Inside the Pride Middle School News - Volume 299

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

Published March 1, 2026

Volume 299

 

Adam Vinson - Middle School Principal

 

A MESSAGE FROM MR. VINSON

Each week I share a short devotional with our staff as a means of spiritual development with practical application to our role as educators here at TCS. I thought it might be helpful to share this week’s devotion with you so you can better understand the heart and desire I have for our staff as we seek to love every one of your children well. 

To our 4th-8th teachers:

The back end of Luke 4 deals with Jesus both casting out demons and healing disease. There is a lot to unpack there, but I want to draw your attention to a minor detail that Luke mentions in his retelling of the account. In v 40 we are told that the people of the town were bringing all of the sick to him. Who knows how many came, but at a time when medical advancement and opportunities were limited, it was undoubtedly a lot. What I find interesting is that Jesus refrained from healing all of them with one sweeping word. He could have, right? He calmed storms with a word. Surely He could have healed a group of people with one word too. But He didn’t. And I think that was intentional. Notice what the text says. “He laid His hands on every one of them and healed them.” Every single one of them had their moment with our Lord. Imagine the long line and imagine the tiredness of Jesus after preaching in the synagogue that morning. Yet He didn’t turn any away. He cared about every individual concern, every individual care, every individual situation. One of the things our parents long for is for their child to be cared for individually here at school. Whether it’s academically, socially or spiritually, parents want to know their child is known and loved. It’s easy for us to think we have too many students for that type of mission. But the Lord sets an example. He touched and healed every one…even though it took lots of time. May we know our kids' names, but may we also know our kids’ hearts - where are they spiritually, what cares and concerns do they have, and what might we be able to do as an extension of the Lord to provide healing and care in our classrooms?

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 

  • Mar 16-17: SAT10 Testing

  • Mar 17: St. Patrick’s Dress Down Day (wear green)

  • Mar 23: House Color Day

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

  • Mar 24-26: 7th Grade Ark/Creation Museum Trip

  • Mar 27: Remote Learning Day

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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MIDDLE SCHOOL CHAPEL: BRANDON BOYKIN

In Middle School Chapel this week, we had the incredible privilege of welcoming Brandon Boykin, former UGA and NFL standout, to share his powerful testimony with our students.

Born in Fayette County, Brandon shared how his journey began with baseball before transitioning to football and how adversity shaped his faith and character. After breaking his leg in high school and again in a college all-star game, he reflected on how those trials strengthened him. Leaning on Epistle to the Romans 8:28, he reminded students that he was “battle tested and fortified” through every high and low.

He shared powerful truths with our middle schoolers:

🗝️ Your life will always be filled with highs and lows. You need an anchor and to be the light in a dark place.

🗝️ Success without purpose leaves you unfulfilled.

🗝️ Boldness in Christ starts with you. Be straightforward in your walk. Be vulnerable with others. Surround yourself with good mentors.

🗝️ Sometimes being a leader isn’t always vocal, just be consistent with who you are.

Brandon also spoke about the impact of former UGA head coach Mark Richt, describing him as a gentle, God-like leader and father figure who consistently modeled character and integrity.

Now serving as a college football analyst with ABC and SEC, while working with Nike to host elite camps across the country, Brandon continues to use his platform to influence the next generation.

We are grateful for his honesty, encouragement, and bold faith. What an impactful message for our students today! 

SAT10 STANDARDIZED TESTING: 

Our Stanford 10 standardized testing is coming up in just two weeks! Please make sure to have your child present on March 16-17. Students will take this norm-referenced test to show growth and mastery of skills and content in comparison to a national standard. There will not be any makeup testing. Please make sure to have your child at school ON TIME to help reduce the disruptions of entering the test late. Also, make sure they bring their Chromebook fully charged!

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. 

Psalm 119:9-11

v. 9 How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to your word. 

v. 10 With my whole heart I seek you; let me not wander from your commandments!

v. 11 I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.

LIONS OF THE MONTH: January

For January, the Lions of the Month were recognized for “Filling it to the Brim”. A culture-shaping truth we seek to live out in the Middle School: these students were recognized for doing their best and giving it their all in the classroom, in their relationships, or in a display of leadership.

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.

LAST WEEK IN CHAPEL

Mr. Vinson was able to interview Brandon Boykin, UGA and NFL player, about the intersection of athletics and faith. Brandon shared about the ups and downs of injury and temptation and how his faith was strengthened, challenged, and grown during his years of playing football. Brandon encouraged the students to live boldly, no matter the circumstances that they face. He also challenged the students with the passage Romans 8:28, the first memory verse of the year, to understand that God is working in our lives and has a purpose for how we live.

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!