Inside the Pride Upper Elementary School News - Volume 293

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

Published January 18, 2026

Volume 293

 

Adam Vinson - Upper Elementary School Principal

 

A MESSAGE FROM MR. VINSON

We had a fantastic day on Friday for Grandparents Day! Thank you to everyone who was able to attend. It’s such a joy to share what is happening on our campus and in our classrooms with your extended family and we are grateful for the chance to showcase that this past week. We hope each of you is now enjoying the long weekend, and we look forward to seeing everyone back on campus this Tuesday!

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 19: MLK Holiday (No School)

  • Jan 22: Coffee with the Principal 

  • Feb 6: Super Bowl Dress Down Day

  • Feb 13: 4th Grade Field Trip to the GA Aquarium

  • Feb 16-20: Winter Break

  • Feb 24: House Color Day

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. 

Romans 12:1-2a

v. 1 I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. v. 2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind.

Last WEEK IN CHAPEL

Mr Lassiter shared from Matthew 7:24-27 about boldness involving action. He challenged the students to understand that bold faith is not just hearing or knowing what Jesus said but obeying what he tells us to do. A bold life is built on a firm foundation, obedience, and remaining faithful under pressure. The good news for us all is that Christ provides all of these for us. Like the wise man who built his house on the rock, we are to build our life on Christ and God’s Word. The students were challenged to grow in understanding that we do not rely on our strength but build our faith on what God has promised.

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!