Dear Sixth Grade Families,

We had a busy and fun week following our Thanksgiving break. We dove back into Ancient Roman history. We reviewed the beginnings of Rome becoming a powerful regional force through a timeline. This included Rome’s move to become a republic and how our government is framed from this, including its challenges and benefits. We then learned about Julius Caesar, Antony and Cleopatra, and Augustus Caesar as we began to look at the period of the Roman Empire. We took to sketching faces, beginning with Julius Caesar. The students practiced drawing faces using two methods to help develop an eye toward proper proportions. They enjoyed learning and applying these new techniques. This week, we will hear about the rise of Christianity and its influence on the Roman Empire, the eruption of Mount Vesuvius, and meet Constantine the Great.

The class began working with the Cyber Civics curriculum this past week. The unit opened with a discussion on the introduction of various technologies throughout history. Discussion included how, with each advancement, these tools both have the potential to connect and disconnect humans. The students shared their interviews with someone who lived before mobile phones were invented (thank you all for your willingness to be interviewed!). This provided a lovely foundation for a discussion around both the benefits and the drawbacks of cell phones. The class also had a chance to take apart and dissect two laptop computers, allowing them to view all the various components that help these devices work.

Announcements and Reminders:

Help us support Tweens and Teens this year for the MUST Ministries Toy Drive. Please see the Main Message in the Garden Messanger for more information.
The winter weather is coming, and it is much cooler in the forest! Please dress your student(s) in layers. Winter coats and rain gear are required every day.
We need Greenery for the Winter Spiral on Thursday. Please consider asking for extra clipping from tree lots or donating trimmings from pruned evergreens in your yard. Greenery can be left alongside the fence in the field area. Thank you!

Upcoming Events:

12/07 Grades 1st - 5th Winter Spiral
12/08 Kindergarten Winter Spiral
12/20 Grades Assembly - 12:00 p.m. & Last Day of Fall Semester - Half Day
12/21 Teacher In-Service (No School)
12/22 - 01/03 Winter Break (No School)
01/04 First day of Spring Semester

With Gratitude,

Ki Melissa and Ki Lesley