PHOTO: Noon time band practice

A group of fifth grade musicians practicing during the noon hour. It sounded beautiful.

Scarlett Middle School Incoming 6th Grade Parent Orientation - 3/17/14 @ 6:30 PM

ATTENTION:  5th Grade Parents = SAVE THE DATE

Monday 3/17/2014 6:30-7:30pm

Scarlett Middle School Incoming 6th Grade Parent Orientation

We are excited to meet all of you and look forward to having you join the Scarlett Nation full of Passion, Pride, & Productivity!!!

~ Mr. Vazquez & Ms. Peterson

Fall 2013 MEAP Update

The fall 2013 MEAP data have been released by the State of Michigan. The current reading, writing (only given in 4th grade), math, and science (only given in 5th grade) scores for Mitchell show below. For purposes of comparison the previous data for a given cohort group of students is also shown.  We use this cohort data at school to best see if a given group of students is making progress relative to the MEAP data.  

3rd Grade Cohort
2013 Reading - 38.6% proficient + 4.5% advanced = 43.1% proficient/advanced (passing)

2013 Math - 20.5% proficient + 13.6% advanced = 34.1% proficient/advanced (passing)

4th Grade Cohort - data from the group's third and fourth grade years
2012 Reading - 66.7% proficient + 0% advanced = 66.7% proficient/advanced (passing)
2013 Reading - 61% proficient + 2.4% advanced = 63.4% proficient/advanced (passing)

2012 Math - 33.3% proficient + 4.8% advanced = 38.1% proficient/advanced (passing) 
2013 Math - 31.7% proficient + 9.8% advanced = 41.7% proficient/advanced (passing)

2013 Writing - 34.1% proficient + 0% advanced = 34.1% proficient/advanced (passing)

5th Grade Cohort - data from the group's third, fourth and fifth grade years
2011 Reading - 43.8% proficient + 6.3% advanced = 50.1% proficient/advanced (passing)
2012 Reading - 54% proficient + 0% advanced = 54% proficient/advanced (passing)
2013 Reading - 49% proficient + 14.3% advanced = 63.3%proficient/advanced (passing)

2011 Math - 29.2% proficient + 4.2% advanced = 33.4% proficient/advanced (passing)
2012 Math - 28% proficient + 10% advanced = 38% proficient/advanced (passing)
2013 Math - 38% proficient + 14% advanced = 52% proficient/advanced (passing)

2013 Science - 5.9% proficient + 7.8% advanced = 13.7% proficient/advanced (passing)

Please note the progress that fourth and fifth grades have made on the MEAP test during their time at Mitchell - with the exception of the fourth grade reading data where we've seen a slight downturn.  Upon analysis of that specific data, the difference in the scores had to do with students who scored one point lower on the MEAP reading test in fourth grade as compared with their third grade results.  I anticipate that those students will continue to learn at a rate of at least one year of academic growth for each year of school . . . and that they will perform higher on next test.

Other than the notable fourth grade MEAP reading exception, Mitchell has demonstrated incremental growth over the last two years and has demonstrated that academic progress is being made in significant ways.  Great job to Mitchell students, parents, and teachers!

It is also important to note that we track other data points at Mitchell - not just MEAP results - to gauge performance including NWEA MAP test results, SRI test results, and report card results.  We do this to get the most accurate picture of what is happening for individual students and their learning.  These multiple data points enable us to answer questions like:
- Is a student meeting the state standards as measured by the MEAP test?
- Is a student on track for making a year of growth in reading or math as measured by the NWEA test (or SRI test for reading), even if the student did not "pass" the MEAP test?
- Is a student meeting expectations in the grade level curriculum as measured by the report cards?
- What specifically does a student need to learn next in order to make the next "jump" in their learning?

Given these other data points, it is apparent that while fourth grade MEAP reading scores are valuable, they do not tell the full story of fourth grade reading success at Mitchell.  Using NWEA results, for example, we see that students are making growth as measured by fall and winter NWEA testing.  We expect further growth will occur as measured by winter and fall NWEA testing (along with some exceptional teaching).  In the end we anticipate our fourth graders who were slightly lower on this year's MEAP reading test to make progress as measured by other assessments we use.  In fact, we're carefully watching and working to make sure this occurs to the best of our abilities.

The questions above (and the answers to them) are important because they give a more full understanding of success.  Some might remember I've previously shared that the Mitchell program helps almost all students to grow at least one year academically for each year they are in school.  At Mitchell we report this because some of our students do not currently meet the state standards (for lots of valid reasons like they are learning English), BUT they are definitely making a year or more of academic growth.  It gives a perspective that can't be seen when looking at just MEAP data.   

Mitchell is a high-quality academic experience, and we are working to help students and to be the best we can be.

Thank you to the Mitchell staff and parents for their work in supporting our students. Most of all, congratulations to our students for their efforts!!! We still have a lot of work to do, but we're excited about the current progress!

Mitchell Student Enrollment Survey for 2014-15

Dear Mitchell School Families,
The time has come to begin planning for the 2014-15 school year.  Please let us know your plans for next year and give your input on class placement for your child(ren) by doing one of the following:
Click this link:  http://tinyurl.com/md2xk2y
OR 
Fill out the form in your child's backpack today.
As you make your decisions for next year, I want to remind you that Mitchell is an exceptional learning environment.  Kids at Mitchell make at least a year of growth academically.  Other schools (who may have higher MEAP scores) can most often not say this.  My purpose in sharing this is to remind you of the excellence of your neighborhood school.  I'd be happy to meet with you to share more.
Sincerely,
Kevin

Photo: Tarun Reads At Night!

During March is reading month, Mr. Karr hopes families will send him photos of their children reading at home! 

Below is Tarun, a FANTASTIC reader and student, reading before his goes to bed.  Nice job, Tarun!

Mindset: Winter 2014 Program Information

Dear Mitchell Fourth and Fifth Grade Parents,
Please check your child's backpack about the winter 2014 Mindset program, an exciting opportunity for our fourth and fifth graders at Mitchell.

Mindset is hosted by a UM honor society and has been highly valued by Allen and Pittsfield School families over the last three years.  I'm excited the opportunity to participate in this Saturday program has been extended to all Mitchell fourth and fifth grade families.

If your child is interested in participating in Mindset this fall, they should return their permission slip not later than Friday, March 7.

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

Disability Awareness Workshop at Mitchell - March 28 - You Should Volunteer! :-)

On March 28, Mitchell will host a wonderful learning opportunity called Disability Awareness Workshop.  Parents who volunteer to help with the event rave about the experience.

The event is targeted to fourth graders each year but all parents can participate.

Want to help or find out more? Please check for an email sent on March 3 or check your child's backpack for a paper flyer about the workshop.

Thank you.

Kevin