Inside the Pride Middle School News - Volume 294

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

Published January 25, 2026

Volume 294

 

Adam Vinson - Middle School Principal

 

A MESSAGE FROM MR. VINSON

Recently, our students memorized Galatians 6:7 - “Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap.” This verse is always a point of focus for us when we return from Christmas break because we want our students to be reminded of how important hard work and effort is right now. If our students hope to reap the good things they desire at the end of the school year in May, they have to give time and attention to their studies now. As we enter into the lull of late January and early February, let me encourage you to keep on encouraging your child at home to “fill it to the brim” by doing their very best. It’s easy to grow discouraged at this point in the school year with Christmas break being behind us and summer break feeling so far away, but the Lord calls us to always do our very best, even when it’s hard to find the motivation. We are praying for each student, that the Lord will accomplish all that He desires in them over the course of this semester. May we all celebrate the reaping season in May because of the hard work accomplished during the sowing season right now!

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 

  • Feb 6: Super Bowl Dress Down Day

  • Feb 16-20: Winter Break

  • Feb 24: House Color Day

QUIZ BOWL TEAM SHINES

On Friday, January 16th, TCS Middle School put their knowledge to the test at the GAPPS Regional Quiz Bowl, competing against private schools from across Georgia.

Our Quiz Bowl team—Jane Jung, Maggie Mullins, Ellie Oh, Sophia Shaver, Julian Diaz Yapor, and Team Captain Ian Stewart—showed incredible dedication and teamwork, advancing all the way to the semi-finals! After weeks of preparation, these students represented TCS and their families with excellence, focus, and Lion pride. A special thank you to our Team Sponsor, Mrs. Stefanie Chadee, for her time, encouragement, 

and support of our students throughout the season. We are so proud of this team’s 

hard work and achievement. Go Lions! 

EXCITEMENT FOR 2026-2027

Don’t forget we are entering into our continuous enrollment season as we look towards next school year. We are extremely excited about what the Lord is doing here at TCS and cannot wait to see what He has in store for next year. Remember, if you are looking to bring more of your children to TCS next year, Open Enrollment for siblings will begin tomorrow on Monday, January 26! Don’t delay in getting those applications in as we want to make sure all of our TCS families have a spot for 2026-2027 school year!

Weather permitting, our 8th graders will be participating in Coweta Works this Tuesday, January 27th 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.

SUPER BOWL DRESS DOWN DAY

On Friday, Feb 6, students will have the opportunity to support their favorite team with a dress down day to celebrate Super Bowl Sunday. Students may wear jerseys, sweatshirts or t-shirts along with normal dress code pants/shorts. Only TCS hats will be allowed.

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.

 For Middle School Only: 

Distinction Requirements: 

Romans 12:2b – that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. 

  • 6th Grade - Memorize v. 2b

  • 7th Grade - Memorize v. 2b and quiz with no blanks

  • 8th Grade - Memorize v. 2b, quiz with no blanks and write application paragraph

LIONS OF THE MONTH: November

For November, we highlighted students who lived out the “Golden Rule”. We challenge our student body to follow the command to serve others and to treat them as we would want to be treated. These students exemplified caring well for others and treating their classmates with respect and honor.

LIONS OF THE MONTH: December

For December, we highlighted students who showed spiritual maturity and growth. We hope to continue encouraging our students to grow in their faith and to live boldly for Christ! During chapel, bible class, and the upcoming Apologetics Day, students will be challenged to hear the Gospel and respond by living out their faith.

LAST WEEK IN CHAPEL

Mr Paschal, 10th-grade bible teacher, shared from Luke 1:5-17 and Mark 1:1-8. Keeping with the spiritual theme, he challenged the students to understand what being great really means. He showed how John the Baptist was not great because of his own status and achievements, but because of his calling and faithfulness. He highlighted how John the Baptist’s role was to prepare for Christ and then get out of the way. In the same way, being bold is being led by the Spirit and doing what the Lord calls us to do. Our calling is to make much of Christ.

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!