Keeping you plugged into the exciting things happening at the Middle School
Published October 4, 2026
Volume 325
Adam Vinson - Middle School Principal
A MESSAGE FROM MR. VINSOn
Don’t forget our Fall Family Fest is coming up this Thursday, October 8th! From 5:30–7:30 pm, we invite you to enjoy all of the outdoor festivities, fellowship, and food opportunities as we welcome the changing of the season! We love opportunities to bring our Trinity families together and look forward to sharing this special evening with you! Don’t forget, as a middle school family, we will also have our parent meetings for our Spring Overnight Experiences. Details can be found below in this section of the newsletter. We hope to see you Thursday night!
Remote Learning Friday
Be on the lookout for guidance from your child’s History teacher regarding remote learning on Friday. Students will be responsible for completing schoolwork for History class only as part of our remote learning day.
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.
Proverbs 3:5-7
v. 5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. v. 6 In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. v. 7 Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD, and turn away from evil.
THIS WEEK IN CHAPEL
Will Wiley (Youth Pastor at First Baptist Senoia) continued our school-year theme of “Trust the Lord - Prov 3:5” by focusing on REASON #7 to trust the Lord: Because He is Always Present - (He is omnipresent). Pastor Will taught from Psalm 139 and challenged the students to rest in the truth that while we cannot be everywhere, God is. He also encouraged our students to push back against the lie that social media tells us, that we need to feel like we are everywhere and involved in everything.
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!
TRUST THE LORD PLAYLIST
Does your family use Spotify to listen to music? If so, we have put together a “Trust the Lord” playlist to coincide with the truths we are learning in chapel each week as part of our school year theme. Use the playlist to listen at home or in the car as another way to reinforce these truths with your child!
IMPORTANT DATES TO START THE YEAR
Oct 9 = Remote Learning Day
Oct 12 = Fall Break Day
Oct 19 = Picture Retake Day
Oct 22 = 6th/7th retreat to Camp Rockridge
Check out a snapshot of the rest of the year!
Q1 ENDING FRIDAY: REPORT CARDS COMING SOON
It’s hard to believe we are already concluding our 9th week of school this week. Our students have worked hard, and we look forward to giving them a Fall Break to rest from their labor. As we look towards the end of Q1, be on the lookout for report cards to post on Monday, October 19 by the end of the day. If you have any questions about viewing them on that day, please reach out to Tiffany McBurnett (tiffany.mcburnett@tcslions.org).
ROCKRIDGE RETREAT FOR 6th-7th
It’s almost time for our day trip to Camp Rockridge in Franklin, GA for our 6th and 7th graders. This retreat is meant to be a break from the classroom as we get outside together to enjoy God’s creation with lots of outdoor activities and even a special worship service at the top of the mountain. Check out the details below!
Date: Thursday, October 22
Drop off at 7:30am at NCG Theatre – return to campus by 4:30pm
Note: If you are able to pick up at Camp Rockridge, that helps us greatly with transportation back in the afternoon!
Cost: $30 - includes lunch and all of the outdoor activities at Rockridge (boating, ropes course, basketball, athletic fields, giant swing, fishing, etc.)
Be on the lookout for a payment form through Blackbaud to register your child.
REMINDER: WEEKLY WAAG EMAIL
Don’t forget to reference the week-at–a-glance email every week to stay on top of homework due dates and assessment schedules for each of your child’s classes. The WAAG is meant to be a helpful resource for your family in the midst of busy schedules. Let us know if you have any questions or issues accessing the WAAG resource.
PARENT MEETING: OVERNIGHT EXPERIENCES
You are invited to our parent meetings on Thursday, Oct 8 to learn more about our exciting middle school trips taking place in the Spring. Be on the lookout for more information coming soon via email!
8th Parent Meeting: Disney Trip – Thur, Oct 8 at 5pm in The Gathering Place
6th Parent Meeting: Chattanooga - Thur, Oct 8 at 5:30pm in The Gathering Place
7th Parent Meeting: Ark Trip - Thur, Oct 8 at 5:30pm in The Gathering Place
MIDDLE SCHOOL MID-TERM EXEMPTION POLICY
As we look towards Q2 beginning in a few weeks, it won’t be long before we are talking about mid-term exams for the month of December. Our administration and faculty would like to recognize consistent academic achievement and encourage students to demonstrate mastery of course content throughout the semester. As a reward for high performance, we are giving students the opportunity to exempt their mid-term exams if they excel with their Q2 performance. Check out the specific exemption policy and guidelines for how your child can be exempt when the time comes in December.
OUR 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.