Keeping you plugged into the exciting things happening at the Middle School
Published July 5, 2026
Volume 312
Adam Vinson - Middle School Principal
A MESSAGE FROM MR. VINSON
Happy July! I hope each of you is having a wonderful summer break and enjoying all the extra time together as a family. As we inch closer to the start of the 26-27 school year, we are working extremely hard to prepare the absolute best experience for your child. In the next several weeks, more and more information will be released to help prepare you for our start date in August. Be sure to keep referencing these weekly newsletters as we help you navigate the start of the new school year.
School Year Theme
Trust the Lord - Proverbs 3:5
Our theme for the 26-27 school year is “Trust the Lord”, taken from Proverbs 3:5. As we celebrate our 35th school year at TCS, we are using Proverbs 3:5 to remind ourselves and our students of the many reasons we have for trusting the Lord always. We look forward to teaching our students what it means to have the heart of a lion that trusts in Him through chapel lessons, d-group discussions and more!
Check out options to purchase school year theme spiritwear in the newsletter next week!
26-27 MIDDLE SCHOOL ORIENTATION PACKET
Our Orientation Packet is officially here! Check out the information contained in this packet to give you an overview of what is coming in 26-27. Highlights of what you will find in the packet are listed below!
Dates and descriptions for the start-of-year events
Updated times for our weekly schedule
School Year Theme spirit wear and book bags
Don’t forget to check our THRIVAL Guide for middle school too!
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!
IMPORTANT DATES TO START THE YEAR
Friday, August 7 = Welcome to the Roar
Monday, August 10 = Meet the Teacher Day
Tuesday, August 11 = 1st Day of School
Sept 9-11 = 8th Grade Retreat to Snowbird
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.
CLASS SELECTION FORMS: PAST DUE
Schedules are being built now for the upcoming year. If you failed to get your requests in already, please contact Kristan Peavy (Academic Dean - kristan.peavy@tcslions.org) ASAP to get your requests submitted.. We will do our best to honor requests that were submitted after our cutoff date in May.
PERSONALIZED BOOK BAGS AVAILABLE
We are offering personalized book bags for those interested. Cost is $55 per bag with 3 different color options. Use the link below to access the order form.
BOOK BAG ORDER FORM LINK - Due by Monday, July 13
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.
OUR TEAM IS HERE TO HELP!
Principal: Adam Vinson (adam.vinson@tcslions.org)
Assistant Principal: Tiffany McBurnett (tiffany.mcburnett@tcslions.org)
Academic Dean: Kristan Peavy (kristan.peavy@tcslions.org)
Director of Academic Services: Melissa Lanier (melissa.lanier@tcslions.org)
Director of Spiritual Development: Wesley Lassiter (wesley.lassiter@tcslions.org)
Director of Skills Development: Jenn Opsahl (jennifer.opsahl@tcslions.org)
MIDDLE SCHOOL RESOURCES
CHECK OUT THE HELPFUL TOOLS BELOW REGARDING THE 26-27 SCHOOL YEAR
26-27 SCHOOL CALENDAR - Stay in the know about upcoming breaks and holidays.
PRE-ABSENCE FORM - Submit pre-planned absences 5 days in advance for approval.
COMMUNITY SERVICE FORM - Reminder that all middle schoolers are required to complete 10 hours of service by May 2027.
DRESS CODE POLICY - Please make sure your child is dressed appropriately each day.
IT HELP DESK LINK - If your child has an issue with their Chromebook, submit a ticket.
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE POLICY - When is it appropriate to use AI for assignments?
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.
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.