Keeping you plugged into the exciting things happening at the Upper Elementary School
Published August 9, 2026
Volume 317
Adam Vinson - Upper Elementary School Principal
A MESSAGE FROM MR. VINSON
We are looking forward to seeing you at “Meet the Teacher Day” on Monday! Don’t forget to review the information below to make sure you are prepared.
Schedules are now available via Blackbaud! Be sure to review your child’s classes and teachers. If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to reach out to Mrs. Peavy (kristan.peavy@tcslions.org). Print a copy of your child’s schedule to bring with you on Monday, Aug 10 to our “Meet the Teacher Day”.
The Meet the Teacher Checklist should be accessed here so you can check off all of the important tasks to do and people to see on “Meet the Teacher Day”.
26-27 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 the 26-27 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!
IMPORTANT DATES TO START THE YEAR
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
Sep 7 = Labor Day Holiday
Sep 9-11 = 8th Grade Retreat to Snowbird
AUGUST BACK TO SCHOOL EVENTS
Mark your calendars for these special days to kickoff the new year. More details to come!
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!
SUMMER READING CHALLENGE
Don’t forget to bring your Summer Reading Challenge to class on Tuesday! This was an optional program for students to maintain and improve their reading skills over the summer. Students who chose to complete the challenge will receive a mystery prize in August. Be sure to check the details in the link about what needs to be submitted in class to receive credit. Link: Reading Challenge Details
AGAPE AFTER SCHOOL UPDATE
We've transitioned to a new registration system for Agape After School! We ask that all families with children in PreK–5th grade complete a one-time registration in our new system. Registering now ensures your child is ready to attend Agape whenever the need arises. There is no cost to register, and you will only be charged if and when your child attends the Agape After School program. Click here to register:
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
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 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.