Inside the Pride Upper Elementary School News - Volume 285

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

Published November 2, 2025

Volume 285

 

Adam Vinson - Upper Elementary School Principal

 

A MESSAGE FROM MR. VINSON

Our Q2 reading challenge is set to be released this week! Many of our students participated in our Q1 reading challenge and were treated to a special celebration at lunch with Mr. Vinson and Mrs. Peavy. This time around, we will have a Christmas-themed activity board for students to choose from as they seek to read throughout the coming weeks. Be sure to check your child’s purple folder this week for all the details!

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

UPCOMING EVENTS

Check out our SCHOOL CALENDAR 

  • Nov 18: Family Night - no homework or assessments

  • Nov 20: Coffee with the Principal 

  • Nov 24-28: Thanksgiving Break

QUARTER 1 SURVEY REMINDER

Did you miss this information last week?

Here at TCS, we value the feedback of our parents as your thoughts and insight help us improve on the experience we are striving to provide to each student here at Trinity. We would be grateful if you would take the time to complete our Q1 survey to provide feedback on the first 9 weeks of school. Each year I read through every submission with a goal of growing and learning in my role here. I appreciate any feedback you would like to provide. 

FAMILY NIGHT ON NOVEMBER 18

Our next family night is coming up soon! Remember, there will be NO HOMEWORK to complete and NO ASSESSMENTS to study for on this night. Enjoy the slower evening together as a family!

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. 

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.

Last WEEK IN CHAPEL

Mr. Vinson taught from I Peter 5:8-9 and shared the warnings and dangers of what it means to have Satan roaming like a roaring lion. Students were reminded that Jesus is greater than Satan (I John 4:4) and that ultimately we must fight back with our faith in Jesus.

LIONS OF THE MONTH: OCTOBER FOCUS

For October, we are looking to highlight students who are striving to perform above and beyond in the classroom. Throughout Q2, challenge your child to do their very best and to even exceed expectations in all they strive to do over these upcoming weeks!

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!