The sixth-grade class took a test this week and was introduced to fractions. The students began the chapter with a lesson on multiplying and reducing proper fractions. They also completed their second TILE test of the school year.

Seventh grade continued their work, focusing on adding fractions with different denominators. They reviewed how to reduce their answers and what to do if their results were improper fractions. The students also completed their second TILE test of the school year.

The eighth-grade students finalized their preparation for their test and completed their second TILE test of the school year. They also began their study of linear equations.

6th Grade:
This week, the sixth-grade class embarked on a virtual trip to ancient Egypt. With virtual passports in hand, they stepped onto the banks of the Nile to explore the region’s geography, topography, and vegetation. Students learned how the physical features of this region played a crucial role in Egypt becoming one of the longest-lasting and most remarkable civilizations in world history.

7th Grade:
It was an exciting week in 7th-grade history! The week began with creativity and enthusiasm as each student presented their replica of a Roman invention or innovation. The effort, craftsmanship, and research behind these projects were truly impressive. The Roman unit culminated in a field trip to the Getty Villa, the nation’s only replica of a Greco-Roman villa. Students experienced an up-close view of the culture and historical figures they have been studying. They had a wonderful time and represented TCS with pride. Special thanks to all the parent drivers and chaperones for making the trip possible!

8th Grade:
The 8th graders delved deeper into the colonial era of what would become the United States. They examined the origins and causes of the transatlantic slave trade and explored how white supremacy and racism developed in the New World. Students also studied how cash crops like tobacco fueled the growth of the colonies and discussed the importance of the year 1619 in shaping early colonial life. Next, they will compare and contrast the different cultural regions of the colonies as they move toward the era of revolution.

The topic of hurricanes has been filling the time of the sixth-grade Earth Science class and has now faded to a trickle. But weather remains the focus of the class. This week, as the students prepare for their test on hurricanes, they have concentrated on the wind and wind movement that drive storms and storm patterns. They also began a lab sheet on the related topic of condensation. Clouds are on the horizon.

The Life Science class enjoyed their first steps into the world of elements and molecules. Their initial observations were understandably confusing, compounds, molecules, and elements are all different but somehow the same things. Still, they persisted and discovered the subtle differences that define the molecular world. The class’s next area of exploration will involve a fun research lab on some favorite daily snack foods. What’s that? It’s the Stay-Puft Marshmallow Man.

The Laws of Motion have been moving through the Physical Science classroom this week, specifically Newton’s three laws of motion. The class has shown that movement makes sense to them as they’ve tackled each of the laws with the insight of budding physicists. To illustrate their understanding, they will be designing and recording an experiment on how to keep an upside-down cup of water from spilling. Looking forward to seeing how they use physics!

6th Grade:
This week, the 6th graders continued reading and analyzing their novel The Giver. They completed close reading activities focused on the literary concept of foreshadowing. In writing, the students practiced crafting various types of hooks as they worked on the introductory paragraphs of their narrative essays.

7th Grade:
The 7th graders dove deeper into the world of Maleeka and Ms. Saunders as they continued reading and analyzing The Skin I’m In by Sharon Flake. They completed a close reading activity examining different forms of conflict and how they are used to develop a plot. The class also used graphic organizers to plan their narrative essays.

8th Grade:
The 8th graders continued reading about the life of Arnold Spirit in The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian. They analyzed the literary devices of motif and theme through a close reading activity. In addition, they conducted research for their capstone projects and practiced documenting their sources using the MLA Works Cited format.

As their focus on digital citizenship wraps up, students are diving back into the hands-on world of computer science. Each grade is continuing to strengthen its understanding of how technology works, not just as consumers, but as creators. Through interactive projects and discovery-based learning, students are building both problem-solving skills and creative confidence in their coding journeys.

8th Grade students are taking their coding skills to the next level by exploring randomization and how it works within loops and function parameters. These concepts help students understand how to make programs more dynamic and unpredictable, just like real-world software. Parents can be proud to see their children developing logical thinking, persistence, and creativity as they prepare for high school-level computing challenges.

7th Grade is beginning an exciting new unit on HTML, the foundation of nearly every website. After exploring a variety of real-world examples, students are experimenting with writing their own code and seeing how simple text can turn into a fully functioning webpage. This introduction gives parents a glimpse into how their children are learning to express themselves digitally, blending design, structure, and purpose.

6th Grade is discovering how code can come to life through Sprite Lab on Code.org. This platform allows students to apply their logic skills to create animations and interactive scenes, connecting abstract ideas with fun, visual outcomes. For parents, it’s inspiring to watch their children move from block-based problem-solving to truly understanding the building blocks of coding itself.

This week, 6th and 7th grade students learned how to use the verb “tener” (to have), which in Spanish is used to ask someone’s age: ¿Cuántos años tienes? / Yo tengo ocho años — “How old are you?” / “I am eight years old.” The teacher also introduced the conjugation of tener in the first, second, and third person singular: yo tengo – I have / tú tienes – you have / él tiene / ella tiene – he has / she has. Students also completed individual written question-and-answer exercises and read short dialogues related to the topic.

This week, 8th grade students practiced asking a partner where he or she is from and how to ask for and say phone numbers through speaking and writing exercises. The teacher also introduced the days of the week and helped students get familiar with common Spanish question words such as ¿De dónde? (Where from?), ¿Qué? (What?), and ¿Cuál? (Which?). They also completed matching activities that paired questions with their correct responses.

This week in music, middle school students took inspiration from a sound-effect board and wrote spooky stories that incorporated a variety of sound effects. After completing their stories, students had the opportunity to present them to the class, enhancing their performances with the added sound effects. They also reviewed the notes of the treble clef staff and practiced the ukulele. Middle schoolers have been working on alternating chords and experimenting with different strumming patterns to play a range of songs.

It was a vibrant and creative week in the Art Lab as middle school students put the finishing touches on their beautifully designed diyas in celebration of Diwali. Each piece reflected the students’ individuality and appreciation for the Festival of Lights, adding warmth and color to the space. At the same time, students contributed to the school’s festive Halloween decorations, bringing their playful and imaginative ideas to life. The week was filled with creativity, collaboration, and free expression, an inspiring reminder of how art connects culture, community, and joy.