Keeping you plugged into the exciting things happening at the Middle School
Published August 23, 2026
Volume 319
Adam Vinson - Middle School Principal
A MESSAGE FROM MR. VINSON
We have had a great start to the new school year, and we are extremely grateful for all the Lord is already doing. As we begin to settle in, I want to encourage you to reach out to me if you have any concerns, questions, or issues. Our desire is to give your family the best experience possible, so please don’t hesitate to connect with me if there is anything specific we can do to serve you better. We welcome feedback on what we are doing well, and greatly appreciate when you express questions and concerns to help us improve. If I can do anything at all for you this year, don’t hesitate to ask!
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.
Ephesians 2:8-9
v. 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith.
And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God,
v. 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast.
THIS WEEK IN CHAPEL
Mr. Vinson continued our school year theme of “Trust the Lord - Prov 3:5” by focusing on REASON #1 to trust the Lord – Because He is HOLY. Mr. Vinson taught from Isaiah 57:15 and challenged the students to see the unique separation that God enjoys as the perfect, pure Creator. He also encouraged the students to see how God, who dwells in the high and holy place, also chooses to come down to make dwelling with sinful mankind possible through the work of Jesus Christ.
IMPORTANT DATES TO START THE YEAR
Aug 24 = Fall Picture Day
Sep 3 = College Football Dress Down Day
Sep 4 = Remote Learning Day
Sep 7 = Labor Day Holiday
Sep 9-11 = 8th Grade Retreat to Snowbird
Sep 18 = Coffee with the Principal
Sep 28-Oct 3 = Homecoming Week
FALL PICTURE DAY - YEARBOOK POSE
Picture day is tomorrow, Monday, August 24th! These pictures are included in the yearbook. Middle school students are encouraged to wear collared shirts with dress code bottoms.
Don’t forget to check out the new resources available to you as tools for helping support your child’s academic success.
NEW 26-27 CALENDAR SNAPSHOT
Use this document to get a glimpse of what is coming this year for middle school so you can plan ahead. New dates will be posted once they are finalized.
WAG EMAIL
Be on the lookout each Monday for the Week-At-A-Glance email from Mrs. Peavy. This calendar will help you navigate homework and assessment dates for your child.
PHOTOMATH APP
Download this tool to help check your child’s math homework quickly each night. Learn more here.
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
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.