Inside the Pride Middle School News - Volume 282

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

Published October 12, 2025

Volume 282

 

Adam Vinson - Middle School Principal

 

A MESSAGE FROM MR. VINSON

Happy Fall Break! We hope each of you is enjoying the extended weekend break with family and friends. Don’t forget, as we return to campus on Tuesday, all remote learning work will be due in class. Please make sure your child completes their assignment to avoid any type of late penalty.

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 

  • Oct 14: Remote Learning work due

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

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

  • Oct 31: House Color and Competition Day

  • Nov 18: Family Night - no homework or assessments

  • Nov 20: Coffee with the Principal

GAAPS REGION CHAMPIONS: MATH TEAM

Last week our academic competition team had the chance to compete at The King’s Academy for a GAAPS regional competition. Our Trinity middle schoolers took home 1st place as a team with Jane Jung winning the overall individual competition! Congratulations to Jane Jung, Maggie Mullens, Sophia Shaver and Caroline Saccenti on capturing the region championship! Next week they head off to the state competition!

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.

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. 

James 1:2-4

v. 2 Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, v. 3 for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. v. 4 And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.


For Middle School Only: 

Distinction Requirements: 

James 1:5 – If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.

  • 6th Grade - Memorize v. 5

  • 7th Grade - Memorize v. 5 and quiz with no blanks

  • 8th Grade - Memorize v. 5, quiz with no blanks and write application paragraph

THIS WEEK IN CHAPEL

Mr. Lassiter shared from Romans 3:21-26 about the boldness we have through the work of Christ. Students were challenged to trust that Jesus gives us boldness to stand before God, and this is not our own right living, but through the perfect life of Jesus. Students were encouraged to look to Jesus because He bore the wrath of God so we didn’t have to, He gives righteousness since we fall short, and He stood in our place so we can stand before God as His children.

LIONS OF THE MONTH: SEPTEMBER FOCUS

Check out next week’s issue to find out who our teachers chose as the “Lions of the Month” for September!

For October, we are looking to highlight students who are striving to perform above and beyond in the classroom. As we kickoff Q2, challenge your child to do their very best and to even exceed expectations in all they strive to do over these upcoming weeks!

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!