African American History Month & NAAPID

Dear Mitchell Families and Community Members,

In connection to Mitchell School's celebration of National African American History Month and our work 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, the development of Motown, 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 11   All parents/guardians are invited to come to school on Monday, February 11 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 the Mitchell Staff. While there, check out the debut of our Mitchell School Quilt.  Each square was hand sewn by our fourth grade students in a partnership with the Great Lakes African American Quilters Network. All day - Social justice art displays around the school 9:30- PreK-Grade 2 Assembly - Songs and sharing the current all-school music unit of study about Motown and the Motown Music Movement 10:15  Grade 3-5 Assembly - Songs and sharing the current all-school music unit of study about Motown and the Motown Music Movement 3:30 PM - Follow up discussions/activities following assembly.  Many classrooms will be connecting to their recent reading of the book, Ruth and the Green Book.   As you view student work in the building, notice the connections to the history of Berry Gordy and Motown Records to the civil rights movement and social justice.  Students inquired into what qualities a person needs to be a changemaker like Berry Gordy and many of the recording artists who broke down social barriers in their time at  Motown Records. These big ideas were our inspiration as we created artwork with the themes of unity, sharing our voices, and expressing our ideas through art and music. Also notice that students are making connections to the importance of community in the story about Ruth and the Green Book.

Keeping the Conversation Going!

Whether or not you are able to come to school on Monday, February 11 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,

Matt Hilton Alison Epler Wendy Rothman
Principal Assistant Principal IB Coordinator