TBMS Weekly Newsletter - Issue 25-26.22

SEVENTH GRADE

In social studies this week, students will examine and analyze primary sources that describe the philosophies of rulers from India’s ancient empires. Through this work, they will consider the characteristics of effective leadership and explore how modern-day India has honored its early statesmen. Students will also evaluate the roles and contributions of everyday people as they rotate through a series of stations focused on India’s Golden Age.

We engaged in a variety of FLEX activities this week. On Monday, students worked in small peer-editing groups to provide constructive feedback on their research projects about Buddhism’s Eightfold Path. Each project clearly explained one path and thoughtfully examined how it connects to a current event.  In preparation for Thursday’s assembly with Mr. J, students reflected on their agency and responsibility within the school by crafting appropriate responses to a variety of scenarios.  The week will end with academic support.

EIGHTH GRADE

In Civics, students returned from break and started a new unit on the structure of the US government.  We are moving through the three branches of government, highlighting the roles, responsibilities and powers of each.  Students particularly enjoyed learning about the tactics of gerrymandering and filibustering - not only because they are fun words to say but also because of the intense debate these tactics spark in the American public. The 8th graders are also participating in a unit-long simulation of the legislative process.  So far, each student has written a “bill” proposing a positive change for the school, and “committees” have been forced to debate whether each bill is worthy of vote.  The students have shown great interest and are eager to move to the  next step of the simulation.

In Flex, students continue to receive a mix of academic time and Math/ELA lessons with other enrichment opportunities. The 8th graders recently attended a mid-year assembly with Principal Hudder and Vice Principal Horton to discuss expectations for the remainder of the year.  To celebrate donating the most food in the Project 351 food drive, the 8th graders also enjoyed a rousing game of kickball with their teachers.  It was a fantastic way for everyone (including teachers) to burn off some energy during these cold winter days.

UNIFIED ARTS

The new Semester of chorus and Theatre have begun! Choruses are continuing to build music literacy skills through sight-reading practice and use of syllables. We are beginning the learning process with brand new repertoire for all ensembles, with an eye on the May 13th Spring Concert. We also have 14 students in grades 7-9 auditioning for Jr. District Chorus on Sat. Feb. 7th at Grafton HS, and are so proud of their commitment to this opportunity. They join 9 instrumental students in representing our school at auditions. 

Theatre class has begun learning about the stage, blocking, scene design, and the basics of acting through workshopping scenes of their choice. It is wonderful to see their creativity and fearlessness, as well as their support of each other in the creative process. We will be learning about ancient Greece, and the origins of theatre in the coming weeks.