to form teams to compete at the following upcoming competitions:

  • Tuesday, October 7 = Academic Day

  • Friday, January 16 = Quiz Bowl 

Students will practice during regular school hours (lunch, elective and/or dismissal) to avoid conflict with after school sports as much as possible. 

Cost? - $100 per student covers registration costs and a TCS team polo. 

Interested? - Email Adam Vinson adam.vinson@tcslions.org

NEW MIDDLE SCHOOL CLUB OPPORTUNITY

We are starting a video gaming club for those who may be interested in some fun competition while building community together. The school will provide gaming systems, games and controllers. We will be offering the following games initially with the opportunity to grow our offerings throughout the year. 

  • Super Mario Kart

  • Super Smash Bros. 

  • NCAA Football 26

Cost? - $150 for a 12-week session starting the week of September 8. The club will meet after school from 4-5pm 1 day per week and will conclude the week of December 1. Our hope is to build enough interest to eventually create an opportunity for an E-sport team. If your child is interested, please complete this form.

HOUSE COLOR DAY: REP YOUR HOUSE!

Our first House Color Day of the year is coming up on Monday, August 25. Students are encouraged to wear a colored shirt that corresponds to their house (please no hats). Check out your child’s house assignment and color below. 

Your child’s house assignment is tied to their D-Group. Check their schedule in Blackbaud if you aren’t sure which house your child is assigned to yet. 

  • Elliot House = GREEN

  • Lewis House = RED

  • Nee House = ORANGE

  • Robinson House = BLUE

  • Wycliffe House = BLACK

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. 

Ephesians 2:8-9

v. 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, v. 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast.

Distinction Requirements: 

  • Ephesians 2:10 – For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

    • 6th  - Memorize v. 10

    • 7th  - Memorize v. 10 and quiz with no blanks

    • 8th  - Memorize v. 10, quiz with no blanks, write application paragraph

THIS WEEK IN CHAPEL

FILL IT TO THE BRIM

Mr. Lassiter shared from Proverbs 28:1 the spiritual theme for the year: “Be As Bold As A Lion”. The students were challenged to understand that boldness in Christ is the courage to live for Him when others do not. We fear because we stand guilty before God, but we may become righteous through what Jesus accomplished for those who place their faith in him. Students will continue to be challenged throughout the year that boldness is right living before God, and “If I am in Christ, I am free to live boldly”.

STUDENT ACKNOWLEDGEMENT EVERY MONTH

For the month of AUGUST, we are focusing on HOSPITALITY and looking to honor our students who go above and beyond to serve and welcome our new students to the TCS family. 

At the beginning of September we will honor 4 students from each grade level who have gone above and beyond in their efforts to welcome and acclimate other students to the new school year.

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE INFORMATION

Artificial Intelligence is becoming a natural progression of gaining information about our world around us. At TCS we desire to “Prepare today’s student for tomorrow’s world” and a part of that is recognizing and initiating proper use of AI. At our beginning of the year middle school assembly Mrs. Peavy discussed appropriate and inappropriate use of AI with all of the students. Please review the following policy with your student.

REMINDER: 8TH GRADE RETREAT

Our 8th grade trip is only a few short weeks away. Be sure to reference the email sent by Mr. Vinson last week to those who are signed up to go. There are important details to help you pack and prepare. See a few reminders below as well. 

  • Departure: Wednesday, September 3rd- We will leave from the NCG theatre parking lot to help avoid arrival traffic on the main campus. You may begin dropping off as early as 7:30am. We will plan to leave by 8:00am. Please have your child use the restroom before arriving as the theatre will not be open. 

  • Activities: Students will go whitewater rafting on the Nantahala River on Wednesday after we arrive and eat lunch. Students will participate in on-campus recreational activities on Thursday throughout the day, including the zip-line, climbing tower, aerial park, paintball, basketball, swimming, volleyball and Gaga Ball. 

  • Return: We will return on Friday and will plan to have parents pick up once again at the NCG theatre parking lot. Our plan is to be back between 2:00-2:45pm depending on Atlanta traffic. We will update you as we start to get closer. 

  • Spending Money: Use the link below if you are interested in prepurchasing gift cards to use at the Snowbird Snack Shack. Remember, all meals are covered, but students are welcome to bring extra money. The Snowbird Snack Shack offers a variety of snack and food options as well as t-shirts, hats, sweatshirts, etc.  We will make a stop on the way up and the way home at the Panorama Apple Barn where snacks can be purchased. 

LINK TO SNACK SHACK GIFT CARDS: https://swoutfitters.com/snack-shack-cash/

TEACHERS PRAYING FOR STUDENTS

Every Wednesday during our pre-chapel D-Groups, we have a group of teachers who will be praying for our students. We would love to have specific requests to bring to the Lord each week on behalf of our student body. 

Please encourage your child to use this link to submit any personal requests they may have. Our Bible teachers will also be sharing the link with each student and will encourage them to use it as well.

PROTECT YOUR CHROMEBOOK

Every year our IT Department offers a 1-year extended warranty to ensure a layer of added protection should your child accidentally damage their Chromebook. Save money on what could be costly repairs by purchasing our 25-26 warranty for this school year. 

CHECK OUT THE DETAILS BELOW: 

  • Warranty Cost:  $40

  • Warranty Term: August 1, 2025 through July 31st 2026

    • Only one accidental warranty repair can take place during the warranty term.

    • Any additional repairs will be made at a discounted price.

  • Accidental Warranty Covers:

    • Screen Damage

    • Keyboard Damage

    • Accidental Spills and Drops

    • Damage caused by electrical surge

  • Warranty does NOT cover:

    • Lost or stolen devices

    • Lost or stolen chargers

    • Cosmetic damage from normal wear and tear 

FALL PICTURE DAY: MONDAY AUGUST 18

Tomorrow is our Fall Picture Day! Please make sure your child comes in regular uniform/dress code standards. These pictures are used for the yearbook so we are strongly encouraging each student to wear a collared shirt. 

Make-up dates will be announced at a later time for those who are absent.

MIDDLE SCHOOL SPIRIT WEAR

*New Middle School Spirit Wear* - Our spiritual theme for the 2025-2026 school year will be “Bold as a Lion”. To help reinforce this theme, we will be selling both t-shirts and sweatshirts with the design below. Purchase your very own “Bold as a Lion” shirt here. 

While not required, middle school students are encouraged to wear either the “Bold as a Lion” t-shirt or sweatshirt to chapel each week. 

ATTENDANCE AND ABSENCES

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 SICK AND 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 SICK AND 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.

IMPORTANT BACK-TO-SCHOOL DATES

Check out our SCHOOL CALENDAR 

  • Aug 18: Fall Picture Day (normal dress code)

  • Aug 25: House Color Day (rep your house)

  • Aug 27-28: Benchmark Testing (ELA/Math)

  • Aug 28: College Football Dress Down Day

  • Aug 29: Remote Learning Day

  • Sept 1: Labor Day (No School)

  • Sept 3-5:  8th Grade Retreat to Snowbird

NEED TO ACCESS BLACKBAUD CLASSROOM INFORMATION?

Be sure to check Blackbaud regularly to stay informed about your middle schooler’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.

MIDDLE SCHOOL RESOURCES

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CHECK OUT THE HELPFUL TOOLS BELOW REGARDING THE 25-26 SCHOOL YEAR

25-26 SCHOOL CALENDAR - Stay in the know about upcoming breaks and holidays. 

PRE-ABSENCE FORM - Submit pre-planned absences 5 days in advance for approval.

DRESS CODE POLICY - Note the minor changes/adjustments for this year. 

COMMUNITY SERVICE FORM - Reminder that all middle schoolers are required to complete 10 hours of service by May 2026.

IT HELP DESK LINK - If your child has an issue with their Chromebook, submit a ticket.

MIDDLE SCHOOL THRIVAL GUIDE - Don’t just survive middle school, help your child THRIVE during these years! Check out the helpful guide assembled by our TCS staff based on years of middle school experience

OUR TEAM IS HERE TO HELP!