Keeping you plugged into the exciting things happening at the Middle School
Published October 25, 2026
Volume 328
Adam Vinson - Middle School Principal
A MESSAGE FROM MR. VINSOn
Have you seen that we are having an Open House Preview Night on Thursday, Nov 5 for prospective families? I want to encourage you to invite any family or friends that might be considering Trinity for either second semester or the 27-28 school year to attend. We would love the opportunity to share what the Lord is doing here at TCS and answer any questions they may have about a transition to Trinity in the near future. As a current Trinity family, you are our best recruiter! Take some time to share with others about this upcoming event to learn more about TCS!
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
Dr. Anthony, our head of school, continued our school-year theme of “Trust the Lord - Prov 3:5” by focusing on REASON #10 to trust the Lord: Because He is Good. Dr. Anthony taught on “The Prodigal Son” and helped our students see the goodness of God’s character through the character of the father in the story who demonstrated His own goodness when his son returned home.
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
IMPORTANT DATES TO START THE YEAR
Check out the full school calendar here!
Nov 5 = Prospective Family Open House
Nov 10 = Family Night (no homework)
Nov 17 = Orchestra Concert
Nov 23-27 = Thanksgiving Break
Nov 30 = House Color/Huddle Day
Check out a snapshot of the rest of the year!
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!
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 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.