Keeping you plugged into the exciting things happening at the Upper Elementary School
Published October 18, 2026
Volume 327
Adam Vinson - Upper Elementary School Principal
A MESSAGE FROM MR. VINSON
We have kicked off Quarter 2, and we are looking forward to all of the upcoming events and activities tied to these final months of the semester. We have new clubs beginning and exciting upcoming performances from our students. It’s going to be an exciting quarter!
We would love to get your feedback on how Q1 went. Please take a moment to complete our short survey to help us improve going forward. We would love to hear from you!
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.
James 1:2-4
v. 2 Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds; v. 3 for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. v. 4 And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
THIS WEEK IN CHAPEL
Sam Howard (former TCS high school Bible teacher) returned to TCS last week and continued our school-year theme of “Trust the Lord - Prov 3:5” by focusing on REASON #9 to trust the Lord: Because He Cannot Change - (He is immutable). Mr. Howard taught from I Samuel 15 and helped our students understand that while God “regretted” making Saul king of Israel, the word is tied to the grief He felt over the disobedience rather than God wanting to create a new plan. God does not change, which provides a solid foundation for why He can be trusted fully.
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!
TRUST THE LORD PLAYLIST
Does your family use Spotify to listen to music? If so, we have put together a “Trust the Lord” playlist to coincide with the truths we are learning in chapel each week as part of our school year theme. Use the playlist to listen at home or in the car as another way to reinforce these truths with your child!
IMPORTANT DATES TO START THE YEAR
Oct 19 = Picture Retake Day
Oct 23 = 5th Glow Day
Oct 27 = 4th Aquarium Trip
Oct 30 = 5th Stone Mtn Trip
Check out a snapshot of the rest of the year!
QUARTER 1 PRIDE PERFORMERS
Each quarter our teachers reflect on the 9-week grading period and seek to honor those students who have gone above and beyond in their effort within the classroom. The following students are recognized by their teachers for their exceptional work from Q1.
4th Grade
ELA - Everly Mandrik
Advanced Math - Lily Stockman
Math - Valen Carpenter
Advanced Reading - Elizabeth Cathey
Reading - Hudson Hanes
Science - Molly Bloemsma
5th Grade
ELA - Quinn Cooper
Advanced Math - Millie Payne
Math - Cooper Lowery
Advanced Reading - Riley Espy
Reading - Lucas Danyluk
Science - Lilly Ingold
Q1 REPORT CARDS COMING SOON
Don’t forget our Q1 report cards are coming this week! Log in to Blackbaud on Monday afternoon to see your child’s grades. Be sure to celebrate their accomplishments as well as encourage them in their challenges. We still have a lot more school left, so if you have any questions or concerns about your child’s academic performance so far this year, please don’t hesitate to ask. We are here to help as a team!
NATIONAL CROC DAY: WEAR YOUR CROCS
Students are encouraged to wear their CROCS this Friday to celebrate National Croc Day! All other dress code/uniform standards apply.
5TH GRADE GLOW DAY THIS WEEK
Our annual Glow Day for 5th grade is THIS WEEK! Be on the lookout for details from your child’s homeroom teacher. Make sure your child comes dressed for black lights!
It’s going to be an awesome day with lots of great activities from our 5th grade team!
4TH GA AQUARIUM TRIP
Here are some important reminders about our upcoming trip that is just a few weeks away!
We are looking forward to our field trip to the Georgia Aquarium!
Date: Tuesday, October 27
Departure: 8:15 am from TCS
Pickup: NCG at 3:45 pm
Dress: Trinity school wear
Lunch: Outside food is not allowed; students will make a lunch choice from a pre-set menu of chicken tenders or pizza, goldfish, fruit gummies and a drink
Be on the lookout for more details and information as we get closer to the trip
5TH STONE MOUNTAIN TRIP
Here are some important reminders about our upcoming trip that is just a few weeks away!
Please note that cell phones may only be used for picture-taking purposes.
Date: Friday, October 30th
Departure: 8:15 am from TCS
Pickup: NCG at 4:00-4:15 pm
Dress: Athletic shoes are recommended. Wear appropriate clothing for the weather; we spend most of the day outdoors.
Lunch: Sack lunch provided by SAGE, or your child can bring their own sack lunch.
Be on the lookout for more details and information as we get closer to the trip
REMINDER: WEEKLY WAAG EMAIL
Don’t forget to reference the week-at–a-glance email every week to stay on top of homework due dates and assessment schedules for each of your child’s classes. The WAAG is meant to be a helpful resource for your family in the midst of busy schedules. Let us know if you have any questions or issues accessing the WAAG resource.
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:
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.