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. This Black History Month unit focuses on the Black Family: Representation, Identity, and Diversity. This is the theme of Black History Month, set by the Association of the Study of African American Life and History. You can find a detailed description of the theme HEREon the ASAALH website. At Mitchell, students will learn about the resilience of Black families in the past, present and future. The unit uses text, music and visual arts as a way for students to inquire (ask questions), think, discuss and reflect on:
- Black Families in History
- Civil Rights
- Equality
- Fairness
- Community
- Family Resilience during Covid-19
- Action - taking action in order to make the world a more peaceful place
The central idea students will be/are studying is the presence of resilience in Black Families in our past, our present and our future.
Parents/Guardians are invited to attend virtual school with their child at Mitchell on Monday, February 8th
All parents/guardians are invited to attend virtual school on Monday, February 8th 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 digital classroom including special classes: Music, Art, World Language, Physical Education, and Media
- Listen to the story Going Down Home with Daddy with your child linked HERE
- Attend a Morning Meeting with your child at the start of the day
- Attend a Closing Circle with your child at the end of the day
As you view the video of the story, notice the connections to the history of Lil' Alan's family, their journey to become landowners, their mightiness, and their discussion of the Black family's past as slaves. Student work in classes included conversations about resilience, strength, relationships, family reunions, and agency. These big ideas were our inspiration as we created artwork with the themes of family and history, while sharing our stories, and expressing our ideas through both art and music. Also notice that students are making connections to the particular resilience we all have had to have during the challenging times of Covid 19. |
Keeping the Conversation Going!
Whether or not you are able to attend virtual school on Monday, February 8 for NAAPID, here are some questions to ask and discuss at home that are connections to the new unit:
- How is equality and fairness changing in our country?
- How have families shown resilience during Covid 19?
- What is it like when families and communities support families?
- What are families like for different groups of people?
- How can I make sure my voice is heard in my community?
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,
The Mitchell Staff
