Inside the Pride Middle School News - Volume 277

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

Published September 7, 2025

Volume 277

 

Adam Vinson - Middle School Principal

 

A MESSAGE FROM MR. VINSON

We are now past the halfway mark for Q1. Can you believe we are already heading into Week 6 of this school year?!? Now is the time to start taking a deeper look at your child’s grades as more and more assignments and assessments are starting to be recorded. With 4 weeks remaining in this grading period, we want to make sure every student is doing their very best and has the tools needed to succeed as we look towards our first report card of the year. Please take time to reach out to your child’s teacher if you have any questions or concerns. If your child is particularly struggling from our vantage point, be on the lookout for specific communication from your child’s teacher as well. We are here to help so don’t hesitate to 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

IMPORTANT BACK-TO-SCHOOL DATES

Check out our SCHOOL CALENDAR 

  • Sept 10-19: Annual Fund Blitz

  • Sept 11: Coffee with the Principal 

  • Sept 18: House Color and Assembly Day

  • Sept 22: Homecoming Parade

  • Sept 22-26: Spirit Week

  • Oct 6: Fall Picture *Retakes*

  • Oct 9: Fall Family Fest

  • Oct 10: Remote Learning Day

  • Oct 23: 6th/7th Retreat to Camp Rockridge

HOMECOMING SPIRIT WEEK DRESS DOWN DAYS

Monday - “Slumber Party” = wear pajamas

Tuesday - “Dress As Something Your First Name Starts With” = be creative

Wednesday - “Group Matching Day” = join up with your friends

Thursday - “UGA vs Alabama” = show your team spirit

Friday - “Wacky Tacky TCS Day” = go all out with purple and black

*Note: Be on the lookout for an email from Mrs. McBurnett about specific dress code guidance for this week!*

Coffee with the Principal Meeting

OUR FIRST MEETING IS THIS THURSDAY!!!!!

We are kicking off our special parent/principal gatherings on Thursday, September 11 from 8:15-9:15am in the school cafeteria. You are invited to join Mr. Vinson as we discuss new initiatives this school year along with ways we can keep improving in the offerings we make available to your family. 

Topics to Discuss:

  • Update on news and notes for the 25-26 school year

  • Sage Dining improvements

  • Academic rigor assessment

  • Communication efficiency 

RSVP for Thursday, Sept 11: https://forms.gle/vHLex1PD1sjzQ2Xx6

UPDATE: 8TH GRADE RETREAT TO SNOWBIRD

We had a fantastic week in Andrews, NC with our 8th graders. Students were challenged specifically to embrace the privilege of being at a Christian school and to never grow complacent with how amazing Jesus is. Be on the lookout for a recap video coming soon!

NEW INITIATIVE:

CHICK-FIL-A LEADER ACADEMY FOR MIDDLE SCHOOL

That’s right, we are bringing Leader Labs to our middle school student body! The CFA Leader Academy is a club that has been at our high school for several years, and now we are bringing a similar opportunity to our middle schoolers. Be on the lookout next week for more details along with information on how to apply.

JUNIOR BETA CLUB 

The TCS Middle School is excited to announce the Junior Beta Club will be launching this year! The National Beta Club is an educational organization that promotes leadership, character, academic achievement, and service. 7th and 8th graders may qualify to be inaugural members. 

The following criteria must be met to qualify for Junior Beta Club. Please follow the linked directions on how to access the 2024-2025 report card and average the grades.

  • Academic Requirements - based on the average of Q3 and Q4 of 2024-2025 school year

    • 90 or above in Honors English and Math classes, and all 90s in other courses

    • 94 or above in at level Math and English, and all 90s in other courses

    • 90 or above in 1 honors class with a 94 or above in the at level Math or English, with all 90s in other courses (Bible, History, and Science)

  • 3 of the 4 Requirements Below:

    • Teacher recommendation provided by ELA or Math teachers for the current grade level - this will be facilitated by middle school administrators

    • 10 hours of community service hours completed the 2024-2025 school year

    • Exhibits exceptional character

    • No major behavioral demerits or warnings for this semester or the 2024-2025 Spring semester

If you feel that your 7th or 8th grade student fulfills the requirements above please follow the link to complete the Junior Beta Club Inquiry Form. We will send out invitations to join Beta Club after we review and evaluate all inquiries.

PROTECT YOUR CHROMEBOOK

Cost:  $40 (Aug 1, 2025 through July 31st 2026)

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

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 John 1:5-6

v. 5 This is the message we have heard from Him and proclaim to you, that God is light, and in Him is no darkness at all. v. 6 If we say we have fellowship with Him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth.

For Middle School Only: 

Distinction Requirements: 

I John 1:7 – But if we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin.

  • 6th Grade - Memorize v. 7

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

  • 8th Grade - Memorize v. 7, quiz with no blanks and write application paragraph

THIS WEEK IN CHAPEL

Returning next week

STUDENT ACKNOWLEDGEMENT EVERY MONTH

For the month of AUGUST, we focused on HOSPITALITY and will be honoring our students who went above and beyond to serve and welcome our new students to the TCS family. 

This week in chapel 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.

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.

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.

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!