The sixth grade students began a new chapter on positive and negative integers. They started with a lesson that helped them differentiate between amounts greater than zero (positive) and amounts less than zero (negative). Following that, the students worked on memorizing the rules that apply when positive and negative integers are multiplied or divided. These rules apply to both operations. Two positive integers multiplied or divided will yield a positive answer. Two negative integers multiplied or divided will also yield a positive answer. Multiplying or dividing integers with one negative integer will yield a negative answer. These rules only apply when one is working with two integers.

The seventh graders started a new unit on solving equations with one variable. Even though this type of equation is easy to solve mentally, the students were informed that all of their work needs to be shown when solving. Doing this will prepare them for the more advanced equations they will solve later in middle school and high school. The seventh graders also became acquainted with the idea of opposites when solving: identify the type of equation being worked with originally and utilize the opposite operation to solve it.

The eighth grade students began a new chapter on solving quadratic equations. The chapter began with a review of how to factor trinomials, which the students completed as a classwork assignment. (See photos.) The class will be receiving direct instruction, seeing step-by-step videos, and using graphic organizers to help them solve quadratic equations before Spring Break, as there are a multitude of steps and formulas to remember.

Sixth grade earth science took a deep dive into igneous rocks this week. Even though they are all igneous and share characteristics of their origins, it doesn't mean they are all the same rock. In fact, there are two categories of igneous rock. The class took time to study the features and similarities of both types of igneous rock using magnifying glasses and rapt enthusiasm.

This week the life science class continued their study of some of the smallest things. The stages of mitosis were the main focus, but the class also began the steps of what makes every living thing. Deoxyribonucleic acid is the building block for everything that is or ever has been living on this tiny blue speck in space.

The Physical Science class expanded their study of space as the class took a look at the different types, colors, and temperatures of the stars of the universe. Some stars can be as cold as 2000 degrees, while others may reach a soaring temperature of 50,000! Their color is based on their temperature. But no matter what the color, they sure are pretty in the night sky.

The sixth-grade class took a vocabulary quiz this week, and the results were very encouraging. The students showcased their grammar skills by identifying antonyms and synonyms and using vocabulary words correctly in sentences. They also received a new list of words and will have another quiz next week. In addition, students were introduced to their new novel, The Night Diary. This novel is a gripping story about a middle school girl as she navigates life during the creation of the Pakistan–India border.

This week, the 7th graders nearly reached the halfway mark of their 400-plus-page novel The Children of Blood and Bone. The trio of main characters has reached the arena as they attempt to obtain the final artifact needed to restore magic. If this sounds intriguing, ask the students about the details of this exciting adventure. The students also took a vocabulary quiz in which they showcased their grammar skills. The class scored impressively high and has received a new list of words for next week.

The 8th graders are nearing the exciting conclusion of their novel Born a Crime. Students are analyzing the main characters, diving into a character study of the story’s antagonist. The book also connects to the students’ study of U.S. Western Expansion, as Trevor Noah shares the tragic history of colonization and white supremacy in South Africa. The students also took a vocabulary quiz and achieved impressive scores.

This week, the sixth-grade class got a real taste of history. As they wrapped up their unit on Mesopotamia, they researched foods that were eaten in ancient times and are still enjoyed today. They tried lentil soup, dolmas, and meat kebabs. The students also took a final quiz on the unit, and their scores were impressive. Afterward, they gathered their virtual passports and “traveled” to India, where they studied the region’s diverse geography and climate.

The seventh grade had an exciting week in history. As they near the end of their West Africa unit, students researched a tribal mask and created a Google Slides presentation on the culture behind it. They then reconstructed the masks using household materials and are now presenting their projects. The class also welcomed a very special guest, Diane (DD), who shared the culture of her home country, Cameroon. She brought authentic fabric, food, music, and dance, leaving the students inspired by her engaging presentation. Later, the students explored the African genre of call-and-response through song and drumming.

It was a wonderful week in the 8th-grade history class. The students culminated their study of the influence of Mexicans on the Southwestern United States by making and enjoying guacamole. They participated in the slicing, dicing, and mixing of authentic ingredients, including fresh cilantro from the TCS garden, while researching the origins of the ingredients and learning how a confluence of cultures helped make the dish popular in the Southwest. Later in the week, students began a new unit on the Reform Era of the early to mid-1800s. They learned about the Second Great Awakening and were introduced to transcendentalist thinker David Thoreau and the movement encouraging people to question conventional thought. Students engaged in thoughtful discussions connecting the ideas of this reform era to issues in the present day.

6th Grade
Sixth graders wrapped up their introduction to the WeVideo editing platform and shifted their focus back to coding concepts, specifically conditionals. By using “if/then” logic to control outcomes, students explored how code can become more responsive and intelligent based on different inputs or situations. This work helped reinforce problem-solving skills and showed how decision-making structures shape interactive programs.

7th Grade
Seventh graders continued developing their HTML websites, with a particular focus on creating clear and functional multi-page navigation. By linking pages together and refining layout choices, students strengthened both their coding accuracy and their understanding of user experience. This stage of the project emphasized organization, consistency, and purposeful site structure.

8th Grade
Eighth graders explored how to capture and use input from arrow keys and the mouse—two of the most essential components in designing computer-based games. By programming how on-screen elements respond to user controls, students took an important step toward building interactive gameplay mechanics. This lesson deepened their understanding of real-time input and player-driven design.

During this week, 6th and 7th-grade students focused primarily on working with the question word "¿Dónde?" (Where) and the adverbs of place “encima” (on top), “en” (on), “debajo” (below), “al lado de” (next to), and “dentro” (inside). At this moment, they are able to ask where classroom objects are located and respond in full sentences, developing speaking and writing skills. The students also learned that de (of/from) + el (the) contracts to del (of the/from the) to improve flow. This mandatory contraction is used exclusively before a masculine singular noun.

This week, 8th-grade students took an exam on the use of the verb "gustar" (to like), and all achieved very satisfactory results. Additionally, they reviewed the use of the verb "ser" (to be) to describe, explain characteristics, indicate origin and professions. They also were able to complete sentences using the correct form of the verb "ser" and translate them from Spanish into English.

In Art this week, middle school students continued working on their self-portraits, which will become part of a special collaborative installation called a Bloom. Each student’s portrait will be combined into a sculptural piece created by Robert Mosely, an artist and parent of sixth grader Maxwell. The finished Bloom will be featured and auctioned at this year’s TCS Fest. Through this project, students are contributing their individual artistic voices to a larger community artwork that celebrates creativity, identity, and connection within the TCS community.

This week in middle school PE, students continued developing their volleyball skills while also building their cardiovascular endurance through slow-paced jogging. During volleyball activities, students practiced passing, setting, and serving while working on communication and teamwork during rallies.

Many students showed improvement in keeping rallies going and supporting their teammates on the court. In addition to volleyball, students focused on maintaining a steady, comfortable jogging pace to build stamina rather than speed. It was great to see students demonstrating positive sportsmanship, effort, and encouragement toward one another throughout the week.