Founders Classical Academy of Fort Worth
Week of January 25 - January 31
"Fair is foul, and foul is fair ."
— William Shakespeare
IMPORTANT DATES
-6th Grade Poem Recitation: January 26th, 7:45 am
-7th Grade Poem Recitation: January 27th, 7:45 am
-Health Screening: Friday, January 30th (rescheduled from Monday, January 26th)
Week in Review
This week, both 6th and 7th grade students continued to grow as careful and thoughtful readers. In 6th Grade, we delved into Act IV of Julius Caesar, focusing closely on the intense argument between Brutus and Cassius. Students analyzed how Shakespeare uses dialogue to reveal deeper themes of loyalty, pride, and the strain of leadership under pressure. They discussed how this conflict marks a turning point in the play, showing fractures within the conspirators’ alliance. In 7th Grade, students continued reading The Jungle Book and also explored how legends are formed by reading Washington Irving’s “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow.” This allowed students to compare how stories grow, change, and take on symbolic meaning over time. Both classes also took their practice STAAR tests, giving students valuable experience with testing strategies and reading stamina.
Next Week
Next week, students in both grades will continue reading their novels, building toward the resolution of key conflicts. 6th Grade will move closer to the climax of Julius Caesar, examining how earlier choices lead to tragic consequences. 7th Grade will continue exploring the moral lessons and narrative structure of The Jungle Book. Throughout the week, students will engage in discussion, annotation, and written responses to deepen comprehension. Our focus will remain on careful reading, thoughtful analysis, and clear expression of ideas.
Words of the Week
From Julius Caesar
discord — noun: disagreement or conflict; a lack of harmony.
This word perfectly describes the growing tension between Brutus and Cassius in Act IV.
From The Jungle Book
instinct — noun: natural or innate behavior; an inborn tendency.
This term reflects one of the central ideas of the novel as animals—and Mowgli—navigate survival and belonging.
Did You Know?
Shakespeare drew heavily from Plutarch’s Lives when writing Julius Caesar, using an English translation that was already popular in his time. Many of the play’s most famous speeches and character details are adapted directly from Plutarch’s historical accounts, showing how Shakespeare blended history with drama to create a powerful tragedy.
Poem(s) of the Week
6th Grade's Poem:
Little Lamb who made thee
Dost thou know who made thee
Gave thee life & bid thee feed.
By the stream & o'er the mead;
Gave thee clothing of delight,
Softest clothing wooly bright;
Gave thee such a tender voice,
Making all the vales rejoice!
Little Lamb who made thee
Dost thou know who made thee
Little Lamb I'll tell thee,
Little Lamb I'll tell thee!
He is called by thy name,
For he calls himself a Lamb:
He is meek & he is mild,
He became a little child:
I a child & thou a lamb,
We are called by his name.
Little Lamb God bless thee.
Little Lamb God bless thee.
7th Grade's Poem:
Tyger Tyger, burning bright,
In the forests of the night;
What immortal hand or eye,
Could frame thy fearful symmetry?
In what distant deeps or skies.
Burnt the fire of thine eyes?
On what wings dare he aspire?
What the hand, dare seize the fire?
And what shoulder, & what art,
Could twist the sinews of thy heart?
And when thy heart began to beat.
What dread hand? & what dread feet?
What the hammer? what the chain,
In what furnace was thy brain?
What the anvil? what dread grasp.
Dare its deadly terrors clasp?
When the stars threw down their spears
And water'd heaven with their tears:
Did he smile his work to see?
Did he who made the Lamb make thee?
Tyger Tyger burning bright,
In the forests of the night:
What immortal hand or eye,
Dare frame thy fearful symmetry?
Resources for Parents
Here are a few excellent, free sites to help students build reading comprehension skills at home:
ReadTheory – adaptive online reading practice with comprehension quizzes:
https://readtheory.org/
CommonLit – free texts with guided questions and assessments:
https://www.commonlit.org/
Newsela – leveled nonfiction articles to strengthen reading comprehension and critical thinking:
https://newsela.com/
About Mr. Laurence
Mr. Ethan Laurence-Gauglitz earned his Bachelor of Arts in International Studies from the University of North Texas, also studying a semester at Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz Universität in Hannover, Germany. After graduation, he served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Kosovo, working as a grant writer for the local municipal government and teaching English in local schools. These experiences deepened his appreciation for cultural exchange, global perspectives, and the power of language to connect people.
Most recently, Mr. Laurence was the Academic Coordinator and Lead English Instructor at Excel Academy in Henderson, Nevada, where he developed curriculum, supported teachers, and helped students reach their full potential. He brings to the classroom a love for languages, literature, and learning, and is excited to share these passions with his students this year.