Busy as ever in room 21...

We've had a busy few weeks in the 4/5 challenge classroom! Check out what we've been up to...

Writing: we wrapped up our research and argument writing papers. Each student gave a Power Point presentation on their chosen topic. Each student presented an opinion with evidence on a societal issue. We will begin writing our own myths when we return from break.

Reading:  We are wrapping up our study of the American Revolution on Monday. We have put into action many non-fiction reading strategies. We have become excellent at annotating and participating in whole class and small group discussions. We will read a story from our Junior Great Book series next week prior to break. After break we will begin a study of myths.

Social Studies:  Nifty Fifty States are memorized! Everyone in our class did an absolutely impressive job on the final 50 states and capitals test.

Science:  We will begin our Matter unit of study on Monday. We will kick off learning about the three states of matter. We will be doing several hands on and interactive labs with this unit!

Please note that ISTEP testing begins a week after we return from break. We will begin the on-line testing on Monday, April 18th. Again, please try to avoid any morning appointments this week. Thanks in advance for your help with this.

Have a very Happy Easter and a Superb Spring Break!!!!

Greetings Parents!

We've had a great couple of weeks back in action! Here's the scoop...


Writing:   We have been working on understanding Argument Writing. This includes how to identify a claim and find evidence the author used. We read a great article about chewing gum in school. Be sure to ask  your son or daughter what the author's claim about gum chewing is! We will develop our own opinion and begin to create a claim and research evidence next week.

Reading:  We wrapped up our non-fiction colonization reading and read a very thought provoking story from our Junior Great Book Series. This story generated some excellent discussions and they had the opportunity to support their opinions with examples from the text. We will be reading another selection from the series next week.

Word Study:  As you know we took a break from Caesar's this week due to a short week and completing MAP testing as well as the state wide ISTEP stress test on Thursday. We will resume with Caesar's on Monday.

Social Studies:  The kids are having a BLAST working in their colonies to capture land and survive in the New World. Be sure to ask your child about their role in their colony and how their colony is doing.

                           Attention 5th Grade Parents:

                      Important Information and Dates from Carmel Middle School

• Middle School Parent Scheduling Information Night--Wednesday, January 27th @ 6:30 pm in the Carmel Middle School Auditorium:  This is an evening for parents only.  The administration and counselors will be sharing information about the middle school scheduling process and course offerings.  
• Carmel Middle School counselors will be visiting Carmel Elementary on Monday, February 1st to begin the scheduling process with students.  Counselors will be providing information that will assist students in completing their class schedule online.
• CMS Open House for Parents and Students--Tuesday, April 19th from 5:30-7:30:  This is a great opportunity for the whole family to tour Carmel Middle School, learn more about clubs and activities, and talk with key staff at CMS.  It is an informal event, and families may come at the time that fits best in their schedule.
• Current 6th graders to visit Carmel Elementary during the 4th Quarter--6th grade students, accompanied by CMS administration will visit CE 5th graders to field questions that 5th graders may have about middle school life.
• If your child is interested in joining band, choir, or orchestra, "try-ons" will be coming up soon! Please see the Carmel Middle School website for more information.

Welcome 2016!!

We had an awesome first week of the new year! We started off our week by writing and sharing about our holiday break. Here's the scoop on what we accomplished this week...

Writing:  We worked on informational writing in our journals and reflected on a 2015-2016 New Year's Resolution writing project. They are currently being displayed in the hallway for others to enjoy.

Language Arts / Social Studies: We continued with our integrated colonization reading and simulation. We put our annotating skills to use this week with our non-fiction reading. The class is LOVING our simulation. Be sure to ask your child how many of their colonies ships made it to the New World.

During language arts we are also completing the district wide NWEA testing. This week we took math tests on the computer. Next week we will be taking reading.

A HUGE THANK YOU for the wonderful auction items before break as well as the Gingerbread items. Everyone enjoyed both of these fun activities.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Mrs. Hepp