Inside the Pride Middle School News - Volume 298

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

Published February 22, 2026

Volume 298

 

Adam Vinson - Middle School Principal

 

A MESSAGE FROM MR. VINSON

Welcome back from Winter Break! We hope you and your family had a wonderful week together. Don’t forget we hit the ground running this week with several important activities and events happening right away! Check out all of the information below.

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 23: 90 Days ‘til 9th Grade

  • Feb 24: House Color Day

  • Feb 24: Course Registration Workshop for 9th grade (rising 8th graders)

  • 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

Q/A MEETING OFFERED

Do you have questions related to the 26-27 school year that you need answered to help your family in making decisions about re-enrollment? I would love to connect with each other to help! We are excited about next year and want your child to be a part of what is in store! Complete this form if you would like to schedule a time to connect.

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90 DAYS ‘TIL 9TH GRADE

Our 8th graders’ time in middle school is quickly coming to an end, and we want to help them celebrate. On Monday, February 23 (1st day back from Winter Break) we will celebrate the 90 calendar days left until the end of 8th grade in 90’s style! Check out the activities we have planned for this special day. 

  • Mrs. Michelle Hutcheson, our 9th-grade counselor, will be visiting our history classes to discuss the upcoming transition to 9th grade. 

  • Students are encouraged to dress like the ‘90s decade for this special day. 

  • Cell phones will be allowed in between classes (just like at the high school). 

  • We will also have some special activities at lunch from our 8th-grade teachers.

HOUSE COLOR DAY: HOUSE COMPETITION AND HUDDLE TIME

Our next House Day is coming up on Tuesday, February 24. Students are encouraged to wear their house color to participate in our morning assembly and games. In addition, we will have our regularly scheduled House Huddle right after our assembly. Remember to arrive before 8am as we plan to get started with all of the fun early!

FAMILY NIGHT IS COMING

Our next scheduled Family Night is Thursday, February 26! Remember, this means NO HOMEWORK the night of Thursday, February 26 and NO ASSESSMENTS on Friday, February 27. Plan to enjoy the extra time together!

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. 

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OVERNIGHT EXPERIENCES: WHO TO CONTACT?

We are excited about this semester’s Overnight Experiences for each of our middle school grades. Be sure to connect with the appropriate trip coordinator if you have any questions leading up to each trip. 

6th Grade Chattanooga Trip: 

7th Grade Ark/Creation Museum Trip: 

8th Grade Disney Trip: 

  • Dates: April 20-23

Trip Coordinator: Tiffany McBurnett (tiffany.mcburnett@tcslions.org)

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. 

 I Corinthians 10:31

v. 31 So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.

LIONS OF THE MONTH: February

For February, we are highlighting students who live out the Boldness theme we have covered in D-Groups and Chapel. These students seek to live rightly before their teachers and classmates. They seek to do what is right, to lead by example, and to honor the Lord in their behavior.

ATTENDANCE AND ABSENCES

The following steps should be taken for reporting absences for 4th - 8th grade:

  • 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!