Thomas Jefferson Middle School

April Curriculum - Grade 6

Learning together to understand and improve ourselves, our futures, and our world.
Student Services Updates Gifted Information Update
What it Means to Teach Gifted Learners Well: An Excerpt from
Carol Ann Tomlinson

Teaching gifted learners begins with the premise that each child
should come to school to stretch and grow daily. It includes the
expectation that the measure of progress and growth is
competition with oneself rather than competition against
others. It resides in the notion that educators understand key
concepts, principles and skills of subject domains, and present
those in ways that cause highly able students to wonder and
grasp, and extend their reach. And it envisions schooling as an
This month your child engaged in Academic Course Planning. In escalator on which students continually progress, rather than a
middle and high school, your child’s school counselor will work series of stairs, with landings on which advanced learners
with them to develop an individualized personal academic plan. consistently wait.
This Academic Course Plan links the student’s career interests to
course selection and leads to meeting rigorous graduation It's fiendishly difficult to achieve in schools where
requirements as they begin to explore their post-graduation goals. standardization is the norm, and where teachers are supported
Each year, we will review their plan and make adjustments to in being recipe followers, rather than flexible and reflective
courses that will be taken as they explore new and developing artisans. In schools where responsive instruction is a carefully
interests. You have access to your child’s plan through Naviance, a supported indicator of professional growth, the capacity to
tool that will be used throughout middle and high school. If you extend even the most capable mind is a benchmark of success.
have questions, please feel free to reach out for additional
information.
TJMS Student Services Newsbites
Arts Design

In band, students are working on differentiated and progressive In Technology Education, students are working on board
“Band Karate” checkoffs using the SmartMusic Notation Software. drafting. This traditional technique allows us to invent and
We are also working on a special project that incorporates innovate using the design process later in the semester. We will
expression through writing and composing music. Advanced explore drafting each letter neatly and cleanly on a blueprint
students are beginning to select solos to perform. and work on orthographic, 3 view and isometric drawings.

In Orchestra, students are making excellent progress with a In Design

variety of solo pieces. We continue to develop our reading skills technology,
and technique in order to play with a smooth, full tone. Music students are
vocabulary is emphasized at all times. Students are writing IBMY working on
Process Journals to develop their independent practice skills and “Internet
music vocabulary. Scavenger
Hunts”: where
In Chorus, students have submitted their recordings for the South the students
Arlington Choral Pyramid Project. We are starting new music for will use clues
the spring and focusing on music literacy. given to them
to find various answers around the internet. They will work on
In Drama, students are rehearsing for our radio drama search skills, putting technical terms into their own words, and
production. We are performing Jack and the Beanstalk with a manipulating multimedia layouts.
commercial for Aunt Lottie’s Leftover Cafe. The final performance
will be recorded next week for your listening pleasure. In Design FACS, students have been learning effective
communication skills to make friends, solve problems, and get
In Arts, students have been focused on drawing with value along with others.
shading. They have studied form by practicing geometric forms
and the organic shapes of the face. They are creating an identity
drawing that does not have to be a self portrait, but still
represents them nonetheless.
 Individuals and Societies (Social Studies) Language Acquisition (World Languages)

In History, students are continuing our final unit: Turning Points Introduction to French students continue being comfortable
and the Emergence of Modern America. We have explored hearing and using basic French statements. We are laughing,
Industrialization, Progressive Reform Movements, the Spanish singing, and reading short stories.
American War and US Imperialism and World War I since we
began this unit. We have looked at events from different Intro to Latin students are learning about the early history of
perspectives to think about how change does not always improve Rome, and making comparisons to modern America. We are
the lives of all people. We will continue our exploration by also practicing our Latin vocabulary through online games.
studying the Harlem Renaissance, Great Depression, World War II,
the Civil Rights Movement, Globalization and current issues. We Intro to Spanish students are becoming more comfortable
will continue to develop map skills, inquiry skills and connecting reading for comprehension short stories in Spanish. They love
events through time and place. Our inquiry questions will include: stories related to animals. They love to listen to music in
Why did we fight and what did we gain? What was life like? Spanish and even dance!
Language and Literature Math

In Reading, we have just finished our social issues unit. Students In Math 6, students
have made noticeable strides in their ability to participate in a are working to
meaningful discussion with peers. We are now beginning an understand
interdisciplinary unit with science, “Life and Water.” Students will Equations and
learn about water systems and water-related issues in science and inequalities as they
explore the human connection to those issues more deeply in prepare to take the
reading. Virginia Math 6
Standards of
In English, students are in the midst of the 100 day writing Learning test.
challenge. From March 1- June 8, every student must participate
at one of the levels: Required, Reward, or Centurion. Families, ask
your students about this exciting activity. Students, challenge
yourself to write every day! To support this work, students will be
choosing from a variety of writing activities.
Physical and Health Education Sciences

In Physical Education, students are working on fitness plans and In Science, we are ending the weather unit with a unit test.
workout routines focusing on the different health related During the Month of May, students will work on an
components of fitness: cardiovascular endurance, muscular Interdisciplinary unit with Reading 6 on water sustainability.
strength, muscular endurance and flexibility. Mr. Rodriguez Students will research this issue around the world by reading “A
retired May 1st. Ms. Menza will be taking over his classes for the Long Walk to Water.” Students will then research another
remainder of the year. Ms. Menza’s classes will continue with country with water sustainability issues and make a
badminton and a variety of sports with her in-person students for presentation that includes a reflection upon the connection to
the next 2 weeks. Mr. Stith’s classes are still in Physical Education “A Long Walk to Water.”
completing a variety of workouts. Mr. Heath’s classes are in Health
completing a Family life unit for the next 2 weeks.
From the Library: Learner Profile and Service Learning Update

● Read our weekly Library Buzz Newsletter in Canvas! Here’s the We have wrapped up the Learner Profile
link to our April 26, 2021, issue. Excellence and service contest where
● If you have any questions please send Ms. J Miller, Ms. Wall, students have a choice of creating a
or Ms. Rosegrant a Canvas message or email us! poem, essay, story or graphic about it.
● Our final TAB Club meeting of the year is May 3rd. We will The contest is hosted by the IB
vote for Jefferson’s Top 10 TAB Picks books! Mid-Atlantic with a $500 prize for the
Free Audiobooks all summer long! winner. The work has been submitted
● Starting April 28 (and for the next 14 weeks), you can and now we are awaiting the
“borrow” two great audiobooks each week. Here is the announcement of the winners. See an example of the Learner
list of all the books (and their weeks) for this year. Once Profile drawing by one of our students picture to the right. We
you have borrowed an audiobook, it will be yours will also be looking to update our service learning reflections.
forever--it stays on your shelf in the Sora app you use. Students have had the opportunity to play the Free Rice game to
Audiobooks are only available during their week: you support shipping rice to people in need, play an Eco-Arlington
have to remember to go to the app and borrow books nature game, among other activities in TA. Students will have a
each week or you’ll miss them. chance to reflect on what they have learned through service in
● Here are step-by-step directions for how to register, get the May.
Sora app, and “borrow” the free audiobooks!