Inside the Pride Middle School News - Volume 292

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

Published January 11, 2026

Volume 292

 

Adam Vinson - Middle School Principal

 

A MESSAGE FROM MR. VINSON

As we move into this second semester, we are already thinking about next school year as we get closer to the re-enrollment season. It’s a tremendous blessing to serve your family and your children’s educational needs, and we would welcome the opportunity to continue that relationship for the 26-27 school year. As you think through your own family’s plans for next year, please feel free to reach out to me if you would like to dialogue about questions you might have regarding your child’s progress. We hope very much that you are planning to join us next year, and are happy to partner with you in that decision making process.

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

REMOTE LEARNING DAY PLAN

On Friday, January 16, middle school students will remain at home for a remote learning day to allow space for our elementary Grandparents’ Day. Please be looking for guidance from your child’s history teacher for the remote learning assignment. All remote learning work will be due on Tuesday, January 20, when we return to campus after the Martin Luther King Jr. Day holiday.

We are excited to host our 3rd “Coffee with the Principal” for this school year! Our next gathering is scheduled for Thursday, January 22 at 8:15am. Mark your calendars and plan to join if you are able. Topics of discussion will include:

  • Semester 2 Events - What special activities and trips are planned for the Spring Semester?

  • Spiritual and Academic Update - How are we attempting to measure spiritual growth? What positive testimonies are we seeing? What is Progress Learning? How are we using it? What trends are we seeing with our students regarding academic growth and progress?

  • 2026-2027 Feedback - As we think through adjustments and improvements for next year, what would you like to see added or emphasized in anticipation of 2026-2027?

Want to join us for this time of fellowship and discussion? SIGN UP HERE

On Tuesday, January 27th the 8th graders will attend Cowate Works at the CEC. Coweta Works is a high-energy, hands-on, interactive expo with activities across nine career worlds.  The expo will showcase careers to 8th graders through engaging activities.  As a result, students will receive information about many technical education pathways to become workforce-ready graduates.

The students will be bussed over after their lunch. The 8th-grade teachers and representatives of Coweta Works will escort students to the various career exhibits. The students will then travel back to the TCS campus in time for normal dismissal.

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

Mr. Vinson spoke to our students from II Kings 22-23 and II Chronicles 34-35, highlighting the story of King Josiah and his conviction, commitment and concern that resulted from reading God’s Word. Mr. Vinson encouraged our students to think about their own reputations, specifically what they are known for here at school, while also encouraging them to strive for being known as individuals who love the Lord and desire to serve Him.

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!