Dear Mitchell Families,
Over the past few months, the Mitchell staff and Mitchell School Improvement Team have been working to identify and brainstorm ways to improve achievement at Mitchell. Both groups started by analyzing our school data and identifying areas of improvement. One key area of improvement identified by both groups was that of literacy and family engagement. To leverage achievement, our already established family literacy nights were a key connection for both groups. As part of our efforts to increase achievement, we want to continue to connect with families around literacy in a variety of meaningful ways.
How has Mitchell Done This in the Past?
We've held family writing nights, family reading nights, and established an after school kindergarten family literacy program. We've also held family literacy nights where we've highlighted authors that represent the diversity of the families that make up Mitchell School. These programs have been important because achievement increases when students personally connect to what they read. Further, this is important at Mitchell because diversity is our strength and we believe that students and families benefit when we highlight our diversity through literacy.
The School Improvement Team has already received two new proposals for family literacy nights that we hope families will attend. The two proposals involve literacy and are culturally representative of families at Mitchell. If you have an idea for a family literacy night that involves literacy and your unique culture, we'd like to hear from you.
Why Family Literacy Nights?
When children see themselves in both the curriculum and in the school environment, achievement increases, relationships are fostered, and community is built. Like many other schools, Mitchell sees disparities in achievement for African American and Latino children, children who speak a second language, economically disadvantaged children, and children with special needs. We want this to change.
The Mitchell School Improvement Team and Mitchell Staff believe that hosting family literacy events at our school, which we hope all families will find interesting and attend, will increase student achievement and strengthen our community through our common love of stories.
When are Family Literacy Nights Scheduled for this Year?
Family literacy nights will be scheduled over the next few months. The dates will be shared through the eNotes, flyers, and on our website. We hope all families will make plans to attend!
Sincerely,
Matt
