Inside the Pride Middle School News - Volume 293

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

Published January 18, 2026

Volume 293

 

Adam Vinson - Middle School Principal

 

A MESSAGE FROM MR. VINSON

We hope your family is enjoying the long weekend! This is a quick reminder that all remote learning work will be due when your child returns to class on Tuesday. If you have any questions, please reach out to your child’s history teacher about questions related to the remote learning assignment. And if you are unable to get a response due to the weekend, don’t hesitate to reach out to me directly. I’m happy to help! We look forward to seeing everyone back on campus again soon!

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 19: MLK Holiday (No School)

  • Jan 22: Coffee with the Principal 

  • Feb 6: Super Bowl Dress Down Day

  • Feb 16-20: Winter Break

  • Feb 24: House Color Day

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

FROM OUR HIGH SCHOOL PRINCIPAL: JAMES WHEELER

Preparing the Next Generation of Trinity Lions

As we look ahead to the coming school year, we recently had the privilege of meeting with our 8th-grade students who will soon transition into Trinity Christian School’s High School program. This intentional time was designed to cast vision and prepare students for the important academic, spiritual and personal growth that comes with entering high school. Students toured classrooms, explored unique programs and heard powerful testimonies from graduating seniors who shared how Trinity shaped their faith and prepared them for their next journey.  We emphasized that high school is not simply about having more freedom; it is about learning to steward responsibility, own one’s faith, and grow into leadership. At Trinity, we believe finishing what God has started within a Christ-centered community matters deeply. We look forward with great anticipation to welcoming these students as the next generation of Trinity Lions.

Thank you for your continued support and prayers as we walk this journey together.

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. 

Romans 12:1-2a

v. 1 I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. v. 2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind.

LAST WEEK IN CHAPEL

Mr Lassiter shared from Matthew 7:24-27 about boldness involving action. He challenged the students to understand that bold faith is not just hearing or knowing what Jesus said but obeying what he tells us to do. A bold life is built on a firm foundation, obedience, and remaining faithful under pressure. The good news for us all is that Christ provides all of these for us. Like the wise man who built his house on the rock, we are to build our life on Christ and God’s Word. The students were challenged to grow in understanding that we do not rely on our strength but build our faith on what God has promised.

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

***************************************************************

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!