As we near the end of the 2nd trimester, I’m reminded of how crazy busy the month of February is in the TCS Middle School. With the dance, self-assessment, projects, and the end of the trimester, we’re all a little frenzied over here as we work tirelessly to get things polished and ready! Now’s an important time to remember to take a step back, look at how far we’ve come, and how far we have yet to go! Self-assessment is my favorite part of the year, as the students showcase how proud they are of their learning and how excited they are to share that with you! The other MS teachers and I are so excited to share that experience with you next week.
-AG
Math:
This week, 7th graders took their mid-unit quiz on functions and what they are before moving on to applying these functions to the volume formulas for figures like pyramids, cones, and spheres. Next week, we’ll continue exploring cones and spheres and discover what happens to the volume of different shapes when we manipulate one or more of the figures’ dimensions.
ELA:
7th grade joined the rest of the middle school in beginning their Shakespeare study this week. They began their grade-level study of Macbeth and reviewed elements of a sonnet. They also began a proofreading and punctuation grammar study, with a test planned for March 6th.
Next week, 7th grade will continue Macbeth, keeping historic and religious influences in mind as we pick apart the language of the play. Poets will also begin formulating ideas and first quatrains of their sonnets, working towards their 3/21 due date. They will test their grammar skills Thursday.
Social Studies:
Seventh grade finished our discussion this month about Black History Month this week. We discussed famous peoples, organizations and events and I think the students did a fantastic job with the topics covered. We also continued on about the 1820’s-1860’s and how this time period was so detrimental to the country and how it led to the Civil War. We will continue on with this and begin the student debate on the 13th Amendment.
Science:
Seventh graders finished up their science fair projects this week! Results with evidence were concluded, potential errors identified, and possible applications were considered. They polished up their reports and then contemplated what information needed to be put on their boards. The seventh graders rallied and created very polished and entertaining science fair boards. They will be out in the library next Monday and Tuesday during self-assessment conferences for your viewing pleasure!
Important Dates:
March 3rd & 4th: Student Led Conferences (11:30 Dismissal)
March 10th-12th – ERB Milestone Testing (ELA and Math)
March 15th – TCS Spring Gala & Auction
March 29th-April 6th – Spring Break
Upcoming Assessments and Deadlines:
Report due 2/25
Final Science Fair board and report due 2/28
Grammar Test 3/6
Math Test 3/13
Sonnet due date 3/21
