Welcome to Team Tikal!

• Back to School Night: September 13
• 7th Grade Family Barbeque: September 23

This week in individuals and societies the scholars were introduced to the ancient history course as we reviewed expectations for the class. The scholars then analyzed an article about the importance of studying history. In addition, the scholars examined the tools of a historian by applying the five themes of geography to their own lives, understanding the chronology of history through timelines. Next week in individuals and societies the scholars will analyze four candidates to determine the best leader for our society to write a formative essay.

I wanted to inform you that recently my wife and I had a baby and starting Tuesday, September 5, I will be on leave to take care of my son. Mr. Ellison will be taking over the class until I return on November 13. I have set up Canvas and Aspen to include the most important formative and summative assignments that will be completed during my absence. Due to pacing and changes that may occur during department planning, these dates may change slightly. I have also left lesson plans and a list of assignments/activities for Mr. Ellison to implement throughout the advisory. Mr. Ellison’s email address is robert.ellison@k12.dc.gov

List of assignments

1. Formative C. and D. Choosing the best leader for society? – September 16, 2023. Complete in class.
2. Hominids Terminology Due September 14, 2023) – Found in the Hominids Module on Canvas
3. Domestication (Due September 21,2023) – Found in the Hominids module on canvas.
4. Formative A. Hominid terminology September 15, 2023 – Complete in class.
5. Summative C. and D. Agriculture Paragraph - Complete in class on September 21, 2023.
6. RCT Neolithic Timeline – September Complete in class.
7. Summative A. Hominids Test Complete in class via canvas on September 28, 2023
8. Mesopotamian Terminology (Due October 6, 2023 – Found in the Canvas module Mesopotamia
9. Formative C. Hammurabi’s Code Seminar – October 15, 2023 – Complete in class.
10. Summative C. Hammurabi’s Code Speeches -October 17, 2023

This week students have been getting to know each other and practicing their interpersonal skills through writing their own honest poems (or I Am) in the style of Rudy Francisco, and we will continue to explore poetry this week through the works of Nikki Giovanni and Amanda Gorman.

Next week, students will complete the ELA narrative writing diagnostic and Reading Inventory test. These diagnostic assessments make it possible for teachers to tailor instructional to student needs.

This week students observed osmosis. We placed eggs into different liquids and recorded whether they grew or shrank. They then graphed this data. Tomorrow students will complete an experiment on live beetle larvae that I've written. Next week they will write and do their own experiments on the beetles.

Students have at least three grades in Aspen already. Please encourage your child to get into a habit of checking somewhat frequently so that they don't fall behind. 7th grade is a good time to have your children to take ownership of their grades.

While your child might need other items for their language class, advanced math, music and/or pe classes, we've listed the items the team Tikal teachers need below. If your family needs any help purchasing any of this, please let us know.

Science with Ms Baker

Required Supplies: (You do not need a composition book for science.)

• An erasable pen or pencil with which to write
  
• 3-ring binder
  

• Personal: Dividers for the 3-ring binder, simple calculator with name written in Sharpie
  
• For the classroom: Tissues, Bandaids, Dish Soap for our sinks, and/or disinfecting wipes

English with Mr Williams

Required Supplies

• Pocket Folder
• Notebook
• Writing utensil

Optional Supplies for the Classroom

• Tissues

History with Mr McShane

Supplies:

• 1.5" Binder
• 1 - 2 pocket folder
• 5 plastic tab dividers
• Highlighter(s)
• Colored Pencils
• Loose Leaf Paper
• Pencils or Pens (2 boxes- one for student and one for the team)
• Index Cards (3" by 5")

Math 7 or Math 8 with Mr Walton

Required

• Pocket Folder
• Notebook
• Pencils

Optional Supplies for the Classroom

• Tissues

If your child takes Algebra or Geometry, his/her/their math supply list might be different.