News

Rebel Run

We had a WONDERFUL day for our 3rd annual Rebel Run! Our students had fun, and all the money raised will be used to improve our school campus as well as help provide extra materials for our teachers! Special thanks to the following students/families who raised $100: Violet Reese (6th), Connor Doyle (7th), Adalyn Reese (8th), and Garner Gaines (8th). Special thanks to the following students/families who raised $250: Daniel Gursakal (7th). Special thanks to the following students/families who raised $500: Mikael Sinis (8th), Teagan Holcomb (8th). We appreciate your support! 

Test Prep

Our 8th grade teachers helped our students prepare for their PreACT test on Tuesday. Teachers provided test-taking strategies as well as helped students with pacing on a timed test. Special thanks to Mrs. Owen and Mrs. Gezley for preparing our students well. Results will be shared with students and parents when they are returned in the next few weeks. Be looking for more information soon! 

8th Grade Morning of Service

Our 8th grade students had a special opportunity to serve at Camp Conquest on Wednesday. Camp Conquest is a Christ centered nonprofit that serves children and adults living with special needs and disabilities. They serve individuals of all ages by offering an opportunity for life-changing experiences through our summer camps. Students participated by pulling weeds, laying sod, planting flowers, picking up sticks, and installing weed barrier in flower beds. Our students worked hard to prepare the camp for campers this summer. Additionally, Jamie Orwig, the camp director, will be coming to our campus on Tuesday to share with our 7th and 8th grade students opportunities for them to volunteer this summer. 

Chalk Solar System Drawings

Our 6th grade students are studying the planets. This week, they took advantage of the beautiful weather outside by creating a scale drawing of the planets in relation to the sun with sidewalk chalk in the mall area between the elementary and middle school building. The artwork was beautiful, and it provided a special learning opportunity for our students! 

Speech & Rhetoric Interviews

Students in 7th grade Speech & Rhetoric participated in a mock-interview today. They chose a job which they would be interested in pursuing in the future. For the interview, students thoughtfully answered questions including, “What is a skill you are working on improving?”, “Tell me a time you had to follow a rule, even if you did not agree with it. What skill(s) did you use?”, and “What is something you have done that you’re really proud of?”. Students practiced firm handshakes, clearly speaking, and looking others in the eye. 

Looking Ahead

• April 17 - Dress Down Day - $2 - 8th Grade Pictures for Bridge Ceremony
• April 18 - Campus Clean Up Day sponsored by Junior Beta
• April 20 - STEM Field Trip to Botanic Garden
• April 22 - Legacy Breakfast and  LATE START
• April 28-May 1 - 8th Grade Washington Trip
• April 30 - 6th Grade Field Trip - Discovery Park
• May 1 - 7th Grade Field Trip - Zoo
• May 6 - Middle School Awards Assembly
• May 8 - Pass out Exam Review 
• May 12 - 8th Grade Bridge Ceremony

May 18-20 - Exams and Half Day Dismissal (11:30AM)

Our Rebel Run was a big success last Friday! Thank you for your support in this event. Thank you to Mrs. Brette Pinner also for her work in organizing our Rebel Run. Our students had a great time and raised money for our amazing school. I appreciate the continued support that you provide us in so many different ways through time, donations, money, etc. It truly does not go unnoticed! 

Our 1st through 5th grade classes have completed their ERB Comprehensive Testing Program (CTP) this week. They have worked hard and our teachers have prepared them well. The results will be sent home with the final report card in our end of the year awards day packet in May. The CTP is a higher order thinking and critical reasoning assessment. It is much different from state tests. It is designed specifically for high achieving independent and select schools which makes it more challenging than a typical state test. We do look at individual scores but also consider whether this student shows growth from last year to this year. I can’t wait to analyze our scores to see how well they did and to make any necessary changes or adjustments that might need to be made. Thank you for getting your child here on time! We had ZERO tardies this week!!! Thank you for supporting us this week to give our students the best chance for success on their test. 

Our annual Softball / Baseball buddy night was Tuesday, April 14. Our boys and girls loved running out on to the fields with their buddies. We have enjoyed our time with each other and loved playing games with our upper school friends each Wednesday!

Our Treble Honor Choir made the trip to Nashville last weekend to perform. This a specialized, auditioned ensemble for soprano and alto voices composed of students from upper elementary to high school. It is a huge honor to be selected for this elite group. Thank you to Mrs. Dawn Gregory for the amazing job she does with our lower school music program. It is quite an accomplishment to have six lower school students make the Treble Honor Choir. Lower school students who performed are Addalyn Pennington, Jordan Johnson, Nora Barber, Charley Phelps, Isla Flockhart, and Aubrey Williams. We are so proud of you all! 

Upcoming Dates:

Progress reports are ready for viewing in your FACTS family portal. This week marks the mid way of our 4th quarter. This year is flying and we still have a lot to do! Be sure to check your FACTS portal for those grades for the first half of this grading period. 

• Friday, 4/17- $2.00 jeans day for Arise2Read
• Wednesday, 4/22-  LATE START ( this is the only one for the remainder of the school year)
• Wednesday, 4/22- Legacy breakfast for our current children of alumni and their parents at 7:30AM in the PAC. These alumni should have received information from Mrs. Suzanne Davidson on this event. 

 

Upcoming lower school field trips: 

***Please remember, no siblings are allowed on school field trips. This is a special day for that specific grade level. 

• Friday, 4/17- Kindergarten field trip to the TN Safari Park 
• Friday, 4/24- First grade field trip to the Memphis Children’s Museum 
• Wednesday, 4/29- Fourth grade field trip to the Redbirds/AutoZone Park
• Friday, 5/1- Fifth grade field trip to the The U.S. Space & Rocket Center in Huntsville, Alabama

As we continue moving steadily toward the close of the school year, this season is filled with meaningful milestones, academic accomplishments, and opportunities to celebrate the hard work of our students and faculty. It is a joy to reflect on all that is happening across our Upper School as we finish the year strong.

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This week, our sophomore students completed an outstanding World Literature fairy tale unit in which they explored original fairy tales from around the globe, including selections from Japan, Vietnam, Denmark, Peru, and Canada.

As a culminating project, students selected one tale and created a dodecahedron presentation, with each side analyzing a different literary element of the story. In addition to literary analysis, students reflected on how these tales reveal societal values and traditions from diverse cultures, broadening both their academic and global perspectives.

Well done to our sophomores for their thoughtful and creative work, and a special thank you to Mrs. Julia Stevens for designing and facilitating such an engaging and enriching instructional unit.

A few weeks ago, our sophomores and juniors completed the ACT during the school day, and last week we received their updated scores. I could not be more proud of these students and the effort these results represent.

For many of our sophomores, this was their very first time taking the ACT at school, and most students nationwide do not begin taking the exam until the spring of their junior year. Their first-time performances were incredibly impressive and reflect strong academic promise.

Our juniors demonstrated remarkable growth as well. Of the 39 juniors who tested, 34 students increased their composite score by 3 points or more compared to last year’s results. That kind of improvement is extraordinary and speaks volumes about their dedication, perseverance, and preparation.

Congratulations to all of these students on an exceptional accomplishment!

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On Tuesday, our freshman class completed the PreACT assessment. Their testing materials have now been submitted for scoring, and we look forward to receiving and reviewing those results in the coming weeks.

The PreACT is an important early benchmark that helps students gain familiarity with standardized testing while providing valuable insight into their academic strengths and areas for growth.

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Thank you to all of our students who stayed and participated in last Friday’s Rebel Color Run! It was a wonderful afternoon filled with energy, fellowship, and school spirit.

Our senior students especially enjoyed supporting their 5K buddies during the Rebel Run on the big playground before later joining the upper school festivities by helping throw color during the afternoon run.

A very special thank you goes to Mrs. Brette Pinner for her tireless leadership and commitment—not only in making this event such a success, but in the countless ways she helps make TRA a joyful and vibrant place for our students and families.

 

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Senior Final Week Schedule

As we prepare to celebrate the Class of 2026, we want to make families aware of the important events scheduled for our seniors during their final week:

Monday, April 27th - Senior/5K Buddy Breakfast & Graduation Parade (parade @ approximately 9:00AM); Parents are welcome to line the sidewalks between the elementary and upper school or in front of the upper school to celebrate all of our graduates, both big and small! (**Seniors will wear their college t-shirts for the school they are bound for next year!)

*Also on Monday, April 27th @ 1:15PM, will be the Upper School Awards Program in the PAC

Wednesday, April 29th - Painted Khaki Day (students will wear khaki skorts/skirts/shorts with their college logo painted along the hemline)

Thursday, April 30th - @ 8:00AM, Junior/Senior Candlelight Chapel in the PAC

Friday, May 1st - Last Day for Seniors - Dismiss @ 11:30AM for Senior Picnic

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Upper School Exam Schedule

Upper School final exams are quickly approaching. Please review the exam schedule carefully and help students prepare to finish the year with excellence.

🕗REMINDER: Wednesday Late Start Day
Next week will be the Last Wednesday Late Start Day for the remainder of the school year:

• Wednesday, April 22 – Late Start for the Legacy Breakfast

Please note that all other Wednesdays for the remainder of the school year will follow a regular start time of 7:50AM.

As we enter the final stretch of the school year, it is easy to feel the weight of busy days, deadlines, and growing fatigue. Yet these last weeks offer us an important opportunity to practice both perseverance and gratitude. In Galatians 6:9, we are reminded: “Let us not grow weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” Even when we feel tired, God calls us to remain faithful in our work, to finish with excellence, and to approach each day with thankful hearts. Gratitude changes our perspective—it helps us see blessings even in demanding seasons. May we encourage one another to press on with joyful hearts, thankful for the opportunity to learn, serve, and finish the year strong together.

Looking Ahead - Fourth Quarter

• April 17 - Annual Charity Dress Down Day for $2
• April 22 - Late Start Wednesday & Legacy Breakfast
• April 27 - 5K/Senior Graduate Breakfast & Parade (also College T-shirt Day for Seniors)
• April 27 - Upper School Awards Program @ 1:15PM
• April 28 - Painted Khaki Day for Seniors
• April 30 - Jr/Sr Candlelight Chapel @ 8:00AM
• May 1 - Last Day of School for Seniors - Dismiss @ 11:30AM for Picnic

As we move deeper into the spring semester, it continues to be a joy to see our students engaged across academics, extracurriculars, and community life. This week was a great example of what it means to be Bound for College. Prepared for Life.

TMTA Math Competition
This week, select Upper School students represented TRA at the TMTA Math Competition held at Dyersburg State Community College. These students demonstrated both diligence and excellence, and we are incredibly proud of how they represented our school. We look forward to sharing their results and performance highlights in next week’s newsletter!

March Madness Bracket Challenge
This year, Upper School students had the opportunity to participate in a March Madness bracket challenge through ESPN—appropriately named “Bound for Brackets. Prepared for Madness.” This initiative did not interfere with instructional time, but instead served as a fun way to build community and engagement among students and faculty.
Congratulations to our top finishers:
🥇 1st Place – Senior Sebastian Walker
🥈 2nd Place – Junior Anna Sinis
🥉 3rd Place – Junior Charlie Glenn
Well done to all who participated!

Family Science Night
Last night, our Upper School Science Club hosted its annual Family Science Night. This event continues to be a highlight each year, offering our students the opportunity to showcase their talents, curiosity, and passion for science. Thank you to our students and faculty who made the evening both educational and enjoyable for our families.

Rebel Color Run
We are looking forward to tomorrow’s Rebel Color Run for the Upper School! This event promises to be a fun afternoon of fellowship while also supporting our school’s annual fund. We are grateful for the enthusiasm and generosity that continue to strengthen our TRA community.

PreACT Testing – April 14
On Tuesday, April 14, Tipton-Rosemark Academy will administer the PreACT to all students in grades 8 and 9. Testing will begin promptly at 8:00 AM and conclude around 10:30 AM.

The PreACT provides valuable early insight into students’ academic strengths and areas for growth, while also preparing them for the format and expectations of the ACT. This experience is especially beneficial as our students begin taking the official ACT during their sophomore year.

We ask for your partnership in helping students prepare well for this important opportunity:

• Ensure your student gets a good night’s sleep (at least 8 hours recommended)
• Encourage them to eat a healthy breakfast the morning of the test
• Arrive on time – students who arrive late will not be permitted to test
• Wear comfortable clothing (dress code applies; layers recommended)
• Bring an approved calculator with fresh batteries

Thank you for your continued support in helping us create a positive and successful testing experience for our students.

🕗REMINDER: Wednesday Late Start Day
There will be only ONE Wednesday Late Start Day for the remainder of the school year:

• Wednesday, April 22 – Late Start for the Legacy Breakfast

Please note that all other Wednesdays for the remainder of the school year will follow a regular start time of 7:50 a.m.

As we near the end of the school year, it’s natural for fatigue to begin setting in. The days are full, the pace is steady, and both students and adults can feel the weight of a long semester. In these moments, we are reminded of the encouragement found in Colossians 3:23 — “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.”

Our calling does not change when we grow tired. In fact, it is often in these moments that our character and stewardship matter most. We have been entrusted with opportunities each day—to learn, to lead, to serve, and to encourage others. When fatigue begins to take hold, it can be easy to slip into frustration or negativity, but those attitudes can quietly rob us of the joy that God places in front of us daily.

Instead, we are challenged to remain faithful—to approach each task, each interaction, and each responsibility with purpose and gratitude. There is joy to be found in the small moments, in the relationships around us, and in the opportunity to finish well.

Let’s encourage one another to press on with a spirit of excellence, choosing joy, and honoring the Lord in all that we do—especially when it isn’t easy.

Looking Ahead - Third & Fourth Quarters

• April 14 - PreACT for 9th Grade Students
• April 16 - Blood Drive sponsored by Student Council (*Rescheduled Date)
• April 22 - Late Start Wednesday & Legacy Breakfast
• April 27 - 5k/Senior Graduate Breakfast & Parade (also College T-shirt Day for Seniors)
• April 27 - Upper School Awards Program @ 1:15PM
• April 30 - Jr/Sr Candlelight Chapel @ 8:00AM
• May 1 - Last Day of School for Seniors - Dismiss @ 11:30AM for Picnic

Student of the Month

Our middle school selects one student per month who exemplifies TRA’s 4 pillars of Faith, Academics, Character, and Service. Nominations are made by our faculty, and students who are selected receive a certificate and a special Chick-Fil-A lunch. Our student of the month for March is 7th grader, Ivy Glenn. Congratulations! 

March Madness Middle School Bracket Winners

Many of our middle school students and teachers participated in creating a bracket for March Madness. Our 2026 winners were 4th place - Dean Pastoric, 3rd place - Mrs. Owen, 2nd place - Ivy Glenn, and 1st place - Mrs. Millican! Ivy received a $25 credit to our TRA Cafe and Mrs. Millican received a $25 Amazon gift card!

TMTA Math Competition

Congratulations to our 8th grade students that were chosen to participate in the Tennessee Math Teachers Association Math Competition at Dyersburg State Community College. Middle school students included Elliot Barratt, Hailey Crull, Hudson Dunn, Elizabeth McCalla, & Charlie Paganoni. Students competed with high school freshmen in the Algebra I competition. Special thanks to Mrs. Gezley for preparing them and to Mrs. Kuykendall for providing this special opportunity for our students to be challenged as mathematicians!

Science

Our 7th grade science students are studying the human body. This week, they tested their nervous system reactions using visual, auditory, and tactile senses. Also, many of our STEM club members were present for our Family Science Night at TRA. Our high school students provided activities to demonstrate science concepts. It was a fun interactive night for our whole school community!

Middle School Spring Sports

All of our middle school Spring sport teams are doing well! Our track team has their second meet today at Briarcrest after a good showing at the first meet last week. Our soccer team has two upcoming games on Friday at home against Westminster and on Saturday at St. Ann Catholic School.  Our softball team is currently first place in their district, and our baseball team is now 7-0 with a game tonight against Bartlett at USA Stadium. We are proud of our student athletes and the way they represent our school! 

Testing 

Next week our 6/7th grade students will take the CTP4 test. Our 8th grade students will be taking the PreACT test on Tuesday. Although standardized testing is only one measure of student growth and achievement, it helps provide us with valuable data in making curriculum decisions and allows you, as parents, to see how your child is performing. For our 8th grade students, the results also help determine placement for honors classes in high school. Please make sure your child gets plenty of rest on these days and eats breakfast. Research shows these two factors make a significant difference in your child’s performance. Also, please help us by making sure your child is present and ON TIME. Students that come in late may not enter the classroom once testing has begun. 

Looking Ahead

• April 10 - Rebel Run 
• April 13-16 - ERB testing 6/7th grade
• April 14 - PreACT testing 8th grade
• April 15 - 8th Grade Morning of Service at Camp Conquest & 8th grade Washington Trip Meeting at 6:30pm in the gym
• April 17 - Dress Down Day - $2
• April 18 - Campus Clean Up Day sponsored by Junior Beta
• April 20 - STEM Field Trip to Botanic Garden
• April 22 - Legacy Breakfast and  LATE START
• April 28-May 1 - 8th Grade Washington Trip
• April 30 - 6th Grade Field Trip - Discovery Park
• May 1 - 7th Grade Field Trip - Zoo
• May 6 - Middle School Awards Assembly
• May 8 - Pass out Exam Review 
• May 12 - 8th Grade Bridge Ceremony
• May 18-20 - Exams