Inside the Pride Middle School News - Volume 279

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

Published September 21, 2025

Volume 279

 

Adam Vinson - Middle School Principal

 

A MESSAGE FROM MR. VINSON

Homecoming Week is here, and we are looking forward to a fun-filled week of TCS spirit leading up to Friday night’s homecoming football game against Whitewater! Please take time to review the specifics below about this week’s dress code expectations with the dress down options.

DON’T FORGET TO JOIN US FOR THE SCHOOL-WIDE PARADE ON MONDAY NIGHT!


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

See Mrs. McBurnett’s guidance in selecting school-appropriate attire for the week…

  • No leggings

  • No boxer shorts.

  • No silky pajamas. 

  • No spaghetti straps, tank tops,  or tops with low V neck.

  • Holes/rips/tears in jeans should not be above the knee.  

  • Mesh/see-through tops should not be worn unless there is a full coverage top underneath them.  

  • Tops should touch the top of the pants. If you lift your arms and we can see your skin, it is too short and can only be worn with an undershirt. 

  • Shorts must be mid-thigh length. 

  • Skirts and dresses must be mid-thigh length and have shorts underneath.

  • Hats and open-toe shoes may be worn.

  • Any face paint must be done at home. (FRIDAY ONLY)

*All clothing choices for this week should be Christian school-appropriate. If it is in question, it may be best to choose another outfit.

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 22: Homecoming Parade

  • Sept 22: Family Night (No Homework)

  • Sept 22-26: Spirit Week

  • Oct 6: Fall Picture *Retakes*

  • Oct 9: Fall Family Fest

  • Oct 10: Remote Learning Day

  • Oct 13: Fall Break

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

  • Oct 23: National Crocs Day - wear Crocs to school

  • Oct 31: House Color and Competition Day

NO HOMEWORK OR ASSESSMENTS

Enjoy a Monday evening together as a family as this week there is NO HOMEWORK on Monday night (Sept 22) and NO ASSESSMENTS to study for on Tuesday (Sept 23). Consider coming to the Homecoming Parade and enjoying a night off from school!

Fall Picture Retakes Monday, October 6! Sign up below

School Picture Retakes for all TCS students (Prek-3 through 12th grade) will be Monday, October 6!

If you would like for your student(s) to have their picture retaken, please complete the appropriate picture retake form through the link below to register them. Be sure to include your student's teacher. *Please fill out a separate form for each student.

LINK: 4th - 8th Picture Retake Signup

This retake is for students whose first picture needs to be redone or if they were absent on the first picture day. The retake picture is the one that will be used in the yearbook and the only picture available for purchase as it will replace the original picture.

Forms need to be completed by Thursday, October 2 to ensure your student's participation in the retakes.

Intramural Basketball - SIGN UP TODAY

Deadline: October 15

CHAPEL: WOULD YOU LIKE TO VISIT?

We wanted to inquire about the parent interest level for coming to visit and worship with us for one of our weekly chapel services. 

Our chapel takes place each Wednesday from 8;25-9:00am. We are currently teaching through a series titled “Bold as a Lion” as we learn to be bold with our faith within the culture that we live. 

If you have interest in coming to worship with us, please email Mr. Vinson directly at adam.vinson@tcslions.org so we can determine how many might like to come. This will help us determine logistics to make it possible.

GIVE TO THE TRINITY FOOD PANTRY

We have an exciting opportunity to serve our community for the holidays! From October 6-17, students are encouraged to bring canned goods to help stock the Trinity Church food pantry.

Not only will this be a great opportunity for students to serve our community, but students can also earn house points for each item they bring! House boxes will be located outside of Mr. Vinson's office.

Requested items:

  • Canned veggies

  • Canned fruit

  • Canned meat

  • Canned milk

  • Peanut butter

  • Spaghetti sauce

6TH AND 7TH GRADE DAY RETREAT: CAMP ROCKRIDGE

It’s almost time for our annual day retreat for 6th and 7th graders at Camp Rockridge in Franklin, Georgia! Students will spend the entire day at Rockridge and will return to TCS by 6:00 pm. The day will be filled with lots of outdoor activities, house competition games and a special worship service on top of the mountain! Check out the additional details below.

  • WHEN: Thursday, Oct 23 - students will need to be dropped off at NCG Theatre beginning at 7:30am. We will depart from there by 8:00am. Students will return to TCS campus by 6:00pm or they may be picked up from Rockridge beginning at 4:30pm. A form for pickup preference will be sent soon. 

  • WHERE: Camp Rockridge in Franklin, GA

  • COST: Total cost for the day is $35 - includes lunch and dinner (eat at 4:30pm) and all activities for the day (archery, canoeing, low ropes, athletic fields/courts, etc) - there will be an option to pay on Blackbaud under forms.

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!

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

Pastor Jevaughn Huggins of SouthCrest Church shared from 2 Corinthians 3, challenging our students to live boldly, encouraged by what God has done and is doing in them. He shared that we have boldness by what God is doing in others, what He is doing in us, and because God’s promises are true forever. He challenged the students that the power does not rest in our words or confidence but in who God is and what He does. Students were then directed to understand what the law does and how Christ’s righteousness is the source of our ability to live right before God.

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.

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!