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	Kevin Karr (@A2_IB)
12/17/15, 9:07 AM The classroom news from Mrs. Schmidt's class @a2mitchell because parent communication matters  #a2ib

PHOTO: Packed House For First Grade Sun, Moon, Stars Performance

Great job to our first grade students on a wonderful performance this evening. You learned so much!!!

Thanks to Mrs. Deshpande and Mrs. Sanmiguel for the dedication and excellence!

Mitchell School Used Book Give Away

During the week of December 14, all Mitchell School students will have the opportunity to choose a free book to add to their at home reading libraries. It is important that students continue to read during the winter break. After your child reads his or her book some questions you might ask your child are, "What was the problem in the story?" "How was the problem solved?" and/or "What did you learn from the book?"

BrainFreeze

Over the winter break all Mitchell Students will be bringing home the BrainFreeze workbooks. This is a great way for kids to stay engaged in reading over the two-week winter break. A HUGE thank you goes out to ThinkStretch for their continued support of Mitchell School!  

Mitchell PTO Meeting

The Mitchell School PTO will be meeting in the media center. All families are welcome and encouraged to attend! 

Mitchell Free Food Distribution - 12/5/15

Free food is available for Mitchell families Saturday, December 5 from 9:30-11:00. All Mitchell families who need food are invited to come to Mitchell school for a free food giveaway. This free food distribution will happen the first Saturday of each month. A one-time registration process is required to verify household members. If you registered at a previous event, you will not have to register again.

 

Note: To be clear, this is only available to Mitchell School families at this time.

Mitchell School PTO Meeting

The Mitchell School PTO will be meeting in the media center. All families are welcome and encouraged to attend! 

Colder Weather

As we move into the winter season, kids will still be going outside to play in the snow and exercise. Please send them to school with the appropriate cold weather gear – boots, hats, gloves, snow pants, etc. We will make sure they wear it when heading outside! 

PHOTO: $5000 Award for Mitchell School

So excited for Mrs. Rothman and Mrs. Duncan to receive a $5000 grant from the Ann Arbor Public Schools Educational Foundation and Karen Thomas Fund.

Report Cards Coming Soon!

Student report cards will be sent home on Tuesday, November 24. This is an opportunity to talk with your child about their learning and celebrate growth. It's also an opportunity to set improvement goals. If you have questions, please talk with your child's teacher. 

Thanksgiving Break

As a friendly reminder, there is no school from Wednesday, November 25 through Friday, November 27. School resumes on Monday, November 30. 

PTO Welcome Event - December 4 from 3:30-4:30

The Mitchell PTO will be hosting a welcoming event as an opportunity for all families to come ask questions and get involved with the Mitchell PTO. We hope to see you there! 

Mitchell Free Food Distribution - 12/5/15

Free food is available for Mitchell families Saturday, December 5 from 9:30-11:00. All Mitchell families who need food are invited to come to Mitchell school for a free food giveaway. This free food distribution will happen the first Saturday of each month. A one-time registration process is required to verify household members. If you registered at a previous event, you will not have to register again.

 

Note: To be clear, this is only available to Mitchell School families at this time.

PHOTO: Everyone is learning at Mitchell School

Student Pick Up/Drop Off - Parking Lot Safety

Student Pick Up/Drop Off
If you drive your child to school or pick them up at the end of the day, please follow the posted signs around the school. 

§ PULL FORWARD in the front drive - pull as far forward as possible so others can pull forward too.
§ NO PARKING in the front drive.  Stay in your car. 
§ NO CELL PHONES in the front drive.  When we are driving around children we want to be as watchful and safe as possible.

Parking at Mitchell
There are some parking spots available in front of Mitchell School.  Additional parking is available in the Scarlett parking lot behind Mitchell School.
Please DO NOT park in the front circle drive ever.  This is our fire lane, and it is not safe to park in the circle drive.

Would you like to help?
If you would like to help monitor the front drive from 8:35 - 9:00 AM or from 3:50 - 4:15 PM on any day, please email Mr. Karr or Mr. Hilton (or drop a note in the school office). We'd like to find parents who can help.

Mitchell PTO Meeting - 11/17 6:00-7:00 PM

All families are invited and welcome to attend the Mitchell School PTO meeting! We will meet in the media center. 

Science Olympiad

The Mitchell School Science Olympiad team is now forming! This a great opportunity for 2^nd-5^th grade students to engage in a fun, highly engaging science based learning experience. More information and event descriptions can be HERE.

Picture Re-Take Day

Picture re-takes will take place on Friday, November 20 from 9:00-10:00 AM. 

PTO Agneda - 11/17/15

PTO (Parent Teacher Organization)

General Meeting 6:00-7:00 11/17/15

 

Our Mission:

The purpose of the Mitchell PTO is to enhance and support the educational experience at Mary D Mitchell Elementary, fund all field trips as needed, to develop a closer connection between school and home by encouraging parental involvement, to improve the environment at Mary D Mitchell Elementary through volunteer and financial support and raise funds as required to provide for these objectives. 

 

6:00-6:05      Opening – Introductions

6:05-6:10      Financial Update – Treasurer's Report

6:10-6:25      Principal Update – Kevin Karr / Matt Hilton present

6:25-6:30      Old Business and approval of minutes.

                                                Votes, if needed

Executive Meeting Recap – n/a

 

6:30–6:35     CAN (Community Action Network) – Jessica, Katie, Dylan

6:35-6:55                  PTO Announcements, Committee Reports & Updates 

• Art Supplies – Katie Williams presents (5 min)
• Parking concerns – morning drop off (5 min)  Ways we can help 
• Science Olympiad – Stacie/Zali present (5 min)
• Family Fun Night – next meeting early January
• Talent Show June 3rd – Christine presents (5 min) - may be tabled to December meeting
• Upcoming Events
  • Chuck E Cheese Dine to Donate 12/9
  • Teacher Appreciation Luncheon – 12/16 - flyers home early December
  • Little Caesars Pizza Kits – kick off 12/14

 

6:55-6:55      New PTO Business

• Other TBD as time allows or add to upcoming agenda

 

6:55-7:00      Open Discussion

7:00- – Next Steps and adjourn

PTO Updates - 11/13/15

Check out what's happening around Mitchell and information about what Science Olympiad is all about.

 

TCBY Fundraiser – November 24^th – Come over to TCBY on Washtenaw Ave on 11/24 to get some yummy yogurt and support Mitchell as well as a great partner to the Mitchell PTO.  TCBY has donated to several of our events and will give us a portion of the proceeds from sales on that day.  Must have flyer for us to receive credit.

 

PTO Welcome Coffee in the Teacher's Lounge on Dec 4^th from 3:30-4:30pm.  

This is a great chance to meet one on one with some of the PTO Board members to find out what's going on around Mitchell and how you can get involved.

 

Science Olympiad Team – Registration forms will be coming home soon.  Please have all forms turned in by Dec 2^nd.  Practices will begin in January and run through late April.  WESO Competition is scheduled for May 14^th at Pioneer.  Science Olympiad is currently only open to students in 2nd - 5th grade.

Science Olympiad is a great countywide event.  Students from all over Washtenaw County compete at grade level in many different competitions.  Look over the forms coming home and discuss the events with your child(ren).  They will spend a few months learning about that subject and have fun preparing for the competition.  This is a hands on learning experience.  Students learn science concepts while having fun.  Examples of the events include creating bridges with pasta, using mystery materials to create the tallest structure, using math skills to estimate how many items are in a jar, building circuits, learning about birds, reading maps to find a location,  make potions, building straw towers from straws and pins.

 

December Upcoming Events:

12/9 - Chuck E Cheese Fundraiser Night - 3pm-9pm - Oak Valley Dr location

12/14 - Little Caesars Pizza Kit sale begins.  Orders due back 1/26 AT LATEST

12/16 - Teacher Appreciation Luncheon – Potluck for teachers

 

New Date Announcements:

The Mitchell Fun Run is scheduled for May 13^th at Mitchell during the school day

The Mitchell Talent Show is scheduled for June 3^rd at 6pm in the Mitchell MPR

Both of these events will require help from parent volunteers.   Keep an eye out for more details coming after the first of the year.

              

SAVE THE DATE - Our next PTO meeting is Nov 17th in the Media Center at 6pm.

 

No School November 25-27.  Take time to enjoy family and Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

PTO Planning: Family Fun Night

The Mitchell / Scarlett Family Fun Night planning committee meeting will be held at Mitchell on Thursday, November 12th at 6pm in the Media Center.  Families wanting to help in the planning and running of this event are encouraged to attend.

Family Fun Night Meeting Agenda 

Introductions

Event overview – Auction, Raffle, Food, Games, Sponsors

Discuss budget

Responsibilities/To Do List - handouts

• Event Chair
• Auction Chair
• Raffle Chair
• Food Chair
• Welcome Chair
• Volunteers Chair
• Games Chair
• Others

Will need to decide on:

• Menu
• Hours
• Locations
• Games

Message from PTO: Science Olympiad Head Coach and event coaches needed!

Dear Mitchell Families

 

We are in the beginning stages of creating our Science Olympiad Team.  The Washtenaw Elementary Science Olympiad (WESO) is scheduled for May 14th. Children in 2nd through 5th grades can compete.  This is a wonderful opportunity for our students to learn more about science, team work and HAVE FUN in the process.

 

Mitchell MUST have a Head Coach (team organizer) per WESO, for our school or we will NOT be able to participate in Science Olympiad this year.  See below for Head Coach Responsibilities.  Last year, Science Olympiad hosted EVERY Ann Arbor Public School as well as many charters and all the other Washtenaw County District Public Schools.  More information about WESO can be found at https://sites.google.com/a/aaps.k12.mi.us/weso-wizards/ 

 

If you are interested in Head Coaching or Co-Head Coaching our team, please email Stacie Jackson at stacie@mikancorp.com ASAP.  School Registration for the events is due by December 1st.  Again, if we don't have a Head Coach by that date, we will not be able to participate.

 

If you'd like to learn more about the Science Olympiad, please come to the PTO meeting on November 17th at 6pm in the Media Center where we'll be discussing the event.

 

Registration forms, as well as event descriptions, will be coming home this month.  Practices will be after school starting in January and go until May. (These after school schedules are created by the volunteer coaches; who will work with their group of students to create an afterschool practice schedule that works for members of that group.)

 

Science Olympiad event practices will require adult Coaches to teach our students various aspects of their events.  WESO does provide training sessions in January for parents to attend. Coaches DO NOT need to be experts.  Volunteering as a coach or at the event is required of all families with participating students.

 

Head Coach Responsibilities:

The Head Coach serves as the contact person for WESO. All official correspondence and updates will be emailed to the Head Coach or made available on the WESO web site. Head Coaches will be responsible for distributing information to the school's respective event coaches, parents, and students. Schools may also designate one Co-head Coach.  The Head Coach will also be required to be at the event the entire day of May 14th to run the event raffle. 

 

 

 

WESO Event Coaches Needed for Science Olympiad (Event Descriptions below)

This is a large, volunteer driven, countywide event on May 14th

 

Science Olympiad is only open to 2nd – 5th graders but parents of younger children can and are encouraged to coach.

 

Event Coaches will need

To attend a training session (date to be determined) hosted by WESO
Do NOT need to be an expert in the field
Can work with another volunteer to Co-Coach events
May be coaching one event for multiple grades
To pass a background check
Meet with students to practice for 1 hour weekly
Tentatively - Mid January – 1st week of May
No practices weeks of school breaks
 

2016 Science Olympiad (WESO)  Event Descriptions
Science Olympiad 2nd Grade Events
 
Barge Building: Participants will construct a barge using the given material that can support a cargo of the largest number of weighted objects (e.g. pennies) without getting them wet.
Disease Detectives: Students will be tested on various aspects of public health problems, including disease, risk, spread and prevention.
Estimania: Measurement is a key component in science. Teams will be asked to either estimate or calculate answers to ten questions of measurement. Types of measurement include area, time, speed, height, length, weight, volume, temperature, and others.
Feathered Friends: Participants will be tested on their bird identification skills. Bird songs, field markings, natural habitat, adaptations and other characteristics will be included as part of this hands-on, multimedia Olympiad event.
In Bloom: Students will be tested on their knowledge of plants, including grasses, flowers, and trees.
Map Reading: Students will test their map reading skills to answer geographical questions. They will answer questions using various kinds of maps.
Mystery Architecture: Each team will be given a bag of materials (such as paper, tape, styrofoam, and paper clips) to build a structure that can support a tennis ball. The tallest structure wins.
On Target:  Each team will build 6 missiles, utilizing precision straws as the missile body.  Missiles will be constructed the day of the event, using only materials provided by WESO, and launched indoors at a fixed target. The accuracy of the missile (distance from target) on its three best launches will be used to determine the team score, with the shortest total distance from target being considered the winner. 
Pasta Bridges: Participants will build a bridge using the materials supplied (a variety of dried pasta and clay) and support a cup (in the middle of the bridge) with as many small weights as possible.
To Infinity And Beyond: Using a planetarium, charts, and a written test, students will demonstrate an understanding and basic knowledge of the solar system and its elements (including apparent motion of the sky, planets and moons, constellations and stars, asteroids, and comets).
Science Olympiad 3rd grade Events
 
Aerodynamics: Participants will build and fly paper airplanes for distance, time and accuracy.
Disease Detectives: Students will be tested on various aspects of public health problems, including disease, risk, spread and prevention.
Estimania: Measurement is a key component in science. Teams will be asked to either estimate or calculate answers to ten questions of measurement. Types of measurement include area, time, speed, height, length, weight, volume, temperature, and others.
Feathered Friends: Participants will be tested on their bird identification skills. Bird songs, field markings, natural habitat, adaptations and other characteristics will be included as part of this hands-on, multimedia Olympiad event.
In Bloom: Students will be tested on their knowledge of plants, including grasses, flowers, and trees.
Map Reading: Students will test their map reading skills to answer geographical questions. They will answer questions using various kinds of maps.
Mystery Architecture: Each team will be given a bag of materials (such as paper, tape, styrofoam, and paper clips) to build a structure that can support a tennis ball. The tallest structure wins.
On Target:  Each team will build 6 missiles, utilizing precision straws as the missile body.  Missiles will be constructed the day of the event, using only materials provided by WESO, and launched indoors at a fixed target. The accuracy of the missile (distance from target) on its three best launches will be used to determine the team score, with the shortest total distance from target being considered the winner. 
Pasta Bridges: Participants will build a bridge using the materials supplied (a variety of dried pasta and clay) and support a cup (in the middle of the bridge) with as many small weights as possible.
Water Rockets: Students will build a rocket in advance out of a 2-liter soda bottle, making alterations and adding a parachute to help it stay aloft. The rocket that stays in the air the longest will be the winner.
To Infinity And Beyond: Using a planetarium, charts, and a written test, students will demonstrate an understanding and basic knowledge of the solar system and its elements (including apparent motion of the sky, planets and moons, constellations and stars, asteroids, and comets).

Science Olympiad 4th & 5th Grade Events
 
Circuit Wizardry: Circuit Wizardry tests participants' knowledge of basic electrical circuit concepts, components, schematic reading and understanding, and ability to design and build a simple circuit from a functional description.
Disease Detectives: Students will be tested on various aspects of public health problems, including disease, risk, spread and prevention.
Estimania: Measurement is a key component in science. Teams will be asked to either estimate or calculate answers to ten questions of measurement. Types of measurement include area, time, speed, height, length, weight, volume, temperature, and others.
Feathered Friends: Participants will be tested on their bird identification skills. Bird songs, field markings, natural habitat, adaptations and other characteristics will be included as part of this hands-on, multimedia Olympiad event.
iCompute: Participants will be tested on their knowledge of basic computing concepts, including hardware and software, their understanding of how computers solve problems, and their ability to create a simple program.
May the Force be With You: Students will perform activities and answer questions related to force and motion.
Map Reading: Students will test their map reading skills to answer geographical questions. They will answer questions using various kinds of maps.
Mystery Architecture: Each team will be given a bag of materials (such as paper, tape, styrofoam, and paper clips) to build a structure that can support a tennis ball. The tallest structure wins.
On Target:  Each team will build missiles, utilizing a precision straw as the missile body (all materials being provided by WESO). The accuracy of the missiles launched indoors at a fixed target will be tested.
Potions: Each team will follow instructions to make a potion, demonstrating basic lab skills (e.g. weighing, measuring, transferring, and filtering materials) and familiarity with safety rules.
Straw Tower: Each team will attempt to build the strongest tower with the specified number of drinking straws and straight pins.
To Infinity And Beyond: Using a planetarium, charts, and a written test, students will demonstrate an understanding and basic knowledge of the solar system and its elements (including apparent motion of the sky, planets and moons, constellations and stars, asteroids, and comets).
Water Rockets: Students will build a rocket in advance out of a 2-liter soda bottle, making alterations and adding a parachute to help it stay aloft. The rocket that stays in the air the longest will be the winner.
Write It, Build It: Two team members will be shown a "picture" and will write a description of it. In a separate room, the other team members will be given the pieces of the "picture" and the written description and attempt to rebuild it. The team with the most pieces placed correctly wins. This event tests competitor's ability to clearly communicate in writing and follow written directions.

Mitchell Free Food Distribution - 11/7/15

Free food is available for Mitchell families Saturday, November 7 from 9:30-11:00. All Mitchell families who need food are invited to come to Mitchell school for a free food giveaway. This free food distribution will happen the first Saturday of each month. A one-time registration process is required to verify household members. If you registered at a previous event, you will not have to register again.

 

Note: To be clear, this is only available to Mitchell School families at this time.

Mitchell Parent Writing Workshop

Ever wondered how to best help your child be a better writer? We have an opportunity for you! We've partnered with EMU to bring a Parent Writing Workshop to our school community! The date is Tuesday November 10th at the Arbor Meadows Clubhouse (with Spanish translation). The session start at 6:00pm. This workshop provides parents tips on how to help their child at home with writing. 

 

A blue sign-up form came home in your child's backpack. If you have questions, please call the school office at 997.1216. 

IB Community Information Meeting at Scarlett - November 11, 6:30 PM

International Baccalaureate schooling is coming to Ann Arbor!

Those interested in learning more about Ann Arbor International Baccalaureate (IB) candidate schools for the fall of 2016 are invited to an IB Community Information Meeting at Scarlett Middle School on November 11 from 6:30 - 7:30 PM. 

This presentation will include information and experiences that help participants know and understand:

- The 5 Pillars of IB in Ann Arbor

- The Primary Years Programme at Mitchell Elementary School (grades K-5)

- The Middle Years Programme at Scarlett Middle School and Huron High School (grades 6 - 10)

- The Diploma Programme at Huron High School (grades 11 and 12)

- The value of an internationally focused curriculum. 

Information before the meeting can be accessed via the Ann Arbor IB website at:  http://ib.a2schools.org.

PTO Updates - 11/5/15

Thank you to everyone who came out to Applebee's Dining to Donate on Tuesday.  It was great to see so many Mitchell and Scarlett families and staff.  

 

PTO Welcome Coffee in the Teacher's Lounge TOMORROW - November 6^th from 9-10am.  

This is a great chance to meet one on one with some of the PTO Board members to find out what's going on around Mitchell and how you can get involved.

 

 

Family Fun Night & Silent Auction committee Meeting 11/12 at 6pm in Media Center

 

On March 11^th, Mitchell PTO and Scarlett PTSO host a great night of family fun.  We have games, food, a huge raffle, silent auction and more.  We are in need of strong, self starters and go-getters!  Event planning meeting is scheduled for Nov 12^th at 6pm in the Media Center.  

 

SAVE THE DATE - Our next PTO meeting is Nov 17th in the Media Center at 6pm.

 

TCBY Fundraiser – November 24^th – Come over to TCBY on Washtenaw Ave on 11/24 to get some yummy yogurt and support Mitchell as well as a great partner to the Mitchell PTO.  TCBY has donated to several of our events and will give us a portion of the proceeds from sales on that day.

 

Have a great week! 

Café de Bienvenida del PTO en el Teacher's Lounge será el viernes, 6 de noviembre de 9-10am

Esta es una gran oportunidad para conocer a algunos de los miembors de la Directiva del PTO y para saber más acerca de lo que esta aconteciendo en Mitchell y como usted puede apoyarnos.

 

Reunión del Comité para la Noche Familiar de Diversión y Subasta Silenciosa, 12 de noviembre a las 6pm

El 11 de marzo, Mitchell PTO y Scarlett PTSO anfitrionaran una gran noche de diversión familiar. Tendremos juegos, comida, una gran rifa, subasta silenciosa y más. Necesitamos de algunos encargados de comités para ayudar a que esta noche sea un éxito.  La runiones para la planificación de este evento será el 12 de noviembre a las 6pm en el Media Center

 

GUARDE LA FECHA – Nuestra próxima reunión de PTO es el 20 de octubre en el Media Center a las 6pm.

 

¡Que tenga una buena semana!

 

 

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PHOTO: Kindergarten Pumpkin Patch and Cash Register

Even kindergarten students have lessons in economics…

Morning Drop-Off Reminders

Each day the first bell rings at 8:50 a.m. and students may begin to enter the building. Before the first bell, students should line up outside the front doors. Please do not drop your children off before 8:40 a.m. as there is no adult supervision until this time. 

Mitchell Flu Clinic

Mitchell School is hosting a flu clinic on Monday, October 26 from 3:30-7:30 here at school. This is open staff, families, and children who are 9 and older. The clinic is in partnership with the University of Michigan Health System – Home Care Services, Michigan Visiting Care.

 

The following insurances plans are accepted: Aetna, Blue Care Network (Including U-M Premier Care and BCN Grad Care), BCBS of Michigan PPO, Blue Cross Complete, Cigna, HAP (except No Hap Senior Plus), Health Plus HMO/PPO/POS/MIChild, Priority Health HMO and PPO,
PHP HMO and PPO, Traditional Medicare Part B, BCBS of Michigan Medicare Plus Blue PPO, BCN Advantage and HealthPlus MedicarePlus  Advantage HMO/PPO

            ***Insurance card must be presented to clinic staff***

Those who are not covered by an insurance MVC accepts pay for the
flu shot by Cash, Check, or Credit Card.

Mitchell PTO Meeting - October 20

Mitchell PTO Meeting – October 20 6:00-7:00 pm

All families are invited and welcome to attend the Mitchell School PTO meeting! We will meet in the media center. 

Mitchell PTO Fall Festival, October 23 @ 6:00

The Fall Festival is a school celebration with games and food! This event is a family event and children cannot attend unless their parent or guardian comes with them. Please remember, no violent or scary costumes are allowed at Fall Fest. No blood. No toy weapons. Thank you for your attention to this important detail. The PTO is still in need of parent volunteers to help. You can sign up HERE. 

Mitchell Listening Campaign - Update!

The Mitchell Listening Campaign kicked off this week with a group of parents who have agreed to move forward with the process of building relationships and fostering a more connected school community here at Mitchell School. The group has agreed to hold an initial training on November 4 beginning at 6:00 PM here at school.  

 

As you might remember, at the first PTO meeting of the year, a proposal was brought forward to engage in an intentional process of building relationships and fostering a more connected community here at Mitchell School. This proposal was considered by the PTO group and it was recommended that we move forward to implement what will be called - The Mitchell Listening Campaign. Ellen Patnaude, Mitchell 4^th grade parent, will lead this group. If you'd like more information or would like to join this group, please contact Ellen at ellen.patnaude@gmail.com or call Ellen at 248.534.6409. 

Fall 2015 Parent Teacher Conferences

The dates for fall parent-teacher conferences are October 13, October 19, and October 22. Teachers are working hard to schedule parent-teacher conferences. If you have not already scheduled a conference, please call your child's teacher to schedule now. 

Family Movie Night - Tonight!

We will be hosting our first family movie night on October 9 in the multi-purpose room. The movie will be "Home". Children may only attend with a supervising adult. Please do not drop off your children without adult supervision. 

Mitchell PTO Fall Festival - October 23

The Fall Festival is a school celebration with games and food! This event is a family event and children cannot attend unless their parent or guardian comes with them. Please remember, no violent or scary costumes are allowed at Fall Fest. No blood. No toy weapons. Thank you for your attention to this important detail. The PTO is still in need of parent volunteers to help. You can sign up HERE. 

Mitchell PTO Meeting - October 20

All families are invited and welcome to attend the Mitchell School PTO meeting! We will meet in the media center from 6:00-7:00 PM.

PHOTO: Thanks for the help at today's food distribution!

Thanks to these @a2mitchell teachers and @UM_EdSchool interns for volunteering at today's food distribution. #a2ib http://t.co/82c4hhW3NS

Mitchell Listening Campaign

At the first PTO meeting of the year this week, a proposal was brought forward to engage in an intentional process of building relationships and fostering a more connected community here at Mitchell School. This proposal was considered by the PTO group and it was recommended that we move forward to implement what will be called - The Mitchell Listening Campaign. Ellen Patnaude, Mitchell 4^th grade parent, will lead this group.

 

One of the most effective ways to find out what other people are thinking about, excited about, concerned about, and what is most important to them is to engage in one-on-one conversation. To this end, a group of parents is forming with the intent of getting to know other parents and building our school community.

 

This promises to be an awesome opportunity to learn about the richness of our community! Please come to an informational meeting on October 8 from 6-7 pm in the Media Center here at school. No commitment is required to come to this meeting and learn more. Questions? Call the school office at 997.1216.

Parent Teacher Conference Dates

The dates for fall parent-teacher conferences are October 13, October 19, and October 22. Teachers are working hard to schedule parent-teacher conferences. If you have not already scheduled a conference, please call your child's teacher to schedule now. 

PTO Thrift Shop - Show Your Support Week

This Week Show Your Support at The PTO Thrift:  Sunday 10/04 through Sat. 10/10 visit the PTO Thrift Shop on 2280 S. Industrial highway. For every $5 spent you get a token to vote for our school - the more tokens we get the higher percentage of money raised we received.  

 

Esta Semana Apóyenos en el PTO Thrift:  Del domingo, 04 de octubre hasta el sábado, 10 de octubre visite el PTO Thrift Shop localizado en 2280 S. Industrial highway. Por cada $5 en compras usted recibirá una ficha para votar por nuestra escuela – mientras más fichas recibamos, mayor será el porcentaje de dinero de ventas que recibiremos. 

Family Movie Night - October 9

We are hosting our first family movie night on October 9 in the multi-purpose room. The movie will be "Home". Children may only attend with a supervising adult. Please do not drop off your children without adult supervision. 

Mitchell Listening Campaign

At the first PTO meeting of the year this week, a proposal was brought forward to engage in an intentional process of building relationships and fostering a more connected community here at Mitchell School. This proposal was considered by the PTO group and it was recommended that we move forward to implement what will be called - The Mitchell Listening Campaign. Ellen Patnaude, Mitchell 4^th grade parent, will lead this group.

 

One of the most effective ways to find out what other people are thinking about, excited about, concerned about, and what is most important to them is to engage in one-on-one conversation. To this end, a group of parents is forming with the intent of getting to know other parents and building our school community.

 

This promises to be an awesome opportunity to learn about the richness of our community! Please come to an informational meeting on October 8 from 6-7 pm in the Media Center here at school. No commitment is required to come to this meeting and learn more. Questions? Call the school office at 997.1216.

Mitchell Free Food Distribution - 10/3/15

Free food is available for Mitchell families Saturday, October 3 from 9:30-11:00. All Mitchell families who need food are invited to come to Mitchell school for a free food giveaway. This free food distribution will happen the first Saturday of each month. A one-time registration process is required to verify household members. If you registered at a previous event, you will not have to register again.

 

Note: To be clear, this is only available to Mitchell School families at this time.

PTO Book Fair

Mitchell School will host a Scholastic book fair October 7^th – 9th. Children will preview the book fair and have an opportunity to buy books as well. Information on volunteering to help run the book fair can be found HERE. 

PHOTO: Numbers Make Sense Like This When You're Five

Mitchell PTO Meeting - Tuesday, September 22 @ 6:00

All families are invited to attend the Mitchell PTO meeting on Tuesday, September 22. We will meet in the media center beginning at 6:00 PM. 

NWEA Testing

In the next two weeks 1^st – 5^th grade children will be engaged in the NWEA Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) Assessment. We give students the NWEA MAP Assessments to determine your child's instructional level and to measure academic growth throughout the school year in the areas of Math and Reading. As in previous years, your child will take these assessments on a computer.

Mitchell School Improvement Team

The Mitchell School Improvement Team is beginning to form and we are looking for parents who would like to participate on the team. Typically, the School Improvement Team works to identify areas of academic improvement and creates an action plan to move the school forward. If you're interested in serving on this team email me or call the school! 

Curriculum Night

Curriculum night is scheduled for September 29 from 6:00-8:00 PM. Please plan to attend curriculum night. You will learn about the curriculum your child will be learning this school year and have an opportunity to talk with your child's teachers. You will also sign up for parent-teacher conferences.

A Few Reminders

Each day the first bell rings at 8:50 a.m. and students may begin to enter the building. Before the first bell, students should line up outside the front doors. If you drive your child to school or pick them up at the end of the day, please follow the posted signs:

-NO PARKING in the front circle drive. It creates unsafe conditions as other parents have to pull out and around parked cars.

-If you need to enter the building we ask that you park in front parking lot or in the back of the building in the Scarlett parking lot. 

-Please do not drop your children off before 8:40 a.m. as there is no adult supervision until this time. 

Spirit Fridays

One tradition here at Mitchell School is Spirit Friday! Each Friday we encourage your child to wear his or her favorite team colors to school. Even if it is something other than…Go Blue!  J

Academic Games - 4th and 5th Grade Families

Once again we are hoping to form an academic games team for Mitchell School. This is a high quality opportunity for Mitchell students to engage in an extended learning opportunity that is fun! More information can be found HERE.

Think Stretch Books

Returning Mitchell students - bring back your Think Stretch books and receive a medal from Mr. Karr or Mr. Hilton.    

PHOTO: First Day Assembly

First day assembly at Mitchell School learning the routines and procedures of the school

PHOTO: Mitchell Art Room

Ready to be creative in Mrs. Williams art room at @a2mitchell #a2ib

Curriculum Night

Curriculum night is scheduled for September 29 from 6:00-8:00 PM. Please plan to attend curriculum night. You will learn about the curriculum your child will be learning this school year and have an opportunity to talk with your child's teachers. You will also sign up for parent-teacher conferences.

Mitchell Free Food Distribution - 9/19/15

Free food is available for Mitchell families Saturday, September 19 from 9:30-11:00. All Mitchell families who need food are invited to come to Mitchell school for a free food giveaway. This free food distribution will happen the first Saturday of each month. A one-time registration process is required to verify household members. If you registered at a previous event, you will not have to register again.

 

Note: To be clear, this is only available to Mitchell School families at this time.

Welcome Back Picnic & Classroom Assignments

We hope all families will come to Mitchell on Wednesday, September 2 from 6 – 8 PM to receive their teacher assignment for the school year.*

We are inviting all families to pack a picnic dinner, come to school and spend the evening together!

The picnic is also the time to bring back your child's Think Stretch workbook! They will be collected at the picnic. Before coming to the picnic to receive your child's Think Stretch medal, please complete and initial the first page of the booklet.

 *If you are not able to come to the picnic, teacher assignments will be available by calling the school on Thursday or Friday.

 

Infosnap Registration

All families with current email addresses on file should have received an online registration link from the Ann Arbor Public Schools on August 12. This online registration takes the place of the paper/pencil registrations you've done in past years. Please check your spam folder as the email may have gone there.

 

*We will have paper/pencil registration packets at the picnic for families without current email addresses. 

2015-16 School Day Starting & Ending Times

The first day of school is Tuesday, September 8, 2015. This day will be a full day for students. Starting and ending times are as follows:

•             8:53 a.m. – 3:59 p.m.

Each day the first bell rings at 8:50 a.m. and students may begin to enter the building. Before the first bell, students should line up outside the front doors. 

Student Drop-Off & Pick-Up Procedures

If you drive your child to school or pick them up at the end of the day, please follow the posted signs around the school.

•            NO PARKING in the front circle drive. Stay in your car. Kids exit the curb side of the drive.
  
•            If you need to come into the building we ask that you park in the front parking lot or in the back of the building in the Scarlett Middle School parking lot. Please, no parking in the circle drive – traffic backs up and creates hazards as other parents have to pull out and around parked cars.
  
•            Please do not drop your children off before 8:40 a.m. as there is no adult supervision until this time.
  

2015-16 Mitchell School Bus Schedule

As of the writing of this letter, the bus schedule for Mitchell and the morning pick up times show below. 

Bus 138:

·      4080 Ruby St – 8:18 AM

·      5651 Carpenter Rd – 8:23 AM

·      Arbor Meadows Clubhouse – 8:26 AM

Bus 72:

·      Oakengates @ Meadowview Park – 8:17 AM

·      4431 Textile – 8:19 AM

·      Arbor Meadows Clubhouse – 8:24 AM

·      Cloverlane Dr. @ Romney Ct – 8:34 AM

Please help your children to arrive at the bus stop 10 minutes early for the first few days until all of the "bumps" are taken out of the route.  Also, please remember that students should be monitored by parents at bus stops.

Early Bird Savings for After School Classes - Save $10 per class!

This Fall Rec & Ed is discounting all youth classes for elementary age children. One of our goals is to make enrichment classes more available to our community. By offering a $10 discount per class, we decrease the cost of our already affordable classes so more can enroll.  

When is the best time to enroll my child in after school classes? How does my child's teacher know that my child is attending an after school class? How do I get a scholarship?  These important questions and others are answered on Rec & Ed's After School Q & A page.

Rec & Ed's after school classes are designed for your child to learn through fun. Your child develops friendships and enjoys directed activities that support exploration and achievement. Our diverse selection of after school classes reflects our commitment to promoting well-being among children in our community.

Online registration is open now!  Here are easy ways to find and register for classes offered at your school:

• View the after school classes online

• Check out the Rec & Ed Fall 2015 catalog online

• Check your child's backpack the week of September 8. You'll find a flyer listing after school classes specific to your school.

• If the after school classes do not fit your schedule, Rec & Ed also offers many activities for children and adults evenings and on weekends

Rec & Ed wants every child to be able to participate in after school activities. Click here to learn more about our scholarship program and application.

Parent Needed For Kindergarten Teacher Interviews

Dear Mitchell Families,

I hope the summer vacation has gone well for you and your children. I also hope they've read some really good books! I'm looking forward to seeing you all very soon.

I've got good news to share!  We're expanding .... in kindergarten.  We will have three kindergarten sections this fall as opposed to our traditional two sections. This is because of the great interest in our work to become an International Baccalaureate school.  More families are wanting to enroll at Mitchell which has caused the need for three sections of kindergarten.

We will be interviewing potential kindergarten teachers for Mitchell School on Thursday, August 13 from 4:00-9:00 PM.  I would like one or two parents to join this committee.  If you are interested and available during that time, please email me at hiltonm@aaps.k12.mi.us.

Thank you,

Matt

School Office Closes For Summer on Friday, June 19 @ 4:30

The Mitchell School office will close for the summer on Friday, June 19 at 4:30 PM.  

The office will reopen on Monday, August 17 at 9 AM. We're looking forward to the 2015-16 school year!!

Parent needed to help with art teacher interviews

Dear Mitchell Families,
I hope the summer break has started well for you and your children.  I also hope your kids are reading something they enjoy!  Learning never ends, not even in the summer.  :-)
I am writing because we will interview potential art teachers for Mitchell School on June 24 from noon to 4 PM.  I would like one or two parents to join this committee.  If you are interested and available during those times, please email me (or call the school office before Friday, June 19) to let us know.
Thank you,
Kevin

Immunization Clinics - Summer 2015

There are two opportunities for families to get children immunized during the summer of 2015.

1.
Walk-In Immunizations at the RAHS clinic at Scarlett Middle School.

-July 29 and 30 and Aug.  5, 6, 12,13 from 9am-1pm.

2.
Kindergarten Immunizations and Hearing/Vision Testing also at the RAHS clinic at Scarlet Middle School.

-August 18th from 9am-3pm.

RAHS at Scarlett Middle School is located at:
3300 Lorraine, Rm 204
Ann Arbor, MI 48108
(734) 677-2708

Ice Cream Social - TONIGHT @ 6:00!

All families are invited to attend the end of year Ice Cream Social! This event is sponsored by the Mitchell School PTO: Please join us for a year end community celebration! There will be ice cream, local bands, inflatables, and fun! If you want to sign up for a short shift to help out, you can do so HERE. 

Last Day Assembly & 5th Grade Clap Out

On Friday, June 12 at 9:30 we will have our end of year school assembly. We will recognize all the great work students, teachers and parents have done this school year and close with the 5^th grade promotion slide-show. At approximately 11:45, K-4^th grade students will line the halls and we will "clap-out" as the 5^th graders leave our school building for the last time. Parents are welcome to attend!! 

Mitchell Family Literacy Initiative - Book Give-Away for Grades K-3

Our summer book giveaway is fast approaching.  Next week your child will have the opportunity to select 8 new books to add to your home library.  Please check your child's backpack and set time aside daily to enjoy the books at home over the summer. Remember it is important to re-read books! You can always learn something new.

 

Thank you to the Children's Literacy Network for their support! 

Mitchell Family Talent Show

Mitchell Family Talent Show - Friday, May 29 @ 6:30

Everyone is welcome to come enjoy the talent show! We have many great talents lined up and the kids are really excited. It promises to be a great event! A special thank you to the parents who helped to organize the event!

5th Grade Promotion - June 11 @ 6:00 PM

Parents and extended families are invited to witness our fifth graders being promoted to middle school and celebrating their work and accomplishments during their time at Mitchell.  

4th Grade Parents: A tradition at Mitchell Elementary is that 4th grade parents work at the 5th grade promotion ceremony so the 5th grade parents can enjoy the ceremony. We hope you'll come to help.

Mitchell School Field Day

On Thursday, June 11 beginning at 1:00 PM Mitchell School will be having our annual field day celebration. Field day is an opportunity for students to come together for some structured, outdoor activities. Ms. Lindemann organizes the events and creates the schedule – thank you Ms. Lindemann! It is always a lot of fun. 

School Food Distribution – 6/6/15

Free food is available for Mitchell families Saturday, June 6 from 9:30-11:00. All Mitchell families who need food are invited to come to Mitchell school for a free food giveaway. This free food distribution will happen the first Saturday of each month. A one-time registration process is required to verify household members. If you registered at a previous event, you will not have to register again.

 

Note: To be clear, this is only available to Mitchell School families at this time.

Ice Cream Social – June 5 @ 6:00-8:00

All families are invited to attend the end of year Ice Cream Social! This event is sponsored by the Mitchell School PTO: Please join us for a year end community celebration! There will be ice cream, local bands, inflatables, and fun! If you want to sign up for a short shift to help out, you can do so HERE. 

Mitchell Family Talent Show - May 29!

Everyone is welcome to come enjoy the talent show! We have many great talents lined up and the kids are really excited. It promises to be a great event! A special thank you to the parents who helped to organize the event!

World Language Newsletters

Hola!

Wow!  It's already May, and the end of the school year is just around the corner!  This past month flew by and I can already tell that our stretch to the finish is going to as well!

 

Let me start with a huge THANK YOU to 3^rd-5^th grade parents!  Because of your generosity, our Cinco de Mayo celebrations were an amazing success!  I was a little nervous going into 16 separate fiestas in a 2-day period, but each and everyone fiesta was a hit!  We had food to spare, and got to share the joy with teachers and friends!  The students really took to learning about Cinco de Mayo as well, so we know the history and the reason to celebrate!

 

Before our Cinco de Mayo unit, fifth graders finished up a unit on places in a town, and ways to get around.  We have now started our final unit for the year: cultural practices in Spanish speaking countries.  We are going to learn about bargaining, and some traditional dances.  This unit will culminate in a market day on May 26.  At this market, students are encouraged to bring in 3-5 items from home to sell (they will not be bringing these back home, so make sure they are items you're ok with letting go of).

 

4^th grade worked on nature words, and they are now focused on a unit about telling time in Spanish.

 

3^rd grade has been working on school supplies, and is now working on items found in a school classroom.

 

Kindergarten through second grade worked on animals in Spanish, and was able to make a book about animals to take home!  We are now working on a unit about butterflies, and will end the year learning typical summer activities!

I'm excited for the last few weeks of the year J

 

Please let me know if you have any questions, and have a great rest of the year and an amazing summer!

 

Thanks,

 

Sarah Kairis

kairiss@aaps.k12.mi.us

 

Marhaba!

 

It is May already! April was a very busy month for my students due to the MSTEP testing and some other school activities. We have been learning about numbers and family members during the month of April. My students are finishing their last touches on their mini-books about their families using the Arabic Language. In May, we are going to learn and explore the Food unit and some of my students will try Arabic/Middle Eastern food for the first time!

 

At the end of the Food unit my students will create a Cookbook using both Arabic and English languages. We are going to collect recipes from families and create an Arabic/English Cookbook.  It can be holiday recipes, or ethnic specialties. Also, it could be few recipes in basic categories, such as main dishes, vegetables, salads, soups and desserts. My students will need some important information such as:

Name of recipe

A brief description of where it came from, why it's special

List of ingredients, including quantities

Special equipment that might not be in everyone's kitchen

Cooking directions, with temperature

Number of people it serves

Any special advice: What's the secret?

Along the units and on a daily bases in the classroom, students are able to communicate with my using their Arabic skills. The target language is used on a daily bases and also most of the directions are given in Arabic. Finally, Activities in my classroom are designed taking under consideration students' interests and strengths, giving to all students the opportunity of succeed.

 

If you have any questions please contact me by email: basuni@aaps.k12.mi.us

 

Shukran,

Mrs. Basuni

The Arabic Language Teacher

IB Informational Meeting

IB Informational Meetings - 5/5, 7 PM @ Huron; 5/13, 7 PM @ Scarlett

Families interested in enrolling in the future Ann Arbor International Baccalaureate (IB) schools for the fall of 2015, are invited to learn about this exceptional offering at the following locations and times (before the Schools of Choice window closes):

·      Tuesday, May 5 at 7 PM – Huron High School in the Meyer Auditorium

·      Wednesday, May 13 at 7 PM – Scarlett Middle School in the media center

The presentation will include:

·      An "IB 101" presentation on the basics of the international educational opportunities being developed in Ann Arbor

AND

·      Time to meet and ask questions to our IB trained principals and teachers.

The IB programs being developed in Ann Arbor:

 

If you have questions, please consult our website: http://ib.a2schools.org or reach out to Kevin Karr (karrk@aaps.k12.mi.us).