Yearbook Orders

Yearbook orders are due tomorrow. In the event that your child would like a yearbook and forgets to bring the order form tomorrow, have them bring it to school Monday. We will be able to get it in with the rest of the orders. Thanks!

Happy Birthday, Dr. Seuss!

Tomorrow, Mitchell will celebrate Dr. Seuss' birthday! There are plenty of fun events planned. I won't give away any surprises yet. Stop by the blog throughout the day tomorrow and check out our Posterous page. I will keep updating the page with photos. The link to our Posterous page can be found in the upper right hand corner of the blog page.

It's sure to be a fun day!

Inquiry Projects

We have reached the point in our unit on the Northeast and Southeast Regions to begin digging deeper into topics of interest. Students have selected an area of interest from the following categories:

1. Colonization
2. The American Revolution
3. Slavery
4. The Civil War

Students then selected a "thick question" that they wanted to answer. A "thick question" is one that is not easily answered using a single source. "Thick questions" require deeper research using multiple resources and reading strategies. Answers often are not specifically laid out, instead students need to infer and draw conclusions when reading.

This is an exciting time! Students are working with topics of high interest. Ask your child about their research. You will be surprised with the information they will be able to share with you.

Students will "go public" with their projects at Mitchell's Inquiry Fair. Stay tuned for more information about the upcoming inquiry fair.

Reading Calendars

It's hard to believe, but another month has come and gone! It is time for students to total the minutes on reading calendar, get it signed, and return it to school. I would like them by Monday, March 4th at the latest. Please remind your child if they have not yet asked for your signature. Thanks for your help!

Narrative Pyramids

Students have begun using chapter books to study literature. Our current focus is character development and identifying key events in the plot. To practice these skills, students will be completing Narrative Pyramids as part of their homework. They should be completed in their reading notebooks and maintain a focus on one specific chapter. Here is the format:

1) Main Character's Name
2) Describe the character (list 2 traits)
3) Identify the setting
4) Explain the problem
5) Key event
6) Key event
7) Key event
8) Express a solution

Steps #4-8 should be written in complete sentence form. Encourage your child to be as specific as possible. If you have any questions, feel free to contact me. Thanks!

Volunteers Needed!

March 1st the PTA is organizing a school wide celebration of Dr. Seuss's 109th birthday. They are in need of volunteers for this great event. They are looking for parents that would like to donate/make cupcakes, donate juice boxes, be a classroom reader, or even decorate a cake for the Seuss-themed cake decorating contest. Please see the blue flyer that went home on Thursday for more information.

Good Luck, Dena!

Dena is participating in the Regional Spelling Bee tomorrow night. Just last month, she won the Mitchell School Spelling Bee and went on to win the WAWM District Spelling Bee! We all wish her the best of luck!

Date: Monday, February 18th
Where: CESA #1: N25 W23131 Paul Road, Suite 100, Pewaukee, WI
Time: 6:30 (Seats go quickly so arrive early for a seat)

WAWM Youth Art Month Reception

You're invited to attend the WAWM School District's Youth Art Month Reception. Here you will find wonderful works of art created by students from Kindergarten to 12th Grade.

When
Sunday, March 3rd
Time
1:00 - 4:00 pm
Where
WAWM Administration Building - 1205 South 70th Street
WAWM Alternative Learning Center - 1135 South 70th Street

Valentine's Day Party

This Thursday afternoon, we will have a Valentine's Day party. Students are welcome to bring in valentine cards to pass out to their classmates. A class list went home on Friday to help students complete valentines. If students bring cards to pass out, they must bring in a card for everybody. Treats will be provided by parents that volunteered on Opening Night. A big thanks to those parents! If you have any questions, feel free to contact me.

Reminder: Camp Upham Information Meeting

From Wednesday, May 29th -Friday, May 31st 2013, all fifth grade students from General Mitchell School in Mrs. Ceel’s, Ms. Dierbeck’s, Mrs. Graff’s, and Mr. Krupar’s classrooms will be going to Camp Upham Woods which is located a few miles north of the Wisconsin Dells. Upham Woods is a State 4-H Center, owned and operated by the University of Wisconsin.

​There will be an information meeting for all parents and their fifth grade child on WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 20th, 2013 from 6:30-8:00 P.M. in the multipurpose room. At that time, we will explain the trip more completely, provide an overview of this year’s schedule, outline the costs for both students and chaperones, and respond to your questions or concerns. We will also discuss the students’ requirements for attending this trip. Parents who are interested in becoming a chaperone will be able to sign up that night.

MAPS Testing: Language Arts

This Tuesday at 9:45, students will take the final winter MAPS test. This test will focus on Language Arts. I have been very proud of the students' efforts and accomplishments over the first two tests. Let's finish strong by getting a good night's sleep, eating a nutritional breakfast, and coming to school focused!

Totally 80's Dance Party!

Put on your leg warmers and tease up your hair!

Let’s Breakdance and Moonwalk! Be there or Be Square!

Like When? Friday, February 22

Like What Time? 6:00pm to 8:30pm

Like Where? Mitchell Elementary

Like how much? Free for PTA Members or $5 per person

Like Duh, kids don’t forget to bring your grown-up.

Food – Sundae Bar – Music – Photo Booth

Click here for the volunteer sign-up form and dance flyer

Quiz Bowl Tryouts

Tryouts for this year's quiz bowl team will be held on Tuesday, February 12th from 8:00 A.M. - 8:30 A.M. in the library. Tryouts are open to all 4th and 5th grade students. If you have any questions regarding the tryouts, please contact Mrs. Taylor at TaylorP@wawm.k12.wi.us

We hope to see you there!