Inside the Pride Middle School News - Volume 327

Keeping you plugged into the exciting things happening at the Middle School

Published October 18, 2026

Volume 327

 

Adam Vinson - Middle School Principal

 

A MESSAGE FROM MR. VINSOn

We have kicked off Quarter 2, and we are looking forward to all of the upcoming events and activities tied to these final months of the semester. We have winter sports kicking off very soon, new middle school clubs beginning, and exciting upcoming performances from our students. Trinity is special because of all the ways our students can connect together. If you are looking for new ways for your child to connect over these next 9 weeks, don’t hesitate to reach out. Also, we would love to get your feedback on how Q1 went. Please take a moment to complete our short survey to help us improve going forward. We would love to hear from you!

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. 

James 1:2-4

v. 2 Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds; v. 3 for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. v. 4 And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

THIS WEEK IN CHAPEL

Sam Howard (former TCS high school Bible teacher) returned to TCS last week and continued our school-year theme of “Trust the Lord - Prov 3:5” by focusing on REASON #9 to trust the Lord: Because He Cannot Change - (He is immutable). Mr. Howard taught from I Samuel 15 and helped our students understand that while God “regretted” making Saul king of Israel, the word is tied to the grief He felt over the disobedience rather than God wanting to create a new plan. God does not change, which provides a solid foundation for why He can be trusted fully.

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!

Order your school-year-themed shirts here!

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

IMPORTANT DATES TO START THE YEAR

Check out the full school calendar here!

QUARTER 1 PRIDE PERFORMERS

Each quarter, our teachers reflect on the 9-week grading period and seek to honor those students who have gone above and beyond in their effort within the classroom. The following students are recognized by their teachers for their exceptional work from Q1. 

  • 6th Grade 

    • Bible - Mason Thomas

    • Honors English - Madelyn Moore

    • English - Annabel Solvason 

    • History - Adalyn Bradfield 

    • Honors Math - Shelby Kinser

    • Math - Dawson Green

    • Science - Kellan Hoffman 

  • 7th Grade

    • Bible - Sireena Anthony

    • Honors English - Delilah Witter

    • English - Nolan Pierson 

    • History - Tomasso Lawson

    • Honors Math - Drew King

    • Math - Kenzie Fernandez

    • Honors Science - Leland Kidd

    • Science - Cason Wood

  • 8th Grade

    • Bible - Huntleigh Duffey

    • Honors English - Abby Ayers

    • English - Eli Henard

    • History - Maddox Roth

    • Honors Math - Cooper Huffman

    • Math - Sadie Stedham 

    • Honors Science - Brayden Coggin 

    • Science - Gracie Godfrey

Q1 REPORT CARDS COMING SOON

Don’t forget our Q1 report cards are coming this week! Log in to Blackbaud on Monday afternoon to see your child’s grades. Be sure to celebrate their accomplishments as well as encourage them in their challenges. We still have a lot more school left, so if you have any questions or concerns about your child’s academic performance so far this year, please don’t hesitate to ask. We are here to help as a team!

ROCKRIDGE RETREAT FOR 6th-7th

  • Date: Thursday, October 22 

    • Drop-off at 7:30 am at NCG 

  • What to Wear and Bring

    • Students should dress appropriately for the weather as we will be outside all day. It may be cooler in the morning and then will warm up throughout the day. Please dress modestly and plan to wear play clothes that can get dirty. If shorts are worn, they should be at least fingertip length. If leggings are worn, they MUST be worn with a shirt/sweatshirt that is at least fingertip length.  

    • Students do not need to bring anything. If your child would like to bring a fishing pole, please have him or her see Mr. Vinson.

NATIONAL CROC DAY: WEAR YOUR CROCS

Students are encouraged to wear their CROCS this Friday to celebrate National Croc Day! All other dress code/uniform standards apply.

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.

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 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!

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.