World Language Newsletter - March 2015

Hola!

March sped past and while we are not yet well into Spring, we are well into our next units in Spanish!

            Kindergarten through second grade made awesome vocabulary review books and we have now been working on family members!  We made family trees, sang family songs, and put on family puppet shows!

Third grade just finished up their unit on description words.  They worked on physical descriptions as well as personality traits.  We ended that unit with jeopardy and are looking forward to beginning our next unit on school!

Fourth grade finished up their body part vocabulary unit and have begun a new unit on nature words and places.

Fifth grade finished up their sports and hobbies unit and is now working on a city and transportation unit.  We have been enjoying some cultural discussions about city life in Spain and Mexico as we learn this vocabulary.  I have enjoyed discussing my experiences during my time living in Spain as part of this unit as well! 

I am excited for the remainder of the year and the rest of the learning we will be doing!

Questions, comments, or concerns, please email me!

kairiss@aaps.k12.mi.us

Sarah Kairis

Elementary Spanish teacher- Allen, Burns Park, Carpenter, Mitchell

 

Marhaba!

Spring is here and we are very exited to see the sun again. March is the

reading month, and my students created their first Arabic books to read. In this

month we focused on learning the classroom's vocabularies and recognize things

around them in Arabic. Then we start describing things in the classroom with

the colors and size (Kabeer =big and Sagheer=small). After we learned the key

words my students create their Arabic books "Things in the classroom."

As I travel from one school to another I decided to exchange the books

among the three schools and give my students the opportunity to read others'

books and write a book review. I believe that publishing is important for my

students to gain confidence while learning a world language. It gave them the

opportunity to take the moral high ground and I asked the kids to do their very

best because their writing was headed for publication. We all know that real

audiences make a difference. This assignment went from being something that

only the teacher will see to something peers at other schools would see. Effort

and results went way up!

 

As always if you have any questions or concerns please do not hesitate to

contact me by email: basuni@aaps.k12.mi.us

 

Shukran,

Mrs. Basuni

The Arabic Language Teacher

 

Thank you Mitchell PTO - Last Night Was Terrific!

Dear Mitchell PTO,

Wow! The Mitchell Scarlett Carnival last night was terrific! The silent auction, games and food were perfect! Everyone seemed to enjoy all of it. I certainly did. I have to say the camaraderie was the best part of the night. It was great to touch base with so many current and former Mitchell families, and I always appreciate seeing our fifth graders in their future school home. I can't remember a school event I enjoyed that much!

I also want to mention I was happy to support again this year at the pie toss. However, I am filing a formal complaint about the double pie assault I received at the end of my shift from Mrs. Hatt and Mrs. Deshpande. I was actually OK with the manner in which Mrs. Hatt came at me and dumped the pie on my head. Mrs. Deshpande, however, came in fast and landed hard. I get that sometimes teachers don't know their own strength, but it is the pleasure Mrs. Deshpande showed afterwards that has caused me pause. You will certainly notice said pleasure in the picture below. I don't know what to think. I am suggesting tighter security next year when Mrs. D toes the line, please.

Sincerely,
Kevin Karr
Principal (with slightly bruised cheek ;-)

Tweet by Kevin Karr - Excellence at Mitchell School

	Kevin Karr (@A2_IB)
3/9/15, 4:22 PM Mitchell, Scarlett and Huron Excellence Recognized - Enroll for 2015-16 #a2ib #ibpyp #ibmyp #ibdp mitchellschool.blogspot.com/2015/03/mitche…

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Enrollment for 2015-16

Are you returning to Mitchell School for the 2015-16 school year? We are asking that all families please let us know what your plans are for the 2015-16 school year by clicking HERE. If you have already filled this form out, thank you! 

Dear 5th Grade Parents - Middle School Math Testing Out

Dear Mitchell Fifth Grade Parents,

Middle school math testing out assessment for Math 6 for the 2015/16 school year will occur at Mitchell on May 18 of this school year.  Students must be registered to take the Middle School Math Testing Out test by 3pm on Monday, April 13. To learn about the testing and to register your child, please access the link below. No registrations will be accepted after the deadline.

http://www.aaps.k12.mi.us/aaps/academics/ms_math_-_testing_out

Sincerely,

Ann Arbor Public Schools Math Department

Ann Arbor Public Schools Climate Survey

The Ann Arbor Public Schools is committed to continuing on its path of excellence and helping all students achieve at the highest level. But we can only truly succeed if we engage with our community to understand the perspectives and priorities of our students, parents and employees.

Later this month, the District will launch its second annual School Climate Surveys — one for parents, one for employees, one for students in grades 3-5 and one for students in grades 6-12. Last year, more than 10,000 surveys were submitted, and we hope to receive even more participation this year. 

 

Here are the details:

What: The School Climate Surveys include questions about educational quality, academic preparation, school and district leadership, student support, and safety and behavior, among other topics.

Who: All parents, staff and students in grades 3-12 are invited to participate.

When: The survey will launch March 23^rd and close April 2^nd.

How: Parents and staff with a current email address on file will receive a personal survey invitation, and students will access it using their PowerSchool student IDs.

The survey can be taken in English, Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Spanish.

For those without Internet access, paper surveys are available at your school office AND will be sent home to families who have requested hardcopy communications.

Why: Because every voice matters!

Every individual experience in the Ann Arbor Public Schools is unique and we need to hear from you! The inclusion of every voice is what makes the Ann Arbor Public Schools exceptional! 

Mitchell School Science Fair

All children who are completing a science fair project are invited to bring their projects to school on the morning of Thursday, March 26. We will have tables lining the hallway for students to display their projects. From 6:00-7:00 pm we will celebrate the science fair at school and all families are welcome to come view the science fair projects done by Mitchell students! 

Mitchell/Scarlett Family Fun Night & Silent Auction – At Scarlett Middle School

Please join us for a night of family fun, food, raffles, games, and a silent auction! The event will take place at Scarlett Middle School from 6:00-8:00 pm on Friday, March 27. We would love for all Mitchell families to attend!! It will be fun! 

A2 Virtual Classes - Information Nights for 2015-16 5th - 8th Grade Students

Families interested in learning more about the Ann Arbor Public Schools online learning options in grades 5 - 8 should plan to attend one of the following information nights:

April 20:  Forsythe Middle School

April 22:  Tappan Middle School

April 27:  Scarlett Middle School

April 29:  Slauson Middle School

May 4:  Clague Middle School

Information about summer and regular school year classes will be presented.  Come learn what online learning is all about, how to apply for class acceleration opportunities in elementary and middle school, how to register for online classes, how to determine if your child is ready for online learning, as well as testing out information. 

These session are aimed at students entering grades 5-8 for the 2015-16 school year.  High school focused presentations will be held at Pioneer on May 6 and Huron on May 12. 

All sessions are open to anyone in the district who would like more information.  Attend the date that is most convenient for your schedule.

Questions?: Please call 734-997-1208 or check out www.A2virtual.org.

Bus #138 - Additional Information

Dear Mitchell Families,

Following today's bus 138 accident, we've been very busy checking on students' health and making sure parents have been contacted.  At this point, all students have been determined safe and healthy.

There were two students who were transported to the hospital for evaluation. Both have been evaluated and released from the hospital.  Very minor injuries occurred for both of these students.

For other students riding bus 138 this morning, they were transported to school on another bus after the accident.  Nurse Amy Caragay has been meeting with and checking on these students to determine their on-going health.   There were a few students who showed slight bruising but have been determined safe.  Parents have all been contacted although we are finding the need for updated cell phone numbers in some situations. You can update these by calling or stopping by the school office.

Some parents have come to school to check on their children.  Of course this is always OK.

As for what happens with bus 138 now, a different bus AND a different bus driver will drive the  route until further notice.  WISD Transportation reports this will be the case until the situation has been investigated. 

When I know more information, I will share it with you.  If you have questions, please email me or call the school office at 997-1216.

Sincerely,
Kevin

Bus #138 - Accident Information

Dear Mitchell Families,

This morning bus #138 was in an accident on Platt Rd.  All students are OK.  All but two students were moved to a different bus and were transported to school.  

Two students showed minor injuries and the paramedic recommended they be evaluated at the emergency room.  The paramedic stressed with me "very minor injuries". Parents of those children have been contacted.

For the students who were brought to school, they were met by Mr. Hilton and Nurse Amy Caragay.  We are meeting with and checking in with all other students throughout the day to ensure their health and safety.  If there is any question whatsoever, parents will be contacted immediately.

We'll share more information as needed.  If you have questions, please call school at 997-1216.

Sincerely,

Kevin Karr

Attention: 5th Grade Parents and Students: You are invited to Scarlett Middle School - 3/31 @ 6 PM

Report Cards

Student report cards will be sent home on Tuesday, March 17. This is an opportunity to talk with your child about his or her learning and celebrate growth. It's also an opportunity to set improvement goals. If you have questions, please talk with your child's teacher. 

Mitchell School Enrollment for 2015-16

Are you returning to Mitchell School for the 2015-16 school year? We are asking that all families please let us know what your plans are for the 2015-16 school year by clicking HERE. If you have already filled this form out, thank you! 

Mitchell/Scarlett Family Fun Night & Silent Auction

Please join us for a night of family fun, food, raffles, games, and a silent auction! The event will take place at Scarlett Middle School from 6:00-8:00 pm on Friday, March 27. We would love for all Mitchell families to attend!! It will be fun! 

Mitchell School Science Fair

All children who are completing a science fair project are invited to bring their projects to school on the morning of Thursday, March 26. We will have tables lining the hallway for students to display their projects. From 6:00-7:00 pm we will celebrate the science fair at school and all families are welcome to come view the science fair projects done by Mitchell students! 

March is Reading Month

Mitchell School students have been celebrating March is Reading Month in many different ways. If you been to school lately you may have noticed the book recommendations written by students hanging in the hallways. On March18, all Mitchell students and staff will be reading together from 2:15-2:30 in the afternoon. It's always a fun event to see everyone Drop Everything And Read (D.E.A.R.)!!  

Ann Arbor school board requests legislation to ban guns from schools

http://www.mlive.com/news/ann-arbor/index.ssf/2015/03/ann_arbor_school_board_request.html#incart_river

Mitchell, Scarlett and Huron Recognized for Academic Excellence - Open Enrollment For 2015-16

Dear Current and Prospective Mitchell, Scarlett and Huron Families, 

We are pleased to share exciting news about the continuing improvements at Mitchell Elementary School, Scarlett Middle School and Huron High School. 

International Baccalaureate
First and foremost, Mitchell, Scarlett and Huron are working to become International Baccalaureate (IB) World Schools. You probably know this already. If you do not, more information can be found at http://ib.a2schools.org. ​Becoming IB schools is important because it help us take the next step in becoming even more effective teaching and learning environments. 

While the IB website has a lot of helpful information, we would like to answer any questions you have about IB. Please ask us – or ask a teacher. We want to help! 

Excellence at Mitchell, Scarlett and Huron
Mitchell, Scarlett, and Huron High School have recently been recognized as excellent schools in Michigan by a school rankings website called Niche (h​ttp://k12.niche.com)​. 

● Mitchell was ranked 198 ​out of 1463 elementary schools in Michigan (top 14%)

●  Scarlett was ranked 43 ​out of over 700 middle schools in Michigan (top7%) 

●  And Huron High School, where Scarlett students will typically go to high school, was the 5​th ranked high school in Michigan (top 1%).

While we know our families understand the excellence of our schools, it is pleasant to see this recognized outside of our immediate community as well. The Niche ranking system takes into account test scores, experiences of students and families, and other factors. The methodology used by Niche is listed on their website. 

Learner Profile
The IB Learner Profile is connected to our work to become IB schools, and it represents the way we talk about learning from now on. For example, learners try to be I​NQUIRERS, KNOWLEDGEABLE, COMMUNICATORS, PRINCIPLED, OPEN­-MINDED, CARING, RISK­-TAKERS, BALANCED, and REFLECTIVE.
We want parents and their children to talk about learning at home using the same words we use at school:

• ●  Read the IB Learner Profile
  
• ●  Use the IB Learner Profile words when talking about learning and how to learn at home
  
• ●  Put your copy of the IB Learner Profile on your refrigerator so you can refer to it later.
  

Mitchell, Scarlett and Huron Open Enrollment
Families from Ann Arbor and from Washtenaw County can enroll in at Mitchell, Scarlett and Huron for the 2015­-16 school year.  The transfer window for current Ann Arbor Public Schools families will open in late March 2015, and the Schools of Choice window for Washtenaw County residents to enroll is April 20 - May 19, 2015.  If you have questions or want to visit Mitchell, Scarlett or Huron, please email or call us.

We are looking forward to the future working with you and your child to make Mitchell and Scarlett the best schools they can be. If you have questions please call or email. 

Sincerely,
Kevin Karr 
Principal
Mitchell Elementary School
karrk@aaps.k12.mi.us
7349971216

Gerald Vazquez 
Principal
Scarlett Middle School
vazquez@aaps.k12.mi.us
7349971220 

Jennifer Hein
Principal
Huron High School
hein@aaps.k12.mi.us
7349942040

Free Food Distribution - 3/7/15

Free food is available for Mitchell families Saturday, March 7 from 9:30-11:00. All Mitchell families who need food are invited to come to Mitchell school for a free food giveaway. This free food distribution will happen the first Saturday of each month. A one-time registration process is required to verify household members. If you registered at the February event, you will not have to register again.

 

Note: To be clear, this is only available to Mitchell School families at this time.    

No School - Monday, March 9

There is no school on Monday, March 9 for elementary students. Teachers are working on writing report cards. 

Report Cards

Student report cards will be sent home on Tuesday, March 17. This is an opportunity to talk with your child about his or her learning and celebrate growth. It's also an opportunity to set improvement goals. If you have questions, please talk with your child's teacher. 

Healthy Hearts - Update from Ms. Lindemann

Mitchell students, in addition to leading a healthy heart lifestyle, brought in small change in the amount of $95 to donate to the American Heart Association. Jumping into action this last week by participating in Jump Rope for Heart activities during P.E. Classes, students have raised awareness and funds to help their families, friends and community live healthier lives.

Suspicious Incident Reported

Dear Mitchell Families,

A suspicious incident involving a Mitchell student was reported to me by the child's family at 4 PM today.

Yesterday a Caucasian male in a silver or white minivan reportedly called out to Mitchell student saying "come give me a hug." The Mitchell student thought he recognized the man at first but then realized he did not.  The student backed away from the man and proceeded to finish walking home.
The man in the van did not follow the student or approach the student otherwise.

The family of the student has taken action and has reported this incident to the police.  I will share further details about this incident if and when they emerge.

Please take a moment to review procedures with your child about what to do if they are approached by a stranger.  We will do the same at school.  One resource that might help to support this discussion comes from the National Crime Prevention Council:  http://www.ncpc.org/topics/violent-crime-and-personal-safety/strangers.

If you have questions, please call or email me directly,
Sincerely,
Kevin Karr

Mitchell School Homework Diner featured on AAPS News

Our exceptional new Mitchell School Homework Diner was recently featured on the AAPS News . . .

Check it out at:
http://news.a2schools.org/homework-diner-strengthens-teacher-parent-bonds/