Keeping you plugged into the exciting things happening at the Middle School
Published September 13, 2026
Volume 322
Adam Vinson - Middle School Principal
A MESSAGE FROM MR. VINSON
Our yearly Annual Fund season is here! As we kick
off our giving (Sep 14-23), let me encourage you to consider investing in our students! The Annual Fund provides so many extras for our students throughout the year to help us enhance the program we are able to create. With 100% participation from our faculty and staff, we want you to know we are all in for your students! Please consider giving as well!
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.
I John 1:5-6
v. 5 This is the message we have heard from Him and proclaim to you, that God is light, and in Him is no darkness at all. v. 6 If we say we have fellowship with Him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth.
THIS WEEK IN CHAPEL
Coach Henry (4th grade Science/History Teacher) continued our school year theme of “Trust the Lord - Prov 3:5” by focusing on REASON #4 to trust the Lord – Because He Makes Himself Known. Coach Henry taught from Ezekiel 38:23 and challenged the students to see that while God does not have to reveal Himself, He chooses to do so in all kinds of situations. He makes Himself known to each of us, giving us reason to trust His character and giving us reason to surrender ourselves to Him.
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
Sep 14-23 = Annual Fund Blitz
Sep 18 = Coffee with the Principal
Sep 21 = House Color Day
Sep 28-Oct 2 = Homecoming Week
Oct 9 = Remote Learning Day
Oct 12 = Fall Break Day
COFFEE WITH THE PRINCIPAL: REGISTER TODAY
Our first Coffee with the Principal of the school year is coming up on Friday, Sep 18! We are looking forward to hosting parents for a time of discussion and Q/A related to what’s taking place already this year. We hope you will take time to join us! Check out the details below.
Time: 8:15-9:15am
Location: The Gathering Place (school cafeteria)
Topics of Discussion:
Progress Learning Benchmark results
Staggered Dismissal feedback
Upcoming trips and events
And more!
Registration: https://forms.gle/RzQtqmejtc8b56UF9
HOMECOMING WEEK: SPIRIT DAY DRESSUPS
Check out the upcoming homecoming week themes and prepare your outfits now to show off your school spirit each day.
Be on the lookout for an email from Mrs. McBurnett about specific guidelines.
MONDAY - Pick your favorite decade
TUESDAY - Pick a partner and rhyme your outfit
WEDNESDAY - Pick a group matching theme
THURSDAY - Pick a side = Country or City
FRIDAY - Pick a TCS color and max it out!
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.
UR HOUSE COMPETITION IS UNDERWAY!
WHO WILL CLAIM THIS YEAR’S HOUSE CUP???
Score Updates: https://tcshouses.weebly.com/
Elliot: Green – Lewis: Red – Nee: Orange – Robinson: Blue – Wycliffe: Black
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.