Inside the Pride Upper Elementary School News - Volume 311

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

Published May 24, 2026

Volume 311

 

Adam Vinson - Upper Elementary School Principal

 

A MESSAGE FROM MR. VINSON

What a year the 25-26 school year was! We began the year emphasizing to our students the call placed upon them to be “bold as a lion”. Throughout the year we have directed them to understanding the work of Jesus to both save us and equip us to live out our faith boldly for His glory. My hope is that the Lord has used this year to strengthen and encourage your child in ways that will last a lifetime. 

CHECK OUT OUR MIDDLE SCHOOL RECAP VIDEO FOR THE 25-26 SCHOOL YEAR

As I close out my 15th year here at TCS, I just want to say “thank you” for your continued support and encouragement. Being the Upper Elementary and Middle School Principal is an extremely high honor (I consider it one of the best jobs in the world), and I do not take for granted the tremendous privilege it is to lead your children each day. I hope your family has an incredible summer, and we look forward to seeing y’all back in the Fall…after some much-needed rest and relaxation!

CELEBRATING THE END OF THE 25-26 SCHOOL YEAR

FINAL REPORT CARDS

Report cards will be available on Blackbaud on June 1st at 8:00am. Please log in to tcslions.myschoolapp.com, click on your student in the top left-hand corner, and then under "Performance", you will see "Report Cards" listed. Please click on "Report Cards" to view your student's final grades.

WE ARE SO PROUD OF OUR STUDENTS AND ALL OF THEIR HARD WORK THIS YEAR!

4TH GRADE FIELD - CLASS PARTY TO END THE  YEAR

Our 4th graders participated in the annual Field Day activities to close out the year. It was a tight race to the finish line, but Mrs. Stephenson’s homeroom class (Team Blue) took home the victory!

THE 5Th GRADE WALK AND PARENT VS STUDENT KICKBALL GAME

Our 5th graders wrapped up their final year in elementary school in epic fashion with the traditional 5th grade walk followed by the Parent vs Student kickball game. Our 5th graders were celebrated throughout the 1st-5th grade hallways as they said their final goodbyes to elementary and took their first steps into middle school.

LOOKING AHEAD TO THE 26-27 SCHOOL YEAR

Summer Break is here, and a well-deserved rest has finally arrived for each of our students. As we begin this season of vacation, use the information provided below to answer questions you may have about next year. Be on the lookout for even more specific information related to the start of the school year once the Inside the Pride newsletter returns in July.

MATH CAMP COMING JULY 13-16

Don’t forget to sign up for Math Camp this summer! Please complete this form as an official sign-up for our upcoming summer math camp, hosted by our middle school math department. 

Details: Every summer teachers recommend students practice math skills learned the previous school year over the summer.  Many times parents intend to help their child, but time goes by quickly and skills don’t get reviewed as much as was intended.  Games and manipulatives will be used to help your child prepare for the upcoming school year.

  • When: July 13-16

  • Location: TCS Middle School classrooms

  • Cost: $80 (cash only due on the first day of camp)

  • Hosts: Paige Whitaker and Adam Vinson

  • Questions: Please contact Paige Whitaker (paige.whitaker@tcslions.org) 

Time Slots: Students will meet based on the grade level they will be entering in the Fall.  

Students entering...

- 3rd Grade will meet 8:30 am - 9:45 am

- 4th Grade will meet 8:30 am - 9:45 am

- 5th Grade will meet 10:00 am - 11:15 am

- 6th Grade will meet 10:00 am - 11:15 am

- 7th Grade will meet 11:30 am - 12:45 pm

- 8th Grade will meet 11:30 am - 12:45 pm

SUMMER READING CHALLENGE

This is an optional program for students to maintain and improve their reading skills over the summer. Students who choose to complete the challenge will receive a mystery prize in August. A form will be provided at the end of the summer to show completion. 

Link: Reading Challenge Details

It is important to stay sharp academically over the summer. Check out the suggested ways below to help make sure your child is ready for the transition to upper elementary. Read 20 minutes daily for fun and discuss what was read together. Rising 4th graders should be reading independently for 30 minutes. Use How to Help Your Reader at Home for extra help.

SUMMER MATH CHALLENGE

Work on multiplication facts — Mastery is considered 3 seconds per problem. Rising 4th graders should have math facts through 9’s mastered. Use math-aids.com for worksheets to practice over the summer for both speed and accuracy. In addition, check out this letter from our math department head regarding other math resources this summer.

UPPER ELEMENTARY ORIENTATION PACKET (COMING IN JUNE)

All upper elementary families will receive a special email from Mr. Vinson in early June with an Orientation Packet for the 26-27 school year attached. The packet will include important dates in August to kickoff the new year,  details on our daily schedule, and other key features of our upper elementary program for the new year. BE ON THE LOOKOUT!

This packet will be especially helpful for rising 4th graders.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Check out our SCHOOL CALENDAR 

  • Monday, August 10 = Meet the Teacher Day

  • Tuesday, August 11 = 1st Day of School 

CLASS SELECTION FORMS: DUE FRIDAY MAY 29

Don’t delay in getting your child’s class selection form submitted as we will begin building student schedules for next year in early June. Click on the appropriate link below to access the options for your child’s grade level. Please check the email sent last week for additional details and information. 

Note: Students who qualify for advanced level classes will be contacted individually by our Director of Academic Services, Melissa Lanier, towards the beginning of June.

SUPPLY LISTS FOR 26-27 SCHOOL YEAR

Looking to get a jump on next year as you see deals throughout the summer? Check out our grade-level supply lists. These lists are subject to additions at the beginning of July. No items will be removed, but some additional items may be added. 

UPPER ELEMENTARY SUMMER CONTACT LIST

OUR TEAM IS HERE TO HELP!