Inside the Pride Middle School News - Volume 291

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

Published January 4, 2026

Volume 291

 

Adam Vinson - Middle School Principal

 

A MESSAGE FROM MR. VINSON

I hope each of you had a wonderful break and enjoyed the extended time with family and friends during the holiday season. We are excited to kick off Semester 2 as we look forward to the good things the Lord has in store for each of our students.  Check out the updated information below as we get back into the flow of the school routine once again

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.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Check out our SCHOOL CALENDAR 

  • Jan 15: House Color and Competition Day

  • Jan 16: Remote Learning Day (Grandparents’ Day for Elementary)

  • Jan 19: MLK Holiday (No School)

  • Jan 22: Coffee with the Principal 

  • Feb 16-20: Winter Break

STAGGERED DISMISSAL TRIAL

Thank you for all the help and compliance over the last week of December to help us evaluate the effectiveness of a staggered dismissal for our elementary and middle schools. We are continuing to review options to help ensure excellence in our dismissal flow going forward. We look forward to sharing more information and potential adjustments with you in the future.

PROGRESS LEARNING UPDATE

From Kristan Peavy, Academic Dean

In our English and Math courses we have been tracking your child's academic progress in a variety of ways. One way we track academic progress in these core areas is through Progress Learning Benchmark assessments in August, December, and May. We want you to be aware of your child's academic progress. Your child's December Progress Learning Benchmark score was posted prior to Christmas Break in the course's gradebook for Quarter 2. The score does not impact the student's grade. Please review the email from Kristan Peavy for guidance on Progress Learning Benchmark target scores for August, December, and May. After checking the "December Progress Learning Benchmark" in the gradebook, if you have any questions or concerns please feel free to email kristan.peavy@tcslions.org and she will be happy to answer any questions

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. 

Galatians 6:7-8

v. 7 Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. 

v. 8 For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life.

For Middle School Only: 

Distinction Requirements: 

Galatians 6:9 – And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. 

  • 6th Grade - Memorize v. 9

  • 7th Grade - Memorize v. 9 and quiz with no blanks

  • 8th Grade - Memorize v. 9, quiz with no blanks and write application paragraph

LAST WEEK IN CHAPEL

Returning next 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!