Inside the Pride Middle School News - Volume 311

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

Published May 24, 2026

Volume 311

 

Adam Vinson - Middle School Principal

 

A MESSAGE FROM MR. VINSON

What a year the 25-26 school year was! We began the year emphasizing to our students the call placed upon them to be “bold as a lion”. Throughout the year we have directed them to understanding the work of Jesus to both save us and equip us to live out our faith boldly for His glory. My hope is that the Lord has used this year to strengthen and encourage your child in ways that will last a lifetime. 

CHECK OUT OUR MIDDLE SCHOOL RECAP VIDEO FOR THE 25-26 SCHOOL YEAR

As I close out my 15th year here at TCS, I just want to say “thank you” for your continued support and encouragement. Being the Upper Elementary and Middle School Principal is an extremely high honor (I consider it one of the best jobs in the world), and I do not take for granted the tremendous privilege it is to lead your children each day. I hope your family has an incredible summer, and we look forward to seeing y’all back in the Fall…after some much-needed rest and relaxation!

CELEBRATING THE END OF THE 25-26 SCHOOL YEAR

FINAL REPORT CARDS

Report cards will be available on Blackbaud on June 1st at 8:00am. Please log in to tcslions.myschoolapp.com, click on your student in the top left-hand corner, and then under "Performance", you will see "Report Cards" listed. Please click on "Report Cards" to view your student's final grades.

WE ARE SO PROUD OF OUR STUDENTS AND ALL OF THEIR HARD WORK THIS YEAR!

HOUSE CUP CHAMPIONS

Congratulations to the LEWIS HOUSE who won the House Cup this year!

EPIC DODGEBALL TOURNAMENT CHAMPIONS

Congratulations to The Belt Boyz who claimed the title of Dodgeball Champions this year during our end of year tournament!

LOOKING AHEAD TO THE 26-27 SCHOOL YEAR

Summer Break is here, and a well-deserved rest has finally arrived for each of our students. As we begin this season of vacation, use the information provided below to answer questions you may have about next year. Be on the lookout for even more specific information related to the start of the school year once the Inside the Pride newsletter returns in July.

MATH CAMP COMING JULY 13-16

Don’t forget to sign up for Math Camp this summer! Please complete this form as an official sign-up for our upcoming summer math camp, hosted by our middle school math department. 

Details: Every summer teachers recommend students practice math skills learned the previous school year over the summer.  Many times parents intend to help their child, but time goes by quickly and skills don’t get reviewed as much as was intended.  Games and manipulatives will be used to help your child prepare for the upcoming school year.

  • When: July 13-16

  • Location: TCS Middle School classrooms

  • Cost: $80 (cash only due on the first day of camp)

  • Hosts: Paige Whitaker and Adam Vinson

  • Questions: Please contact Paige Whitaker (paige.whitaker@tcslions.org) 

Time Slots: Students will meet based on the grade level they will be entering in the Fall.  

Students entering...

- 3rd Grade will meet 8:30 am - 9:45 am

- 4th Grade will meet 8:30 am - 9:45 am

- 5th Grade will meet 10:00 am - 11:15 am

- 6th Grade will meet 10:00 am - 11:15 am

- 7th Grade will meet 11:30 am - 12:45 pm

- 8th Grade will meet 11:30 am - 12:45 pm

SUMMER READING CHALLENGE

This is an optional program for students to maintain and improve their reading skills over the summer. Students who choose to complete the challenge will receive a mystery prize in August. A form will be provided at the end of the summer to show completion. 

Link: Reading Challenge Details

SUMMER MATH CHALLENGE

Check out this letter if your child is entering 6th grade, or check out this letter if your child is entering 7th or 8th grade regarding suggested math resources this summer to help you review and prepare for next year.

MIDDLE SCHOOL ORIENTATION PACKET (COMING IN JUNE)

All middle school families will receive a special email from Mr. Vinson in early June with an Orientation Packet for the 26-27 school year attached. The packet will include important dates in August to kickoff the new year,  adjustments to our daily schedule, and other key features of our middle school program for the new year. BE ON THE LOOKOUT!

This packet will be especially helpful for rising 6th graders and new 7th and 8th graders.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Check out our SCHOOL CALENDAR

  • Monday, August 10 = Meet the Teacher Day

  • Tuesday, August 11 = 1st Day of School

CLASS SELECTION FORMS: DUE FRIDAY MAY 29

Don’t forget to submit your child’s choices for next year’s class schedule! Please note that we will start building student schedules now, but we will not release finalized schedules until late July. We will keep you informed throughout July’s editions of Inside the Pride regarding a specific date for you to access your child’s 26-27 schedule. 

Note: Students who qualify for honors level classes will be contacted individually by our Director of Academic Services, Melissa Lanier, towards the beginning of June.

SUPPLY LISTS FOR 26-27 SCHOOL YEAR

Looking to get a jump on next year as you see deals throughout the summer? Check out our grade-level supply lists. These lists are subject to additions at the beginning of July. No items will be removed, but some additional items may be added. 

COMMUNITY SERVICE REQUIREMENT

All middle schoolers are required to complete 10 hours of community service each school year (due in May 2027). Students may complete hours in the summer prior to school starting. Utilize this Community Service Form 2026-2027 to keep track hours that you serve this summer.

8TH GRADE RETREAT: SNOWBIRD WILDERNESS OUTFITTERS

For all of our rising 8th graders, mark your calendars now for our annual 8th-grade retreat to Andrews, NC. This is a memorable event each year and is used to launch our spiritual development for 8th grade. 

  • WHEN? - Sept 9-11

  • WHERE? - Snowbird Outfitters in Andrews, NC (www.swoutfitters.com) 

  • COST? - $210 (includes transportation, food, recreation)

More information to come in JULY when the Inside the Pride newsletter returns.

THRIVAL GUIDE FOR MIDDLE SCHOOL

Are you looking for help navigating the middle school years? While middle school brings a lot of growth and change, it doesn’t have to be something you “survive”. At TCS we believe this time period should be one of THRIVING rather than SURVIVING. Check out the guide we have written as TCS staff based on years of experience. We are here to help you walk this road with your child!

OUR TEAM IS HERE TO HELP!