Keeping you plugged into the exciting things happening at the Middle School
Published July 12, 2026
Volume 313
Adam Vinson - Middle School Principal
A MESSAGE FROM MR. VINSON
As we look towards the start of the 2026-2027 school year, I want to personally invite you to two of our kickoff events. On Friday, August 7, we will have our Welcome to the Roar celebration, complete with blow-ups, food options, etc. This is always a great way to celebrate the start of all the LORD has in store for the coming year. In addition, on August 10, we will have our Meet the Teacher orientation day. This is a great opportunity to come walk your child’s schedule, meet teachers, etc. Please note the specific time slots of your family below. We look forward to seeing you in a few short weeks!
AUGUST BACK TO SCHOOL EVENTS
Mark your calendars for these special days to kickoff the new year. More details to come!
Friday, August 7 = WELCOME TO THE ROAR - a block party style event for all of our new and returning TCS families.
Monday, August 4 = MEET MY TEACHER DAY - an opportunity to walk through schedules, meet teachers, etc.
Families with last name A-L = 9:30-11:30am (drop-in time slot)
Families with last name M-Z = 1:30-3:30pm (drop-in time slot)
Tuesday, August 5 = FIRST DAY OF CLASSES = the 25-26 school year begins!
IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS TO REVIEW
FOR THE START OF SCHOOL
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.
MS Thrival Guide: 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! MS THRIVAL GUIDE LINK
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!
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
*UPDATE* ON CLASS SCHEDULES FOR 26-27 SCHOOL YEAR
Student schedules are under development throughout the month of July as we seek to accommodate all of the submitted requests. We plan to release student schedules the last week of July.
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
Aug 20-21 = Progress Learning Testing
Aug 24 = Fall Picture Day
Sep 7 = Labor Day Holiday
Sep 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.
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)
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.
COMMUNITY SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES
Are you looking for ways that your child can complete their required 10 hours? Check out the options below.
Chapel Setup Team - We are looking for volunteers who will commit to setting up chairs for chapel each Wednesday morning. Students who serve on this team will need to arrive by 7:30am. Students who serve on this team will also fulfill the required 10 hours for the school year.
Cafeteria Clean Up Team - We are looking for volunteers who will commit to staying behind a few extra minutes each day after being dismissed from lunch to assist our cafeteria workers with table clean up. Students who serve on this team will fulfill the required 10 hours for the school year.
If your child would like to volunteer for either team, please email our Assistant Principal, Tiffany McBurnett (tiffany.mcburnett@tcslions.org).
Summer Information and Activities
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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.
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.
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.