Washtenaw County literacy groups take reading on the road with new 'Bookmobile' | MLive.com

Another great connection to the Mitchell School Improvement Team's effort to increase literacy opportunities for Mitchell students by making sure students and families have access to books.

This is great news for the Mitchell community! We are lucky to have thoughtful and helpful partners!

http://www.mlive.com/news/ann-arbor/index.ssf/2014/06/childrens_literacy_network_and.html#incart_river_default

Why do we want kids to read in the summer? Here is why:

Research shows that leisure reading enhances students' reading comprehension, vocabulary development, general knowledge, and empathy for others, as well as their self-confidence as readers, motivation to read throughout their lives, and positive attitudes toward reading. The benefits of leisure reading apply to English learners (ELs) who read in English as well as in their native languages. Because interesting texts provide comprehensible input as well as practice with reading, leisure reading offers many benefits for ELs.

Welcome Back Picnic - August 27 from 6 - 8 PM

The Welcome Back Picnic is on Wednesday, August 27 from 6 - 8 PM. We hope every family will attend for the following reasons:

- To say hello to your child's teacher for 2014-15 school year
- For your child to turn in their summer "Think Stretch" work - and receive their recognition for their work
- Reconnect with the larger Mitchell School community and enjoy some food together
- Say hello to your child's teacher from last year

We're looking forward to seeing everyone!

School Office Closes For Summer on Friday, June 20 @ 4:30

The Mitchell School office will close for the summer on Friday, June 20 at 4:30 PM.

The office will reopen on Monday, August 11 at 9 AM. We're looking forward to the 2014-15 school year!

Academic Games is coming to Mitchell in September 2014!

Academic Games is a fun way for elementary through high school students to learn math, social studies, language arts, and logic using a game format. Students also develop courage, character, and poise in applying their knowledge while competing against opponents. There is one regional tournament per month from September through February, a state tournament in early March, and a national tournament (for advanced students) in late April.

For Mitchell’s first year, we will learn 3 games: Equations (math), Presidents (US history and US Presidential trivia), and Propaganda (recognizing different techniques of persuasion—this improves critical thinking skills and increases resistance to being influenced by advertising). All 4th and 5th graders are welcome to join (and also any 3rd graders whose parents also attend practices).

Practices will be on Mondays and Wednesdays from 7:30-8:30 PM at Mitchell, starting in mid-September!

Questions? Contact Mr. Karr or Academic Games Coach Vivian Lin at vhl@umich.edu.

Summer Camp for Colonial Square Residents at Mitchell School

2014 Super Hero Summer Day Camp:

Monday – Thursday 11:30 AM - 3 PM

July 7 – August 1

Mitchell Elementary

For children that have completed Kindergarten – 2nd Grade

Summer camp registration will be on June 24^th from 3pm-7pm at the Colonial Square Clubhouse. Colonial Square residents that attend Mitchell Elementary are eligible.

 

Camp is free for income eligible households.

 

Summer camp includes lunch and snacks, academic and life skill enrichment, recreational activities, and themed activities.

 

Questions?

 

Jenny Hurt- Program Coordinator

Derrick Miller- Deputy Director

Call (734) 477 - 0292 or email jhurt@canannarbor.org

Operated by Community Action Network: www.canannarbor.org

PHOTO: water relay at Mitchell field day

PHOTO: the races station at field day!

PHOTO: Field day fun at Mitchell school

Mitchell Literacy Fund Grows!

The Mitchell Literacy Fund is approaching the goal of raising $50,000 to support students at Mitchell School.  If your family would like to make a small donation to help us achieve our goal, please donate online or send your donation to the school office.   Every dollar counts….thank you for considering this.

Think Stretch for Summer 2014

Thanks to our supportive PTO, students will receive a Think Stretch workbook again this year to work on during the summer months. Why is this important?  Well…it is important because we want students to learn as much as possible while they are at Mitchell School.  One of the ways we do this is making sure that kids have learning experiences during the summer.  One summer learning experience every student at Mitchell receives is Think Stretch.  As a reminder, students bring their Think Stretch back to school at the Welcome Back Picnic where they receive recognition for their work.

Mitchell School Literacy Fund Update

Dear Friends of Mitchell School,

Earlier this year, Mitchell School began the Mitchell School Literacy Fund in connection with the Mitchell School Improvement Plan.  Many generous people - including many of those receiving this email - donated to the fund and supported our efforts to raise $50,000 so that students at Mitchell would benefit from books and other literacy resources FOREVER at Mitchell School.  Thank you so much for your support.  

I am writing today to share some exciting updates about Mitchell with you.

First, I want you to know students at Mitchell School are learning....they are growing as readers and as learners at appropriate rates of growth - at least one year of growth per academic year.  If you'd like to know more, just email me back and I can share the exciting details.

Second, the Mitchell School Literacy Fund has grown to almost $45,000.  We are getting close to meeting our goal!  If you know of others who have not yet contributed but would like to support one of the most successful schools in our area*, please spread the word.  Wouldn't it be exciting to be at the $50,000 mark by the end of next week when kids leave for the summer.  If you know of someone who would like to donate, please ask them to CLICK HERE.

Last, I am inviting you to attend the Mitchell School Ice Cream Social on Friday, June 6 from 6 - 8 PM.  This is an annual community event where Mitchell families and community members come together to celebrate the hard work and accomplishments for the school year. It is a perfect time you to be a part of the Mitchell community too.  If you decide to come, please email me so I'll know to look for you.

Of course if you have questions, please let me know.  

Sincerely,

Kevin Karr

Principal

Mitchell School

* based on rates of academic growth - not just MEAP test scores

Ice Cream Social!!!!! - Sign up to volunteer

Everyone is looking forward to the ice cream social this Friday from 6 - 8 PM.  I can't wait to see you!

I am asking everyone to sign up to volunteer.  CLICK HERE to see what positions still need to be filled.

Thank you!
Kevin

A2Virtual+ Registration is Open for Fall and Summer Online Courses

Now is the time to begin registering for fall online classes.  The portal for fall pre-registration is available until June 11 on our website: a2virtual.org.  You can find the registration form and instructions on the left side of the front page under "Latest News".  If you would like to review offered courses; they are located under the third tab "online course offering" on the menu bar. Registration for summer is also ongoing until June 23.  The A2Virtual+ staff would like to thank families for the strong turn-out for our information nights during May.  If you missed the meetings and are looking for additional information, please go to our website at a2virtual.org to view the PowerPoint and see what we have to offer.