Keeping you plugged into the exciting things happening at the Upper Elementary School
Published July 26, 2026
Volume 315
Adam Vinson - Upper Elementary School Principal
A MESSAGE FROM MR. VINSON
As we look towards the start of the school year, we are excited to announce that student schedules will be made available by noon on Friday, July 31st. Be sure to check out Blackbaud on Friday to learn more about your child’s classes and teachers for this upcoming year. Mrs. Peavy, our Academic Dean, will be sending information for how to access your child’s schedule and how to communicate any questions or concerns you might have. Thank you for your patience as we carefully worked through all of the requests to build the best possible schedule for each student.
Be sure to enjoy these final weeks of summer! We look forward to seeing everyone back on campus very soon!
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!
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
Aug 20-21 = Progress Learning Testing
Aug 24 = Fall Picture Day
Aug 24 = Scoop Night
Sep 7 = Labor Day Holiday
AUGUST BACK TO SCHOOL EVENTS
Mark your calendars for these special days to kickoff the new year. More details to come!
Friday, August 7 = WELCOME TO THE ROAR - a block party style event for all of our new and returning TCS families.
Monday, August 10 = MEET MY TEACHER DAY - an opportunity to walk through schedules, meet teachers, etc.
Families with last name A-L = 9:30-11:30am (drop-in time slot)
Families with last name M-Z = 1:30-3:30pm (drop-in time slot)
Tuesday, August 11 = FIRST DAY OF CLASSES = the 25-26 school year begins!
IMPORTANT DOCUMENT TO REVIEW FOR THE START OF SCHOOL
26-27 MIDDLE SCHOOL 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.
NEW TEACHER WELCOME: REKE GATLIN
I am excited to join Trinity Christian School as the new Art Teacher for 1st-8th grades! I have been part of the Trinity family for over 10 years, and I am grateful for the opportunity to now serve the school community in this role. I studied Fashion Merchandising and Marketing at Academy of Art University, where I developed a strong foundation in art, design, and creative expression. Art has always been a meaningful part of my life, and I am passionate about helping students discover their own creativity, develop their artistic skills, and recognize the unique gifts God has given them.
I look forward to creating an encouraging and inspiring classroom environment where students can explore the visual arts while growing in confidence and creativity. I am excited to continue growing as part of the Trinity community and to share my love of art with my students!
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.
ART CLUB INFORMATION
Art Club is back! Students will enjoy fun, hands-on art projects, explore new materials and techniques, express their creativity, and build friendships in a welcoming, encouraging environment. All experience levels are welcome!
Registration: Registration is open now and closes on September 1. After registration closes, I will organize Art Club groups and assign each student to a meeting day. Parents will receive an email with their child's assigned Art Club day on September 4.
Cost: $125 for the 6-week session. Payment is due at registration via Venmo @rekegatlin
Schedule: Fall Art Club will meet for a 6-week session beginning the week of September 14 and ending the week of October 26. Meeting days will be assigned after registration closes.
Dismissal to Art Club: Students will be picked up from their classrooms and escorted to the art room.
Student Pick-Up: Parents/guardians should pick up at 5:30 p.m.
Questions: Please email reke.gatlin@tcslions.org
Registration Form: https://forms.gle/DZV1F9LFx8VGFyaHA
Not quite ready to register?: https://forms.gle/kkC4jpnjkLmPaLUt6
Summer Information and Activities
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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
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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.