Thursday, October 2, 2014

World Languages Now A Part Of Curriculum At Mitchell


Dear Mitchell Families,

In connection to the Ann Arbor Public Schools work to bring the best school offerings and educational practices to students in Ann Arbor – like Mitchell working to become an International Baccalaureate school – I am excited to share that all students at Mitchell are now learning a second language. 

Kindergarten through second grade students are learning Spanish.  For third through fifth grade, students began the year learning Arabic and are now learning Spanish.  In not too long, students in third through fifth grade will make a choice about which language to continue studying this year.  Please know that these choices on language will continue to exist for students as they move through Scarlett Middle School and Huron High School.  This means students who continue with the same second language have the opportunity to reach a high level of proficiency. 

One question I've been asked is why was Arabic chosen as the other world language to offer at Mitchell after Spanish.  This answer is that Arabic is the second most spoken world language at Mitchell – after Spanish – so it connects to our community.

Please join me in recognizing this important development at Mitchell.  It offers students learning opportunities never before available at our school.
If you have questions, please call, email me, or stop by.
Sincerely, 
Kevin Karr