Keeping you plugged into the exciting things happening at the Middle School
Published August 30, 2026
Volume 320
Adam Vinson - Middle School Principal
A MESSAGE FROM MR. VINSON
This week we are kicking off our House Competition as we are set to have our first House Huddle of the school year (Monday morning)! Our house system is meant to help our students build opportunities for unity and leadership through healthy competition and life skill development. Our house system focuses on 5 historical, Christian figures and the character traits they are most known for. These traits are leadership qualities we seek to instill in the lives of each of our students.
ELLIOT HOUSE (Green) - named after Elisabeth Elliot - Be ready to forgive and love your enemies. Learn more about Elisabeth Elliot here.
LEWIS HOUSE (Red) - named after C.S. Lewis - Reflect God’s glory through your creativity. Learn more about C.S. Lewis here.
NEE HOUSE (Orange) - named after Watchman Nee - Do what is right, even when it is costly. Learn more about Watchman Nee here.
ROBINSON HOUSE (Blue) - named after Jackie Robinson - Stand against culture when it is wrong. Learn more about Jackie Robinson here.
WYCLIFFE HOUSE (Black) - named after John Wycliffe - Find ways to serve others when you see a need. Learn more about John Wycliffe here.
So what is a House Huddle Day?
On Monday morning, your child will sit with their House (check their D-Group assignment) and will compete in assembly-style games from 7:50-8:20am.
At 8:20am, our students will huddle with their house for activities and discussions that are meant to teach skills related to peer communication, problem solving and planning head (goal setting).
BE SURE TO WEAR YOUR HOUSE COLOR ON MONDAY!
Elliot: Green – Lewis: Red – Nee: Orange – Robinson: Blue – Wycliffe: Black
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. Wrenn, our 7th grade Bible teacher, continued our school year theme of “Trust the Lord - Prov 3:5” by focusing on REASON #2 to trust the Lord – Because He is ETERNAL. Mr. Wrenn taught from Psalm 90:1-4 and challenged the students to see the everlasting nature of God. Because God is outside of time, we can trust Him to hold every moment in His hand. He always knows what we are going through and never changes in His desire to help us!
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!
IMPORTANT DATES TO START THE YEAR
Aug 31 = House Color and House Huddle
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
DRESS DOWN DAY OPPORTUNITY
As the college football season gets underway this weekend, we are giving our students a chance to show off their fandom with a special dress down day on THURSDAY, SEP 3. Students may wear t-shirts, sweatshirts and hats that support their favorite team! Normal dress code pants/jeans/shorts/skirts should be worn.
REMOTE LEARNING DAY THIS WEEK
Our first remote learning day of the school year will take place on Friday, Sep 4. Students will be given a Math assignment and an English assignment that should take no more than 30 minutes to an hour to complete. The assignment will be graded as a “Daily Work” in Blackbaud. Please look for specific information from your child’s teacher about this week’s Remote Learning Day assignment.
NOTE: If your child scored a 50% or higher on their recent Progress Learning benchmark test, they can be exempted from the Math and/or English remote learning day assignment.
PROGRESS LEARNING: AUG TEST UPDATE
In our English and Math courses we track your child's academic progress in a variety of ways. One way we track academic progress in these core areas is through Progress Learning Benchmark assessments in August, December, and May.
We want you to be aware of your child's academic progress. Your child's August Progress Learning Benchmark score will be posted by 3:00 pm on Tuesday, September 1 in the course's gradebook for this quarter. The score does not impact the student's grade.
Please see the email from Kristan Peavy for guidance on Progress Learning Benchmark target scores for August, December, and May.
After checking the "August Progress Learning Benchmark" in the gradebook, if you have any questions or concerns please feel free to email kristan.peavy@tcslions.org and she will be happy to answer any questions.
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 11th - 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/
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.
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.