Keeping you plugged into the exciting things happening at the Upper Elementary School
Published July 5, 2026
Volume 312
Adam Vinson - Upper Elementary School Principal
A MESSAGE FROM MR. VINSON
Happy July! I hope each of you is having a wonderful summer break and enjoying all the extra time together as a family. As we inch closer to the start of the 26-27 school year, we are working extremely hard to prepare the absolute best experience for your child. In the next several weeks, more and more information will be released to help prepare you for our start date in August. Be sure to keep referencing these weekly newsletters as we help you navigate the start of the new school year.
School Year Theme
Trust the Lord - Proverbs 3:5
Our theme for the 26-27 school year is “Trust the Lord”, taken from Proverbs 3:5. As we celebrate our 35th school year at TCS, we are using Proverbs 3:5 to remind ourselves and our students of the many reasons we have for trusting the Lord always. We look forward to teaching our students what it means to have the heart of a lion that trusts in Him through chapel lessons, classroom discussions and more!
Check out options to purchase school year theme spirit wear in the newsletter next week!
26-27 UPPER ELEMENTARY ORIENTATION PACKET
Our Orientation Packet is officially here! Check out the information contained in this packet to give you an overview of what is coming in 26-27. Highlights of what you will find in the packet are listed below!
Dates and descriptions for the start-of-year events
Updated times for our weekly schedule
School Year Theme spirit wear and book bags
IMPORTANT DATES TO START THE YEAR
Friday, August 7 = Welcome to the Roar
Monday, August 10 = Meet the Teacher Day
Tuesday, August 11 = 1st Day of School
Monday, August 24 = Scoop Night
SCOOP NIGHT FOR 4TH AND 5th GRADES
Come “get the scoop” on 4th and 5th grades with a special presentation by our Upper Elementary teachers regarding procedures, curriculum, etc. Join us for a special ice cream social right after!
Our 4th grade presentation will begin at 5:30 pm
Our 5th grade presentation will begin at 6:30 pm
*Ice cream will be served after each presentation.
SUPPLY LISTS FOR 26-27 SCHOOL YEAR
Start getting those supplies ready when you see a deal! Check out our grade-level supply lists below. These lists are subject to additions throughout July. No items will be removed, but some additional items may be added.
CLASS SELECTION FORMS: PAST DUE
Schedules are being built now for the upcoming year. If you failed to get your requests in already, please contact Kristan Peavy (Academic Dean - kristan.peavy@tcslions.org) ASAP to get your requests submitted.. We will do our best to honor requests that were submitted after our cutoff date in May.
PERSONALIZED BOOK BAGS AVAILABLE
We are offering personalized book bags for those interested. Cost is $55 per bag with 3 different color options. Use the link below to access the order form.
BOOK BAG ORDER FORM LINK - Due by Monday, July 13
Summer Information and Activities
************************************************************
MATH CAMP: JULY 13-16
We have limited spots remaining for Math Camp! Please complete this form as an official sign-up for our upcoming summer math camp, hosted by our middle school math department.
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 SUMMER CONTACT LIST
OUR TEAM IS HERE TO HELP!
Principal: Adam Vinson (adam.vinson@tcslions.org)
Assistant Principal: Tiffany McBurnett (tiffany.mcburnett@tcslions.org)
Academic Dean: Kristan Peavy (kristan.peavy@tcslions.org)
Director of Academic Services: Melissa Lanier (melissa.lanier@tcslions.org)
Director of Spiritual Development: Wesley Lassiter (wesley.lassiter@tcslions.org)
Director of Skills Development: Jenn Opsahl (jennifer.opsahl@tcslions.org)
UPPER ELEMENTARY RESOURCES
***************************************************************
CHECK OUT THE HELPFUL TOOLS BELOW REGARDING THE 26-27 SCHOOL YEAR
26-27 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 - Please make sure your child is dressed appropriately each day.
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.