Keeping you plugged into the exciting things happening at the Middle School
Published November 8, 2026
Volume 330
Adam Vinson - Middle School Principal
A MESSAGE FROM MR. VINSOn
A big thank you to everyone who took time to complete our Q1 surveys! The information you provided was extremely helpful in giving us feedback about what we are doing well and what we can do to improve too. We are evaluating all of the information about your child’s experience, and we are meeting as an administrative team to discuss new strategies and initiatives to improve upon the services within our program as a whole. Again, thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts and perspectives. We truly welcome the dialogue and look forward to working together with each of you throughout the remainder of this school year. If you need anything from me or my team, don’t hesitate to ask!
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
Mr. Moore (8th grade Bible teacher) continued our school-year theme of “Trust the Lord - Prov 3:5” by focusing on REASON #12 to trust the Lord: Because He Always Accomplishes Good - (His plans always have good purposes). Mr. Moore spoke on the truth that while we all suffer to some level in our life, God always remains at work in each of those situations with a guaranteed goal of accomplishing good for us. It was a reminder that we can trust the plans of God, even when we don’t understand the processes, because we know and believe the overall purpose - our ultimate good!
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!
FAMILY NIGHT ON TUESDAY
Don’t forget this Tuesday evening, November 10, is FAMILY NIGHT which means no homework and no assessments on Wednesday. We hope you enjoy the time off during the week to have extra time together as a family.
OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD SHOEBOXES
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. Flyers were sent home with your child last with all of the information.
All shoeboxes are due WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 18th!
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.