Inside the Pride Middle School News - Volume 301

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

Published March 15, 2026

Volume 301

 

Adam Vinson - Middle School Principal

 

A MESSAGE FROM MR. VINSON

On Monday and Tuesday of this week our students will be partaking in our annual SAT10 Standardized Testing. It is important for students to be present and on time as we are not able to accommodate any makeup testing. We are looking forward to seeing how our students perform as the test will help measure their academic growth and development Please review the reminders below to help ensure your child is able to do their very best. 

SAT10 Reminders and Helps:

  1. SLEEP - make sure your child gets adequate sleep on Sunday and Monday nights to help them be both alert and attentive for their test-taking. 

  2. NUTRITION - make sure your child eats a healthy breakfast on Monday and Tuesday mornings to help them stay focused throughout their test-taking. Students are encouraged to keep a water bottle with them in the classroom. 

  3. PREPARATION - make sure your child is at school on time so they don’t feel rushed in trying to get to their classroom. For middle schoolers, please make sure their Chromebook is charged and that they pack their charger too. 

ENCOURAGEMENT - make sure your child feels challenged to do their very best but also remind them that this test only gives a part of the feedback we use to evaluate their growth and development. We want their best, but we don’t want stress!

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 with jeans or normal pants/shorts)

  • Mar 23: House Color Day

  • Mar 23: Report Cards released to parents

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

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

  • Mar 27: Remote Learning Day

  • Apr 6-10: Spring Break

QUARTER 3 REPORT CARDS

With Q3 ending this past Friday, our teachers will be finalizing grades for the last 9-week period over the course of this week. Official grades for Q3 will be released via Blackbaud on Monday, March 23 by 3pm.

END OF YEAR EVENTS: COMING SOON

As promised, here are some initial dates to keep in mind as we look towards the end of the 25-26 school year. More details to follow, but for now, mark these important dates on your calendar. 

  • April 27 - Orchestra Concert

  • April 28 - Band Concert

  • April 30 - 8th Grade Class Dance (serves as their end of year party)

  • May 7 - Chorus Concert

  • May 19 - 8th Grade Promotion Night 

  • May 20 - 6th and 7th Awards Day

  • May 22 - 6th (Skating) and 7th (Bowling) Class Parties

ENROLLMENT FOR 2026-2027 SCHOOL YEAR

We have started accepting new students for next year, and we don’t want any great, potential families to miss out. If you have friends or family who may be interested in TCS for the 2026-2027 school year, please encourage them to APPLY NOW! The LORD has great things in store for next year, and we believe the best additions to our student body are often the ones connected to YOU. We would love for you to recommend some of the great families you know to join us for next year!

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.

Sign up

STUDENT COUNCIL AND JR BETA CLUB MEETINGS

Our next monthly meetings for Student Council and Jr. Beta will take place in April. If you have a child in either club, please help remind them of their responsibilities this week. 

  • Student Council - Meeting on Monday, April 13 during 3rd Period

Be sure to have your child check their email for any instructions or reminders from Mr. Vinson or Mr. Lassiter.. 

*Remember, students who miss an assessment during Student Council will complete the assessment during their PE class that day. 

  • Jr Beta Club - Meeting on Wednesday, April 15 during D-Group

Be sure to have your child check their email for any instructions or reminders from Mrs. Peavy. 

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. Hebrews 10:23-24

v. 23 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. v. 24 And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works.

LIONS OF THE MONTH: March

For March, we are highlighting students who are great encouragers. These students seek to lift others up, seek out those needing a friend, and display a Christ-like character to everyone. These students make an impact on teachers' lives and fellow students' lives with words of encouragement and acts of service.

LAST WEEK IN CHAPEL

Mr. Tipton, 12th Grade Bible Teacher, shared from 2 Timothy 1 about bold friendships for the gospel. He showed that Paul sought friendships with those who were truth tellers and who exemplified Christlikeness. The students were challenged to analyze whether their friend group was being a light for Christ, and if they were not, to begin looking for ways to be a gospel light. Students were also encouraged to make wise decisions when making friends and to seek out godly friends in their lives. Finally, students were sent with a challenge to make friends for gospel impact.

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!