The 25th Anniversary of National African American Parent Involvement Day is Monday, February 10th. NAAPID at Night is from 6 to 8 PM with a reception starting at 5 PM at Washtenaw Community College's Morris Lawrence Building.
Friday, January 31, 2020
NAAPID at Night
Friday, January 24, 2020
African American History Month & NAAPID Celebration
In connection to Mitchell School's celebration of National African American History Month and our work as an International Baccalaureate school, we proudly announce the launching of a new unit of study for all students at Mitchell. The new unit focuses on the Civil Rights Movement, the importance of civic engagement, specifically voter rights, and social justice. The unit uses text, music and visual arts as a way for students to inquire (ask questions), think, discuss and reflect on:
- Civil Rights Leaders
- Equality
- Fairness
- Community
- The Right to Vote
- The Democratic Process of Voting
- Action - taking action in order to make the world a more peaceful place.
The central idea students are studying is that art and music can inspire people to be change agents in their communities.
Parents/Guardians Invited to Mitchell - Monday, February 10th
All parents/guardians are invited to come to school on Monday, February 10th as a part of National African American Parent Involvement Day (NAAPID). We will be highlighting some of the work from the new unit during this time. Here is the schedule of events:
- All day - Parents/Guardians invited to school to visit your child's classroom
- All day - Visit the Community Center for refreshments for parents
- All day - Social justice art displays around the school
- 9:30 PreK-Grade 2 Assembly - Songs and sharing the current all-school music unit of study about Civil Rights, Voting, and Civic Engagement
- 10:15 Grade 3-5 Assembly - Songs and sharing the current all-school music unit of study about Civil Rights, Voting, and Civic Engagement
- Follow up discussions/activities following assembly. Many classrooms will be connecting to their recent reading of the book: "Granddaddy's Turn: A Journey to the Ballot Box"
As you view student work in the building, notice the connections to the history of voting, the civil rights movement, and social justice. Students discussed in their classes the importance of making their voices heard in their communities. These big ideas were our inspiration as we created artwork with the themes of unity, sharing our voices, and expressing our ideas through art and music. Also notice that students are making connections to the importance of voting rights in the storybook "Granddaddy's Turn: A Journey to the Ballot Box" by Michael Bundy, Eric Stein, and James E. Ransome. The book follows the story of a boy and his grandfather who go to vote together for the first time. |
Keeping the Conversation Going!
Whether or not you are able to come to school on Monday, February 10 for the assembly and NAAPID, here are some questions to ask and discuss at home that are connections to the new unit:
- How has equality and fairness changed in our country?
- How have voting rights changed throughout the history of our country?
- What is it like when people do not have equal rights and freedom?
- What is it like for different groups of people?
- How can I make sure my voice is heard in my community?
We are really excited to share with this unit with you and we'd like to get your feedback on our work in order to get the best schooling anywhere for your kids.
Sincerely,
The Mitchell Staff
Friday, January 17, 2020
MLK Children and Youth Program
All students in grades K-12 in southeastern Michigan are invited to spend a fun-filled day commemorating the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. at the University of Michigan. Entertaining performances, engaging workshops and a free lunch are included on January 20th from 8:30 AM to 3 PM at the Modern Languages Building. Learn more and register here.
Ann Arbor Rec & Ed Class: Marvelous Math - NEW!
Grades 2nd-5th. Can you imagine learning math facts while coloring, playing games, doing puzzles, or tossing a ball? Well imagine no more, because this class makes learning your facts more fun than you ever thought possible. After a quick assessment, an individualized program will be created that allows you to gradually increase your skills in addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. Not only will you get a boost in confidence, but you'll get your homework done too! Don't let math get you down - let us show you how marvelous it can be! Note to parents: Students will be grouped by grade levels to maximize productivity. Instructors: Amy Lesemann and Neena Gupta. 8 classes.
Class runs on Mondays, 4:10-5:10pm and starts Jan. 27th.
Here's the link to register: Marvelous Math at Mitchell
Girl Scouts Sock Drive
The girl scouts troop at Mitchell is conducting a new sock drive to benefit Hannah's Socks, a non-profit organization in Southeast Michigan and Ohio. Socks of any size are welcomed. You can drop off donated socks in the Mitchell Community Center!
Annual Writing Contests Open
The Ann Arbor District Library's writing contests will begin accepting applications on Monday, January 13th. These are opportunities for kids to share their writing and win prizes. The deadline for the Write On! Contest for students in grades 3 through 5 is February 10th. Submissions for It's All Write for 6th through 12th graders are accepted through March 9th.
Science Olympiad - Sign up is Ready for Mitchell Students!
Science Olympiad is a free event for students in 2nd-5th grades. This program promotes science in a fun and exciting way and culminates with a competition on May 9th. Please use the links below for information and registration.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1srv4Bx6f4aj6ZbYhJZRqExcq2igoVjxYYvSPowA_WlY/edit?usp=sharing
Friday, January 10, 2020
Mitchell PTO Scholastic Book Fair
On Wednesday, January 22 through Friday, January 24 the Mitchell PTO will be hosting a Scholastic Book Fair here at school. Children will have the opportunity to visit the book fair, make a wish list and buy books if they would like. Visit our Book Fair webpage for more information including the new eWallet payment method.
https://bookfairs.scholastic.com/bf/mitchellelementaryschool
Parents/Guardians Visiting During The School Day
As we start the new year, I want to take a moment and reinforce our safety procedures for entering the building. We are safest when we work together, go slowly and look out for one another. Please know:
Entering the Building
· When requesting entrance, parents and guests will stand in front of the camera and press the buzzer to signal their request. The main front door and the main rear door have a buzzer & camera system. These are the only two doors in which you can enter. Please press the buzzer and be prepared to share why you're visiting school. If the office staff does not immediately answer the buzzer, please be patient and they will be with you shortly.
· Guests and visitors should then go immediately to the office to sign in and wear a visitor's sticker.
I want to make sure that our parent community feels welcome and encouraged to visit school. I also want to make sure we provide a safe and secure environment for children. To do that, I need your help with these procedures. If you have questions, I'd be happy to talk with you.
NWEA Testing
Beginning the week of January 13th, children in grades K-5 will start the NWEA Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) Assessments. We give students the NWEA MAP Assessments to determine your child's instructional level and to measure academic growth throughout the school year in the areas of math and reading.
Mitchell PTO Meeting – All Are Welcome!
The Mitchell PTO will be holding a meeting on Tuesday, January 21 at 6:00 PM at school. All families are welcome and encouraged to attend!
Mitchell PTO Family Movie Night – 1/24 @ 6:00 PM
All families are invited to join us in the multipurpose room at Mitchell for family movie night on Friday, January 24. The movie will begin at 6:00 PM and food will be available for purchase. Children may only attend with a supervising adult. I hope to see you there!
NAAPID Poster Contest
Students with creative ideas for posters celebrating the 25th anniversary of National African American Parent Involvement Day (NAAPID) are encouraged to submit their entries. The theme is NAAPID: Family Involvement Makes the Difference, the Cause, the Mission, and the Visions Continue (2020 and Beyond). The deadline to enter is 4 PM on January 10th. A reminder that NAAPID at Night is February 10th at Washtenaw Community College.
Friday, January 3, 2020
Winter After-School Classes
AAPS Rec & Ed is excited to offer several after-school classes focused on fun, learning, movement, and discovery. Registration is now open, and spots are filling fast! Please see class options below and visit Rec & Ed after school classes for details. For scholarship information, click here.
MITCHELL
Marvelous Math New!
Science Explorers New!
The Natural Wonders of Science New!
G-Powers Little Hoopers
Before School Chess: Beginning/Intermediate - Winter
Before School Chess: Beginning/Intermediate - Early Spring
Multicultural Art All Around the World
Brain Games New!
NAAPID Poster Contest
Students with creative ideas for posters celebrating the 25th anniversary of National African American Parent Involvement Day (NAAPID) are encouraged to submit their entries. The theme is NAAPID: Family Involvement Makes the Difference, the Cause, the Mission, and the Visions Continue (2020 and Beyond). The deadline to enter is 4 PM on January 10th. A reminder that NAAPID at Night is February 10th at Washtenaw Community College.
MLK Children and Youth Program
All students in grades K-12 in southeastern Michigan are invited to spend a fun-filled day commemorating the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. at the University of Michigan. Entertaining performances, engaging workshops and a free lunch are included on January 20th from 8:30 AM to 3 PM at the Modern Languages Building. Learn more and register here.
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