Dear Mitchell Families,
As we move into the winter break, I want to share how much I enjoy being a part of the Mitchell-Scarlett community. This is a very special place where lots of learning is taking place. There isn't another place I'd rather be a principal. Thank you for your support and partnership!
Achievement Update
I am pleased by the work and learning that has occurred at Mitchell this fall. Our students and teachers have worked hard . . . and I believe that work is showing in improved achievement. One example of this is our current fifth grade class. Over the years, this class has consistently been the highest achieving group at Mitchell. We've seen this particularly in their reading scores. This November, 82% of our fifth grade cohort was reading at or above grade level which is up from 62% from where that same group was at the end of fourth grade. This is great news . . . everyone loves to see evidence of student learning.
I also want to say that the current fourth graders are right on the heels of the fifth graders in terms of reading achievement. Watch out fifth graders . . . you could be "unseated" as the current Mitchell School Reading Champions!
Another example of our growth is our current second graders. These students left first grade with 65% of students reading "on target." This fall, as second graders, this group is at 66% which doesn't seems like a great improvement. However, the group isn't going backwards, and they are in a position to improve on 66% the next time we get to take a "snapshot" of their achievement - on the January NWEA test and after that on the March report cards. I will certainly be looking for their continued growth!
To achieve growth in reading (or math or any subject area), students need to practice. This is why we say students should read for 20 minutes each night at home.
BRAIN FREEZE! - Winter Break Homework Packets
Do you remember the summer Think Stretch workbooks the PTO gave to students during the last two summers? Students who returned them received a Think Stretch medal! Think Stretch is an important tool that helps our students continue their learning in the summer.
It is also important to continue learning during the upcoming break, so students will receive a "BRAIN FREEZE" winter learning packet on December 19 to take home and do during break. They should bring it back to school (completed) the week of January 6, 2014. When they return it, I will have something special for them - it isn't a medal this time, but it is something special that no in the school has! They were made just for Mitchell students who complete BRAIN FREEZE!
Thank you to the Think Stretch Corporation for donating the Brain Freeze copies to Mitchell.
Have A Wonderful Break!
I hope the break is a time of family, friendship and relaxation for all of our Mitchell community. Please enjoy a book or two with your children during break, and practice some math facts! We are already looking forward to seeing the kids when we return in January!
Sincerely,
Kevin Karr
