Inside the Pride Upper Elementary School News - Volume 296

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

Published February 8, 2026

Volume 296

 

Adam Vinson - Upper Elementary School Principal

 

A MESSAGE FROM MR. VINSON

As we head into this final week before Winter Break, we will once again have our annual focus on G.R.A.C.E. as we seek to remind our students what it means to appreciate and love the imago dei in every person. G.R.A.C.E. stands for Gender, Resources, Age/Ability, Color and Ethnicity. Our goal is to show our students how people of the opposite GENDER, people of different economic status (RESOURCES), people who are younger in development (AGE) who lack certain ABILITIES (viewed as disabilities) and people who look different, talk different, and act different (COLOR AND ETHNICITY) all bear the image of God. We can look to Scripture to see Jesus modeling this approach as well. He was quick to target women who were often minimized in His culture, He was quick to seek out the poor as an application of the OT laws that were structured to support the less fortunate,, He ministered to the disabled…the very ones who the religious leaders were chastised for neglecting, and He sought those who were rejected for their color and/or ethnicity (the Samaritan woman being a great example). I believe Jesus wanted to ensure His commissioned disciples at the beginning of Acts would plant churches that were filled with all kinds of peoples, and that whether they came across slave or free, male or female, Jew or Gentile… all would be viewed as image bearers of God who can have a place at that worship service in heaven (Rev 7:9). Throughout this week at the beginning of our Bible classes, we will be reminding our students to embrace the Golden Rule taught by Jesus…that we ought to treat others in the ways we desire to be treated ourselves.

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 

  • Feb 13: Valentine’s Day Dress Down

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

  • Feb 16-20: Winter Break

  • Feb 23: 5th Grade Field Trip to Falcon Field

  • Feb 24: House Color Day

  • Feb 26: Family Night (No homework/assessments)

  • Mar 9: Spring Picture Day

EXCITEMENT FOR 2026-2027

Just a reminder that the 2026-27 applications are now open for new sibling enrollment. Please don't delay as open enrollment for new, non-TCS families will begin at 8am on Monday, February 9.

Current families wishing to enroll a new sibling must complete a new student application using the link on the Blackbaud Resources page. This ensures the application is connected to your family account. Please note that only new sibling applications will be accepted at this time, and submission does not guarantee enrollment or availability. 

VALENTINE’S DAY DRESS DOWN

On Friday, February 13, students may choose to wear red or pink shirts, sweatshirts, sweaters with normal dress code pants or shorts to celebrate Valentine’s Day

WINTER READING CHALLENGE

Mrs. Peavy has put together another exciting reading challenge opportunity for our students to engage with over the final weeks of Quarter 3. Be sure to check out the information below. All forms are due back by Friday, February 27.

Reading form

Elementary Talent Show Is Back! ( 1st-5th Grade)

We are excited to announce the return of our Elementary Talent Show for students in 1st-5th grade! This beloved annual event is an evening performance that showcases the many talents of our elementary students and it’s always a highlight of the year.

Important Dates to Know:

  • Submissions are due by Friday, February 13, 2026

  • Mandatory rehearsal Tuesday, March 17 from 5:30-7:30pm

  • Talent Show is Thursday, March 19 at 6:00pm

Sign up

We can’t wait to see our students shine on stage! If you have questions or need more information, please email cathy.settle@tcslions.org.

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. 

Hebrews 3:12-13

v. 12 Take care, brothers, lest there be in any of you an evil, unbelieving heart, leading you to fall away from the living God. v. 13 But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called “today,” that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.

LIONS OF THE MONTH: January

For January, we are highlighting students who live out the “Fill it to the Brim”. These students exemplify putting full effort into the assignments and tasks required of them. They seek to go above and beyond what is asked of them and to glorify God through their actions.

Last WEEK IN CHAPEL

Mrs. Jetter shared with the students on the topic of forgiveness. She challenged the students to understand that since Jesus forgave us, we are to forgive others. Students were reminded that the Gospel makes it possible for us to forgive and to reconcile with each other. Looking at Matthew 18:21-35 and Ephesians 4:32, the students saw how we are called to forgive others according to God’s Word.

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

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.

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!