10/17 - 6th Updates (by CLT)

CORE CLASSES
Language Arts	Students should read 20 minutes per day 5-6 days per week outside of class. Students will analyze character traits and their impact on stories. Students will discuss setting and how it impacts character and plot development. In addition to nouns and pronouns, students will identify and use verbs in writing.
Math	Math 6 The Unit 4 Test is scheduled for 10/25 (A Day) or 10/26 (B Day). The Unit 4 Study Guide is due on the day of the test. Students must complete 5 topics in ALEKS per week. Reminder: Use Schoology to see updated notes and homework assignments.
Math	Foundations of Algebra The Unit 3 PBA is taking place during class. The final product is due in class on 10/25 (A Day) or 10/26 (B Day). The Unit 3 Study Guide due on the day of the test. Students must complete 5 topics in ALEKS per week. Reminder: Use Schoology to see updated notes and homework assignments
Science	We have journeyed into space! Students have been learning about objects in our solar system and how they are organized. They will be learning how gravity influences these objects and how they move as a result of this influence. As we learn about characteristics of each of the planets, we will be focusing on Earth’s unique properties and how life is possible on this planet. Students will have their objects in the solar system and gravity summative on Monday, October 4 (A day) and Tuesday, October 5 (B day). Look on Schoology for review and study resources for the upcoming assessment.
Social Sciences	We recently completed the second summative of the quarter on US Geographic Regions and Resources. Please check your child’s grade for this assessment in ParentVue. We are currently completing our Native Americans unit, which will be the final unit of the quarter. The summative assessment for this unit will be a project-based assessment, which we will complete in class next week on Tuesday and Thursday (A Day students) or Wednesday and Friday (B Day students). Study materials are posted in Schoology. Please follow our 6th Grade US History Twitter account @TMS6thUSHistory! Here you can find the latest updates as well as links to our US History Smore newsletter.
EL	Students have been learning the letters of the English alphabet, focusing on vowel sounds. They’ve been practicing the sounds of long and short vowels, as well as using letters to make words using those sounds. Students are learning the elements of a story, focusing on characters, setting, and prediction. We’ve also been enjoying a whole class read-aloud from the book Front Desk by Kelly Yang.
ENCORE CLASSES
Art	Williams: Students are updating their Digital Portfolios which can be viewed on Schoology with their current work. Portfolios will be checked for all work submitted for Q1 and then we will be doing Experimental Studio Days on the week of October 25th. If you are looking for Formative and Summative information, it is also on Schoology. Shirk: Trailside Artists have been doing lots of fun experimental creating in order to get to know the art studio! Students have been investigating the Elements of Artin their sketchbook pages for Q1, and have created wolf pack banners, learned how to transform shapes into forms using value, and are wrapping up a neurographic doodle that we are going to paint and turn into an origami squash book!
Band	We have been reviewing notes on the staff and learning beginning rhythms. Students are starting to make sounds on their mouthpiece and learn the careful & proper way to assemble their instrument.
Chorus	We are working on concert music! You may hear some “Zum Gali Galis” being sung at home. Encourage it! :) We are working on basic music literacy skills and identifying the parts of the staff. Order forms for Concert Polo Shirts will begin Monday October 18-Friday November 19 on the TMS Portal
Guitar and Music lab	Students are working on listening and musc vocabulary by studying music through history. Students are performing rhythmic patterns that focus on sixteenth note and dotted sixteen note patterns.
Health/PE	Students have been completing fall fitness testing in the Aux gym and will begin soccer skills in the Main gym. In Health, students are finishing work on their Health Triangle project.
Introduction to Computer Applications (ICA)	Students are learning the importance of typing with speed and accuracy as they are improving their WPM in advance of their second timed typing assessment during the week of October 18th. Students are gaining an in-depth understanding of the importance of digital safety and wellness as we are learning about phishing scams, internet predators, cyberbullying, screen time vs. offline time and the evaluation of digital content through Common Sense Education. These lessons are complemented by online modules and assessments in EverFi Ignition, of which is due on October 15th. Students are being introduced to coding as an extension through the LCPSGo app, Code.org. Students will have the option to complete extra credit by designing their own futuristic keyboard!
Orchestra	Students have completed Summatives 1, 2, and 3. Grades will be updated by the end of the week. Any 50% in the gradebook is a missed assessment, and students have the opportunity to retake at any time before the end of the quarter Students are continuing to develop their understanding of fingered notes, and we will begin to explore the use of the bow in the coming weeks Please make sure students continue to practice 10-15 minutes daily
Spectrum	Students are working on our Investigating the Future unit. We examined the Theory of Multiple Intelligences by Howard Gardner and students took a survey to see how they rank on the various intelligences. Next, students will participate in an analysis simulation where they will examine applicants for a program to determine if these candidates display a need for gifted services. This leads to a great discussion.

CORE CLASSES

ENCORE CLASSES