Thank you for coming out to the world's fair 4th grade held back in March! Kids were really excited to show off their work to the community and have a chance to share what they've been learning. We've wrapped up How We Organize Ourselves and have begun our next unit of inquiry. To kick off the new unit, we had a great time at our gravel pit field trip. Our class learned about different kinds of rocks and how they're formed, which was a great intro to our current unit of inquiry! Here are some pictures:
Where We Are In Place and Time
Natural and societal events cause change and movement.
As aforementioned, we kicked this unit off with our field trip above and have been learning about what happens below and above the earth's surface these past couple weeks. Some examples of what we've learned are two theories as to why there are various natural phenomena (continental drift and plate tectonics) and the four layers of the earth (crust, mantle, outer core, inner core). Students have been very engaged in the material, and we will be continuing in our investigation into these topics this Friday through an in-house workshop! The University of Michigan's Museum of Natural History will be coming to our school to lead 4th grade through a workshop. We will be exploring "...how geologic forces such as volcanoes and earthquakes create and change Earth’s landscapes. Students will create a model of the Earth’s layers, simulate volcanic eruptions, explore plate tectonics, and engineer earthquake-proof structures." If you'd like to stop by, we'll be in the modular participating in this workshop as a class from 9:10-10:10!
Math
Division has been a challenge for our class! We're learning partial quotients, which consists of multiplying, subtracting, and adding. Our class is full of troopers! Besides division, we're going to learn how to use protractors to measure angles, finding missing angles, converting weight measurements, and multistep number stories. Our unit test will be in two weeks!
Reading/Writing
Reader and Writer's Workshop are integrated into our unit of inquiry. As kids learn about the effects of natural and societal events on people, we've begun reading I Survived books. Our class is split up into different interest-based book clubs and we've finished our research on the historical time period their respective books take place. Students will map out their books on a story map graphic organizer and eventually write their own I Survived story that includes various story elements and gives a narrative example of a person who is affected by a natural disaster. They're enthusiastic about the work we're doing, and I'm excited to see their final products.
Announcements
- Friday 4/5: In-house workshop led by the University of Michigan's Museum of Natural History from 9:10-10:10am.
- Friday 4/26: Field Trip to 826michigan and the Ann Arbor District Library downtown. Please turn in permission slips by 4/10!
- Art After School Program - If you'd like to register your child, please turn in the form as soon as possible!
From Mr. Hilton:
Mitchell PTO International Night
Mark your calendar and grab your passports to take your family on a trip around the world!
This is a free event for all Mitchell School families. You are encouraged to wear traditional clothing from your country of origin, culture or heritage or a team jersey (e.g. your favorite international soccer team), but please, no Halloween costume attire. Small samples of delicacies from around the world will be offered but make sure your kiddos have had dinner as these are only samples! Our gallery of artifacts, inter-active workshops, and amazing performances will make this a night you won't want to miss! We look forward to celebrating the diversity that makes our school so special with all of you! Please remember that all children must be accompanied by an adult.
Community Action Network Resource Fair
Community Action Network is hosting their annual Resource Fair and Free Food Distribution on Saturday, April 13th from 10-12pm. There will be free food, clothes, games, and prizes to win! Local Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti organizations will be hosting several tables to raise awareness on the resources available in the Washtenaw County area. It is a great opportunity to find the extra helping hand you are looking for, to engage with the local community and to bring home free food! We look forward to seeing you there.
Mitchell Lost & Found
Lost and found is overflowing! Please stop by school during the week of April 1st to check for any lost/missing items. On Friday, April 5 we will be cleaning up the lost and found area and donating any leftover clothing items. Thank you for your help.
Mitchell PTO Scholastic Book Fair
On Wednesday, April 10 through Friday, April 12 the Mitchell PTO will be hosting a Scholastic Book Fair here at school. Children will have the opportunity to visit the book fair, make a wish list and buy books if they would like.
Spring Registration is Open!
The new Rec & Ed spring catalog is out and it provides unique and fun learning opportunities for Ann Arbor community members of all ages. Come join us this spring and try something new or take one of your favorites!
Kindergarten Enrollment for 2019-20
Kindergarten enrollment for the fall of 2019 is now open! Mitchell School offers an exceptional International Baccalaureate experience for your children and we are enrolling now. We also love to give school tours! Tours can be set up by calling the office at 997.1216.
Register Now!
Parking at Mitchell – Rear Lot/Scarlett Lot
We’ve noticed many families parking illegally in the rear lot/Scarlett parking lot.
Please make sure that you:
- Park within the marked, designated spots only.
- Park at the end of the row and block the exit lane near the buses. This lane needs to be clear for exiting buses and exiting cars.