Keeping you plugged into the exciting things happening at the Middle School
Published November 1, 2026
Volume 329
Adam Vinson - Middle School Principal
A MESSAGE FROM MR. VINSOn
It’s that wonderful time of year again when Trinity Christian School partners with Operation Christmas Child (OCC) to pack shoebox gifts for children in need! OCC is the largest project of Samaritan’s Purse, with a mission to share God’s love in a tangible way and, together with local churches worldwide, spread the Good News of Jesus Christ and make disciples of all nations. Please look for the flyer to come home with your student on Monday, November 2nd.
All shoeboxes are due WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 18th!
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 Peter 5:8-9
v. 8 Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. v. 9 Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world.
THIS WEEK IN CHAPEL
Pastor BJ Cobb (First Baptist Senoia) continued our school-year theme of “Trust the Lord - Prov 3:5” by focusing on REASON #11 to trust the Lord: Because He is WISE - (His plans and outcomes are the best). Pastor BJ spoke to our students from I Corinthians 1, highlighting the wisdom of the gospel message found in the cross. While the world considers Christianity to be folly, the gospel is the wisdom of God at work through the salvation of mankind through Jesus!
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!
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.