Weekly Update from Team Tikal

Deal will host IN PERSON family conferences on Thursday, March 14th from 12-7pm.

Families of 6th and 7th Grade Students: Student-Led Conferences

Families will make one appointment (15 minutes) with their student’s Advisory teacher. Students will work with their Advisor in advance of conference day to lead a discussion of their goals, progress, and achievements. Students must attend the conference with their family member(s).

Hints for a successful student-led conference:

• Make sure you have seen your student’s Term 2 Report Card and check Aspen in the week before your conference. Student-led conferences will not focus on the nuances of a student’s grade in a specific class but rather look holistically at a student’s academic goals, progress, and achievements. Families should use Aspen to monitor students’ grades and attendance throughout the school year and address concerns early, if necessary.
• Arrive a few minutes before your conference. It will be helpful to have time to transition into the building and to the classroom without being in a rush.
• Need more support? Assistant Principals and Counselors will be available for check-ins on conference day.

The appointment system is available at https://ptcfast.com/schools/Alice_Deal_Middle_School. Please note, the appointment system will close at the end of the day on Tuesday, March 12th. The appointment system is available in English and Spanish and families may request conference interpretation for any language by stating the language need in the special request field.

Most students now need more pencils.

This week students started learning about natural selection. They analyzed variations in tree trunks, the number of stomata (using the microscopes), and wrote their own labs on English Ivy. Yesterday they watched me make a fool of myself (see the video below if you need a laugh) in order to help them memorize the main steps of natural selection. Today they will be assigned a tool to be their "bird beak" to "eat" food to track which trait would be most successful in our environment. Next week we will continue to learn about Darwin and natural selection.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1QT8AFSvVhlTWGxGq32e2EF6ouW3a0fle/view?usp=drive_link

For our grade 7 students, It’s expected for them to pass their 6th I-Ready lesson for term 2. In preparation for CAPE and end-of-year assessments, we’ve transitioned our weekly homework worksheets to an online platform accessible through PEAR Assessment on Clever. This strategic move allows students to familiarize themselves with digital testing environments while showcasing their problem-solving skills on “thinking” or “Scratch” paper.

In recognition of diverse learning needs, paper copies of assignments are available for students who require them. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or concerns regarding this transition.

Meanwhile, our Math 8 students have been engaged in investigative summative and formative assessments focusing on Multiplying and Dividing exponents. Transitioning seamlessly, we’re gearing up to dive into Unit 7, exploring Scientific Notations in depth.

Similarly, our Math 7 students are nearing the completion of Unit 5, culminating in their End of Unit Assessment by week’s end. It’s inspiring to witness their dedication and progress.

As we approach the much-anticipated spring break, let’s take a moment to acknowledge the hard work and support you provide your child. From assisting them with I-Ready to ensuring they have the necessary tools like pencils and notebooks, your partnership is invaluable in fostering their success in the classroom.

This week in individuals and societies the scholars submitted their Chinese philosophy paper. After completing the summative, the scholars will begin the unit on Ancient Greece.

Past Assignments:

1. Summative Essay Criteria C and D – Chinese Philosophy Policy Brief Due February 28 2024
2. Summative B. Independent Research Annotated Bibliography – Due February 23, 2024
3. Formative C Mandate of Heaven Mini Paragraph – January 31, 2024
4. Formative B. Independent Research Annotated Bibliography – February 9, 2024
5. Formative D Which philosophy matches the described action – February 15, 2024
6. Shang Zhou quiz – February 2, 2024
7. Chinese Philosophy Quiz – February 9, 2024
8. Silk Road PlayPosit – Found in Canvas – Due February 15, 2024