Friday, January 31, 2014

New Piano @ Mitchell School


I am very happy to announce a new piano has been purchased for Mitchell School!  The purchase of the piano is a collaboration between the Ann Arbor Public Schools and generous donations from:
-       King's Keyboard House - http://www.kingskeyboard.com/
-       Savitski Design - http://www.savitskidesign.com/
I want to note that Mike Savitski, the owner of Savitski Design, is a Mitchell School graduate!  On behalf of the entire Mitchell School community and staff, thank you!  We appreciate your support!
Pictured below are our new piano, Mrs. Rothman's first grade class, Mr. Tolly, and Mike and Annmarie Savitski.


Wednesday, January 29, 2014

PHOTO: Indoor Noon Hour Math Games

NAAPID - Parent Involvement Day - February 10, 2014 - All Parents Invited

January 29, 2014

Dear Mitchell Parents,

You are invited to be a part of Mitchell’s plans as we observe National African American Parent Involvement Day (NAAPID) on Monday, February 10, 2014.  This letter communicates information about our plans for NAAPID.

What is NAAPID?

NAAPID - "Take Your Child to School/Visit Your Child in School" Day

NAAPID is a national call to action to get all parents, but particularly those of African American children, more involved in the education of their children. It is expected that this national observation will open up dialogue among teachers, parents, and students, which will lead to a more conducive learning environment.

During NAAPID, the Mitchell staff hopes parents will come to school to be a part of the classroom for at least a short period.  In fact, all parents are invited to be a part of day as long as they can stay.

Also, please plan to visit the hospitality table the Mitchell staff has set up in the teacher's lounge to enjoy some refreshments while you are here!

I hope that you will make time in your busy schedule to be a part of this very important day. 

Sincerely,

Kevin Karr (and the Mitchell School staff)

Friday, January 24, 2014

PTO Quick Reminders

Good afternoon,

Hope everyone is staying warm.

A couple of quick reminders:

Since we have no school Tuesday, please make sure you send the Little Caesar's order forms to school on Monday no later than 5PM.

If you cannot get it into school on Monday, please email your orders to Cindy.Underwood@audatex.com and I will ensure the order is placed.

In addition, Join us on Wednesday, January 29th, at Chili's in Arborland for another Dining to Donate event. The flyer that will be needed is attached. Please print. Some will also be sent home on Monday. Invite your friends, coworkers, family members and anyone else you know! The more people participating, the more money we get.

Thank you and have a great weekend.

Mitchell PTO

Girls On The Run Registration Is Open at Mitchell!

 

Registration is open for Girls on the Run! Our program at Mitchell is open to all 3rd – 5th grade girls and will meet afterschool on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 4:00pm – 5:30pm March 10th through May 21st. All registered participants will receive a healthy snack at each lesson, a program t-shirt, water bottle and entry into the incredible Girls on the Run 5k on Sunday, May 18th (all students, staff and families are welcome to come run/walk with our Mitchell girls!).


Girls on the Run's curriculum based program is MUCH more than a running program. Click here to learn more and to register. Space is limited and registration ends February 10th. *Scholarships are available and volunteers may receive discounted or waived registrations for their daughters. The more volunteer coaches we have them more girls we can reach. I've attached a flier for you here. You can email info@girlsontherunsemi.org for more information.

Thank you for your support!

No School - Friday, January 24


School Closed due to dangerous Wind Chills

Dear AAPS Families and Staff,

School will be closed tomorrow, Friday, January 24, 2014, due to the dangerous wind chill.


There will be no before school or after school activities.


Another announcement will be made tomorrow regarding evening activities.


For our middle and high school students who have a make-up exam scheduled for Friday, the exam will be postponed until Wednesday, January 29. Students will be notified by their school as to the time and location for their make-up exam for next Wednesday.


Middle and high school final grades will be posted in PowerSchool no later than Friday, January 31.


Again, there will be No School for ALL AAPS students and staff on Friday, January 24.


Stay safe and warm, 

Dr. Jeanice K. Swift

Superintendent

Tuesday, January 21, 2014

PTO Notes 1/21/14

Mitchell Families,

Hope you are enjoying some of this lovely snow and cold! Perfect for lots of Hot Cocoa!

Please keep the following dates in mind:

Monday January 27th – ALL Little Caesar's Pizza Orders Due – No late orders can be accepted. If you cannot get the order form in to the office by Monday, please email me your order no later than 6PM Monday. cindy.underwood@audatex.com

            Orders will be delivered Friday Jan 31st – available from 3-6pm

Wednesday, January 29th – Dining to Donate at Chili's – Join us at Chili's for some dining enjoyment. Flyer is necessary. They will be coming home again soon. Share with your friends and family!

Feb 5-7 – Scholastic Book Fair – We are open during the day from 8:45-6PM depending on parent volunteers. For time slots without volunteers, we will close the room. We will also be open during Movie Night.

            If you can volunteer for a times slot, please do so here Book Fair Volunteer - Feb 5-7 or call me at 734-323-5788. Any help is greatly appreciated!

Also, if you have any gently used books to donate to a used book sale to be held during the Book Fair, please send them in to the school, so we can put them out for sale.

Friday, Feb 7 – Movie Night – Doors open at 6, Movie starts at 6:30. Come see Despicable Me 2!

Thank you

Thursday, January 16, 2014

Wednesday, January 15, 2014

Green Baxter Court Fire - FYI for Mitchell Community

I'm sharing this information with the Mitchell community so that you are aware.  Please keep these families in your thoughts and prayers.
Kevin


On  Wednesday, January 8 at 4 AM a devastating fire at the Green Baxter Court public housing site destroyed an entire building with 6 housing units. Thankfully, all tenants- awoken by other GBC residents- were able to get out of their units safely - some in just their pajamas. Some tenants suffered frostbite on their feet and were treated for smoke inhalation. Four families lost almost everything they owned. Fourteen children, ranging in age from two to eighteen, were displaced with their families. The extent of the damage is documented on M-Live at: http://www.mlive.com/news/ann-arbor/index.ssf/2014/01/after_fire_at_ann_arbor_housin.html#incart_river

The Red Cross was immediately on the scene and provided emergency assistance by covering the cost of hotel rooms for 3 nights. After that, The Ann Arbor Housing Commission (AAHC) moved the families to an extended stay facility near Green Baxter Court, and it will continue to cover their stay until permanent housing can be secured. Families will be issued Section 8 vouchers to find housing in the private market, so while families will not be out in the street, the likelihood is high that they will need to move to different communities.

As you can imagine, initially the families were in terrible shock, and the first day was spent buying footwear and clothing, and providing comfort and assurance that everyone will receive CAN's full assistance tackling the challenges that lie ahead. The second day was spent taking inventory of the various families' losses and developing a plan to move and store the salvageable household furnishings. On Friday and Saturday, in a race against time, movers and volunteers moved these furnishings into nearby storage spaces - paid for by Rotary North. Throughout last week, tenants also received assistance in an array of immediate needs, ranging from replacing glasses, breathing machines, prescriptions and clothing as well as addressing long-term needs such as transportation to school, contacting the post office, case workers, etc. Two families had renters' insurance and CAN is assisting tenants with the complicated process of filing claims.

In the past 6 days everyone has been incredibly impressed with the tenants' strength, resiliency, courage and optimism. They have developed a very strong support system between themselves--often suggesting that CAN staff direct its assistance to other families first, "because they need it more".

Many people and organizations have reached out to us to help. The greatest need is for cash donations to enable the families to take care of immediate day-to-day needs and for future security deposits once families find permanent housing. The Kiwanis Thrift store has already pledged to assist with the replacement of furniture and household items.

How You Can Help 
For those who would like to help the families cope with the constraints of hotel residency, gift cards to movie theaters, Jump City, Zapzone and Jungle Java would be very welcome donations.

As the Extended Stay hotel only has microwaves, and to continue to provide a healing place for families to come together, CAN is providing full meals in its community center for the displaced families Monday through Friday evenings. Restaurants or individuals willing to help with this are encouraged to contact CAN directly - at info@canannarbor.org. 

Thank you to the Rotary Club North, Kiwanis, Ann Arbor Public Schools, Clague PTSO and King PTO, Payless shoes, MLive/Ann Arbor.com Warm the Children, Ann Arbor Thrift Store, Michigan Municipal League employees, and Java Jungle who have all provided some assistance to these families, and to Frita Batidos and Zingerman's for promising to donate a meal.

Please spread the word that if people are moved to help, they can make a donation directly on CAN's website at canannarbor.org and CAN will use the funds to help these families rebuild their lives. Donors should write "GBC Fire" in the memo line. The AAHC and CAN do not have the capacity to store household goods or clothing, please make those types of donations to Kiwanis or the Ann Arbor Thrift Shop so families can select the items they need from organizations that specialize in managing these types of donations. 
Thank you.

Sincerely,
Joan Doughty
CAN Executive Director

Friday, January 10, 2014

Mitchell School Rec and Ed Class Survey

Dear Mitchell Parent,

This winter Rec&Ed would like to offer an after school class at Mitchell. Unfortunately after school classes are frequently cancelled at Mitchell due to low enrollment.

We're seeking your opinion to determine which class(es) would be a benefit for and of interest to your child. Your feedback will allow Rec&Ed to offer appropriate classes at Mitchell.

CLICK HERE to give your input no later than Friday, January 17.

Thank you in advance for your feedback!
Ann Arbor Rec and Ed

MLK Concert Postponed until Monday, February 10 @ 2 PM

Postponed: MLK Concert – Due to the snow days at the beginning of January, we are rescheduling this event for Monday, February 10 @ 2 PM.  Parents/Families Invited!

Wednesday, January 8, 2014

Girls On The Run @ Mitchell?!

Dear Mitchell Families,

Girls on the Run is looking for volunteer coaches in order to offer their program to the 3rd - 5th grade girls at Mitchell this spring. If we do not find at least two coaches by January 8th then we won't be able to host the program.
For those of you who may not be familiar with Girls on the Run I've attached a flier here, you can check out their website http://www.girlsontherun.org/ and/or watch this short, 3 minute, video. Volunteer coaches need to be able to commit to attend coaches' training (February 22 or February 23), coach twice a week for ten weeks (from the week of March 9th - the week of May 18th directly after school here at Mitchell) and attend the Girls on the Run 5k on Sunday, May 18th. Coaches do not have to be runners. Anyone who is interested in helping out is welcome! All full time coaches receive a complimentary program registration fee for their daughters, a t-shirt, water bottle, free 5k registration as well as CPR and First Aid certification. To learn more about becoming a volunteer coach for Girls on the Run click here. Please email lisa@girlsontherunsemi.org as soon as possible if you're interested.

Thank you!
Kevin

Brain Freeze Packets - Bring Them Back To School

Happy New Year!

As kids return to school (on Thursday.....please, please), they should bring back their Brain Freeze packets completed.  The packets can be turned into their teachers who will give them to the office.

Students who return completed packets will receive something special from Mr. Karr.

Tuesday, January 7, 2014

Schools Closed on Wednesday, January 8, 2014

Dear AAPS Staff and Families,

School will be closed tomorrow, Wednesday, January 8, 2014, due to continued weather-related concerns including dangerous wind chill temperatures, the blowing and drifting of snow, the condition of roads, particularly subsidiary roads, and the safe operation of diesel buses. 

All before and after school activities are cancelled. 

All Rec & Ed activities are cancelled including all evening activities. 

There will be no high school athletic competitions or practices on Wednesday. 

Though we understand that this continued cancellation may cause hardships for some families, our primary concern remains for the safety of all our students, especially those who walk to and from school or the bus stops. 

Again, there will be No School for ALL AAPS students and staff on Wednesday, January 8, 2014. 

Stay safe and warm, 

Dr. Jeanice K. Swift

Superintendent

School will be closed again, tomorrow, Tuesday, January 7, 2014

Dear AAPS Families and Staff,

School will be closed again, tomorrow, Tuesday, January 7, 2014, due to the dangerous wind chill and temperatures expected tonight and Tuesday. The safety of our students and staff remains our top priority.

All before and after school activities are cancelled.

All Rec & Ed activities are cancelled including all evening activities.

There will be no high school athletic competitions or practices on Tuesday.

We will continue to closely monitor the weather situation.

Repeating - No School for ALL AAPS students and staff on Tuesday, January 7, 2014.

Stay safe and warm,

Dr. Jeanice K. Swift

Superintendent

Sunday, January 5, 2014

School will be closed Monday, January 6, 2014.

All before and after school activities are cancelled.

All Rec & Ed activities are cancelled including all evening activites.

There will be no high school athletic competitions or practices on Monday.

We will continue to closely monitor the weather situation as it develops, including the drop in temperatures expected Monday evening and through Tuesday. 

Repeating - No School for ALL AAPS students and staff on Monday, January 6, 2014.

Wednesday, January 1, 2014

UPDATED --> Michigan Makers - Winter 2014 Sign Up Now!

UPDATED as of 1/4/13 as follows:
There will be NO meeting for Michigan Makers on 3/4.
There will be a meeting for Michigan Makers on 4/15.
All dates below are now acccurate.


Dear Families of Michigan Makers Students,
I wanted you to be aware that the day Michigan Makers meets will change when we return to school next week.  Instead of meeting on Mondays, the program will now meet on Tuesdays.

To confirm your child's continued interest in the program, please fill out the online form by CLICKING HERE.  You'll might also appreciate the program information listed below.

If you have questions, please email Mr. Karr or call the school office on Monday, January 6, 2014 when we reopen.
Sincerely,
Kevin Karr



After School Club - Winter 2014
Dear 4th and 5th Grade Mitchell Parents,
Below is another great after school opportunity for our fourth and fifth grade students.  I hope you'll consider signing up it!
  
What:  Michigan Makers: An after school program
Michigan Makers is an after school program that helps students engage with technology through tinkering and creating, while promoting group work and peer mentoring.  We thank the UM School of Information for sponsoring this program.

When:  
Tuesdays this winter from 3:45 - 5:15:  1/7, 1/14, 1/21, 1/28, 2/4, 2/11, 2/25, 3/11, 3/18, 3/25, 4/1, 4/15

Who:
Fourth and fifth grade students who sign up to participate.  

How:
To sign up, do the following:
1. Fill out the online form (or paper copy in backpacks) at: http://tinyurl.com/michiganmakers
AND
2. Fill out the School of Information permission slip and return to school (or paper copies in backpacks):  CLICK HERE

Where:  
Mitchell School Media Center

Frequently Asked Questions
Does my child need equipment? No . . . all equipment is provided.  
Can my child ride the bus home?  Yes, we will have transportation for children who typically ride the bus.  The bus will leave Mitchell School at 5:15 PM.
What time should I pick my child up?  Children who get picked up must be picked up promptly at 5:15 PM.
How do I sign my child up?  Fill out the form on the back of this sheet or use the online form.
Can I attend too?  Yes, parents are welcome to attend as well.