Keeping you plugged into the exciting things happening at the Upper Elementary School
Published August 16, 2026
Volume 318
Adam Vinson - Upper Elementary School Principal
A MESSAGE FROM MR. VINSON
We are excited to announce that starting this week, you will begin receiving a “Week-At-A-Glance” email every Monday afternoon that will summarize your child’s homework and assessments for that particular week. Our goal is to provide parents easy access to what is happening so you can better support your child at home…without having to hunt through Blackbaud to find all of the information. The email will give you a link to a calendar template that will have homework and assessments listed for each day of the week. Feel free to print and post on your refrigerator for easy reference! Be on the lookout this Monday for your first WAG email!
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
THIS WEEK’S MEMORY VERSE
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 God. We hope that these 20 verses will be remembered for years to come after being memorized for multiple years in Upper Elementary and Middle School.
Romans 8:28
v. 28 And we know that for those who love God all things work together
for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.
THIS WEEK IN CHAPEL
Mr. Vinson introduced our school year theme of “Trust the Lord - Prov 3:5” to our students as we kicked off the new school year with our first chapel. Students were challenged to use this year to deepen their understanding of who God is so they are inclined to trust Him more, as made evident by a willingness to do what God says.
IMPORTANT DATES TO START THE YEAR
Aug 20-21 = Progress Learning Testing
Aug 24 = Fall Picture Day
Sep 7 = Labor Day Holiday
Sep 9-11 = 8th Grade Retreat to Snowbird
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 on Monday, August 24, with a special presentation by our Upper Elementary teachers regarding procedures, curriculum, etc. Join us for a special ice cream social right after! We will gather in the Student Center (Bldg 1).
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.
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.
Option 1: 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.
Option 2: Send in prepackaged birthday treats purchased from a store for the homeroom class. Join your child for lunch (beginning in September) in the cafeteria. PLEASE GIVE A 2-DAY NOTICE:
CHESS CLUB INTEREST
Coach Rodney Lewis and Championship Chess present a systematic, fun way to build chess skills during chess instruction and supervised play. Learn more here.
Cost? - $219 for the Fall Session (Aug 27-Nov 5 - Thursdays 3-4 pm)
Chess Contact: Rodney Lewis 770-560-1071 rodneylewis33@gmail.com
School Contact: Lisa Railey, 770-251-6770 lisa.railey@tcslions.org
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
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!
NEED TO ACCESS BLACKBAUD CLASSROOM INFORMATION?
Be sure to check Blackbaud regularly to stay informed about your child’s progress!
Blackbaud is going to be your main source of information this year. Once you log in, 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.
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’s Bulletin Board. Here you will find helpful information and resources.. 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.
Don’t forget to reference the “Week-At-A-Glance” (WAG EMAIL) that is sent each week!
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.
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.