Inside the Pride Upper Elementary School News - Volume 278

Keeping you plugged into the exciting things happening at the Upper Elementary School

Published September 14, 2025

Volume 278

 

Adam Vinson - Upper Elementary School Principal

 

A MESSAGE FROM MR. VINSON

In the midst of our Annual Fund Blitz, I just wanted to say how thankful we are for each and every gift! The Annual Fund plays an important role by providing the additional resources and opportunities we need to provide the best educational experience possible for your children. From funding our special educational and spiritual development days to supplementing us with educational tools in the classroom, we could not do all that we do without you and your generosity to the Annual Fund! Thank you for your generous support during this important fundraising season!

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

IMPORTANT BACK-TO-SCHOOL DATES:

Check out our SCHOOL CALENDAR 

  • Sept 10-19: Annual Fund Blitz

  • Sept 11: Coffee with the Principal

  • Sept 18: House Color Day

  • Sept 22: Homecoming Parade

  • Sept 22-26: Spirit Week

  • Oct 6: Fall Picture *Retakes*

  • Oct 9: Fall Family Fest

  • Oct 10: Remote Learning Day

HOMECOMING SPIRIT WEEK DRESS DOWN DAYS

Monday - “Slumber Party” = wear pajamas

Tuesday - “Dress As Something Your First Name Starts With” = be creative

Wednesday - “Group Matching Day” = join up with your friends

Thursday - “UGA vs Alabama” = show your team spirit

Friday - “Wacky Tacky TCS Day” = go all out with purple and black

*Note: Be on the lookout for an email from Mrs. McBurnett about specific dress code guidance for this week!*

AUGUST LIONS OF THE MONTH

Congratulations to the following middle schoolers who were nominated by their teachers for their focus on hospitality towards new students throughout the month of August. 

  • 4th Grade - Lilly Ingold, Lucas Graham, Caroline Ray, Olivia Christopher

  • 5th Grade - Ryder Drangle, Reece Rehn, Laney Barnett, Haddie Bennett

THIS WEEK’S MEMORY VERSE

As you may notice, 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 Goodness. 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. 

Philippians 4:6-7

  v. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. v. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

THIS WEEK IN CHAPEL

Coach Settle shared the story of Gideon and the Midianites. He challenged the students to understand that God equips and prepares us for everything He calls us to do. God will always be with His people and will strengthen them for what they have been called to accomplish for Him.

LIONS OF THE MONTH: SEPTEMBER FOCUS

For the month of SEPTEMBER, we are focusing on SCHOOL SPIRIT and will be honoring our students who go above and beyond to demonstrate their love and appreciation for TCS. This can be shown through their effort and respect in the classroom, their passion for our school during homecoming week and through a general attitude and mindset of working to make our school the best place possible. 

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.

CELEBRATE YOUR CHILD’S BIRTHDAY AT SCHOOL

Would you like to celebrate your child’s birthday this year? Consider one of the following options as a way to make their day special. 

  • Purchase birthday cart treat items from our snack cart for your child’s homeroom class for $25. Email our Assistant Principal, Tiffany McBurnett (tiffany.mcburnett@tcslions.org), if you would like to schedule a day. 

  • PLEASE GIVE A 2-DAY NOTICE 

  • Send in prepackaged birthday treats purchased from a store for the homeroom class. 

  • Join your child for lunch (beginning in September) in the cafeteria.

BLACKBAUD CLASSROOM INFORMATION

Blackbaud is going to be your main source of information this year. Once you login, you will see a drop down arrow in the top left corner to choose which student’s information to look at. When you click on your 4th or 5th grade student, you will see summary information, and then when you scroll down, you will see each of your student’s classes. Each class is clickable. Please click on your student’s homeroom class to see the weekly newsletter for 4th or 5th grade. Once you are in your student’s homeroom class, it will open up the Bulletin Board. Here is where you will find the clickable link for the newsletter that will be added each week. Any important information for the week will be found here. 

To find information on each specific class, you will go back to the main page for your student and click on each individual class. Again, when you click on the desired class, it will open to that class’ Bulletin Board. Here you will find helpful information such as what to do should your student be absent. For information regarding lesson plans that will include the plans for the week, homework assignments, and any upcoming tests, quizzes, or projects, you will need to click on the “Topics” tab.

To recap:

  • A weekly newsletter is found on your student’s homeroom Bulletin Board.

  • Lesson plans, assignments, etc…are found in the specific classes’ Topic tab.

UPPER ELEMENTARY RESOURCES

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CHECK OUT THE HELPFUL TOOLS BELOW REGARDING

THE 25-26 SCHOOL YEAR

25-26 SCHOOL CALENDAR - Stay in the know about upcoming breaks and holidays. 

PRE-ABSENCE FORM - Submit pre-planned absences 5 days in advance for approval.

UNIFORM POLICY - Note the minor changes/adjustments for this year.

UPPER ELEMENTARY SUMMER CONTACT LIST

OUR TEAM IS HERE TO HELP!