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 Participates In Academic Games Michigan State Tournament - First Time Ever

Congratulations to the following Mitchell students who plan to participate in the Michigan League of Academic Games state tournament in early March:
Anna Tuinukuafe
Braden Vibber
Jevon Wilson
Kevin Payne

Ted Lee

Our Mitchell students will participate with hundreds of other students from across the state in the following academically oriented games:  Equations, Set Theory, Presidents and Propaganda.

A very, very special thanks to King School parent Vivian Lin for her leadership and coaching of our Mitchell team. 

World Language Takes off at Mitchell School

As a part of our work to become an International Baccalaureate school, we now offer world languages at Mitchell. In the video below you'll immediately notice the power of this new initiative as a native Spanish speaker leads a choral reading of a Spanish language book the class has written together.  It is a great example of how students from around the world have strengths that enhance learning.  Wow!

Direct link to video:
http://bit.ly/1rfQ5k8

Mitchell School Achievement Increases Recognized - No Longer Focus School!

Dear Mitchell School Parents, Guardians and Staff,

The Michigan Department of Education (MDE) has released Scorecards and Top-to-Bottom rankings of the state's public schools based on the results of 2013-14 standardized tests. The State of Michigan uses the scores from these tests to determine whether a school is meeting Michigan School Proficiency Targets and where it ranks in the "Top to Bottom" list of schools based on their performance.

As a result of their ranking, schools may receive the designation of Reward, Focus or Priority school. Reward and Priority labels deal with schools ranked in the top or bottom 5 percent of all schools in the state. Reward schools are in the top 5% of the top-to-bottom ranking. Priority schools are in the bottom 5% of the top-to-bottom ranking.  

However, the Focus label compares the school to itself. Essentially the highest performing students are compared to the lowest performing students within a single school building to determine an inner-school achievement gap. A Focus school label does not necessarily imply low achievement for a school as a whole.

We are extremely pleased to share that Mitchell School is no longer considered a Focus School by the Michigan Department of Education due to the hard work and achievement of students, faculty and administration as measure by the 2013-14 MEAP assessment.

We couldn't be more proud!  

This accomplishment is the direct result of sustained attention on achievement, high expectations, thoughtful school improvement planning and excellent classroom instruction. The many benefits gained from the Mitchell/ Scarlett School Partnership with the University of Michigan School contributed to this excellence, as well.  

Parents, thank you for your tremendous partnership in the achievement success of your child. 

Congratulations, Mitchell School!!!

Sincerely, 

Dr. Jeanice Kerr Swift, Superintendent, and

Lee Ann Dickinson-Kelley, Assistant Superintendent for K-12 Instruction 

Cc/Kevin Karr, Principal

Matt Hilton, Interim Principal

Academic Games is coming to Mitchell in September 2014!

Academic Games is a fun way for elementary through high school students to learn math, social studies, language arts, and logic using a game format. Students also develop courage, character, and poise in applying their knowledge while competing against opponents. There is one regional tournament per month from September through February, a state tournament in early March, and a national tournament (for advanced students) in late April.

For Mitchell’s first year, we will learn 3 games: Equations (math), Presidents (US history and US Presidential trivia), and Propaganda (recognizing different techniques of persuasion—this improves critical thinking skills and increases resistance to being influenced by advertising). All 4th and 5th graders are welcome to join (and also any 3rd graders whose parents also attend practices).

Practices will be on Mondays and Wednesdays from 7:30-8:30 PM at Mitchell, starting in mid-September!

Questions? Contact Mr. Karr or Academic Games Coach Vivian Lin at vhl@umich.edu.

El Sistema Performs at UM Stamps Auditorium

The final El Sistema concert of the year occurred the evening of April 23, 2014 at the Stamps Auditorium on the north campus of the University of Michigan.  Please check out the video where your can hear the students performing while being accompanied by Mitchell teacher Dan Tolly and UM teacher Horacio Contreras Espinoza.

Fall 2013 MEAP Update

The fall 2013 MEAP data have been released by the State of Michigan. The current reading, writing (only given in 4th grade), math, and science (only given in 5th grade) scores for Mitchell show below. For purposes of comparison the previous data for a given cohort group of students is also shown.  We use this cohort data at school to best see if a given group of students is making progress relative to the MEAP data.  

3rd Grade Cohort
2013 Reading - 38.6% proficient + 4.5% advanced = 43.1% proficient/advanced (passing)

2013 Math - 20.5% proficient + 13.6% advanced = 34.1% proficient/advanced (passing)

4th Grade Cohort - data from the group's third and fourth grade years
2012 Reading - 66.7% proficient + 0% advanced = 66.7% proficient/advanced (passing)
2013 Reading - 61% proficient + 2.4% advanced = 63.4% proficient/advanced (passing)

2012 Math - 33.3% proficient + 4.8% advanced = 38.1% proficient/advanced (passing) 
2013 Math - 31.7% proficient + 9.8% advanced = 41.7% proficient/advanced (passing)

2013 Writing - 34.1% proficient + 0% advanced = 34.1% proficient/advanced (passing)

5th Grade Cohort - data from the group's third, fourth and fifth grade years
2011 Reading - 43.8% proficient + 6.3% advanced = 50.1% proficient/advanced (passing)
2012 Reading - 54% proficient + 0% advanced = 54% proficient/advanced (passing)
2013 Reading - 49% proficient + 14.3% advanced = 63.3%proficient/advanced (passing)

2011 Math - 29.2% proficient + 4.2% advanced = 33.4% proficient/advanced (passing)
2012 Math - 28% proficient + 10% advanced = 38% proficient/advanced (passing)
2013 Math - 38% proficient + 14% advanced = 52% proficient/advanced (passing)

2013 Science - 5.9% proficient + 7.8% advanced = 13.7% proficient/advanced (passing)

Please note the progress that fourth and fifth grades have made on the MEAP test during their time at Mitchell - with the exception of the fourth grade reading data where we've seen a slight downturn.  Upon analysis of that specific data, the difference in the scores had to do with students who scored one point lower on the MEAP reading test in fourth grade as compared with their third grade results.  I anticipate that those students will continue to learn at a rate of at least one year of academic growth for each year of school . . . and that they will perform higher on next test.

Other than the notable fourth grade MEAP reading exception, Mitchell has demonstrated incremental growth over the last two years and has demonstrated that academic progress is being made in significant ways.  Great job to Mitchell students, parents, and teachers!

It is also important to note that we track other data points at Mitchell - not just MEAP results - to gauge performance including NWEA MAP test results, SRI test results, and report card results.  We do this to get the most accurate picture of what is happening for individual students and their learning.  These multiple data points enable us to answer questions like:
- Is a student meeting the state standards as measured by the MEAP test?
- Is a student on track for making a year of growth in reading or math as measured by the NWEA test (or SRI test for reading), even if the student did not "pass" the MEAP test?
- Is a student meeting expectations in the grade level curriculum as measured by the report cards?
- What specifically does a student need to learn next in order to make the next "jump" in their learning?

Given these other data points, it is apparent that while fourth grade MEAP reading scores are valuable, they do not tell the full story of fourth grade reading success at Mitchell.  Using NWEA results, for example, we see that students are making growth as measured by fall and winter NWEA testing.  We expect further growth will occur as measured by winter and fall NWEA testing (along with some exceptional teaching).  In the end we anticipate our fourth graders who were slightly lower on this year's MEAP reading test to make progress as measured by other assessments we use.  In fact, we're carefully watching and working to make sure this occurs to the best of our abilities.

The questions above (and the answers to them) are important because they give a more full understanding of success.  Some might remember I've previously shared that the Mitchell program helps almost all students to grow at least one year academically for each year they are in school.  At Mitchell we report this because some of our students do not currently meet the state standards (for lots of valid reasons like they are learning English), BUT they are definitely making a year or more of academic growth.  It gives a perspective that can't be seen when looking at just MEAP data.   

Mitchell is a high-quality academic experience, and we are working to help students and to be the best we can be.

Thank you to the Mitchell staff and parents for their work in supporting our students. Most of all, congratulations to our students for their efforts!!! We still have a lot of work to do, but we're excited about the current progress!

UPDATED --> Michigan Makers - Winter 2014 Sign Up Now!

UPDATED as of 1/4/13 as follows:
There will be NO meeting for Michigan Makers on 3/4.
There will be a meeting for Michigan Makers on 4/15.
All dates below are now acccurate.


Dear Families of Michigan Makers Students,
I wanted you to be aware that the day Michigan Makers meets will change when we return to school next week.  Instead of meeting on Mondays, the program will now meet on Tuesdays.

To confirm your child's continued interest in the program, please fill out the online form by CLICKING HERE.  You'll might also appreciate the program information listed below.

If you have questions, please email Mr. Karr or call the school office on Monday, January 6, 2014 when we reopen.
Sincerely,
Kevin Karr

After School Club - Winter 2014

Dear 4th and 5th Grade Mitchell Parents,
Below is another great after school opportunity for our fourth and fifth grade students.  I hope you'll consider signing up it!
  

What:  Michigan Makers: An after school program

Michigan Makers is an after school program that helps students engage with technology through tinkering and creating, while promoting group work and peer mentoring.  We thank the UM School of Information for sponsoring this program.

When:  

Tuesdays this winter from 3:45 - 5:15:  1/7, 1/14, 1/21, 1/28, 2/4, 2/11, 2/25, 3/11, 3/18, 3/25, 4/1, 4/15

Who:

Fourth and fifth grade students who sign up to participate.  

How:

To sign up, do the following:

1. Fill out the online form (or paper copy in backpacks) at: http://tinyurl.com/michiganmakers

AND

2. Fill out the School of Information permission slip and return to school (or paper copies in backpacks):  CLICK HERE

Where:  

Mitchell School Media Center

Frequently Asked Questions

Does my child need equipment? No . . . all equipment is provided.  

Can my child ride the bus home?  Yes, we will have transportation for children who typically ride the bus.  The bus will leave Mitchell School at 5:15 PM.

What time should I pick my child up?  Children who get picked up must be picked up promptly at 5:15 PM.

How do I sign my child up?  Fill out the form on the back of this sheet or use the online form.

Can I attend too?  Yes, parents are welcome to attend as well.

Staff Biographies Website Section - NEW!

As part of the second grade writing curriculum, Ms. Padgen’s class completed a non-fiction writing unit focused on writing biographies about the Mitchell Staff.   This project, led by Ms. Sala, a U-M teaching intern, gave students an opportunity to practice these skills by developing interview questions, conducting and recording interviews, and returning to the recorded interviews to gather information for writing.

We are excited to present these biographies as a part of the Mitchell School website so everyone could learn more about the great people we have at Mitchell.  This means our non-fiction writing has a real audience and student work is connected to a real-world purpose!   We hope you enjoy learning about the Mitchell staff.

Drew Jackson and Ted Lee - 5th Place Medal - Science Olympiad!

We are proud to announce that Drew and Ted earned a fifth place award for their work in Mystery Architecture at Science Olympiad!

Congrats, Drew and Ted!

Congrats Science Olympians! - VIDEO

Congrats to our Mitchell Science Olympiad team for their hard work and efforts in competing in their first ever Washtenaw Elemenatary Science Olympiad! Nice work!

Kudos to our PTO for their efforts in making this all happen.