“Just Vibe!” I say aloud to the class as they settle in for a Study Hall. An eighth grader looks at me and says, “Remember when I was in 6th grade and we tried so hard to find our vibe?” I looked at her and realized how correct she was and how important it is in the TCS middle school culture to be able to “just vibe,” or in adult words, read the room. Every classroom and teacher, according to the students, have their own vibe. Each grade of students, of course, has their own energy. But, overall, the atmosphere of the middle school has been one that we have not had since its inception. The joy, laughter, and transparency between friends, teachers, and advisories is unique. Of course there’s a reality, with conflict, adverse remarks, and even “break-ups,” but that is overshadowed by the amount of time for friends to create their own vibe and be themselves. Reflecting on the ways the middle school has evolved since my first year, as I prepare to see my first class graduate, I’m reminded why progressive education is a gift. These kids are given an opportunity to be who they are and find their authentic selves. The overall “vibe” is to be you…period. As they leave TCS they will take that “gift” and hopefully, continue to share it!


-LD

Here’s a look at what is happening in each of the classes:

What’s happening in Science?

Fifth graders finished up their last unit this week! They learned about density by layering liquids that had different concentrations of salt. They had to use their problem solving skills to figure out which color had the greatest concentration of salt and which didn’t have any salt at all. They learned how to calculate density using the mass and volume of a substance. Fifth graders also learned how to tell if mixing certain substances causes a chemical reaction or not by witnessing fizzing, bubbles, color change, or odor. Next week, we will be testing for ERB and have some nature time at Hampton Park and Demeter Park.

What’s up in ELA?

The majority of the fifth graders have completed their Argument/Advocacy final reading project. They have done very well in working together in their groups and looking at both sides of the issues. Please be sure to ask them about their argument paper and what issue they looked at. We are through with the grammar workbook and reading logs for the school year.

What’s going on in Math?

Fifth grade finished their last assessment of the year today! They were able to identify points on the coordinate plane, classify quadrilaterals, and reason with graphs in order to answer questions. They have remained resilient this year and continued to persist and persevere through learning and mastering math concepts during their first year of middle school!

What’s happening in Social Studies?

Fifth graders finished their geography studies with Australia /Pacific Islands and Antarctica. Students looked at the history of the regions and present day. Students then dove into the physical geography of Antarctica. Students finished the week by creating a television commercial advertising a specific region of the world we studied using their past content! 

Important Dates:

• May 5- Middle School Dance (7pm-9pm)
• May 26th – Teacher Work Day (No School)
• May 29th – Memorial Day (No School)
• June 1st – Half Day (11:30am Dismissal)
• June 2nd – Field Day/Last Day of School (11:30am Dismissal)