Big Hearts, Tiny Houses: Sixth Grade Students Showcase Cross-Curricular Learning with Purpose
Caroline L. Reutter School’s sixth grade students recently showcased their incredible work during the annual cross-curricular project, "Big Hearts, Tiny Houses". This initiative, inspired by our local Operation Safe Haven Tiny House Community in Franklinville, aims to combine academic learning with real-world empathy. Operation Safe Haven provides free housing and counseling services to Veterans and First Responders coping with PTSD. The powerful mission of this organization served as the foundation for students' exploration into how tiny house communities can help people in need.
This year’s event was attended by members of our school and local community who came to see the results of weeks of thoughtful planning, creativity, and collaboration. The project first began several years ago following a student field trip to Operation Safe Haven, sparking conversations and ideas about the many challenges families face, such as homelessness, natural disasters, or displacement, and how thoughtfully designed tiny house communities could provide solutions.
Each sixth grade homeroom represented a different region of the United States. Students researched the geography, climate, and available resources of their assigned area in order to design a sustainable and purposeful tiny house community suited to that region’s specific needs. This approach encouraged not only creativity but a deep understanding of how location influences structure and support.
The project included strong cross-curricular connections:
Math: Students calculated area, scale, unit rates, and budgets, using decimals and proportions to design and cost out their tiny homes realistically.
English Language Arts: Students wrote detailed narratives explaining the mission and impact of their tiny house community. Final presentations included descriptive writing and persuasive speaking to communicate their vision to visitors and peers.
Science and Social Studies: Students explored sustainability, conservation, and historical housing structures like log cabins to understand how resource use and design have evolved. Each tiny house was developed with environmental consciousness, highlighting renewable energy, efficient space planning, and regional adaptability.
"Big Hearts, Tiny Houses" is more than a school project—it’s a meaningful learning experience that empowers students to apply academic concepts in the service of empathy, innovation, and social awareness. We are proud of our sixth graders’ accomplishments and their commitment to building a better world—one tiny house at a time.
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Reutter School's Sixth-Grade students enjoy their annual class picnic event.
CLR Students supported the DHS Class of 2025 during the annual Graduation Walk.
Students in Mrs. Hartman, Mrs. LaScala, Mrs. Leonchuck, and Ms. Pino's Fifth Grade ELA classes delivered presentations depicting different Greek Gods and Goddesses that they recently researched.
CLR Students who earned their Goal Period 2 RAM READY Academic Incentive Program reward received a Mister Softee treat.
Township of Franklin Public Schools Commencement Ceremony - https://youtu.be/oTRZBLkjHwg?si=AYpsKAHUGhAlQz3E
In fifth grade science classes, students applied principles of engineering and physics by designing payload packages for an egg drop experiment. Students were challenged to create protective enclosures that would prevent a raw egg from breaking when dropped from a height of 20 feet. Using a variety of materials, students engaged in critical thinking and problem-solving as they planned, built, and tested their designs. This hands-on project encouraged creativity and an understanding of concepts like gravity, force, and impact absorption, all while making science both meaningful and fun.
Reutter School Related Arts May 2025 Newsletter
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Reutter School students enjoyed their "Anything But A Backpack" Spirit Day
Miss Rey’s Fifth Grade ELA students had the opportunity to immerse themselves in a decade of their choice by analyzing articles, websites, and videos related to their time period. Throughout Trimester 3, they worked diligently to research their assigned decade, write an informational essay, and create an engaging presentation. To bring their learning to life, students dressed in decade-inspired outfits and shared their findings with the fifth-grade class. Their presentations were truly insightful, showing the students' creativity and knowledge on the topics they covered.
On May 29, Caroline L. Reutter School proudly hosted its Annual Art Show, showcasing the incredible creativity and talent of its fifth and sixth-grade students. Under the guidance and inspiration of Art Teacher Miss Jessica Heritage, students explored various artistic styles, techniques, and media to produce a diverse and vibrant collection of artwork. The school community was invited to view the impressive displays, which highlighted the imagination and hard work of the young artists. The event served as a celebration of student expression and the important role of the arts in education.
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This week, members of the Caroline L. Reutter School Student Council, Safety Patrol, and Counselor Helpers had the unique opportunity to visit the Gloucester County Courthouse Complex as part of an educational field trip. During their visit, students were given a guided tour of the justice facility and learned about the various components of a criminal trial, including the roles of judges, attorneys, jurors, and law enforcement personnel.
To deepen their understanding, students participated in a hands-on mock trial experience where they were assigned and performed different courtroom roles, allowing them to bring the trial process to life. The field trip concluded with a special Q&A session with a New Jersey Supreme Court Judge, who shared valuable insights about the legal profession and answered students’ thoughtful questions. The experience offered a memorable and enriching look into the world of law and justice, while also inspiring future leadership and community involvement among Reutter School’s student leaders.
Caroline L. Reutter School Hosts Annual Veterans and First Responders Appreciation Breakfast
On May 28, the Caroline L. Reutter School Student Council proudly held its annual Veterans and First Responders Appreciation Breakfast, honoring the brave individuals who have served our country and protected our community. Using funds they raised throughout the school year, the student council organized this heartfelt event as a way to give back and show their gratitude to local heroes. The breakfast served as a meaningful gesture of appreciation and a powerful learning experience for the students involved.
During the event, student council members warmly greeted guests, served breakfast, and engaged in thoughtful conversations with the honored attendees. The ceremony featured student-led speeches, the recitation of patriotic poems, and a special musical performance by the school’s chorus. The morning was filled with pride, reflection, and community spirit as students and staff came together to recognize the selfless contributions of veterans and first responders.
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Support the Reutter School Annual Character Color Run!
Reutter School Student Council's Veterans and First Responders Recognition Breakfast
