Inside the Pride Upper Elementary School News - Volume 292

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

Published January 11, 2026

Volume 292

 

Adam Vinson - Upper Elementary School Principal

 

A MESSAGE FROM MR. VINSON

As we move into this second semester, we are already thinking about next school year as we get closer to the re-enrollment season. It’s a tremendous blessing to serve your family and your children’s educational needs, and we would welcome the opportunity to continue that relationship for the 26-27 school year. As you think through your own family’s plans for next year, please feel free to reach out to me if you would like to dialogue about questions you might have regarding your child’s progress. We hope very much that you are planning to join us next year, and are happy to partner with you in that decision making process.

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 

  • Jan 14: 100th Day of School

  • Jan 15: House Color Day

  • Jan 16: Grandparents’ Day (No School)

  • Jan 19: MLK Holiday (No School)

  • Jan 22: Coffee with the Principal 

  • Feb 16-20: Winter Break

100TH DAY OF SCHOOL

On Wednesday, January 14, our 4th and 5th grade students will have the opportunity to celebrate the 100th day of school! Check out the details below for how each grade level has chosen to celebrate. 

  • 4th Grade - Dress like you are 100 years old!

  • 5th Grade - Dress in neon/bright clothing for 100 days brighter!

GRANDPARENTS DAY

Don’t forget we will not have a normal school day on Friday, January 16, because we will be welcoming grandparents to campus! Students will remain at home, or join us on campus at the appropriate time slot to visit classrooms and experience activities that help highlight the learning experience here at TCS. 

  • Schedule A: (last names A-L) 8:30 AM – 10:00 am

  • Schedule B: (last names M-Z) 10:30 am – 12:15 pm

We are excited to host our 3rd “Coffee with the Principal” for this school year! Our next gathering is scheduled for Thursday, January 22 at 8:15am. Mark your calendars and plan to join if you are able. Topics of discussion will include:

  • Semester 2 Events - What special activities and trips are planned for the Spring Semester?

  • Spiritual and Academic Update - How are we attempting to measure spiritual growth? What positive testimonies are we seeing? What is Progress Learning? How are we using it? What trends are we seeing with our students regarding academic growth and progress?

  • 2026-2027 Feedback - As we think through adjustments and improvements for next year, what would you like to see added or emphasized in anticipation of 2026-2027?

Want to join us for this time of fellowship and discussion? SIGN UP HERE

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. 

Galatians 6:7-8

v. 7 Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. 

v. 8 For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life.

Last WEEK IN CHAPEL

Mr. Vinson spoke to our students from II Kings 22-23 and II Chronicles 34-35, highlighting the story of King Josiah and his conviction, commitment and concern that resulted from reading God’s Word. Mr. Vinson encouraged our students to think about their own reputations, specifically what they are known for here at school, while also encouraging them to strive for being known as individuals who love the Lord and desire to serve Him.

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!