Inside the Pride Middle School News - Volume 296

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

Published February 8, 2026

Volume 296

 

Adam Vinson - Middle School Principal

 

A MESSAGE FROM MR. VINSON

As we head into this final week before Winter Break, we will once again have our annual focus on G.R.A.C.E. as we seek to remind our students what it means to appreciate and love the imago dei in every person. G.R.A.C.E. stands for Gender, Resources, Age/Ability, Color and Ethnicity. Our goal is to show our students how people of the opposite GENDER, people of different economic status (RESOURCES), people who are younger in development (AGE) who lack certain ABILITIES (viewed as disabilities) and people who look different, talk different, and act different (COLOR AND ETHNICITY) all bear the image of God. We can look to Scripture to see Jesus modeling this approach as well. He was quick to target women who were often minimized in His culture, He was quick to seek out the poor as an application of the OT laws that were structured to support the less fortunate,, He ministered to the disabled…the very ones who the religious leaders were chastised for neglecting, and He sought those who were rejected for their color and/or ethnicity (the Samaritan woman being a great example). I believe Jesus wanted to ensure His commissioned disciples at the beginning of Acts would plant churches that were filled with all kinds of peoples, and that whether they came across slave or free, male or female, Jew or Gentile… all would be viewed as image bearers of God who can have a place at that worship service in heaven (Rev 7:9). Throughout this week at the beginning of our Bible classes, we will be reminding our students to embrace the Golden Rule taught by Jesus…that we ought to treat others in the ways we desire to be treated ourselves. 

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 13: Valentine’s Day Dress Down

  • Feb 16-20: Winter Break

  • Feb 23: 90 Days ‘til 9th Grade

  • Feb 24: House Color Day

  • Feb 26: Family Night (No homework/assessments)

  • Mar 9: Spring Picture Day

  • Mar 24: Coweta Works Day (8th grade only - rescheduled)

EXCITEMENT FOR 2026-2027

Just a reminder that the 2026-27 applications are now open for new sibling enrollment. Please don't delay as open enrollment for new, non-TCS families will begin at 8am on Monday, February 9.

Current families wishing to enroll a new sibling must complete a new student application using the link on the Blackbaud Resources page. This ensures the application is connected to your family account. Please note that only new sibling applications will be accepted at this time, and submission does not guarantee enrollment or availability. 

RISING 9TH ACADEMIC ADVISEMENT AND COURSE REGISTRATION WORKSHOP

In preparation for the upcoming fall course registration week, the high school counseling department will be hosting an informational workshop for all 8th grade students and parents on Tuesday, February 24th at 6:30 in the Student Center of Building 1.  At this workshop, the counselors will discuss making the transition to high school, best practices for course selection, the benefits of Dual Enrollment and Advanced Placement (AP) coursework, HOPE scholarship information and more. 

Sign up

VALENTINE’S DAY DRESS DOWN

On Friday, February 13, students may choose to wear red or pink shirts, sweatshirts, sweaters with normal dress code pants or shorts to celebrate Valentine’s Day

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. 

 Hebrews 3:12-13

v. 12 Take care, brothers, lest there be in any of you an evil, unbelieving heart, leading you to fall away from the living God. v. 13 But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called “today,” that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.

For Middle School Only: 

Distinction Requirements: 

Hebrews 3:14 – For we have come to share in Christ, if indeed we hold our original confidence firm to the end. 

  • 6th Grade - Memorize v. 14

  • 7th Grade - Memorize v. 14 and quiz with no blanks

  • 8th Grade - Memorize v. 14, quiz with no blanks and write application paragraph

LIONS OF THE MONTH: January

For January, we are highlighting students who live out the “Fill it to the Brim”. These students exemplify putting full effort into the assignments and tasks required of them. They seek to go above and beyond what is asked of them and to glorify God through their actions.

LAST WEEK IN CHAPEL

Mr. Vinson spoke to our students from Hebrews 3:12-13 (our memory verse this week) and emphasized the importance of perseverance in believing in Jesus. Mr. Vinson emphasized that our belief in God, particularly our belief in His goodness must continue or else we run the risk of falling away.  In addition, he reminded our students about the importance of choosing good friends who can exhort and encourage them daily in their faith.

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

RIDING HOME WITH A FRIEND? If your student will be going home with another student during dismissal, please send an email to receptionist@tcslions.org. Please give us as much advance notice as possible so we can ensure the dismissal system is updated to reflect the change.

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. 

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE POLICY - When is it appropriate to use AI for assignments?

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!