Upper Elementary

Inside the Pride Upper Elementary School News - Volume 252

Keeping you plugged into the exciting things happening at the Upper Elementary School

Published February 9, 2025

Volume 252

 

Adam Vinson - Upper Elementary School Principal

 

A MESSAGE FROM MR. VINSON

This Tuesday evening, February 11, the Coweta County Commissioners will vote on Trinity’s application to rezone the Property on Fischer Road for campus expansion. We need as many parents as possible to attend the County Commission Meeting to show support for this important step in Trinity’s growth.

  • Where: 37 Perry Street, Newnan

  • When: Tuesday, February 11, at 6:00 PM

  • What to Do: Simply attend and show support for the campus expansion – no need to speak!

  • Wear : Purple to represent Trinity!

Your presence will make a difference in demonstrating our commitment to providing the best opportunities for our students. Thank you for standing with us in this effort.

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

UPCOMING UPPER ELEMENTARY DATES:

  • Feb 10 - House Color Day

  • Feb 14 - Valentine’s Day Dress Down

    • (wear pink or red)

  • Feb 17-21 - Winter Break

  • Feb 27 - Family Night 

    • (no homework or assessments)

  • Feb 28 - STEAM DAY

NEWS AND NOTES IN THE UPPER ELEMENTARY

G.R.A.C.E. WEEK

We are once again focusing on G.R.A.C.E. as we seek to remind our students what it means to appreciate and love the imago dei in every person. G.R.A.C.E. stands for Gender, Resources, Ability, Color and Ethnicity. Our focus is to show our students how people of the opposite GENDER, people of different economic status (RESOURCES), people who lack certain ABILITIES (viewed as disabilities) and people who look different, talk different, and act different (COLOR AND ETHNICITY) are still very much image bearers of God…a quality we often embrace about ourselves, but often fail to see in others. This week students will have a chance to work through passages of Scripture in their special week-by-week to better understand what the Bible has to say about each of these areas.

YOU’RE INVITED: COFFEE WITH THE PRINCIPAL

We are excited to host our 3rd “Coffee with the Principal” for this school year! Our next gathering is scheduled for Thursday, February 13 at 8:15am. Mark your calendars and plan to join if you are able. Topics of discussion will include:

  • Semester 2 Events - What special activities and trips are planned for the Spring Semester?

  • Clubs - What challenges have we faced with clubs and how might we overcome those challenges in order to offer more clubs next school year?

  • 2025-2026 Ideas - Speaking of next school year, as we think through adjustments and improvements for next year, what would you like to see added or emphasized in anticipation of 2025-2026?

Want to join us for this time of fellowship and discussion? SIGN UP HERE

JUST READ QUARTER 3 

We want to invite all of our 4th and 5th graders to participate in our voluntary reading program this year called “Just Read”. Appropriately named, we “just want our students reading” outside of class time independently. Students should use the form below to record their reading for Q3 (third 9 weeks of school). Completed forms should be returned to your child’s homeroom teacher at the end of the Quarter with a prize coming from Mr. Vinson to all who complete the challenge!

Just Read Form Q3

Weekly Updates and Information

THIS WEEK IN CHAPEL

Mr. Vinson introduced the G.R.A.C.E. acronym in preparation to spend time discussing this next week. The students were encouraged to begin thinking through the truths we find all around us concerning how God created us. Students were challenged to think through these biblical truths:

G - ender: God makes us male and female intentionally.

R - esources: Be thankful, be content, be generous.

A - bility: God equips us all with different gifts so we can be the body of Christ.

C - olor and 

E - ethnicity: God designed us and called us to spread out to take dominion over the earth.

LIONS OF THE WEEK

  • 4th Grade - Jacob Cornejo

  • 5th Grade - Selah Henard

THIS WEEK’S MEMORY VERSE

As you may notice, 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 Goodness. Our hope is that these 20 verses will be remembered for years to come after being memorized for multiple years in Upper Elementary and Middle School. 

Hebrews 3:12-13

v. 12 Take care, brothers, lest there be in any of you an evil, unbelieving heart, leading you to fall away from the living God. v. 13 But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called “today,” that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.

HOUSE SYSTEM COMPETITION

Check out who is leading the competition at www.tcshouses.weebly.com.

UPPER ELEMENTARY ADMINISTRATIVE TEAM:

WE ARE HERE TO HELP!

Principal 

Director of Academics and Student Development 

Director of Curriculum and Instruction

  • Kristn Peavy (kristan.peavy@tcslions.org) - Mrs. Peavy provides direction and guidance related to each grade level’s curriculum. 

Academic Coordinator

  • Melissa Lanier (melissa.lanier@tcslions.org) - Mrs. Lanier oversees our class placement and return-to-academics process for students who have been absent. 

Director of Spiritual Development

UPPER ELEMENTARY HELPFUL LINKS AND REMINDERS:

24/25 SCHOOL CALENDAR - Stay in the know about upcoming breaks and holidays. 

PRE-ABSENCE FORM - Submit pre-planned absences 5 days ahead of time for approval.

DRESS CODE OVERVIEW- Check out this year’s guidelines.

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 OR tiffany.mcburnett@tcslions.org.

WANT TO CELEBRATE YOUR CHILD’S BIRTHDAY? 

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. 

  • Purchase birthday cart treat items from our snack cart for your child’s homeroom class for $25. Email our Director of Student Life, Tiffany McBurnett (tiffany.mcburnett@tcslions.org), if you would like to schedule a day. 

    • PLEASE GIVE A 2-DAY NOTICE SO PREPARATIONS CAN BE MADE

  • Send in prepackaged birthday treats purchased from a store for the homeroom class. 

  • Join your child for lunch (beginning in September) in the cafeteria.

IS YOUR CHILD SICK OR ABSENT?

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 homeroom teacher. 

  • WHAT IF MY CHILD IS 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 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. 

  • NOTE: If your child is sick, we want your child to focus on resting and healing before worrying about missing assignments. Please know our teachers will work diligently to help your child catch up once they are feeling well enough to complete assignments.

NEED TO ACCESS BLACKBAUD CLASSROOM INFORMATION?

Blackbaud is going to be your main source of information this year. Once you login, 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. Please click on your student’s homeroom class to see the weekly newsletter for 4th or 5th grade. Once you are in your student’s homeroom class, it will open up the Bulletin Board. Here is where you will find the clickable link for the newsletter that will be added each week. Any important information for the week will be found here. 

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’ Bulletin Board. Here you will find helpful information such as what to do should your student be absent. 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.

To recap:

  • Weekly newsletter is found on your student’s homeroom Bulletin Board.

  • Lesson plans, assignments, etc…are found in the specific classes Topic tab.

Inside the Pride Upper Elementary School News - Volume 251

Keeping you plugged into the exciting things happening at the Upper Elementary School

Published February 2, 2025

Volume 251

 

Adam Vinson - Upper Elementary School Principal

 

A MESSAGE FROM MR. VINSON

As we kick off the month of February, we will once again have our annual focus on G.R.A.C.E. as we seek to remind our students what it means to appreciate and love the imago dei in every person. G.R.A.C.E. stands for Gender, Resources, Ability, Color and Ethnicity. Our focus is to show our students how people of the opposite GENDER, people of different economic status (RESOURCES), people who lack certain ABILITIES (viewed as disabilities) and people who look different, talk different, and act different (COLOR AND ETHNICITY) are still very much image bearers of God…a quality we often embrace about ourselves, but often fail to see in others. We can look to Scripture to see Jesus modeling this approach as well. He was quick to target women who were often minimized in His culture, He was quick to seek out the poor as an application of the OT laws that were structured to support the poor, He ministered to the disabled…the very ones who the religious leaders were chastised for neglecting, and He sought those who were rejected for their color and/or ethnicity (the Samaritan woman being a great example). 

I believe Jesus wanted to ensure His commissioned disciples at the beginning of Acts would plant churches that were filled with all kinds of peoples, and that whether they came across slave or free, male or female, Jew or Gentile…that all would be viewed as image bearers of God who can have a place at that worship service in heaven (Rev 7:9). Throughout this month we will be reminding our students to embrace the Golden Rule taught by Jesus…that we ought to treat others in the ways we desire to be treated ourselves, especially those who are “different” than us.

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

UPCOMING UPPER ELEMENTARY DATES:

  • Feb 7 - Super Bowl Dress Down Day 

  • (wear your favorite team jersey)

  • Feb 10 - House Color Day

  • Feb 14 - Valentine’s Day Dress Down

    • (wear pink or red)

  • Feb 27 - Family Night 

    • (no homework or assessments)

  • Feb 28 - STEAM DAY

NEWS AND NOTES IN THE UPPER ELEMENTARY

SUPER BOWL DRESS DOWN DAY

Students are invited to wear their favorite sports team jersey, t-shirt or sweatshirt this Friday to celebrate the upcoming Super Bowl game on Sunday. No hats except for TCS hats.

YOU’RE INVITED: COFFEE WITH THE PRINCIPAL

We are excited to host our 3rd “Coffee with the Principal” for this school year! Our next gathering is scheduled for Thursday, February 13 at 8:15am. Mark your calendars and plan to join if you are able. Topics of discussion will include:

  • Semester 2 Events - What special activities and trips are planned for the Spring Semester?

  • Clubs - What challenges have we faced with clubs and how might we overcome those challenges in order to offer more clubs next school year?

  • 2025-2026 Ideas - Speaking of next school year, as we think through adjustments and improvements for next year, what would you like to see added or emphasized in anticipation of 2025-2026?

Want to join us for this time of fellowship and discussion? SIGN UP HERE

JUST READ QUARTER 3 

We want to invite all of our 4th and 5th graders to participate in our voluntary reading program this year called “Just Read”. Appropriately named, we “just want our students reading” outside of class time independently. Students should use the form below to record their reading for Q3 (third 9 weeks of school). Completed forms should be returned to your child’s homeroom teacher at the end of the Quarter with a prize coming from Mr. Vinson to all who complete the challenge!

Just Read Form Q3

Weekly Updates and Information

THIS WEEK IN CHAPEL

Pastor Cobb, FBC Senoia, shared with the students from Romans 12:1-2. He challenged the students in the question “How do I live for Jesus?”. He shared how as Christians we received a new heart which then brings new actions. Students were encouraged to think through whether they are conformers or transformers. We become transformed by no longer living for ourselves but as a living sacrifice to God.

LIONS OF THE WEEK

  • 4th Grade - Charlotte Poelman

  • 5th Grade - Laura Billings

THIS WEEK’S MEMORY VERSE

As you may notice, 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 Goodness. Our hope is that these 20 verses will be remembered for years to come after being memorized for multiple years in Upper Elementary and Middle School. 

Hebrews 3:12-13

v. 12 Take care, brothers, lest there be in any of you an evil, unbelieving heart, leading you to fall away from the living God. v. 13 But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called “today,” that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.

HOUSE SYSTEM COMPETITION

Check out who is leading the competition at www.tcshouses.weebly.com.

UPPER ELEMENTARY ADMINISTRATIVE TEAM:

WE ARE HERE TO HELP!

Principal 

Director of Academics and Student Development 

Director of Curriculum and Instruction

  • Kristn Peavy (kristan.peavy@tcslions.org) - Mrs. Peavy provides direction and guidance related to each grade level’s curriculum. 

Academic Coordinator

  • Melissa Lanier (melissa.lanier@tcslions.org) - Mrs. Lanier oversees our class placement and return-to-academics process for students who have been absent. 

Director of Spiritual Development

UPPER ELEMENTARY HELPFUL LINKS AND REMINDERS:

24/25 SCHOOL CALENDAR - Stay in the know about upcoming breaks and holidays. 

PRE-ABSENCE FORM - Submit pre-planned absences 5 days ahead of time for approval.

DRESS CODE OVERVIEW- Check out this year’s guidelines.

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 OR tiffany.mcburnett@tcslions.org.

WANT TO CELEBRATE YOUR CHILD’S BIRTHDAY? 

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. 

  • Purchase birthday cart treat items from our snack cart for your child’s homeroom class for $25. Email our Director of Student Life, Tiffany McBurnett (tiffany.mcburnett@tcslions.org), if you would like to schedule a day. 

    • PLEASE GIVE A 2-DAY NOTICE SO PREPARATIONS CAN BE MADE

  • Send in prepackaged birthday treats purchased from a store for the homeroom class. 

  • Join your child for lunch (beginning in September) in the cafeteria.

IS YOUR CHILD SICK OR ABSENT?

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 homeroom teacher. 

  • WHAT IF MY CHILD IS 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 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. 

  • NOTE: If your child is sick, we want your child to focus on resting and healing before worrying about missing assignments. Please know our teachers will work diligently to help your child catch up once they are feeling well enough to complete assignments.

NEED TO ACCESS BLACKBAUD CLASSROOM INFORMATION?

Blackbaud is going to be your main source of information this year. Once you login, 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. Please click on your student’s homeroom class to see the weekly newsletter for 4th or 5th grade. Once you are in your student’s homeroom class, it will open up the Bulletin Board. Here is where you will find the clickable link for the newsletter that will be added each week. Any important information for the week will be found here. 

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’ Bulletin Board. Here you will find helpful information such as what to do should your student be absent. 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.

To recap:

  • Weekly newsletter is found on your student’s homeroom Bulletin Board.

  • Lesson plans, assignments, etc…are found in the specific classes Topic tab.

Inside the Pride Upper Elementary School News - Volume 250

Keeping you plugged into the exciting things happening at the Upper Elementary School

Published January 26, 2025

Volume 250

 

Adam Vinson - Upper Elementary School Principal

 

A MESSAGE FROM MR. VINSON

We are looking forward to a bit of normalcy with this upcoming week as we return to school. What a blessing the extra rest was during our recent snow days! As we kick off a new week, don’t forget to make sure your child returns with all of their recent remote learning work complete. Let’s finish out the month of January strong!

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

UPCOMING UPPER ELEMENTARY DATES:

  • Feb 7 - Super Bowl Dress Down Day 

    • (wear your favorite team jersey)

  • Feb 10 - House Color Day

NEWS AND NOTES IN THE UPPER ELEMENTARY

YOU’RE INVITED: COFFEE WITH THE PRINCIPAL

We are excited to host our 3rd “Coffee with the Principal” for this school year! Our next gathering is scheduled for Thursday, February 13 at 8:15am. Mark your calendars and plan to join if you are able. Topics of discussion will include:

  • Semester 2 Events - What special activities and trips are planned for the Spring Semester?

  • Clubs - What challenges have we faced with clubs and how might we overcome those challenges in order to offer more clubs next school year?

  • 2025-2026 Ideas - Speaking of next school year, as we think through adjustments and improvements for next year, what would you like to see added or emphasized in anticipation of 2025-2026?

Want to join us for this time of fellowship and discussion? SIGN UP HERE

JUST READ QUARTER 3 

We want to invite all of our 4th and 5th graders to participate in our voluntary reading program this year called “Just Read”. Appropriately named, we “just want our students reading” outside of class time independently. Students should use the form below to record their reading for Q3 (third 9 weeks of school). Completed forms should be returned to your child’s homeroom teacher at the end of the Quarter with a prize coming from Mr. Vinson to all who complete the challenge!

Just Read Form Q3

Weekly Updates and Information

THIS WEEK IN CHAPEL

  • Returning next week

LIONS OF THE WEEK

  • Returning next week

THIS WEEK’S MEMORY VERSE

As you may notice, 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 Goodness. Our hope is that these 20 verses will be remembered for years to come after being memorized for multiple years in Upper Elementary and Middle School. 

Romans 12:1-2a

v. 1 I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. v. 2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind.

HOUSE SYSTEM COMPETITION

Check out who is leading the competition at www.tcshouses.weebly.com.

UPPER ELEMENTARY ADMINISTRATIVE TEAM:

WE ARE HERE TO HELP!

Principal 

Director of Academics and Student Development 

Director of Curriculum and Instruction

  • Kristn Peavy (kristan.peavy@tcslions.org) - Mrs. Peavy provides direction and guidance related to each grade level’s curriculum. 

Academic Coordinator

  • Melissa Lanier (melissa.lanier@tcslions.org) - Mrs. Lanier oversees our class placement and return-to-academics process for students who have been absent. 

Director of Spiritual Development

UPPER ELEMENTARY HELPFUL LINKS AND REMINDERS:

24/25 SCHOOL CALENDAR - Stay in the know about upcoming breaks and holidays. 

PRE-ABSENCE FORM - Submit pre-planned absences 5 days ahead of time for approval.

DRESS CODE OVERVIEW- Check out this year’s guidelines.

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 OR tiffany.mcburnett@tcslions.org.

WANT TO CELEBRATE YOUR CHILD’S BIRTHDAY? 

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. 

  • Purchase birthday cart treat items from our snack cart for your child’s homeroom class for $25. Email our Director of Student Life, Tiffany McBurnett (tiffany.mcburnett@tcslions.org), if you would like to schedule a day. 

    • PLEASE GIVE A 2-DAY NOTICE SO PREPARATIONS CAN BE MADE

  • Send in prepackaged birthday treats purchased from a store for the homeroom class. 

  • Join your child for lunch (beginning in September) in the cafeteria.

IS YOUR CHILD SICK OR ABSENT?

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 homeroom teacher. 

  • WHAT IF MY CHILD IS 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 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. 

  • NOTE: If your child is sick, we want your child to focus on resting and healing before worrying about missing assignments. Please know our teachers will work diligently to help your child catch up once they are feeling well enough to complete assignments.

NEED TO ACCESS BLACKBAUD CLASSROOM INFORMATION?

Blackbaud is going to be your main source of information this year. Once you login, 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. Please click on your student’s homeroom class to see the weekly newsletter for 4th or 5th grade. Once you are in your student’s homeroom class, it will open up the Bulletin Board. Here is where you will find the clickable link for the newsletter that will be added each week. Any important information for the week will be found here. 

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’ Bulletin Board. Here you will find helpful information such as what to do should your student be absent. 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.

To recap:

  • Weekly newsletter is found on your student’s homeroom Bulletin Board.

  • Lesson plans, assignments, etc…are found in the specific classes Topic tab.

Inside the Pride Upper Elementary School News - Volume 249

Keeping you plugged into the exciting things happening at the Upper Elementary School

Published January 19, 2025

Volume 249

 

Adam Vinson - Upper Elementary School Principal

 

A MESSAGE FROM MR. VINSON

We hope you are enjoying another restful long weekend! Don’t forget that your child’s remote learning work (history) from Friday will be due when we return to campus this week. In the meantime, we hope you enjoy the extended family time!

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

UPCOMING UPPER ELEMENTARY DATES:

  • Jan 17 - Remote Learning Day

  • Jan 20 - MLK Holiday (No School)

  • Feb 7 - Super Bowl Dress Down Day 

    • (wear your favorite team jersey)

  • Feb 10 - House Color Day

NEWS AND NOTES IN THE UPPER ELEMENTARY

YOU’RE INVITED: COFFEE WITH THE PRINCIPAL

We are excited to host our 3rd “Coffee with the Principal” for this school year! Our next gathering is scheduled for Thursday, February 13 at 8:15am. Mark your calendars and plan to join if you are able. Topics of discussion will include:

  • Semester 2 Events - What special activities and trips are planned for the Spring Semester?

  • Clubs - What challenges have we faced with clubs and how might we overcome those challenges in order to offer more clubs next school year?

  • 2025-2026 Ideas - Speaking of next school year, as we think through adjustments and improvements for next year, what would you like to see added or emphasized in anticipation of 2025-2026?

Want to join us for this time of fellowship and discussion? SIGN UP HERE

JUST READ QUARTER 3 

We want to invite all of our 4th and 5th graders to participate in our voluntary reading program this year called “Just Read”. Appropriately named, we “just want our students reading” outside of class time independently. Students should use the form below to record their reading for Q3 (third 9 weeks of school). Completed forms should be returned to your child’s homeroom teacher at the end of the Quarter with a prize coming from Mr. Vinson to all who complete the challenge!

Just Read Form Q3

Weekly Updates and Information

THIS WEEK IN CHAPEL

Upper Elementary had chapel in their classrooms this week focused on 1 John 5:1-3. They were challenged with the truth that our salvation in Jesus calls us to live in obedience with a love for God and others. The students were encouraged to trust that Jesus saves those who place their faith in Him. In light of this salvation, we love God by obeying His commandments.

LIONS OF THE WEEK

  • Returning next week

THIS WEEK’S MEMORY VERSE

As you may notice, 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 Goodness. Our hope is that these 20 verses will be remembered for years to come after being memorized for multiple years in Upper Elementary and Middle School. 

Romans 12:1-2a

v. 1 I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. v. 2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind.

HOUSE SYSTEM COMPETITION

Check out who is leading the competition at www.tcshouses.weebly.com.

UPPER ELEMENTARY ADMINISTRATIVE TEAM:

WE ARE HERE TO HELP!

Principal 

Director of Academics and Student Development 

Director of Curriculum and Instruction

  • Kristn Peavy (kristan.peavy@tcslions.org) - Mrs. Peavy provides direction and guidance related to each grade level’s curriculum. 

Academic Coordinator

  • Melissa Lanier (melissa.lanier@tcslions.org) - Mrs. Lanier oversees our class placement and return-to-academics process for students who have been absent. 

Director of Spiritual Development

UPPER ELEMENTARY HELPFUL LINKS AND REMINDERS:

24/25 SCHOOL CALENDAR - Stay in the know about upcoming breaks and holidays. 

PRE-ABSENCE FORM - Submit pre-planned absences 5 days ahead of time for approval.

DRESS CODE OVERVIEW- Check out this year’s guidelines.

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 OR tiffany.mcburnett@tcslions.org.

WANT TO CELEBRATE YOUR CHILD’S BIRTHDAY? 

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. 

  • Purchase birthday cart treat items from our snack cart for your child’s homeroom class for $25. Email our Director of Student Life, Tiffany McBurnett (tiffany.mcburnett@tcslions.org), if you would like to schedule a day. 

    • PLEASE GIVE A 2-DAY NOTICE SO PREPARATIONS CAN BE MADE

  • Send in prepackaged birthday treats purchased from a store for the homeroom class. 

  • Join your child for lunch (beginning in September) in the cafeteria.

IS YOUR CHILD SICK OR ABSENT?

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 homeroom teacher. 

  • WHAT IF MY CHILD IS 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 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. 

  • NOTE: If your child is sick, we want your child to focus on resting and healing before worrying about missing assignments. Please know our teachers will work diligently to help your child catch up once they are feeling well enough to complete assignments.

NEED TO ACCESS BLACKBAUD CLASSROOM INFORMATION?

Blackbaud is going to be your main source of information this year. Once you login, 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. Please click on your student’s homeroom class to see the weekly newsletter for 4th or 5th grade. Once you are in your student’s homeroom class, it will open up the Bulletin Board. Here is where you will find the clickable link for the newsletter that will be added each week. Any important information for the week will be found here. 

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’ Bulletin Board. Here you will find helpful information such as what to do should your student be absent. 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.

To recap:

  • Weekly newsletter is found on your student’s homeroom Bulletin Board.

  • Lesson plans, assignments, etc…are found in the specific classes Topic tab.

Inside the Pride Upper Elementary School News - Volume 248

Keeping you plugged into the exciting things happening at the Upper Elementary School

Published January 12, 2025

Volume 248

 

Adam Vinson - Upper Elementary School Principal

 

A MESSAGE FROM MR. VINSON

Happy long weekend! We hope you have enjoyed the extended time at home and that you remained safe and warm throughout the storm on Friday. As a quick reminder, due to the cancellation of school on Friday, work or assessments that were originally due on Friday will now be due on Monday unless otherwise communicated by the teacher. Please make sure your child is ready to submit any work and is prepared for any assessments as we return to campus this week.

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

UPCOMING UPPER ELEMENTARY DATES:

  • Jan 15 - 100 Days of School

  • Jan 17 - Grandparents’ Day

  • Jan 17 - Remote Learning Day

  • Jan 20 - MLK Holiday (No School)

  • Feb 7 - Super Bowl Dress Down Day 

    • (wear your favorite team jersey)

  • Feb 10 - House Color Day

NEWS AND NOTES IN THE UPPER ELEMENTARY

YOU’RE INVITED: COFFEE WITH THE PRINCIPAL

We are excited to host our 3rd “Coffee with the Principal” for this school year! Our next gathering is scheduled for Thursday, February 13 at 8:15am. Mark your calendars and plan to join if you are able. Topics of discussion will include:

  • Semester 2 Events - What special activities and trips are planned for the Spring Semester?

  • Clubs - What challenges have we faced with clubs and how might we overcome those challenges in order to offer more clubs next school year?

  • 2025-2026 Ideas - Speaking of next school year, as we think through adjustments and improvements for next year, what would you like to see added or emphasized in anticipation of 2025-2026?

Want to join us for this time of fellowship and discussion? SIGN UP HERE

QUARTER 2 PRIDE PERFORMERS

Congratulations to the following students who are being acknowledged by their teachers for their hard work and outstanding effort during Quarter 2. These students were identified as individuals who sought to do their very best by “filling it to the brim” in the classroom. Great job upper elementary students!

  • 4th Grade ELA - Jacob Cornejo

  • 4th Grade Math - Lilly Koenig

  • 4th Grade History - Grady Paschal

  • 4th Grade Reading - Reagan Bartlett

  • 5th Grade ELA - Sara McEwen

  • 5th Grade Math - Kate Culpepper

  • 5th Grade History - Cam Calvert

  • 5th Grade Reading - Livia McMichael

100 DAYS OF SCHOOL CELEBRATION

We will hit the 100th day of school mark on Wednesday, January 15. To celebrate, students are encouraged to wear bright, neon colors to highlight the “brighter” side of all they have accomplished so far!

BOOK FAIR

The Book Fair is coming this week!  We will be taking the 4th graders to shop on MONDAY 1/13 and the 5th graders on TUESDAY, 1/14 during the school day. These will be the only days that we will be taking students to shop. Just a reminder that the fair runs from Monday, January 13 - Friday, January 17th in Building 5 in the 1st-floor Student Lounge! Parent Night is Tuesday, 1/14 from 4-7pm if you would like to come and shop with your child. Be sure to remind the grandparents to stop by on Grandparent's Day on Friday, 1/17, too!

REMINDER: GRANDPARENTS’ DAY AND REMOTE LEARNING

Don’t forget that coming up on Friday, January 17, we will be celebrating our Grandparents’ and Special Friends’ Day at TCS. This will also serve as a remote learning day too.

JUST READ QUARTER 3 

We want to invite all of our 4th and 5th graders to participate in our voluntary reading program this year called “Just Read”. Appropriately named, we “just want our students reading” outside of class time independently. Students should use the form below to record their reading for Q3 (third 9 weeks of school). Completed forms should be returned to your child’s homeroom teacher at the end of the Quarter with a prize coming from Mr. Vinson to all who complete the challenge!

Just Read Form Q3

Weekly Updates and Information

THIS WEEK IN CHAPEL

Mr. Vinson began the second semester looking to Psalm 119:68 about God’s goodness. He shared with the students that because God is good and because God does good, it is good for me to do all that he tells me to do. The students were challenged to take the truth of who God is and to follow in obedience for joy and satisfaction.

LIONS OF THE WEEK

  • 4th Grade - Janonvia Tipton

  • 5th Grade - Joe Gilbert

THIS WEEK’S MEMORY VERSE

As you may notice, 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 Goodness. Our hope is that these 20 verses will be remembered for years to come after being memorized for multiple years in Upper Elementary and Middle School. 

Galatians 6:7-8

v. 7 Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. 

v. 8 For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life.

HOUSE SYSTEM COMPETITION

Check out who is leading the competition at www.tcshouses.weebly.com.

UPPER ELEMENTARY ADMINISTRATIVE TEAM:

WE ARE HERE TO HELP!

Principal 

Director of Academics and Student Development 

Director of Curriculum and Instruction

  • Kristn Peavy (kristan.peavy@tcslions.org) - Mrs. Peavy provides direction and guidance related to each grade level’s curriculum. 

Academic Coordinator

  • Melissa Lanier (melissa.lanier@tcslions.org) - Mrs. Lanier oversees our class placement and return-to-academics process for students who have been absent. 

Director of Spiritual Development

UPPER ELEMENTARY HELPFUL LINKS AND REMINDERS:

24/25 SCHOOL CALENDAR - Stay in the know about upcoming breaks and holidays. 

PRE-ABSENCE FORM - Submit pre-planned absences 5 days ahead of time for approval.

DRESS CODE OVERVIEW- Check out this year’s guidelines.

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 OR tiffany.mcburnett@tcslions.org.

WANT TO CELEBRATE YOUR CHILD’S BIRTHDAY? 

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. 

  • Purchase birthday cart treat items from our snack cart for your child’s homeroom class for $25. Email our Director of Student Life, Tiffany McBurnett (tiffany.mcburnett@tcslions.org), if you would like to schedule a day. 

    • PLEASE GIVE A 2-DAY NOTICE SO PREPARATIONS CAN BE MADE

  • Send in prepackaged birthday treats purchased from a store for the homeroom class. 

  • Join your child for lunch (beginning in September) in the cafeteria.

IS YOUR CHILD SICK OR ABSENT?

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 homeroom teacher. 

  • WHAT IF MY CHILD IS 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 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. 

  • NOTE: If your child is sick, we want your child to focus on resting and healing before worrying about missing assignments. Please know our teachers will work diligently to help your child catch up once they are feeling well enough to complete assignments.

NEED TO ACCESS BLACKBAUD CLASSROOM INFORMATION?

Blackbaud is going to be your main source of information this year. Once you login, 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. Please click on your student’s homeroom class to see the weekly newsletter for 4th or 5th grade. Once you are in your student’s homeroom class, it will open up the Bulletin Board. Here is where you will find the clickable link for the newsletter that will be added each week. Any important information for the week will be found here. 

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’ Bulletin Board. Here you will find helpful information such as what to do should your student be absent. 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.

To recap:

  • Weekly newsletter is found on your student’s homeroom Bulletin Board.

  • Lesson plans, assignments, etc…are found in the specific classes Topic tab.

Inside the Pride Upper Elementary School News - Volume 247

Keeping you plugged into the exciting things happening at the Upper Elementary School

Published January 5, 2025

Volume 247

 

Adam Vinson - Upper Elementary School Principal

 

A MESSAGE FROM MR. VINSON

2 Thessalonians 1:11–12

To this end we always pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of his calling and may fulfill every resolve for good and every work of faith by his power, so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Welcome back and happy 2025! As we kick off the new calendar year, along with Semester 2 of the 2024/2025 school year, we are praying that God will do an incredible work in the lives of our students. The new year is a time for “resolutions,” and we are praying specifically as a staff that the LORD would fulfill every resolution He has to work good in the hearts and minds of each of our students. May these next 5 months be an amazing season of growth as our students continue to deepen their understanding of who God is and what He desires for each of them.

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

UPCOMING UPPER ELEMENTARY DATES:

  • Jan 6 - Return from Christmas Break

  • Jan 7 - House Color/Competition Day

  • Jan 17 - Grandparents’ Day 

  • Jan 17 - Remote Learning Day

NEWS AND NOTES IN THE UPPER ELEMENTARY

HOUSE COLOR DAY TUESDAY

Don’t forget to wear ORANGE (Nee House - 4th) or BLACK (Wycliffe House - 5th) this Tuesday as we kick off Semester 2 with a House Color Day!

REMINDER: GRANDPARENTS’ DAY AND REMOTE LEARNING

Don’t forget that coming up on Friday, January 17, we will be celebrating our Grandparents’ and Special Friends’ Day at TCS. This will also serve as a remote learning day too.

JUST READ QUARTER 3 

We want to invite all of our 4th and 5th graders to participate in our voluntary reading program this year called “Just Read”. Appropriately named, we “just want our students reading” outside of class time independently. Students should use the form below to record their reading for Q3 (third 9 weeks of school). Completed forms should be returned to your child’s homeroom teacher at the end of the Quarter with a prize coming from Mr. Vinson to all who complete the challenge!

Just Read Form Q3

Weekly Updates and Information

THIS WEEK IN CHAPEL

Returning next week

LIONS OF THE WEEK

  • Returning next week

THIS WEEK’S MEMORY VERSE

As you may notice, 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 Goodness. Our hope is that these 20 verses will be remembered for years to come after being memorized for multiple years in Upper Elementary and Middle School. 

Week of January 6 - No Memory Verse Assessment

HOUSE SYSTEM COMPETITION

Check out who is leading the competition at www.tcshouses.weebly.com.

UPPER ELEMENTARY ADMINISTRATIVE TEAM:

WE ARE HERE TO HELP!

Principal 

Director of Academics and Student Development 

Director of Curriculum and Instruction

  • Kristn Peavy (kristan.peavy@tcslions.org) - Mrs. Peavy provides direction and guidance related to each grade level’s curriculum. 

Academic Coordinator

  • Melissa Lanier (melissa.lanier@tcslions.org) - Mrs. Lanier oversees our class placement and return-to-academics process for students who have been absent. 

Director of Spiritual Development

UPPER ELEMENTARY HELPFUL LINKS AND REMINDERS:

24/25 SCHOOL CALENDAR - Stay in the know about upcoming breaks and holidays. 

PRE-ABSENCE FORM - Submit pre-planned absences 5 days ahead of time for approval.

DRESS CODE OVERVIEW- Check out this year’s guidelines.

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 OR tiffany.mcburnett@tcslions.org.

WANT TO CELEBRATE YOUR CHILD’S BIRTHDAY? 

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. 

  • Purchase birthday cart treat items from our snack cart for your child’s homeroom class for $25. Email our Director of Student Life, Tiffany McBurnett (tiffany.mcburnett@tcslions.org), if you would like to schedule a day. 

    • PLEASE GIVE A 2-DAY NOTICE SO PREPARATIONS CAN BE MADE

  • Send in prepackaged birthday treats purchased from a store for the homeroom class. 

  • Join your child for lunch (beginning in September) in the cafeteria.

IS YOUR CHILD SICK OR ABSENT?

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 homeroom teacher. 

  • WHAT IF MY CHILD IS 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 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. 

  • NOTE: If your child is sick, we want your child to focus on resting and healing before worrying about missing assignments. Please know our teachers will work diligently to help your child catch up once they are feeling well enough to complete assignments.

NEED TO ACCESS BLACKBAUD CLASSROOM INFORMATION?

Blackbaud is going to be your main source of information this year. Once you login, 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. Please click on your student’s homeroom class to see the weekly newsletter for 4th or 5th grade. Once you are in your student’s homeroom class, it will open up the Bulletin Board. Here is where you will find the clickable link for the newsletter that will be added each week. Any important information for the week will be found here. 

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’ Bulletin Board. Here you will find helpful information such as what to do should your student be absent. 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.

To recap:

  • Weekly newsletter is found on your student’s homeroom Bulletin Board.

  • Lesson plans, assignments, etc…are found in the specific classes Topic tab.

Inside the Pride Upper Elementary School News - Volume 246

Keeping you plugged into the exciting things happening at the Upper Elementary School

Published December 15, 2024

Volume 246

 

Adam Vinson - Upper Elementary School Principal

 

A MESSAGE FROM MR. VINSON

We are wrapping up Semester 1 in just a few short days and then it’s 2 weeks of Christmas Break! It has been an incredible school year so far, and we are so thankful to our King for all the ways He has provided and blessed us throughout Quarter 1 and 2. We are looking forward to a strong finish with final activities this week. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any final questions or concerns.

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

UPCOMING UPPER ELEMENTARY DATES:

  • Dec 19 - Christmas Movie Day at NCG

  • Dec 20 - Remote Learning Day

  • Jan 6 - Return from Christmas Break

NEWS AND NOTES IN THE UPPER ELEMENTARY

LAST WEEK DRESS-DOWN DAYS

In addition to our dress-down option for the first two weeks of December, we will have special dress-down days for the final week before Christmas Break as well. 

Check out the schedule below:

  • Monday, Dec 16 – Rudolph Red or Grinch Green

  • Tuesday, Dec 17 - Tacky/Ugly Christmas Sweater 

  • Wednesday, Dec 18 - Winter Wonderland (Blue/White)

  • Thursday, Dec 19 - Christmas Pajamas

PROGRESS LEARNING MID-YEAR TESTING

In our English, Reading, and Math courses we have been tracking your child's academic progress in a variety of ways. One way we track academic progress in these core areas is through Progress Learning Benchmark assessments in August, December, and May. 

We want you to be aware of your child's academic progress. Your child's December Progress Learning Benchmark score will be posted by next Friday, December 20th in the course's gradebook for this quarter. The score does not impact the student's grade. 

Please see the email from Kristan Peavy for guidance on Progress Learning Benchmark target scores for August, December, and May. 

After checking the "December Progress Learning Benchmark" in the gradebook, if you have any questions or concerns please feel free to email kristan.peavy@tcslions.org and she will be happy to answer any questions.

CHRISTMAS PARTY AND MOVIE DAY

On Thursday, December 19 our Upper Elementary students will have their Christmas parties at NCG theater while watching a Christmas movie with their grade level. Check out the details below in preparation for the celebration. 

  1. Students may be dropped off at NCG Theatre at 7:30am. Students who need to be dropped off prior to 7:30 am will be transported over to NCG. Transportation will be limited so to ensure everyone is in place in time for the movie, please try to make arrangements for the 7:30 am drop off. 

  2. The movies will begin around 8:30 am for those parents who plan on attending. 

  3. Students may be picked up after the movie at 10:30 am. Students will need to be signed out with their homeroom teacher. Students who are not picked up will be transported back to main campus for lunch and normal dismissal times.

DISMISSAL DETAILS FOR OPTIONAL HALF DAYS

As we look towards next week’s dismissal process, please review the important information below as it relates to Tuesday, Dec 17, Wednesday, Dec 18 and Thursday, Dec 19. 

  1. 1st Dismissal will begin at 12:30pm. Please note the office will close at 12:15pm in anticipation of the heavy dismissal load during that time. 

  2. The office will reopen at the conclusion of the 12:3opm dismissal. 

  3. High schoolers will be released at 12:15pm but will not be permitted to pick their sibling up until 12:30pm. 

  4. Students needing to be picked up after the 12:30pm dismissal, but before the 3:00pm dismissal will need to be checked out from the front office. 

  5. 2nd Dismissal will begin at 3:00pm and will run no longer than 3:30pm. Students who are not picked up by 3:30pm will be sent to After School/Extended Day.


NEW UPPER ELEMENTARY SPIRIT WEAR AVAILABLE

Check out this year’s spirit wear options designed by our middle school team. You can order t-shirts and hoodies through the link below. 

NEED A HOUSE COLOR SHIRT TOO?

We have you covered with a link to shirts for Elliot, Lewis, Nee, Robinson, and Wycliffe as well. This includes our newly rebranded orange Nee house shirt!

JUST READ QUARTER 2 

We want to invite all of our 4th and 5th graders to participate in our voluntary reading program this year called “Just Read”. Appropriately named, we “just want our students reading” outside of class time independently. Students should use the form below to record their reading for Q2 (second 9 weeks of school). Completed forms should be returned to your child’s homeroom teacher at the end of the Quarter with a prize coming from Mr. Vinson to all who complete the challenge!

Quarter 2 Just Read Form

Weekly Updates and Information

THIS WEEK IN CHAPEL

Students enjoy chapel in their homerooms with their teacher.

LIONS OF THE WEEK

  • 4th Grade - Returning Next Semester

  • 5th Grade - Returning Next Semester

THIS WEEK’S MEMORY VERSE

As you may notice, 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 Goodness. Our hope is that these 20 verses will be remembered for years to come after being memorized for multiple years in Upper Elementary and Middle School. 

John 10:10

v. 10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. 

I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.

HOUSE SYSTEM COMPETITION

Check out who is leading the competition at www.tcshouses.weebly.com.

UPPER ELEMENTARY ADMINISTRATIVE TEAM:

WE ARE HERE TO HELP!

Principal 

Director of Academics and Student Development 

Director of Curriculum and Instruction

  • Kristn Peavy (kristan.peavy@tcslions.org) - Mrs. Peavy provides direction and guidance related to each grade level’s curriculum. 

Academic Coordinator

  • Melissa Lanier (melissa.lanier@tcslions.org) - Mrs. Lanier oversees our class placement and return-to-academics process for students who have been absent. 

Director of Spiritual Development

UPPER ELEMENTARY HELPFUL LINKS AND REMINDERS:

24/25 SCHOOL CALENDAR - Stay in the know about upcoming breaks and holidays. 

PRE-ABSENCE FORM - Submit pre-planned absences 5 days ahead of time for approval.

DRESS CODE OVERVIEW- Check out this year’s guidelines.

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 OR tiffany.mcburnett@tcslions.org.

WANT TO CELEBRATE YOUR CHILD’S BIRTHDAY? 

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. 

  • Purchase birthday cart treat items from our snack cart for your child’s homeroom class for $25. Email our Director of Student Life, Tiffany McBurnett (tiffany.mcburnett@tcslions.org), if you would like to schedule a day. 

    • PLEASE GIVE A 2-DAY NOTICE SO PREPARATIONS CAN BE MADE

  • Send in prepackaged birthday treats purchased from a store for the homeroom class. 

  • Join your child for lunch (beginning in September) in the cafeteria.

IS YOUR CHILD SICK OR ABSENT?

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 homeroom teacher. 

  • WHAT IF MY CHILD IS 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 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. 

  • NOTE: If your child is sick, we want your child to focus on resting and healing before worrying about missing assignments. Please know our teachers will work diligently to help your child catch up once they are feeling well enough to complete assignments.

NEED TO ACCESS BLACKBAUD CLASSROOM INFORMATION?

Blackbaud is going to be your main source of information this year. Once you login, 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. Please click on your student’s homeroom class to see the weekly newsletter for 4th or 5th grade. Once you are in your student’s homeroom class, it will open up the Bulletin Board. Here is where you will find the clickable link for the newsletter that will be added each week. Any important information for the week will be found here. 

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’ Bulletin Board. Here you will find helpful information such as what to do should your student be absent. 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.

To recap:

  • Weekly newsletter is found on your student’s homeroom Bulletin Board.

  • Lesson plans, assignments, etc…are found in the specific classes Topic tab.

Inside the Pride Upper Elementary School News - Volume 245

Keeping you plugged into the exciting things happening at the Upper Elementary School

Published December 8, 2024

Volume 245

 

Adam Vinson - Upper Elementary School Principal

 

A MESSAGE FROM MR. VINSON

One of my favorite Christmas songs growing up was always “Little Drummer Boy”. I can still remember our annual church Christmas party and the older lady who would always gather the children up on stage while playing her guitar to sing the song with us. Now that I am older, I still love this old song, and I’ve particularly fallen in love with For King and Country’s rendition of it. In addition to the excellent drum components of the song, I absolutely love the heart behind this Christmas carol. The idea is that this young boy wants to bring an offering to the King, and his best idea is to use the talent he has been given for Him specifically. This absolutely captures the heart of TCS. We are committed to helping our students embrace this mindset that the talents and gifts they possess have been given to them by God to be used for His glory. As we celebrate this Christmas season, let us all be intentional to bring whatever we have to the foot of our King as a means of worshipping Him.

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

UPCOMING UPPER ELEMENTARY DATES:

  • Dec 9 - Progress Learning (English)

  • Dec 9 - Orchestra Concert

  • Dec 10 - Band Concert

  • Dec 13 - House Color Day

  • Dec 19 - Christmas Movie Day at NCG

  • Dec 20 - Remote Learning Day

NEWS AND NOTES IN THE UPPER ELEMENTARY

PRE-CHRISTMAS WEEK DRESS-DOWN DAYS

In addition to our dress-down option for the first two weeks of December, we will have special dress-down days for the final week before Christmas Break as well. 

Check out the schedule below:

  • Monday, Dec 16 – Rudolph Red or Grinch Green

  • Tuesday, Dec 17 - Tacky/Ugly Christmas Sweater 

  • Wednesday, Dec 18 - Winter Wonderland (Blue/White)

  • Thursday, Dec 19 - Christmas Pajamas

PROGRESS LEARNING MID-YEAR TESTING

Our English Progress Learning tests will begin on Monday, December 9. Please encourage your child to do their very best as we look to assess their progress so far this school year.

CHRISTMAS PARTY AND MOVIE DAY

On Thursday, December 19 our Upper Elementary students will have their Christmas parties at NCG theater while watching a Christmas movie with their grade level. Students will have the option to purchase popcorn (see Mrs. McBurnett’s email coming after Thanksgiving Break). More details to come but mark your calendars for this special day. Parents are encouraged to join us!

OPTIONAL EARLY DISMISSAL REMINDER

We will be offering optional half-day dismissals starting on Tuesday, Dec 17 through Thurs, Dec 19 at 12:30pm. Students may remain at school if you choose as we will plan to run a second dismissal at 3:00pm. Students who are not picked up after the second dismissal will be sent to after-school like normal. More details will be coming in the next few weeks, but we wanted to go ahead and let you plan accordingly for the option that will serve your family best that last week of school before Christmas Break.


NEW UPPER ELEMENTARY SPIRIT WEAR AVAILABLE

Check out this year’s spirit wear options designed by our middle school team. You can order t-shirts and hoodies through the link below. 

NEED A HOUSE COLOR SHIRT TOO?

We have you covered with a link to shirts for Elliot, Lewis, Nee, Robinson, and Wycliffe as well. This includes our newly rebranded orange Nee house shirt!

JUST READ QUARTER 2 

We want to invite all of our 4th and 5th graders to participate in our voluntary reading program this year called “Just Read”. Appropriately named, we “just want our students reading” outside of class time independently. Students should use the form below to record their reading for Q2 (second 9 weeks of school). Completed forms should be returned to your child’s homeroom teacher at the end of the Quarter with a prize coming from Mr. Vinson to all who complete the challenge!

Quarter 2 Just Read Form

Weekly Updates and Information

THIS WEEK IN CHAPEL

Coach Settle shared from Luke 2:8-20 about the message of the coming Messiah. The students were challenged to think about why we celebrate during this season and the promise of salvation in the birth of Jesus.

LIONS OF THE WEEK

Students who have been recognized by their teachers for setting a good example and making right choices during the school day. 

  • 4th Grade - Brooke Campbell

  • 5th Grade - Emma Christmas

THIS WEEK’S MEMORY VERSE

As you may notice, 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 Goodness. Our hope is that these 20 verses will be remembered for years to come after being memorized for multiple years in Upper Elementary and Middle School. 

John 10:10

v. 10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. 

I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.

HOUSE SYSTEM COMPETITION

Check out who is leading the competition at www.tcshouses.weebly.com.

UPPER ELEMENTARY ADMINISTRATIVE TEAM:

WE ARE HERE TO HELP!

Principal 

Director of Academics and Student Development 

Director of Curriculum and Instruction

  • Kristn Peavy (kristan.peavy@tcslions.org) - Mrs. Peavy provides direction and guidance related to each grade level’s curriculum. 

Academic Coordinator

  • Melissa Lanier (melissa.lanier@tcslions.org) - Mrs. Lanier oversees our class placement and return-to-academics process for students who have been absent. 

Director of Spiritual Development

UPPER ELEMENTARY HELPFUL LINKS AND REMINDERS:

24/25 SCHOOL CALENDAR - Stay in the know about upcoming breaks and holidays. 

PRE-ABSENCE FORM - Submit pre-planned absences 5 days ahead of time for approval.

DRESS CODE OVERVIEW- Check out this year’s guidelines.

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 OR tiffany.mcburnett@tcslions.org.

WANT TO CELEBRATE YOUR CHILD’S BIRTHDAY? 

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. 

  • Purchase birthday cart treat items from our snack cart for your child’s homeroom class for $25. Email our Director of Student Life, Tiffany McBurnett (tiffany.mcburnett@tcslions.org), if you would like to schedule a day. 

    • PLEASE GIVE A 2-DAY NOTICE SO PREPARATIONS CAN BE MADE

  • Send in prepackaged birthday treats purchased from a store for the homeroom class. 

  • Join your child for lunch (beginning in September) in the cafeteria.

IS YOUR CHILD SICK OR ABSENT?

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 homeroom teacher. 

  • WHAT IF MY CHILD IS 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 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. 

  • NOTE: If your child is sick, we want your child to focus on resting and healing before worrying about missing assignments. Please know our teachers will work diligently to help your child catch up once they are feeling well enough to complete assignments.

NEED TO ACCESS BLACKBAUD CLASSROOM INFORMATION?

Blackbaud is going to be your main source of information this year. Once you login, 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. Please click on your student’s homeroom class to see the weekly newsletter for 4th or 5th grade. Once you are in your student’s homeroom class, it will open up the Bulletin Board. Here is where you will find the clickable link for the newsletter that will be added each week. Any important information for the week will be found here. 

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’ Bulletin Board. Here you will find helpful information such as what to do should your student be absent. 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.

To recap:

  • Weekly newsletter is found on your student’s homeroom Bulletin Board.

  • Lesson plans, assignments, etc…are found in the specific classes Topic tab.

Inside the Pride Upper Elementary School News - Volume 244

Keeping you plugged into the exciting things happening at the Upper Elementary School

Published December 1, 2024

Volume 244

 

Adam Vinson - Upper Elementary School Principal

 

A MESSAGE FROM MR. VINSON

We are excited to welcome all of our students back to campus as we kick off the Christmas season! May these next three weeks be filled with opportunities seized to honor the King who has come to take away the sins of the world!

Be sure to reference this week’s Inside the Pride issue, along with the upcoming issues, in order to stay on top of all the Christmas celebrations taking place. As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out to me directly.

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

UPCOMING UPPER ELEMENTARY DATES:

  • Dec 3 - Progress Learning (Math)

  • Dec 3 - Chorus Concert

  • Dec 5 - Coffee with the Principal

  • Dec 9 - Progress Learning (English)

  • Dec 9 - Orchestra Concert

  • Dec 10 - Band Concert

  • Dec 13 - House Color Day

  • Dec 19 - Christmas Movie Day at NCG

  • Dec 20 - Remote Learning Day

NEWS AND NOTES IN THE UPPER ELEMENTARY

UPPER ELEMENTARY CHRISTMAS TRADITIONS

As we look towards the month of December, here is a quick preview of some of our annual upper elementary traditions for Christmas that will be coming!

“Holly Jolly Trolly” - Each year Mr. Vinson provides a special snack cart full of holiday treats for our upper elementary students to enjoy. The Holly Jolly Trolly will run from Dec 3-13. Students should bring $1-2 each day if they want to purchase something at lunch.

Dress Down December - To help raise funds for our middle school overnight experiences, we offer our upper elementary students the opportunity to wear Crocs and/or pajama pants/sweatpants for December.

DRESS DOWN DECEMBER

Students can pay $25 to wear sweatpants/pajama pants and/or Crocs for the first 2 weeks we are back from Thanksgiving Break (Dec 2-13). Students are required to wear TCS-approved dress code shirts/spirit wear. Use the form sent by Mrs. McBurnett to purchase this dress-down option. All money raised will be used to offset the cost of our middle school overnight experiences this year.

CHRISTMAS WEEK DRESS-DOWN DAYS

In addition to our dress-down option for the first two weeks of December, we will have special dress-down days for the final week before Christmas Break as well. 

Check out the schedule below:

  • Monday, Dec 16 – Rudolph Red or Grinch Green

  • Tuesday, Dec 17 - Tacky/Ugly Christmas Sweater 

  • Wednesday, Dec 18 - Winter Wonderland (Blue/White)

  • Thursday, Dec 19 - Christmas Pajamas

You are invited to our 2nd Coffee with the Principal of the school year on Thursday, Dec 5. Mark your calendars now for this time of fellowship and discussion together. Last time we had a chance to discuss spiritual formation, standardized testing, and artificial intelligence. Check out the topics we plan to discuss at this upcoming meeting: 

  • Sage Lunch

  • Blackbaud

  • Remote Learning

SIGN UP LINK: Sign up here if you would like to participate in this time of fellowship.

PROGRESS LEARNING MID-YEAR TESTING

When we return from Thanksgiving Break, our students will take their mid-year Progress Learning testing. These tests (Math and English) are designed to measure your child’s learning growth from the beginning of the school year. These same tests will be administered at the end of the year as well to provide additional learning data for your child’s overall performance. Please encourage your child to do their very best on these upcoming tests. Our Math Progress Learning tests will begin on Tuesday, December 3 and our English Progress Learning tests will begin on Monday, December 9.

CHRISTMAS PARTY AND MOVIE DAY

On Thursday, December 19 our Upper Elementary students will have their Christmas parties at NCG theater while watching a Christmas movie with their grade level. Students will have the option to purchase popcorn (see Mrs. McBurnett’s email coming after Thanksgiving Break). More details to come but mark your calendars for this special day. Parents are encouraged to join us!

OPTIONAL EARLY DISMISSAL REMINDER

We will be offering optional half-day dismissals starting on Tuesday, Dec 17 through Thurs, Dec 19 at 12:30pm. Students may remain at school if you choose as we will plan to run a second dismissal at 3:00pm. Students who are not picked up after the second dismissal will be sent to after-school like normal. More details will be coming in the next few weeks, but we wanted to go ahead and let you plan accordingly for the option that will serve your family best that last week of school before Christmas Break.


NEW UPPER ELEMENTARY SPIRIT WEAR AVAILABLE

Check out this year’s spirit wear options designed by our middle school team. You can order t-shirts and hoodies through the link below. 

NEED A HOUSE COLOR SHIRT TOO?

We have you covered with a link to shirts for Elliot, Lewis, Nee, Robinson, and Wycliffe as well. This includes our newly rebranded orange Nee house shirt!

JUST READ QUARTER 2 

We want to invite all of our 4th and 5th graders to participate in our voluntary reading program this year called “Just Read”. Appropriately named, we “just want our students reading” outside of class time independently. Students should use the form below to record their reading for Q2 (second 9 weeks of school). Completed forms should be returned to your child’s homeroom teacher at the end of the Quarter with a prize coming from Mr. Vinson to all who complete the challenge!

Quarter 2 Just Read Form

Weekly Updates and Information

THIS WEEK IN CHAPEL

Mr. Vinson shared from Psalm 100 on the theme of thankfulness to God. He challenged the students to understand as created beings we are to serve God by doing the things He has asked us to do with joy about being able to do it. Being a Christian means being a grateful and thankful person. The students were encouraged with the truths: (1) We are to praise God for who He is and (2) We are to praise God for what he does.

LIONS OF THE WEEK

Students who have been recognized by their teachers for setting a good example and making right choices during the school day. 

  • Returning next week

THIS WEEK’S MEMORY VERSE

As you may notice, 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 Goodness. Our hope is that these 20 verses will be remembered for years to come after being memorized for multiple years in Upper Elementary and Middle School. 

Matthew 7:12 - The Golden Rule

v. 12 So whatever you wish that others would do to you, 

do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.

HOUSE SYSTEM COMPETITION

Check out who is leading the competition at www.tcshouses.weebly.com.

UPPER ELEMENTARY ADMINISTRATIVE TEAM:

WE ARE HERE TO HELP!

Principal 

Director of Academics and Student Development 

Director of Curriculum and Instruction

  • Kristn Peavy (kristan.peavy@tcslions.org) - Mrs. Peavy provides direction and guidance related to each grade level’s curriculum. 

Academic Coordinator

  • Melissa Lanier (melissa.lanier@tcslions.org) - Mrs. Lanier oversees our class placement and return-to-academics process for students who have been absent. 

Director of Spiritual Development

UPPER ELEMENTARY HELPFUL LINKS AND REMINDERS:

24/25 SCHOOL CALENDAR - Stay in the know about upcoming breaks and holidays. 

PRE-ABSENCE FORM - Submit pre-planned absences 5 days ahead of time for approval.

DRESS CODE OVERVIEW- Check out this year’s guidelines.

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 OR tiffany.mcburnett@tcslions.org.

WANT TO CELEBRATE YOUR CHILD’S BIRTHDAY? 

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. 

  • Purchase birthday cart treat items from our snack cart for your child’s homeroom class for $25. Email our Director of Student Life, Tiffany McBurnett (tiffany.mcburnett@tcslions.org), if you would like to schedule a day. 

    • PLEASE GIVE A 2-DAY NOTICE SO PREPARATIONS CAN BE MADE

  • Send in prepackaged birthday treats purchased from a store for the homeroom class. 

  • Join your child for lunch (beginning in September) in the cafeteria.

IS YOUR CHILD SICK OR ABSENT?

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 homeroom teacher. 

  • WHAT IF MY CHILD IS 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 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. 

  • NOTE: If your child is sick, we want your child to focus on resting and healing before worrying about missing assignments. Please know our teachers will work diligently to help your child catch up once they are feeling well enough to complete assignments.

NEED TO ACCESS BLACKBAUD CLASSROOM INFORMATION?

Blackbaud is going to be your main source of information this year. Once you login, 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. Please click on your student’s homeroom class to see the weekly newsletter for 4th or 5th grade. Once you are in your student’s homeroom class, it will open up the Bulletin Board. Here is where you will find the clickable link for the newsletter that will be added each week. Any important information for the week will be found here. 

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’ Bulletin Board. Here you will find helpful information such as what to do should your student be absent. 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.

To recap:

  • Weekly newsletter is found on your student’s homeroom Bulletin Board.

  • Lesson plans, assignments, etc…are found in the specific classes Topic tab.

Inside the Pride Upper Elementary School News - Volume 243

Keeping you plugged into the exciting things happening at the Upper Elementary School

Published November 24, 2024

Volume 243

 

Adam Vinson - Upper Elementary School Principal

 

A MESSAGE FROM MR. VINSON

Happy Thanksgiving Week! May your family find countless reasons to enter the courts of our King this week of break with praise and gratitude for all that HE IS and all that HE HAS DONE for us as His children.

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

UPCOMING UPPER ELEMENTARY DATES:

  • Nov 25-29 - Thanksgiving Break

  • Dec 3 - Progress Learning (Math)

  • Dec 3 - Chorus Concert

  • Dec 5 - Coffee with the Principal

  • Dec 9 - Progress Learning (English)

  • Dec 9 - Orchestra Concert

  • Dec  10 - Band Concert

  • Dec 19 - Christmas Movie Day at NCG

NEWS AND NOTES IN THE UPPER ELEMENTARY

OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD SHOEBOXES

The Upper Elementary School collected a total of 65 boxes to be delivered! Continue praying for these boxes as they will provide gifts to underprivileged children and an opportunity for them to hear the Gospel.

UPPER ELEMENTARY CHRISTMAS TRADITIONS

As we look towards the month of December, here is a quick preview of some of our annual upper elementary traditions for Christmas that will be coming!

“Holly Jolly Trolly” - Each year Mr. Vinson provides a special snack cart full of holiday treats for our upper elementary students to enjoy. The Holly Jolly Trolly will run from Dec 3-13. Students should bring $1-2 each day if they want to purchase something at lunch.

Dress Down December - To help raise funds for our middle school overnight experiences, we offer our upper elementary students the opportunity to wear Crocs and/or pajama pants/sweatpants for December.

DRESS DOWN DECEMBER

Students can pay $25 to wear sweatpants/pajama pants and/or Crocs for the first 2 weeks we are back from Thanksgiving Break (Dec 2-13). Students are required to wear TCS-approved dress code shirts/spirit wear. Use the form sent by Mrs. McBurnett to purchase this dress-down option. All money raised will be used to offset the cost of our middle school overnight experiences this year.

CHRISTMAS WEEK DRESS-DOWN DAYS

In addition to our dress-down option for the first two weeks of December, we will have special dress-down days for the final week before Christmas Break as well. 

Check out the schedule below:

  • Monday, Dec 16 – Rudolph Red or Grinch Green

  • Tuesday, Dec 17 - Tacky/Ugly Christmas Sweater 

  • Wednesday, Dec 18 - Winter Wonderland (Blue/White)

  • Thursday, Dec 19 - Christmas Pajamas

You are invited to our 2nd Coffee with the Principal of the school year on Thursday, Dec 5. Mark your calendars now for this time of fellowship and discussion together. Last time we had a chance to discuss spiritual formation, standardized testing, and artificial intelligence. Check out the topics we plan to discuss at this upcoming meeting: 

  • Sage Lunch

  • Blackbaud

  • Remote Learning

SIGN UP LINK: Sign up here if you would like to participate in this time of fellowship.

PROGRESS LEARNING MID-YEAR TESTING

When we return from Thanksgiving Break, our students will take their mid-year Progress Learning testing. These tests (Math and English) are designed to measure your child’s learning growth from the beginning of the school year. These same tests will be administered at the end of the year as well to provide additional learning data for your child’s overall performance. Please encourage your child to do their very best on these upcoming tests. Our Math Progress Learning tests will begin on Tuesday, December 3 and our English Progress Learning tests will begin on Monday, December 9.

CHRISTMAS PARTY AND MOVIE DAY

On Thursday, December 19 our Upper Elementary students will have their Christmas parties at NCG theater while watching a Christmas movie with their grade level. Students will have the option to purchase popcorn (see Mrs. McBurnett’s email coming after Thanksgiving Break). More details to come but mark your calendars for this special day. Parents are encouraged to join us!

OPTIONAL EARLY DISMISSAL REMINDER

We will be offering optional half-day dismissals starting on Tuesday, Dec 17 through Thurs, Dec 19 at 12:30pm. Students may remain at school if you choose as we will plan to run a second dismissal at 3:00pm. Students who are not picked up after the second dismissal will be sent to after-school like normal. More details will be coming in the next few weeks, but we wanted to go ahead and let you plan accordingly for the option that will serve your family best that last week of school before Christmas Break.


NEW UPPER ELEMENTARY SPIRIT WEAR AVAILABLE

Check out this year’s spirit wear options designed by our middle school team. You can order t-shirts and hoodies through the link below. 

NEED A HOUSE COLOR SHIRT TOO?

We have you covered with a link to shirts for Elliot, Lewis, Nee, Robinson, and Wycliffe as well. This includes our newly rebranded orange Nee house shirt!

JUST READ QUARTER 2 

We want to invite all of our 4th and 5th graders to participate in our voluntary reading program this year called “Just Read”. Appropriately named, we “just want our students reading” outside of class time independently. Students should use the form below to record their reading for Q2 (second 9 weeks of school). Completed forms should be returned to your child’s homeroom teacher at the end of the Quarter with a prize coming from Mr. Vinson to all who complete the challenge!

Quarter 2 Just Read Form

Weekly Updates and Information

THIS WEEK IN CHAPEL

Mr. Vinson shared from Psalm 100 on the theme of thankfulness to God. He challenged the students to understand as created beings we are to serve God by doing the things He has asked us to do with joy about being able to do it. Being a Christian means being a grateful and thankful person. The students were encouraged with the truths: (1) We are to praise God for who He is and (2) We are to praise God for what he does.

LIONS OF THE WEEK

Students who have been recognized by their teachers for setting a good example and making right choices during the school day. 

  • 4th Grade = Case Phillips

  • 5th Grade = Jayden Kwon

THIS WEEK’S MEMORY VERSE

As you may notice, 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 Goodness. Our hope is that these 20 verses will be remembered for years to come after being memorized for multiple years in Upper Elementary and Middle School. 

Matthew 7:12 - The Golden Rule

v. 12 So whatever you wish that others would do to you, 

do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.

HOUSE SYSTEM COMPETITION

Check out who is leading the competition at www.tcshouses.weebly.com.

UPPER ELEMENTARY ADMINISTRATIVE TEAM:

WE ARE HERE TO HELP!

Principal 

Director of Academics and Student Development 

Director of Curriculum and Instruction

  • Kristn Peavy (kristan.peavy@tcslions.org) - Mrs. Peavy provides direction and guidance related to each grade level’s curriculum. 

Academic Coordinator

  • Melissa Lanier (melissa.lanier@tcslions.org) - Mrs. Lanier oversees our class placement and return-to-academics process for students who have been absent. 

Director of Spiritual Development

UPPER ELEMENTARY HELPFUL LINKS AND REMINDERS:

24/25 SCHOOL CALENDAR - Stay in the know about upcoming breaks and holidays. 

PRE-ABSENCE FORM - Submit pre-planned absences 5 days ahead of time for approval.

DRESS CODE OVERVIEW- Check out this year’s guidelines.

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 OR tiffany.mcburnett@tcslions.org.

WANT TO CELEBRATE YOUR CHILD’S BIRTHDAY? 

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. 

  • Purchase birthday cart treat items from our snack cart for your child’s homeroom class for $25. Email our Director of Student Life, Tiffany McBurnett (tiffany.mcburnett@tcslions.org), if you would like to schedule a day. 

    • PLEASE GIVE A 2-DAY NOTICE SO PREPARATIONS CAN BE MADE

  • Send in prepackaged birthday treats purchased from a store for the homeroom class. 

  • Join your child for lunch (beginning in September) in the cafeteria.

IS YOUR CHILD SICK OR ABSENT?

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 homeroom teacher. 

  • WHAT IF MY CHILD IS 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 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. 

  • NOTE: If your child is sick, we want your child to focus on resting and healing before worrying about missing assignments. Please know our teachers will work diligently to help your child catch up once they are feeling well enough to complete assignments.

NEED TO ACCESS BLACKBAUD CLASSROOM INFORMATION?

Blackbaud is going to be your main source of information this year. Once you login, 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. Please click on your student’s homeroom class to see the weekly newsletter for 4th or 5th grade. Once you are in your student’s homeroom class, it will open up the Bulletin Board. Here is where you will find the clickable link for the newsletter that will be added each week. Any important information for the week will be found here. 

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’ Bulletin Board. Here you will find helpful information such as what to do should your student be absent. 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.

To recap:

  • Weekly newsletter is found on your student’s homeroom Bulletin Board.

  • Lesson plans, assignments, etc…are found in the specific classes Topic tab.

Inside the Pride Upper Elementary School News - Volume 242

Keeping you plugged into the exciting things happening at the Upper Elementary School

Published November 17, 2024

Volume 242

 

Adam Vinson - Upper Elementary School Principal

 

A MESSAGE FROM MR. VINSON

The holiday season is almost here with Thanksgiving Break, and we are excited about all of the upcoming celebrations as we give thanks to the LORD for His goodness and grace to each of us. Please review all of the important information found in this week’s issue related to events and activities taking place once we return. December will be jam-packed with Christmas fun as we wrap up Semester 1. Let me know if you have any questions!

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

UPCOMING UPPER ELEMENTARY DATES:

  • Nov 18 - House Color Day

  • Nov 20 - Christmas Shoeboxes Due

  • Nov 25-29 - Thanksgiving Break

  • Dec 3 - Progress Learning (Math)

  • Dec 3 - Chorus Concert

  • Dec 5 - Coffee with the Principal

  • Dec 9 - Progress Learning (English)

  • Dec 9 - Orchestra Concert

  • Dec  10 - Band Concert

  • Dec 19 - Christmas Movie Day at NCG

NEWS AND NOTES IN THE UPPER ELEMENTARY

OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD SHOEBOXES

Don’t forget to bring your shoebox to chapel on Wednesday, Dec 20. House points will be awarded to those who bring the most shoeboxes in. Let’s take advantage of a great opportunity to bless others around the world during this Christmas season!

UPPER ELEMENTARY CHRISTMAS TRADITIONS

As we look towards the month of December, here is a quick preview of some of our annual upper elementary traditions for Christmas that will be coming!

“Holly Jolly Trolly” - Each year Mr. Vinson provides a special snack cart full of holiday treats for our upper elementary students to enjoy. The Holly Jolly Trolly will run from Dec 3-13. Students should bring $1-2 each day if they want to purchase something at lunch.

Dress Down December - To help raise funds for our middle school overnight experiences, we offer our upper elementary students the opportunity to wear Crocs and/or pajama pants/sweatpants for December.

DRESS DOWN DECEMBER

Students can pay $25 to wear sweatpants/pajama pants and/or Crocs for the first 2 weeks we are back from Thanksgiving Break (Dec 2-13). Students are required to wear TCS-approved dress code shirts/spirit wear. Use the form sent by Mrs. McBurnett to purchase this dress-down option. All money raised will be used to offset the cost of our middle school overnight experiences this year.

CHRISTMAS WEEK DRESS-DOWN DAYS

In addition to our dress-down option for the first two weeks of December, we will have special dress-down days for the final week before Christmas Break as well. 

Check out the schedule below:

  • Monday, Dec 16 – Rudolph Red or Grinch Green

  • Tuesday, Dec 17 - Tacky/Ugly Christmas Sweater 

  • Wednesday, Dec 18 - Winter Wonderland (Blue/White)

  • Thursday, Dec 19 - Christmas Pajamas

You are invited to our 2nd Coffee with the Principal of the school year on Thursday, Dec 5. Mark your calendars now for this time of fellowship and discussion together. Last time we had a chance to discuss spiritual formation, standardized testing, and artificial intelligence. Check out the topics we plan to discuss at this upcoming meeting: 

  • Sage Lunch

  • Blackbaud

  • Remote Learning

SIGN UP LINK: Sign up here if you would like to participate in this time of fellowship.

PROGRESS LEARNING MID-YEAR TESTING

When we return from Thanksgiving Break, our students will take their mid-year Progress Learning testing. These tests (Math and English) are designed to measure your child’s learning growth from the beginning of the school year. These same tests will be administered at the end of the year as well to provide additional learning data for your child’s overall performance. Please encourage your child to do their very best on these upcoming tests. Our Math Progress Learning tests will begin on Tuesday, December 3 and our English Progress Learning tests will begin on Monday, December 9.

CHRISTMAS PARTY AND MOVIE DAY

On Thursday, December 19 our Upper Elementary students will have their Christmas parties at NCG theater while watching a Christmas movie with their grade level. Students will have the option to purchase popcorn (see Mrs. McBurnett’s email coming after Thanksgiving Break). More details to come but mark your calendars for this special day. Parents are encouraged to join us!

OPTIONAL EARLY DISMISSAL REMINDER

We will be offering optional half-day dismissals starting on Tuesday, Dec 17 through Thurs, Dec 19 at 12:30pm. Students may remain at school if you choose as we will plan to run a second dismissal at 3:00pm. Students who are not picked up after the second dismissal will be sent to after-school like normal. More details will be coming in the next few weeks, but we wanted to go ahead and let you plan accordingly for the option that will serve your family best that last week of school before Christmas Break.


NEW UPPER ELEMENTARY SPIRIT WEAR AVAILABLE

Check out this year’s spirit wear options designed by our middle school team. You can order t-shirts and hoodies through the link below. 

NEED A HOUSE COLOR SHIRT TOO?

We have you covered with a link to shirts for Elliot, Lewis, Nee, Robinson, and Wycliffe as well. This includes our newly rebranded orange Nee house shirt!

JUST READ QUARTER 2 

We want to invite all of our 4th and 5th graders to participate in our voluntary reading program this year called “Just Read”. Appropriately named, we “just want our students reading” outside of class time independently. Students should use the form below to record their reading for Q2 (second 9 weeks of school). Completed forms should be returned to your child’s homeroom teacher at the end of the Quarter with a prize coming from Mr. Vinson to all who complete the challenge!

Quarter 2 Just Read Form

Weekly Updates and Information

THIS WEEK IN CHAPEL

Mrs. Peters continued teaching that Jesus is omnipotent. The students looked at each of the miracles in Matthew 8-9 and the power Jesus has over everything in Creation. They were encouraged to think about Jesus’ power over sickness, nature, and many other aspects of Creation. While they learned about the power of Jesus, they were also encouraged to look to Jesus who has the power to save as well.

LIONS OF THE WEEK

Students who have been recognized by their teachers for setting a good example and making right choices during the school day. 

  • 4th Grade = Axel Chan

  • 5th Grade = Evan Rasperger

THIS WEEK’S MEMORY VERSE

As you may notice, 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 Goodness. Our hope is that these 20 verses will be remembered for years to come after being memorized for multiple years in Upper Elementary and Middle School. 

Psalm 100:4-5

v. 4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name! v. 5 For the LORD is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations.

HOUSE SYSTEM COMPETITION

Check out who is leading the competition at www.tcshouses.weebly.com.

UPPER ELEMENTARY ADMINISTRATIVE TEAM:

WE ARE HERE TO HELP!

Principal 

Director of Academics and Student Development 

Director of Curriculum and Instruction

  • Kristn Peavy (kristan.peavy@tcslions.org) - Mrs. Peavy provides direction and guidance related to each grade level’s curriculum. 

Academic Coordinator

  • Melissa Lanier (melissa.lanier@tcslions.org) - Mrs. Lanier oversees our class placement and return-to-academics process for students who have been absent. 

Director of Spiritual Development

UPPER ELEMENTARY HELPFUL LINKS AND REMINDERS:

24/25 SCHOOL CALENDAR - Stay in the know about upcoming breaks and holidays. 

PRE-ABSENCE FORM - Submit pre-planned absences 5 days ahead of time for approval.

DRESS CODE OVERVIEW- Check out this year’s guidelines.

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 OR tiffany.mcburnett@tcslions.org.

WANT TO CELEBRATE YOUR CHILD’S BIRTHDAY? 

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. 

  • Purchase birthday cart treat items from our snack cart for your child’s homeroom class for $25. Email our Director of Student Life, Tiffany McBurnett (tiffany.mcburnett@tcslions.org), if you would like to schedule a day. 

    • PLEASE GIVE A 2-DAY NOTICE SO PREPARATIONS CAN BE MADE

  • Send in prepackaged birthday treats purchased from a store for the homeroom class. 

  • Join your child for lunch (beginning in September) in the cafeteria.

IS YOUR CHILD SICK OR ABSENT?

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 homeroom teacher. 

  • WHAT IF MY CHILD IS 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 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. 

  • NOTE: If your child is sick, we want your child to focus on resting and healing before worrying about missing assignments. Please know our teachers will work diligently to help your child catch up once they are feeling well enough to complete assignments.

NEED TO ACCESS BLACKBAUD CLASSROOM INFORMATION?

Blackbaud is going to be your main source of information this year. Once you login, 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. Please click on your student’s homeroom class to see the weekly newsletter for 4th or 5th grade. Once you are in your student’s homeroom class, it will open up the Bulletin Board. Here is where you will find the clickable link for the newsletter that will be added each week. Any important information for the week will be found here. 

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’ Bulletin Board. Here you will find helpful information such as what to do should your student be absent. 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.

To recap:

  • Weekly newsletter is found on your student’s homeroom Bulletin Board.

  • Lesson plans, assignments, etc…are found in the specific classes Topic tab.

Inside the Pride Upper Elementary School News - Volume 241

Keeping you plugged into the exciting things happening at the Upper Elementary School

Published November 10, 2024

Volume 241

 

Adam Vinson - Upper Elementary School Principal

 

A MESSAGE FROM MR. VINSON

You are invited to our 2nd Coffee with the Principal of the school year on Thursday, Dec 5. Mark your calendars now for this time of fellowship and discussion together. Last time we had a chance to discuss spiritual formation, standardized testing, and artificial intelligence. Check out the topics we plan to discuss at this upcoming meeting: 

  • Sage Lunch

  • Blackbaud

  • Remote Learning

A sign-up link will be sent prior to Thanksgiving Break, but go ahead and make plans to join us now!

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

UPCOMING UPPER ELEMENTARY DATES:

  • Nov 5 - Family Night (No Homework)

  • Nov 18 - House Color Day

  • Nov 25-29 - Thanksgiving Break

NEWS AND NOTES IN THE UPPER ELEMENTARY

OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD SHOEBOXES

Information for this year’s shoebox service project will be sent home on Monday, Nov 11 with all shoeboxes being due in chapel on Wednesday, Nov 20. Please make plans to participate in this special project!

OPTIONAL EARLY DISMISSAL REMINDER

We will be offering optional half-day dismissals starting on Tuesday, Dec 17 through Thurs, Dec 19 at 12:30pm. Students may remain at school if you choose as we will plan to run a second dismissal at 3:00pm. Students who are not picked up after the second dismissal will be sent to after-school like normal. More details will be coming in the next few weeks, but we wanted to go ahead and let you plan accordingly for the option that will serve your family best that last week of school before Christmas Break.


NEW UPPER ELEMENTARY SPIRIT WEAR AVAILABLE

Check out this year’s spirit wear options designed by our middle school team. You can order t-shirts and hoodies through the link below. 

NEED A HOUSE COLOR SHIRT TOO?

We have you covered with a link to shirts for Elliot, Lewis, Nee, Robinson, and Wycliffe as well. This includes our newly rebranded orange Nee house shirt!

JUST READ QUARTER 2 

We want to invite all of our 4th and 5th graders to participate in our voluntary reading program this year called “Just Read”. Appropriately named, we “just want our students reading” outside of class time independently. Students should use the form below to record their reading for Q2 (second 9 weeks of school). Completed forms should be returned to your child’s homeroom teacher at the end of the Quarter with a prize coming from Mr. Vinson to all who complete the challenge!

Quarter 2 Just Read Form

UPCOMING CHRISTMAS WEEK DRESS-DOWN DAYS

Looking way ahead to the last week of the semester, we will have special dress-down days in anticipation of Christmas Break. Check out the schedule below:

  • Monday, Dec 16 – Rudolph Red or Grinch Green

  • Tuesday, Dec 17 - Tacky/Ugly Christmas Sweater 

  • Wednesday, Dec 18 - Winter Wonderland (Blue/White)

  • Thursday, Dec 19 - Christmas Pajamas

Dress Code Guidelines for the Week:

  1. No spaghetti straps, tank tops, or tops with low V-neck

  2. Holes/rips/tears in jeans should not be above the knee  

  3. Mesh/see-thru tops should not be worn unless there is a full-coverage top underneath it.  

  4. Shirts should touch the top of the pants, shorts, skirt, etc - if you lift your arms and I can see your skin, it is too short.

  5. Shorts must be no more than 5 inches above the knee (about the length of an index card). 

  6. Skirts must be no more than 2 inches above the knee (unless full leggings are worn underneath). 

  7. Hats may be worn all week. 

  8. Boys' shirts must stay buttoned. 

  9. Full-spandex body suits are not allowed. 

  10. Leggings are not allowed.

  11. Shoes can be open-toe and open-back.

Weekly Updates and Information

THIS WEEK IN CHAPEL

Mrs. Peters continued to answer the theme “Who is Jesus?” by looking at the attributes of God found in Jesus. The students learned Jesus is omnipotent meaning he has unlimited power as the Son. She showed the students in Matthew 8 how the miracles performed by Jesus proved that He is God. The students were challenged to find comfort and hope in the power of Jesus.

LIONS OF THE WEEK

Students who have been recognized by their teachers for setting a good example and making right choices during the school day. 

  • 4th Grade = Madox Couey

  • 5th Grade = Rhett Teal

THIS WEEK’S MEMORY VERSE

As you may notice, 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 Goodness. Our hope is that these 20 verses will be remembered for years to come after being memorized for multiple years in Upper Elementary and Middle School. 

Psalm 100:4-5

v. 4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name! v. 5 For the LORD is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations.

HOUSE SYSTEM COMPETITION

Check out who is leading the competition at www.tcshouses.weebly.com.

UPPER ELEMENTARY ADMINISTRATIVE TEAM:

WE ARE HERE TO HELP!

Principal 

Director of Academics and Student Development 

Director of Curriculum and Instruction

  • Kristn Peavy (kristan.peavy@tcslions.org) - Mrs. Peavy provides direction and guidance related to each grade level’s curriculum. 

Academic Coordinator

  • Melissa Lanier (melissa.lanier@tcslions.org) - Mrs. Lanier oversees our class placement and return-to-academics process for students who have been absent. 

Director of Spiritual Development

UPPER ELEMENTARY HELPFUL LINKS AND REMINDERS:

24/25 SCHOOL CALENDAR - Stay in the know about upcoming breaks and holidays. 

PRE-ABSENCE FORM - Submit pre-planned absences 5 days ahead of time for approval.

DRESS CODE OVERVIEW- Check out this year’s guidelines.

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 OR tiffany.mcburnett@tcslions.org.

WANT TO CELEBRATE YOUR CHILD’S BIRTHDAY? 

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. 

  • Purchase birthday cart treat items from our snack cart for your child’s homeroom class for $25. Email our Director of Student Life, Tiffany McBurnett (tiffany.mcburnett@tcslions.org), if you would like to schedule a day. 

    • PLEASE GIVE A 2-DAY NOTICE SO PREPARATIONS CAN BE MADE

  • Send in prepackaged birthday treats purchased from a store for the homeroom class. 

  • Join your child for lunch (beginning in September) in the cafeteria.

IS YOUR CHILD SICK OR ABSENT?

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 homeroom teacher. 

  • WHAT IF MY CHILD IS 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 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. 

  • NOTE: If your child is sick, we want your child to focus on resting and healing before worrying about missing assignments. Please know our teachers will work diligently to help your child catch up once they are feeling well enough to complete assignments.

NEED TO ACCESS BLACKBAUD CLASSROOM INFORMATION?

Blackbaud is going to be your main source of information this year. Once you login, 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. Please click on your student’s homeroom class to see the weekly newsletter for 4th or 5th grade. Once you are in your student’s homeroom class, it will open up the Bulletin Board. Here is where you will find the clickable link for the newsletter that will be added each week. Any important information for the week will be found here. 

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’ Bulletin Board. Here you will find helpful information such as what to do should your student be absent. 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.

To recap:

  • Weekly newsletter is found on your student’s homeroom Bulletin Board.

  • Lesson plans, assignments, etc…are found in the specific classes Topic tab.

Inside the Pride Upper Elementary School News - Volume 240

Keeping you plugged into the exciting things happening at the Upper Elementary School

Published November 3, 2024

Volume 240

 

Adam Vinson - Upper Elementary School Principal

 

A MESSAGE FROM MR. VINSON

As we look towards the month of December and the end of Semester 2, we wanted to go ahead and share that we will be offering optional half-day dismissals starting on Tuesday, Dec 17 through Thurs, Dec 19. With high school and middle school exams taking place on those days, we will be offering a half-day dismissal for middle school at 12:30pm. Students may remain at school if you choose as we will plan to run a second dismissal at 3:00pm. Students who are not picked up after the second dismissal will be sent to after-school like normal. More details will be coming in the next few weeks, but we wanted to go ahead and let you plan accordingly for the option that will serve your family best that last week of school before Christmas Break.

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

UPCOMING UPPER ELEMENTARY DATES:

  • Nov 5 - Family Night (No Homework)

  • Nov 18 - House Color Day

  • Nov 25-29 - Thanksgiving Break

NEWS AND NOTES IN THE UPPER ELEMENTARY

FAMILY NIGHT: NO HOMEWORK OR ASSESSMENTS

Our next Family Night is this Tuesday, Nov 5. This will be another night with NO HOMEWORK on Tuesday and NO ASSESSMENTS on Wednesday. Use the evening to enjoy some extended time together without any need to focus on school work.

OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD SHOEBOXES

Information for this year’s shoebox service project will be sent home on Monday, Nov 11 with all shoeboxes being due in chapel on Wednesday, Nov 20. Please make plans to participate in this special project!


NEW UPPER ELEMENTARY SPIRIT WEAR AVAILABLE

Check out this year’s spirit wear options designed by our middle school team. You can order t-shirts and hoodies through the link below. 

NEED A HOUSE COLOR SHIRT TOO?

We have you covered with a link to shirts for Elliot, Lewis, Nee, Robinson, and Wycliffe as well. This includes our newly rebranded orange Nee house shirt!

JUST READ QUARTER 2 

We want to invite all of our 4th and 5th graders to participate in our voluntary reading program this year called “Just Read”. Appropriately named, we “just want our students reading” outside of class time independently. Students should use the form below to record their reading for Q2 (second 9 weeks of school). Completed forms should be returned to your child’s homeroom teacher at the end of the Quarter with a prize coming from Mr. Vinson to all who complete the challenge!

Quarter 2 Just Read Form

THIS WEEK IN CHAPEL

Dr. Anthony shared from Luke 6:12-19 about God’s call to serve others and build a loving community. He challenged the students to make space for God, for Christian community, and for serving others. The students were challenged to serve God by serving others out of a love for those made in God’s image.

LIONS OF THE WEEK

Students who have been recognized by their teachers for setting a good example and making right choices during the school day. 

  • 4th Grade = Olivia Smith

  • 5th Grade = Addison Judd

THIS WEEK’S MEMORY VERSE

As you may notice, 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 Goodness. Our hope is that these 20 verses will be remembered for years to come after being memorized for multiple years in Upper Elementary and Middle School. 

I Peter 5:8-9

v. 8 Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. v. 9 Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world.

HOUSE SYSTEM COMPETITION

Check out who is leading the competition at www.tcshouses.weebly.com.

UPPER ELEMENTARY ADMINISTRATIVE TEAM:

WE ARE HERE TO HELP!

Principal 

Director of Academics and Student Development 

Director of Curriculum and Instruction

  • Kristn Peavy (kristan.peavy@tcslions.org) - Mrs. Peavy provides direction and guidance related to each grade level’s curriculum. 

Academic Coordinator

  • Melissa Lanier (melissa.lanier@tcslions.org) - Mrs. Lanier oversees our class placement and return-to-academics process for students who have been absent. 

Director of Spiritual Development

UPPER ELEMENTARY HELPFUL LINKS

24/25 SCHOOL CALENDAR - Stay in the know about upcoming breaks and holidays. 

PRE-ABSENCE FORM - Submit pre-planned absences 5 days ahead of time for approval.

DRESS CODE OVERVIEW- Check out this year’s guidelines.

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 OR tiffany.mcburnett@tcslions.org.

WANT TO CELEBRATE YOUR CHILD’S BIRTHDAY? 

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. 

  • Purchase birthday cart treat items from our snack cart for your child’s homeroom class for $25. Email our Director of Student Life, Tiffany McBurnett (tiffany.mcburnett@tcslions.org), if you would like to schedule a day. 

    • PLEASE GIVE A 2-DAY NOTICE SO PREPARATIONS CAN BE MADE

  • Send in prepackaged birthday treats purchased from a store for the homeroom class. 

  • Join your child for lunch (beginning in September) in the cafeteria.

IS YOUR CHILD SICK OR ABSENT?

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 homeroom teacher. 

  • WHAT IF MY CHILD IS 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 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. 

  • NOTE: If your child is sick, we want your child to focus on resting and healing before worrying about missing assignments. Please know our teachers will work diligently to help your child catch up once they are feeling well enough to complete assignments.

NEED TO ACCESS BLACKBAUD CLASSROOM INFORMATION?

Blackbaud is going to be your main source of information this year. Once you login, 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. Please click on your student’s homeroom class to see the weekly newsletter for 4th or 5th grade. Once you are in your student’s homeroom class, it will open up the Bulletin Board. Here is where you will find the clickable link for the newsletter that will be added each week. Any important information for the week will be found here. 

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’ Bulletin Board. Here you will find helpful information such as what to do should your student be absent. 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.

To recap:

  • Weekly newsletter is found on your student’s homeroom Bulletin Board.

  • Lesson plans, assignments, etc…are found in the specific classes Topic tab.

Inside the Pride Upper Elementary School News - Volume 239

Keeping you plugged into the exciting things happening at the Upper Elementary School

Published October 27, 2024

Volume 239

 

Adam Vinson - Upper Elementary School Principal

 

A MESSAGE FROM MR. VINSON

We had a great time at last week’s Coffee with the Principal! A big thank you to everyone who was able to join as I thoroughly enjoyed the dialogue with each of you. Be on the lookout for information about our next Coffee with the Principal with new topics for discussion coming soon.

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

UPCOMING UPPER ELEMENTARY DATES:

  • Oct 31 - House Color Day

  • Nov 1 - 5th Grade Stone Mountain Field Trip

  • Nov 5 - Family Night (No Homework)

NEWS AND NOTES IN THE UPPER ELEMENTARY

UPCOMING 5TH  FIELD TRIP: STONE MOUNTAIN

Our 5th graders will be spending the day at Stone Mountain on Friday, November 3. In addition to having access to the normal park activities, our students will also be able to participate in the Native American Festival and Pow Wow. The cost of the field trip is $18, and payment can be submitted through Blackbaud. Don’t forget, students will need to bring a sack lunch for the day. We will leave from TCS at 8:15am and will return by 4:15pm.

FAMILY NIGHT: NO HOMEWORK OR ASSESSMENTS

Our next Family Night is coming up on Tuesday, Nov 5. This will be another night with NO HOMEWORK on Tuesday and NO ASSESSMENTS on Wednesday. Use the evening to enjoy some extended time together without any need to focus on school work.

OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD SHOEBOXES

Information for this year’s shoebox service project will be sent home on Monday, Nov 11 with all shoeboxes being due in chapel on Wednesday, Nov 20. Please make plans to participate in this special project!


NEW UPPER ELEMENTARY SPIRIT WEAR AVAILABLE

Check out this year’s spirit wear options designed by our middle school team. You can order t-shirts and hoodies through the link below. 

NEED A HOUSE COLOR SHIRT TOO?

We have you covered with a link to shirts for Elliot, Lewis, Nee, Robinson, and Wycliffe as well. This includes our newly rebranded orange Nee house shirt!

JUST READ QUARTER 2 

We want to invite all of our 4th and 5th graders to participate in our voluntary reading program this year called “Just Read”. Appropriately named, we “just want our students reading” outside of class time independently. Students should use the form below to record their reading for Q2 (second 9 weeks of school). Completed forms should be returned to your child’s homeroom teacher at the end of the Quarter with a prize coming from Mr. Vinson to all who complete the challenge!

Quarter 2 Just Read Form

THIS WEEK IN CHAPEL

Mr. Vinson continued our theme of answering the question “Who is Jesus?” The students were pointed to Genesis 3:15 and Revelation 1:12-18 to see that Jesus is our Hero. Through these verses, students were shown how Jesus is the “Serpent-Killer” and the “Key Holder”. They were encouraged to consider that our greatest enemies and greatest fears are defeated by Jesus, who is our Hero.

LIONS OF THE WEEK

Students who have been recognized by their teachers for setting a good example and making right choices during the school day. 

  • 4th Grade = David Nieman

  • 5th Grade = Sloane Anderson

THIS WEEK’S MEMORY VERSE

As you may notice, 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 Goodness. Our hope is that these 20 verses will be remembered for years to come after being memorized for multiple years in Upper Elementary and Middle School. 

I Peter 5:8-9

v. 8 Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. v. 9 Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world.

HOUSE SYSTEM COMPETITION

Check out who is leading the competition at www.tcshouses.weebly.com.

UPPER ELEMENTARY ADMINISTRATIVE TEAM:

WE ARE HERE TO HELP!

Principal 

Director of Academics and Student Development 

Director of Curriculum and Instruction

  • Kristn Peavy (kristan.peavy@tcslions.org) - Mrs. Peavy provides direction and guidance related to each grade level’s curriculum. 

Academic Coordinator

  • Melissa Lanier (melissa.lanier@tcslions.org) - Mrs. Lanier oversees our class placement and return-to-academics process for students who have been absent. 

Director of Spiritual Development

UPPER ELEMENTARY HELPFUL LINKS

24/25 SCHOOL CALENDAR - Stay in the know about upcoming breaks and holidays. 

PRE-ABSENCE FORM - Submit pre-planned absences 5 days ahead of time for approval.

DRESS CODE OVERVIEW- Check out this year’s guidelines.

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 OR tiffany.mcburnett@tcslions.org.

WANT TO CELEBRATE YOUR CHILD’S BIRTHDAY? 

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. 

  • Purchase birthday cart treat items from our snack cart for your child’s homeroom class for $25. Email our Director of Student Life, Tiffany McBurnett (tiffany.mcburnett@tcslions.org), if you would like to schedule a day. 

    • PLEASE GIVE A 2-DAY NOTICE SO PREPARATIONS CAN BE MADE

  • Send in prepackaged birthday treats purchased from a store for the homeroom class. 

  • Join your child for lunch (beginning in September) in the cafeteria.

IS YOUR CHILD SICK OR ABSENT?

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 homeroom teacher. 

  • WHAT IF MY CHILD IS 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 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. 

  • NOTE: If your child is sick, we want your child to focus on resting and healing before worrying about missing assignments. Please know our teachers will work diligently to help your child catch up once they are feeling well enough to complete assignments.

NEED TO ACCESS BLACKBAUD CLASSROOM INFORMATION?

Blackbaud is going to be your main source of information this year. Once you login, 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. Please click on your student’s homeroom class to see the weekly newsletter for 4th or 5th grade. Once you are in your student’s homeroom class, it will open up the Bulletin Board. Here is where you will find the clickable link for the newsletter that will be added each week. Any important information for the week will be found here. 

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’ Bulletin Board. Here you will find helpful information such as what to do should your student be absent. 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.

To recap:

  • Weekly newsletter is found on your student’s homeroom Bulletin Board.

  • Lesson plans, assignments, etc…are found in the specific classes Topic tab.

Inside the Pride Upper Elementary School News - Volume 238

Keeping you plugged into the exciting things happening at the Upper Elementary School

Published October 20, 2024

Volume 238

 

Adam Vinson - Upper Elementary School Principal

 

A MESSAGE FROM MR. VINSON

SIGN UP: COFFEE WITH THE PRINCIPAL

This week marks our return to hosting “Coffee with the Principal”. I hope you can join us for both a time of fellowship and discussion about what is happening at TCS. Please take a moment to sign up to let us know you are coming through this link. We look forward to seeing you Thursday, Oct 24 at 8;15am. Please park in available spots and then sign in through the main office. You will then be directed to The Gathering Place. 

Topics of discussion will include:

  • Spiritual Development - How are we strategically seeking to instill a biblical worldview in the hearts and minds of our students, and what future plans do we have to strengthen our approach?

  • Student Learning Assessment - How are we using Progress Learning? What purpose did the ACSI Bible Assessment serve last year? What about standardized testing?

  • Artificial Intelligence - What are we seeing, and what do you need to know as a parent?

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

UPCOMING UPPER ELEMENTARY DATES:

  • Oct 23 - National Crocs Day - wear Crocs today

  • Oct 25 - 5th Grade GLOW DAY

  • Oct 31 - House Color Day

  • Nov 1 - 5th Grade Stone Mountain Field Trip

  • Nov 5 - Family Night (No Homework)

NEWS AND NOTES IN THE UPPER ELEMENTARY


COOLER WEATHER IS HERE: OUTERWEAR REMINDER

We are entering into the cooler months finally which means fluctuating temperatures throughout the day. Please review the reminders below about outwear attire as it relates to dress code. 

1. All outerwear must be Trinity branded if it is worn inside the building and/or in classrooms. Students will be asked to remove unbranded items for the day. All coats should be stored in lockers. 

2. Students should bring appropriate clothing for recess classes based on the anticipated weather for the day. Students are encouraged to wear hats, gloves, etc. if needed.

NATIONAL CROCS DAY IS COMING

All students are invited to wear their Crocs on Wednesday, October 23 to celebrate “National Croc Day”. Students should dress in normal chapel uniform attire along with their Crocs.

NEW CHESS CLUB SEASON

Coach Rodney Lewis and Championship Chess present a systematic, fun way to build chess skills during chess instruction and supervised play. Studies show that chess improves math, reading and problem solving and our methods connect these academic benefits to our classes.

Chess Contact:  Rodney Lewis 770-560-1071 rodneylewis33@gmail.com

School Contact: Lisa Railey, 770-251-6770   lisa.railey@tcslions.org 

  • Cost: $199 per child for this session 

  • Day and Time: Thursday after school from 3:00-4:00 pm.

  • Pre-registration is required, at least 2 days before the first class.

  • Dates: Winter Session Nov. 7-Feb. 13 . No chess: Nov. 28, Dec. 19, 26, Jan. 2 and 9.   Parents need to record these dates.   

  • Chess club will start as scheduled unless you receive a notification.

Who can play: Any student in 1st through 5th grade. Younger students accepted only if they know how the pieces move and capture, or if an older sibling is in chess club. There can be 2 groups: Advanced open to all students who know how to play requires at least 10. Beginner class for non-players requires at least 8.

5TH GRADE GLOW DAY

To all of our 5th graders, you are NOT going to want to miss this incredible day of glow-in-the-dark learning! Our teachers have an unbelievable day planned for our annual Glow Day. Be sure to wear clothes that glow and join us for a day you won’t soon forget!

UPCOMING 5TH  FIELD TRIP: STONE MOUNTAIN

Our 5th graders will be spending the day at Stone Mountain on Friday, November 3. In addition to having access to the normal park activities, our students will also be able to participate in the Native American Festival and Pow Wow. The cost of the field trip is $18, and payment can be submitted through Blackbaud. Don’t forget, students will need to bring a sack lunch for the day. We will leave from TCS at 8:15am and will return by 4:15pm.


NEW UPPER ELEMENTARY SPIRIT WEAR AVAILABLE

Check out this year’s spirit wear options designed by our middle school team. You can order t-shirts and hoodies through the link below. 

NEED A HOUSE COLOR SHIRT TOO?

We have you covered with a link to shirts for Elliot, Lewis, Nee, Robinson, and Wycliffe as well. This includes our newly rebranded orange Nee house shirt!

JUST READ QUARTER 2 

We want to invite all of our 4th and 5th graders to participate in our voluntary reading program this year called “Just Read”. Appropriately named, we “just want our students reading” outside of class time independently. Students should use the form below to record their reading for Q2 (second 9 weeks of school). Completed forms should be returned to your child’s homeroom teacher at the end of the Quarter with a prize coming from Mr. Vinson to all who complete the challenge!

Quarter 2 Just Read Form

THIS WEEK IN CHAPEL

Coach Settle shared with the students from Micah 6:8 and the calling on our lives by God to live for Him. He emphasized the call to live godly lives in humility to the Lord. The students were challenged to live the right way before God and the promise God gives us in Jesus to give us new life.

LIONS OF THE WEEK

Students who have been recognized by their teachers for setting a good example and making right choices during the school day. 

  • 4th Grade = Charlotte Shaver

  • 5th Grade = Rylan Rogers

THIS WEEK’S MEMORY VERSE

As you may notice, 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 Goodness. Our hope is 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.

HOUSE SYSTEM COMPETITION

Check out who is leading the competition at www.tcshouses.weebly.com.

UPPER ELEMENTARY ADMINISTRATIVE TEAM:

WE ARE HERE TO HELP!

Principal 

Director of Academics and Student Development 

Director of Curriculum and Instruction

  • Kristn Peavy (kristan.peavy@tcslions.org) - Mrs. Peavy provides direction and guidance related to each grade level’s curriculum. 

Academic Coordinator

  • Melissa Lanier (melissa.lanier@tcslions.org) - Mrs. Lanier oversees our class placement and return-to-academics process for students who have been absent. 

Director of Spiritual Development

UPPER ELEMENTARY HELPFUL LINKS

24/25 SCHOOL CALENDAR - Stay in the know about upcoming breaks and holidays. 

PRE-ABSENCE FORM - Submit pre-planned absences 5 days ahead of time for approval.

DRESS CODE OVERVIEW- Check out this year’s guidelines.

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 OR tiffany.mcburnett@tcslions.org.

WANT TO CELEBRATE YOUR CHILD’S BIRTHDAY? 

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. 

  • Purchase birthday cart treat items from our snack cart for your child’s homeroom class for $25. Email our Director of Student Life, Tiffany McBurnett (tiffany.mcburnett@tcslions.org), if you would like to schedule a day. 

    • PLEASE GIVE A 2-DAY NOTICE SO PREPARATIONS CAN BE MADE

  • Send in prepackaged birthday treats purchased from a store for the homeroom class. 

  • Join your child for lunch (beginning in September) in the cafeteria.

IS YOUR CHILD SICK OR ABSENT?

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 homeroom teacher. 

  • WHAT IF MY CHILD IS 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 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. 

  • NOTE: If your child is sick, we want your child to focus on resting and healing before worrying about missing assignments. Please know our teachers will work diligently to help your child catch up once they are feeling well enough to complete assignments.

NEED TO ACCESS BLACKBAUD CLASSROOM INFORMATION?

Blackbaud is going to be your main source of information this year. Once you login, 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. Please click on your student’s homeroom class to see the weekly newsletter for 4th or 5th grade. Once you are in your student’s homeroom class, it will open up the Bulletin Board. Here is where you will find the clickable link for the newsletter that will be added each week. Any important information for the week will be found here. 

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’ Bulletin Board. Here you will find helpful information such as what to do should your student be absent. 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.

To recap:

  • Weekly newsletter is found on your student’s homeroom Bulletin Board.

  • Lesson plans, assignments, etc…are found in the specific classes Topic tab.

Inside the Pride Upper Elementary School News - Volume 237

Keeping you plugged into the exciting things happening at the Upper Elementary School

Published October 13, 2024

Volume 237

 

Adam Vinson - Upper Elementary School Principal

 

A MESSAGE FROM MR. VINSON

YOU’RE INVITED: COFFEE WITH THE PRINCIPAL

Prior to Covid, we used to offer a periodic fellowship for parents and the principal to connect for questions, concerns, and feedback about the current school year. I have missed these times greatly as I always enjoyed the chance to connect and dialogue with parents. Well, we are officially bringing back “Coffee with the Principal,” and we will plan to host our first meeting on Thursday, October 24 at 8:15am. Mark your calendars and plan to join if you are able. Topics of discussion will include:

  • Spiritual Development - How are we strategically seeking to instill a biblical worldview in the hearts and minds of our students and what future plans do we have to  strengthen our approach?

  • Student Learning Assessment - How are we using Progress Learning? What purpose did the ACSI Bible Assessment serve last year? What about standardized testing?

  • Artificial Intelligence - What are we seeing, and what do you need to know as a parent?

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

UPCOMING UPPER ELEMENTARY DATES:

  • Oct 14 - Picture Retakes

  • Oct 23 - National Crocs Day - wear Crocs today

  • Oct 31 - House Color Day

NEWS AND NOTES IN THE UPPER ELEMENTARY

QUARTER 1 PRIDE PERFORMERS

Congratulations to the following students who are being acknowledged by their teachers for their hard work and outstanding effort during Quarter 1. These students were identified as individuals who sought to do their very best by “filling it to the brim” in the classroom. Great job middle schoolers!

4th Grade ELA - John Thompson

4th Grade Math - Sloan Archibald

4th Grade Science - Avery Smelley

4th Grade Reading - Hazel McNeely

5th Grade ELA - Leland Kidd

5th Grade Math - Sofia Thomas

5th Grade Science - Kay Kanja

5th Grade Reading - Slade Butcher

QUARTER 1 PARENT SURVEY

As we wrap up the first 9 weeks, we would love to have your feedback about your child’s Quarter 1 experience. Please take a few minutes to complete this short survey to help us improve going forward. We appreciate your feedback and look forward to a great Q2. 

NATIONAL CROCS DAY IS COMING

All students are invited to wear their Crocs on Wednesday, October 23 to celebrate “National Croc Day”. Students should dress in normal chapel uniform attire along with their Crocs.

5TH GRADE GLOW DAY

To all of our 5th graders, you are NOT going to want to miss this incredible day of glow-in-the-dark learning! Our teachers have an unbelievable day planned for our annual Glow Day. Be sure to wear clothes that glow and join us for a day you won’t soon forget!

UPCOMING 5TH  FIELD TRIP: STONE MOUNTAIN

Our 5th graders will be spending the day at Stone Mountain on Friday, November 3. In addition to having access to the normal park activities, our students will also be able to participate in the Native American Festival and Pow Wow. The cost of the field trip is $18, and payment can be submitted through Blackbaud. Don’t forget, students will need to bring a sack lunch for the day. We will leave from TCS at 8:15am and will return by 4:15pm.


NEW UPPER ELEMENTARY SPIRIT WEAR AVAILABLE

Check out this year’s spirit wear options designed by our middle school team. You can order t-shirts and hoodies through the link below. 

NEED A HOUSE COLOR SHIRT TOO?

We have you covered with a link to shirts for Elliot, Lewis, Nee, Robinson, and Wycliffe as well. This includes our newly rebranded orange Nee house shirt!

JUST READ QUARTER 1 

We want to invite all of our 4th and 5th graders to participate in our voluntary reading program this year called “Just Read”. Appropriately named, we “just want our students reading” outside of class time independently. Students should use the form below to record their reading for Q1 (first 9 weeks of school). Completed forms should be returned to your child’s homeroom teacher at the end of Quarter, with a prize coming from Mr. Vinson to all who complete the challenge!

Quarter 1 Just Read Form

THIS WEEK IN CHAPEL

Mrs. Peters continued our Spiritual Theme of “Who is Jesus?” looking to Jesus as sustainer. Students have learned that Jesus is eternal, Creator, and sustainer from Hebrews 1:1-2 and Colossians 1:15-17. The students learned the comfort and good news that Jesus holds all things together. They were encouraged and challenged to trust Him and follow Him.

LIONS OF THE WEEK

Students who have been recognized by their teachers for setting a good example and making right choices during the school day. 

  • Returning next week

THIS WEEK’S MEMORY VERSE

As you may notice, 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 Goodness. Our hope is 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.

HOUSE SYSTEM COMPETITION

Check out who is leading the competition at www.tcshouses.weebly.com.

UPPER ELEMENTARY ADMINISTRATIVE TEAM:

WE ARE HERE TO HELP!

Principal 

Director of Academics and Student Development 

Director of Curriculum and Instruction

  • Kristn Peavy (kristan.peavy@tcslions.org) - Mrs. Peavy provides direction and guidance related to each grade level’s curriculum. 

Academic Coordinator

  • Melissa Lanier (melissa.lanier@tcslions.org) - Mrs. Lanier oversees our class placement and return-to-academics process for students who have been absent. 

Director of Spiritual Development

UPPER ELEMENTARY HELPFUL LINKS

24/25 SCHOOL CALENDAR - Stay in the know about upcoming breaks and holidays. 

PRE-ABSENCE FORM - Submit pre-planned absences 5 days ahead of time for approval.

DRESS CODE OVERVIEW- Check out this year’s guidelines.

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 OR tiffany.mcburnett@tcslions.org.

WANT TO CELEBRATE YOUR CHILD’S BIRTHDAY? 

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. 

  • Purchase birthday cart treat items from our snack cart for your child’s homeroom class for $25. Email our Director of Student Life, Tiffany McBurnett (tiffany.mcburnett@tcslions.org), if you would like to schedule a day. 

    • PLEASE GIVE A 2-DAY NOTICE SO PREPARATIONS CAN BE MADE

  • Send in prepackaged birthday treats purchased from a store for the homeroom class. 

  • Join your child for lunch (beginning in September) in the cafeteria.

IS YOUR CHILD SICK OR ABSENT?

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 homeroom teacher. 

  • WHAT IF MY CHILD IS 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 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. 

  • NOTE: If your child is sick, we want your child to focus on resting and healing before worrying about missing assignments. Please know our teachers will work diligently to help your child catch up once they are feeling well enough to complete assignments.

NEED TO ACCESS BLACKBAUD CLASSROOM INFORMATION?

Blackbaud is going to be your main source of information this year. Once you login, 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. Please click on your student’s homeroom class to see the weekly newsletter for 4th or 5th grade. Once you are in your student’s homeroom class, it will open up the Bulletin Board. Here is where you will find the clickable link for the newsletter that will be added each week. Any important information for the week will be found here. 

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’ Bulletin Board. Here you will find helpful information such as what to do should your student be absent. 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.

To recap:

  • Weekly newsletter is found on your student’s homeroom Bulletin Board.

  • Lesson plans, assignments, etc…are found in the specific classes Topic tab.

Inside the Pride Upper Elementary School News - Volume 236

Keeping you plugged into the exciting things happening at the Upper Elementary School

Published October 6, 2024

Volume 236

 

Adam Vinson - Upper Elementary School Principal

 

A MESSAGE FROM MR. VINSON

Happy Fall Break! I hope each of your families is enjoying another extended weekend together as we celebrate the end of Quarter 1. Don’t forget, as we return from break this week, several of our classes will be completing final assessments that will still count towards Q1 as part of our adjusted plan from Hurricane Helene. In addition, be sure to have your child complete their remote reading work, so it can be submitted in class on Tuesday as well. 

Also, just a quick note to say “thank you” for all of your support throughout Q1. We consider it a great privilege to serve your family, and I’m grateful you have chosen TCS for your child’s education needs. If there is anything me or my team can do for you over the next 9 weeks, please don’t hesitate to ask.

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

UPCOMING UPPER ELEMENTARY DATES:

  • Oct 7 - Fall Break Day

  • Oct 14 - Picture Retakes

  • Oct 23 - National Crocs Day - wear Crocs today

  • Oct 31 - House Color Day

NEWS AND NOTES IN THE UPPER ELEMENTARY

YOU’RE INVITED: COFFEE WITH THE PRINCIPAL

Prior to Covid, we used to offer a periodic fellowship for parents and the principal to connect for questions, concerns, and feedback about the current school year. I have missed these times greatly as I always enjoyed the chance to connect and dialogue with parents. Well, we are officially bringing back “Coffee with the Principal,” and we will plan to host our first meeting on Thursday, October 24 at 8:15am. Mark your calendars and plan to join if you are able. Topics of discussion will include:

  • Spiritual Development - How are we strategically seeking to instill a biblical worldview in the hearts and minds of our students and what future plans do we have to  strengthen our approach?

  • Student Learning Assessment - How are we using Progress Learning? What purpose did the ACSI Bible Assessment serve last year? What about standardized testing?

  • Artificial Intelligence - What are we seeing, and what do you need to know as a parent?

QUARTER 1 PARENT SURVEY

As we wrap up the first 9 weeks, we would love to have your feedback about your child’s Quarter 1 experience. Please take a few minutes to complete this short survey to help us improve going forward. We appreciate your feedback and look forward to a great Q2. 

UPCOMING 5TH  FIELD TRIP: STONE MOUNTAIN

Our 5th graders will be spending the day at Stone Mountain on Friday, November 3. In addition to having access to the normal park activities, our students will also be able to participate in the Native American Festival and Pow Wow. The cost of the field trip is $18, and payment can be submitted through Blackbaud. Don’t forget, students will need to bring a sack lunch for the day. We will leave from TCS at 8:15am and will return by 4:15pm.

PICTURE RETAKE DAY

Fall Picture Day retakes have been scheduled for October 14. If you would like for your child to participate in retakes, please complete this form by October 9.


NEW UPPER ELEMENTARY SPIRIT WEAR AVAILABLE

Check out this year’s spirit wear options designed by our middle school team. You can order t-shirts and hoodies through the link below. 

NEED A HOUSE COLOR SHIRT TOO?

We have you covered with a link to shirts for Elliot, Lewis, Nee, Robinson, and Wycliffe as well. This includes our newly rebranded orange Nee house shirt!

JUST READ QUARTER 1 

We want to invite all of our 4th and 5th graders to participate in our voluntary reading program this year called “Just Read”. Appropriately named, we “just want our students reading” outside of class time independently. Students should use the form below to record their reading for Q1 (first 9 weeks of school). Completed forms should be returned to your child’s homeroom teacher at the end of Quarter, with a prize coming from Mr. Vinson to all who complete the challenge!

Quarter 1 Just Read Form

THIS WEEK IN CHAPEL

Mrs. Peters continued our Spiritual Theme of “Who is Jesus?” looking to Jesus as sustainer. Students have learned that Jesus is eternal, Creator, and sustainer from Hebrews 1:1-2 and Colossians 1:15-17. The students learned the comfort and good news that Jesus holds all things together. They were encouraged and challenged to trust Him and follow Him.

LIONS OF THE WEEK

Students who have been recognized by their teachers for setting a good example and making right choices during the school day. 

  • 4th Grade = Maggie Fields

  • 5th Grade = Cameron Camper

THIS WEEK’S MEMORY VERSE

As you may notice, 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 Goodness. Our hope is that these 20 verses will be remembered for years to come after being memorized for multiple years in Upper Elementary and Middle School. 

Proverbs 3:5-7

v. 5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.    v. 6 In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. v. 7 Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD, and turn away from evil.

HOUSE SYSTEM COMPETITION

Check out who is leading the competition at www.tcshouses.weebly.com.

UPPER ELEMENTARY ADMINISTRATIVE TEAM:

WE ARE HERE TO HELP!

Principal 

Director of Academics and Student Development 

Director of Curriculum and Instruction

  • Kristn Peavy (kristan.peavy@tcslions.org) - Mrs. Peavy provides direction and guidance related to each grade level’s curriculum. 

Academic Coordinator

  • Melissa Lanier (melissa.lanier@tcslions.org) - Mrs. Lanier oversees our class placement and return-to-academics process for students who have been absent. 

Director of Spiritual Development

UPPER ELEMENTARY HELPFUL LINKS

24/25 SCHOOL CALENDAR - Stay in the know about upcoming breaks and holidays. 

PRE-ABSENCE FORM - Submit pre-planned absences 5 days ahead of time for approval.

DRESS CODE OVERVIEW- Check out this year’s guidelines.

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 OR tiffany.mcburnett@tcslions.org.

WANT TO CELEBRATE YOUR CHILD’S BIRTHDAY? 

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. 

  • Purchase birthday cart treat items from our snack cart for your child’s homeroom class for $25. Email our Director of Student Life, Tiffany McBurnett (tiffany.mcburnett@tcslions.org), if you would like to schedule a day. 

    • PLEASE GIVE A 2-DAY NOTICE SO PREPARATIONS CAN BE MADE

  • Send in prepackaged birthday treats purchased from a store for the homeroom class. 

  • Join your child for lunch (beginning in September) in the cafeteria.

IS YOUR CHILD SICK OR ABSENT?

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 homeroom teacher. 

  • WHAT IF MY CHILD IS 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 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. 

  • NOTE: If your child is sick, we want your child to focus on resting and healing before worrying about missing assignments. Please know our teachers will work diligently to help your child catch up once they are feeling well enough to complete assignments.

NEED TO ACCESS BLACKBAUD CLASSROOM INFORMATION?

Blackbaud is going to be your main source of information this year. Once you login, 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. Please click on your student’s homeroom class to see the weekly newsletter for 4th or 5th grade. Once you are in your student’s homeroom class, it will open up the Bulletin Board. Here is where you will find the clickable link for the newsletter that will be added each week. Any important information for the week will be found here. 

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’ Bulletin Board. Here you will find helpful information such as what to do should your student be absent. 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.

To recap:

  • Weekly newsletter is found on your student’s homeroom Bulletin Board.

  • Lesson plans, assignments, etc…are found in the specific classes Topic tab.

Inside the Pride Upper Elementary School News - Volume 235

Keeping you plugged into the exciting things happening at the Upper Elementary School

Published September 29, 2024

Volume 235

 

Adam Vinson - Upper Elementary School Principal

 

A MESSAGE FROM MR. VINSON

We are entering our final week of Q1 and will be making adjustments to accommodate the two instructional days we lost last week. Please look for communication from teachers about adjusted plans this week as we look to reschedule assignment due dates and assessments from last week. Our goal is to finish out Q1 strong in a way that gives our students the opportunity to succeed on these final grades without overwhelming them in the process. You can keep up with everything happening this week via Blackbaud as well.

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

UPCOMING UPPER ELEMENTARY DATES:

  • Sept Sept 24 - House Color Day

  • Oct 4 - Remote Learning Day

  • Oct 7 - Fall Break Day

  • Oct 14 - Picture Retakes

  • Oct 23 - National Crocs Day - wear Crocs today

  • Oct 31 - House Color Day

NEWS AND NOTES IN THE UPPER ELEMENTARY

4TH GRADE CROCS AND CRAZY SOCKS DAY

Our 4th grade class had the highest Annual Fund participation in Upper Elementary last week and have earned the right to ROCK THEIR CROCS AND CRAZY SOCKS on Monday, September 30. Students should wear normal dress code attire with their Crocs and socks.

ANNUAL FUND SEASON

We are excited about the opportunity for our Trinity family to give in support of each of our students! Mark your calendars for this special campaign.

Each year the Annual Fund helps make a lasting impact with both our teachers and our student body as a result of the additional resources it provides. The Annual Fund enables us to take the educational offerings at TCS to the next level by providing opportunities that otherwise would not be possible. With its support, we have been able to offer unique opportunities for spiritual growth through initiatives like Discipleship Day, and it has helped provide engaging events such as STEAM Day, where students explore hands-on activities that ignite their creativity and enhance their problem-solving skills. Beyond these special events, the Annual Fund has further enhanced our educational environment by funding an upper elementary writer's workshop, expanding classroom libraries, and upgrading faculty workspaces. In addition, it has contributed to new recess equipment, ensuring that our students have both enriching and enjoyable playtime. We are extremely thankful for the support towards our Annual Fund!

PICTURE RETAKE DAY

Fall Picture Day retakes have been scheduled for October 14. If you would like for your child to participate in retakes, please complete this form by October 9.


NEW UPPER ELEMENTARY SPIRIT WEAR AVAILABLE

Check out this year’s spirit wear options designed by our middle school team. You can order t-shirts and hoodies through the link below. 

NEED A HOUSE COLOR SHIRT TOO?

We have you covered with a link to shirts for Elliot, Lewis, Nee, Robinson, and Wycliffe as well. This includes our newly rebranded orange Nee house shirt!

JUST READ QUARTER 1 

We want to invite all of our 4th and 5th graders to participate in our voluntary reading program this year called “Just Read”. Appropriately named, we “just want our students reading” outside of class time independently. Students should use the form below to record their reading for Q1 (first 9 weeks of school). Completed forms should be returned to your child’s homeroom teacher at the end of Quarter, with a prize coming from Mr. Vinson to all who complete the challenge!

Quarter 1 Just Read Form

THIS WEEK IN CHAPEL

Coach Settle spoke to the students from John 1:1-5. He shared with the students the importance of knowing that Jesus came to bring life and created each of us with a purpose in the life He gives us in salvation. The students were challenged with the truth that the only way we can enter into light is through a relationship with Jesus.

LIONS OF THE WEEK

Students who have been recognized by their teachers for setting a good example and making right choices during the school day. 

  • 4th Grade = Ansley Dixon

  • 5th Grade = Olivia Ingold

THIS WEEK’S MEMORY VERSE

As you may notice, 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 Goodness. Our hope is that these 20 verses will be remembered for years to come after being memorized for multiple years in Upper Elementary and Middle School. 

Proverbs 3:5-7

v. 5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.    v. 6 In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. v. 7 Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD, and turn away from evil.

HOUSE SYSTEM COMPETITION

Check out who is leading the competition at www.tcshouses.weebly.com.

UPPER ELEMENTARY ADMINISTRATIVE TEAM:

WE ARE HERE TO HELP!

Principal 

Director of Academics and Student Development 

Director of Curriculum and Instruction

  • Kristn Peavy (kristan.peavy@tcslions.org) - Mrs. Peavy provides direction and guidance related to each grade level’s curriculum. 

Academic Coordinator

  • Melissa Lanier (melissa.lanier@tcslions.org) - Mrs. Lanier oversees our class placement and return-to-academics process for students who have been absent. 

Director of Spiritual Development

UPPER ELEMENTARY HELPFUL LINKS

24/25 SCHOOL CALENDAR - Stay in the know about upcoming breaks and holidays. 

PRE-ABSENCE FORM - Submit pre-planned absences 5 days ahead of time for approval.

DRESS CODE OVERVIEW- Check out this year’s guidelines.

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 OR tiffany.mcburnett@tcslions.org.

WANT TO CELEBRATE YOUR CHILD’S BIRTHDAY? 

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. 

  • Purchase birthday cart treat items from our snack cart for your child’s homeroom class for $25. Email our Director of Student Life, Tiffany McBurnett (tiffany.mcburnett@tcslions.org), if you would like to schedule a day. 

    • PLEASE GIVE A 2-DAY NOTICE SO PREPARATIONS CAN BE MADE

  • Send in prepackaged birthday treats purchased from a store for the homeroom class. 

  • Join your child for lunch (beginning in September) in the cafeteria.

IS YOUR CHILD SICK OR ABSENT?

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 homeroom teacher. 

  • WHAT IF MY CHILD IS 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 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. 

  • NOTE: If your child is sick, we want your child to focus on resting and healing before worrying about missing assignments. Please know our teachers will work diligently to help your child catch up once they are feeling well enough to complete assignments.

NEED TO ACCESS BLACKBAUD CLASSROOM INFORMATION?

Blackbaud is going to be your main source of information this year. Once you login, 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. Please click on your student’s homeroom class to see the weekly newsletter for 4th or 5th grade. Once you are in your student’s homeroom class, it will open up the Bulletin Board. Here is where you will find the clickable link for the newsletter that will be added each week. Any important information for the week will be found here. 

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’ Bulletin Board. Here you will find helpful information such as what to do should your student be absent. 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.

To recap:

  • Weekly newsletter is found on your student’s homeroom Bulletin Board.

  • Lesson plans, assignments, etc…are found in the specific classes Topic tab.

Inside the Pride Upper Elementary School News - Volume 234

Keeping you plugged into the exciting things happening at the Upper Elementary School

Published September 22, 2024

Volume 234

 

Adam Vinson - Upper Elementary School Principal

 

A MESSAGE FROM MR. VINSON

We have 2 weeks remaining in Q1, and Fall Break is almost here, too! Let me encourage you to check out Blackbaud, and to make sure you are up to date on your child’s progress in each class so far this school year. We want to provide any help or support you may need as we seek to ensure your child is thriving this year.

In addition, be sure to check out the additional information below about this year’s ANNUAL FUND. We are looking forward to partnering with you and your family over the next week on how we can give together!

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

UPCOMING UPPER ELEMENTARY DATES:

  • Sept 24 - House Color Day

  • Oct 4 - Remote Learning Day

  • Oct 23 - National Crocs Day - wear Crocs today

NEWS AND NOTES IN THE UPPER ELEMENTARY

ANNUAL FUND SEASON

We are excited about the opportunity for our Trinity family to give in support of each of our students! Mark your calendars for this special upcoming campaign.

Each year the Annual Fund helps make a lasting impact with both our teachers and our student body as a result of the additional resources it provides. The Annual Fund enables us to take the educational offerings at TCS to the next level by providing opportunities that otherwise would not be possible. With its support, we have been able to offer unique opportunities for spiritual growth through initiatives like Discipleship Day, and it has helped provide engaging events such as STEAM Day, where students explore hands-on activities that ignite their creativity and enhance their problem-solving skills. Beyond these special events, the Annual Fund has further enhanced our educational environment by funding an upper elementary writer's workshop, expanding classroom libraries, and upgrading faculty workspaces. In addition, it has contributed to new recess equipment, ensuring that our students have both enriching and enjoyable playtime. We are extremely thankful for the support towards our Annual Fund!

PICTURE RETAKE DAY

Fall Picture Day retakes have been scheduled for October 14. If you would like for your child to participate in retakes, please complete this form by October 9.


NEW UPPER ELEMENTARY SPIRIT WEAR AVAILABLE

Check out this year’s spirit wear options designed by our middle school team. You can order t-shirts and hoodies through the link below. 

NEED A HOUSE COLOR SHIRT TOO?

We have you covered with a link to shirts for Elliot, Lewis, Nee, Robinson, and Wycliffe as well. This includes our newly rebranded orange Nee house shirt!

JUST READ QUARTER 1 

We want to invite all of our 4th and 5th graders to participate in our voluntary reading program this year called “Just Read”. Appropriately named, we “just want our students reading” outside of class time independently. Students should use the form below to record their reading for Q1 (first 9 weeks of school). Completed forms should be returned to your child’s homeroom teacher at the end of Quarter, with a prize coming from Mr. Vinson to all who complete the challenge!

Quarter 1 Just Read Form

THIS WEEK IN CHAPEL

Pastor BJ Cobb, from FBC Senoia, shared about life that is offered through Jesus from John 6. He showed how Jesus displayed his ability to give life using the stories of feeding the 5,000 and walking on water. He answered our spiritual theme “Who is Jesus?” showing that Jesus is inexhaustible, the eternal king, the giver of blessings, and the giver of life. His challenge to the students was to stop looking to the world for fulfillment and instead look to Jesus who is the bread of life.

LIONS OF THE WEEK

Students who have been recognized by their teachers for setting a good example and making right choices during the school day. 

  • 4th Grade = Janovia Tipton

  • 5th Grade = Ethan Lowery

THIS WEEK’S MEMORY VERSE

As you may notice, 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 Goodness. Our hope is that these 20 verses will be remembered for years to come after being memorized for multiple years in Upper Elementary and Middle School. 

Philippians 4:6-7

v. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be known to God. v. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

HOUSE SYSTEM COMPETITION

Check out who is leading the competition at www.tcshouses.weebly.com.

UPPER ELEMENTARY ADMINISTRATIVE TEAM:

WE ARE HERE TO HELP!

Principal 

Director of Academics and Student Development 

Director of Curriculum and Instruction

  • Kristn Peavy (kristan.peavy@tcslions.org) - Mrs. Peavy provides direction and guidance related to each grade level’s curriculum. 

Academic Coordinator

  • Melissa Lanier (melissa.lanier@tcslions.org) - Mrs. Lanier oversees our class placement and return-to-academics process for students who have been absent. 

Director of Spiritual Development

UPPER ELEMENTARY HELPFUL LINKS

24/25 SCHOOL CALENDAR - Stay in the know about upcoming breaks and holidays. 

PRE-ABSENCE FORM - Submit pre-planned absences 5 days ahead of time for approval.

DRESS CODE OVERVIEW- Check out this year’s guidelines.

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 OR tiffany.mcburnett@tcslions.org.

WANT TO CELEBRATE YOUR CHILD’S BIRTHDAY? 

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. 

  • Purchase birthday cart treat items from our snack cart for your child’s homeroom class for $25. Email our Director of Student Life, Tiffany McBurnett (tiffany.mcburnett@tcslions.org), if you would like to schedule a day. 

    • PLEASE GIVE A 2-DAY NOTICE SO PREPARATIONS CAN BE MADE

  • Send in prepackaged birthday treats purchased from a store for the homeroom class. 

  • Join your child for lunch (beginning in September) in the cafeteria.

IS YOUR CHILD SICK OR ABSENT?

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 homeroom teacher. 

  • WHAT IF MY CHILD IS 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 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. 

  • NOTE: If your child is sick, we want your child to focus on resting and healing before worrying about missing assignments. Please know our teachers will work diligently to help your child catch up once they are feeling well enough to complete assignments.

NEED TO ACCESS BLACKBAUD CLASSROOM INFORMATION?

Blackbaud is going to be your main source of information this year. Once you login, 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. Please click on your student’s homeroom class to see the weekly newsletter for 4th or 5th grade. Once you are in your student’s homeroom class, it will open up the Bulletin Board. Here is where you will find the clickable link for the newsletter that will be added each week. Any important information for the week will be found here. 

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’ Bulletin Board. Here you will find helpful information such as what to do should your student be absent. 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.

To recap:

  • Weekly newsletter is found on your student’s homeroom Bulletin Board.

  • Lesson plans, assignments, etc…are found in the specific classes Topic tab.

Inside the Pride Upper Elementary School News - Volume 233

Keeping you plugged into the exciting things happening at the Upper Elementary School

Published September 15, 2024

Volume 233

 

Adam Vinson - Upper Elementary School Principal

 

A MESSAGE FROM MR. VINSON

We are excited about our upcoming Family Night this Thursday, Sept 19. Family Nights are designed to create space within the calendar during a normal school week for families to take a break from homework, studying, etc. Enjoy a night off this week with NO HOMEWORK on Thursday and NO ASSESSMENTS on Friday. We hope your family can find something special to do together with the extra time!

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

UPCOMING UPPER ELEMENTARY DATES:

  • Sept 9-13 - Homecoming Week (Parade - Sept 9)

  • Sept 11 - 4th Grade Field Trip (Stripers Game)

  • Sept 19 - Family Night  (No Homework/Studying)

  • Sept 24 - House Color Day

  • Oct 4 - Remote Learning Day

  • Oct 23 - National Crocs Day - wear Crocs today

NEWS AND NOTES IN THE UPPER ELEMENTARY

ANNUAL FUND SEASON

We are excited about the opportunity for our Trinity family to give in support of each of our students! Mark your calendars for this special upcoming campaign.

PICTURE RETAKE DAY

Fall Picture Day retakes have been scheduled for October 14.


NEW UPPER ELEMENTARY SPIRIT WEAR AVAILABLE

Check out this year’s spirit wear options designed by our middle school team. You can order t-shirts and hoodies through the link below. 

NEED A HOUSE COLOR SHIRT TOO?

We have you covered with a link to shirts for Elliot, Lewis, Nee, Robinson, and Wycliffe as well. This includes our newly rebranded orange Nee house shirt!

JUST READ QUARTER 1 

We want to invite all of our 4th and 5th graders to participate in our voluntary reading program this year called “Just Read”. Appropriately named, we “just want our students reading” outside of class time independently. Students should use the form below to record their reading for Q1 (first 9 weeks of school). Completed forms should be returned to your child’s homeroom teacher at the end of Quarter, with a prize coming from Mr. Vinson to all who complete the challenge!

Quarter 1 Just Read Form

HOUSE FOCUS: THE WYCLIFFE HOUSE

Our House System at TCS is designed to introduce our elementary and middle school students to important historical Christian figures who exhibit character qualities that we hope to see exemplified in our own student body as well. 

This past week, we focused on the WYCLIFFE HOUSE.. 

Character Trait to Remember : 

STAND AGAINST CULTURE WHEN IT IS WRONG

Who was John Wycliffe? John Wycliffe’s beliefs and works made him known as a precursor to the Reformation. He is most well known for his tireless efforts to translate the Bible into English and making copies of the Bible more readily available.

Learn more about John Wycliffe by watching the video we showed in chapel this week.

THIS WEEK IN CHAPEL

The 4th grade was on a field trip, so the 5th grade enjoyed a chapel message in their rooms led by their teachers.

LIONS OF THE WEEK

Students who have been recognized by their teachers for setting a good example and making right choices during the school day. 

  • 4th Grade = (On Field Trip)

  • 5th Grade = Cade Sweeney

THIS WEEK’S MEMORY VERSE

As you may notice, 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 Goodness. Our hope is that these 20 verses will be remembered for years to come after being memorized for multiple years in Upper Elementary and Middle School. 

Philippians 4:6-7

v. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be known to God. v. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

HOUSE SYSTEM COMPETITION

Check out who is leading the competition at www.tcshouses.weebly.com.

UPPER ELEMENTARY ADMINISTRATIVE TEAM:

WE ARE HERE TO HELP!

Principal 

Director of Academics and Student Development 

Director of Curriculum and Instruction

  • Kristn Peavy (kristan.peavy@tcslions.org) - Mrs. Peavy provides direction and guidance related to each grade level’s curriculum. 

Academic Coordinator

  • Melissa Lanier (melissa.lanier@tcslions.org) - Mrs. Lanier oversees our class placement and return-to-academics process for students who have been absent. 

Director of Spiritual Development

UPPER ELEMENTARY HELPFUL LINKS

24/25 SCHOOL CALENDAR - Stay in the know about upcoming breaks and holidays. 

PRE-ABSENCE FORM - Submit pre-planned absences 5 days ahead of time for approval.

DRESS CODE OVERVIEW- Check out this year’s guidelines.

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 OR tiffany.mcburnett@tcslions.org.

WANT TO CELEBRATE YOUR CHILD’S BIRTHDAY? 

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. 

  • Purchase birthday cart treat items from our snack cart for your child’s homeroom class for $25. Email our Director of Student Life, Tiffany McBurnett (tiffany.mcburnett@tcslions.org), if you would like to schedule a day. 

    • PLEASE GIVE A 2-DAY NOTICE SO PREPARATIONS CAN BE MADE

  • Send in prepackaged birthday treats purchased from a store for the homeroom class. 

  • Join your child for lunch (beginning in September) in the cafeteria.

IS YOUR CHILD SICK OR ABSENT?

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 homeroom teacher. 

  • WHAT IF MY CHILD IS 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 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. 

  • NOTE: If your child is sick, we want your child to focus on resting and healing before worrying about missing assignments. Please know our teachers will work diligently to help your child catch up once they are feeling well enough to complete assignments.

NEED TO ACCESS BLACKBAUD CLASSROOM INFORMATION?

Blackbaud is going to be your main source of information this year. Once you login, 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. Please click on your student’s homeroom class to see the weekly newsletter for 4th or 5th grade. Once you are in your student’s homeroom class, it will open up the Bulletin Board. Here is where you will find the clickable link for the newsletter that will be added each week. Any important information for the week will be found here. 

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’ Bulletin Board. Here you will find helpful information such as what to do should your student be absent. 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.

To recap:

  • Weekly newsletter is found on your student’s homeroom Bulletin Board.

  • Lesson plans, assignments, etc…are found in the specific classes Topic tab.