Keeping you plugged into the exciting things happening at the Middle School
Published August 16, 2026
Volume 318
Adam Vinson - Middle School Principal
A MESSAGE FROM MR. VINSON
We are excited to announce that starting this week, you will begin receiving a “Week-At-A-Glance” email every Monday afternoon that will summarize your child’s homework and assessments for that particular week. Our goal is to provide parents easy access to what is happening so you can better support your child at home…without having to hunt through Blackbaud to find all of the information. The email will give you a link to a calendar template that will have homework and assessments listed for each day of the week. Feel free to print and post on your refrigerator for easy reference! Be on the lookout this Monday for your first WAG email!
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
THIS WEEK’S MEMORY VERSE
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 God. 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.
Romans 8:28
v. 28 And we know that for those who love God all things work together
for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.
THIS WEEK IN CHAPEL
Mr. Vinson introduced our school year theme of “Trust the Lord - Prov 3:5” to our students as we kicked off the new school year with our first chapel. Students were challenged to use this year to deepen their understanding of who God is so they are inclined to trust Him more, as made evident by a willingness to do what God says.
IMPORTANT DATES TO START THE YEAR
Aug 20-21 = Progress Learning Testing
Aug 24 = Fall Picture Day
Sep 7 = Labor Day Holiday
Sep 9-11 = 8th Grade Retreat to Snowbird
PARENT TOOL - BE PREPARED TO HELP YOUR CHILD WITH MATH HOMEWORK
Does middle school math have you stumped at times when you are trying to help your child with homework at night? Do you want to support your child by checking their answers to help them identify errors, but find it is taking longer than the time you have to give? We are here to help! This year, we want to make sure you are equipped to encourage and support your child with their math homework while also ensuring you don't have to sacrifice family time to rework every math problem to identify their potential errors. Check out the letter below from Mrs. Peavy, our Academic Dean, and learn more about an app that will help you quickly identify right and wrong answers while also giving you the steps to correctly work the problem so you can support your child's learning too.
Be sure to download the app so you are ready and prepared to help your child!
8TH GRADE RETREAT TO SNOWBIRD
Departure: Wed. Sep 9 - NCG theatre parking lot
Begin dropping off as early as 7:30 am. We will plan to leave by 8:00 am. Please have your child use the restroom before arriving, as the theatre will not be open.
Return: Friday, Sept 5th - NCG theatre parking lot.
We plan to be back between 2:00-2:45 pm depending on Atlanta traffic. We will update you as we start to get closer.
Extra $$$: Can be brought for snacks/souvenirs
LINK TO SNACK SHACK GIFT CARDS: https://swoutfitters.com/snack-shack-cash/
CHESS CLUB INTEREST
Coach Rodney Lewis and Championship Chess present a systematic, fun way to build chess skills during chess instruction and supervised play. Learn more here.
Cost? - $219 for the Fall Session (Aug 27-Nov 5 - Thursdays 3-4pm)
Chess Contact: Rodney Lewis 770-560-1071 rodneylewis33@gmail.com
School Contact: Lisa Railey, 770-251-6770 lisa.railey@tcslions.org
VIDEO GAME CLUB INTEREST
Hello, Trinity Middle School Parents! If I haven’t had the opportunity to meet you yet, I’m Mr. Wrenn, and I have the privilege of running our Middle School Video Gaming Club. We are making plans to get things started for our first quarter session, so if your child is interested in joining our club, please complete this form by Monday, August 17th so that we can determine the specifics for our meeting days. All the necessary details for right now are available in the form.
ACADEMIC BOWL TEAM INTEREST
We are looking for students who are interested in joining our academic bowl team this school year. Students practice before or during the school day and then compete 2-3 times per year at area meets. If you are interested in joining this year’s team please email Kristan Peavy (kristan.peavy@tcslions.org). Once we gauge the level of interest, we can send out more specific information.
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.
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!
NEED TO ACCESS BLACKBAUD CLASSROOM INFORMATION?
Be sure to check Blackbaud regularly to stay informed about your child’s progress!
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: You can access via “Topics” as well, but be sure to check out the Week-At-A-Glance that is emailed to you each week.
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.
ATTENDANCE AND ABSENCES
The following steps should be taken for reporting absences for 4th - 8th grade:
Send excuses for absences, including doctor’s notes, to attendance@tcslions.org.
Send PRE-ABSENCE REQUESTS (family trips, etc.) to Melissa Lanier (melissa.lanier@tcslions.org) via your child’s 1st period teacher.
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.
MIDDLE SCHOOL ADMIN TEAM CONTACT LIST!
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 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.