Inside the Pride Middle School News - Volume 278

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

Published September 14, 2025

Volume 278

 

Adam Vinson - Middle School Principal

 

A MESSAGE FROM MR. VINSON

In the midst of our Annual Fund Blitz, I just wanted to say how thankful we are for each and every gift! The Annual Fund plays an important role by providing the additional resources and opportunities we need to provide the best educational experience possible for your children. From funding our special educational and spiritual development days to supplementing us with educational tools in the classroom, we could not do all that we do without you and your generosity to the Annual Fund! Thank you for your generous support during this important fundraising season!

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 Sept 10-19: Annual Fund Blitz

  • 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!*

AUGUST LIONS OF THE MONTH

Congratulations to the following middle schoolers who were nominated by their teachers for their focus on hospitality towards new students throughout the month of August. 

  • 6th Grade - Emery Griffin, Finley Joyner, Krista Barnhill, Caroline Smith

  • 7th Grade - Holly Jeffcoat, Smith Wilson, Kaylee Norman, Colt Phillips

  • 8th Grade - Olivia Wasil, Anna Roberts, Noah Wood, Nate Robinson

NEW INITIATIVE:

CHICK-FIL-A LEADER ACADEMY FOR MIDDLE SCHOOL

Here are some additional details about this unique leadership opportunity. 

  • What: Leadership development - we want to equip students to be godly leaders within our student body. CFA is sponsoring the activities and content that will help drive each meeting time. 

  • When: We will look to have at least 2-3 meetings per month with those falling during lunch time or before school. The goal is to avoid impacting after school activities. 

  • Who: Mr. Vinson and Mr. Lassiter will be coleading our Leader Labs (the name for our meetings) and would like to invite any students who desire to grow in their capacity to lead others. 

  • How: Have your student complete this application form to get started!

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. 

Philippians 4:6-7

v. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. v. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.


For Middle School Only: 

Distinction Requirements: 

Philippians 4:8 – Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.

  • 6th Grade - Memorize v. 8

  • 7th Grade - Memorize v. 8 and quiz with no blanks

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

THIS WEEK IN CHAPEL

Mr. Howard, 9th Grade Bible Teacher, shared from Hebrews 4:14-16 how we can have boldness because of what Jesus accomplished for us. He shared that Jesus is the source of our boldness because He provided us access to God, and He can sympathize with us since He took our place. He challenged the students to live out their faith, no matter what others say, because Jesus boldly lived that way so that we might have this freedom. He also shared wisdom and application challenges from the 9th graders who reflected on their time in Middle School.

LIONS OF THE MONTH: SEPTEMBER FOCUS

For the month of SEPTEMBER, we are focusing on SCHOOL SPIRIT and will be honoring our students who go above and beyond to demonstrate their love and appreciation for TCS. This can be shown through their effort and respect in the classroom, their passion for our school during homecoming week and through a general attitude and mindset of working to make our school the best place possible.

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.

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!