New Social Justice Unit Announcement and Invitation

January 27, 2017

Dear Mitchell Families and Community Members,

In connection to Mitchell School's celebration of National African American History Month and our work to develop as an International Baccalaureate school, we proudly announce the launching of a new unit of study for all students at Mitchell.

The new unit focuses on the African American Civil Rights movement and social justice. It uses text, music and visual arts as a way for students to inquire (ask questions), think, discuss and reflect on:

• Civil rights leaders
• Equality
• Fairness
• Community
• Action - taking action in order to make the world a more peaceful place.

Two central ideas students will be/are studying:

• Civil rights leaders use music to establish a sense of community and a common purpose.
• Throughout history, visual art has been created to spread awareness of social justice and promote action within communities.

Parents/Guardians Invited to Mitchell - Monday, February 13!   All parents/guardians are invited to come to school on Monday, February 13 as a part of National African American Parent Involvement Day (NAAPID).  We will be highlighting some of the work from the new unit during this time.   Here is the schedule of events: All day - Parents/Guardians invited to school to visit your child's classroom All day - Visit the Community Center for refreshments for parents from your teachers All day - Social justice art displays around the school All day - The Great Lakes African American Quilters Network will be displaying quilts (stories) in connection to the current Pre K, Young 5s, Kindergarten and second grade art studies. 2:45 PM - All-school Assembly - Songs and sharing the current all-school music unit of study 3:30 PM - Follow up discussions/activities following assembly.  Many classrooms will be connecting to their recent reading of the book, "We Shall Overcome: The Story of a Song."  Parents might know the lyrics of the gospel song the book is based on: We shall overcome, We shall overcome, We shall overcome, some day. Oh, deep in my heart, I do believe We shall overcome, some day.

Keeping the Conversation Going!

Whether or not you are able to come to school on Monday, February 13 for the assembly and NAAPID, here are some questions to ask and discuss at home that are connections to the new unit:

• How has equality and fairness changed in our country?
• What is it like when people do not have equal rights and freedom?
• What is it like for different groups of people?

We are really excited to share with you soon, and we'd like to get your feedback on our work in order to get the best schooling anywhere for your kids.

Sincerely,

Kevin Karr                Matt Hilton                Wendy Rothman
Principal                Associate Principal            IB Coordinator

Save