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.