This week, parents will be invited to change their child’s 3rd six weeks learning location. You should receive an email with the survey. If you are not changing learning locations, you do not need to do anything.
Mitchell Elementary welcomed a new member to the Pre-K Team this year. Kim Kreamer brings a wealth of experience and knowledge in the area of early childhood. In addition to this, she IS optimism personified. She brings joy to work every day and showers it generously on both students and staff. She is patient and kind as she teaches these first-timers “how to do school.” Her classroom is a perfect mixture of structure and discovery, and she seeks out ways to make her students feel special. With her contribution, the PK team has become a tight group of four women who are making a huge difference with our youngest Bulldogs.
Even during the COVID age, her optimism drives her to look at the bright side of every situation. With the challenges that come with enticing her At-Home Pre-K students with engaging online activities or teaching safety protocols to her On-Campus Pre-K students in the classroom, she approaches each task with cheerfulness. She reaches out to her students learning from home and ensures that they feel welcome to join their on-campus friends during morning meeting. She works with them individually and in groups to assess and stretch their academic skills. If a student at home does not have technology, she goes to great lengths to connect with them in any way possible. For students who learn with her in person each day, the classroom is a happy and friendly world of discovery and delight. She implements new ways to help individual students with their unique needs and captures learning opportunities that inspire students to grow. Even Show-and-Tell becomes an opportunity to review concepts learned during the week as well as celebrate each child. Her stations are mindful, and students know the routine of cleaning up and sanitizing hands before moving on to the next adventure. Each day, they sing, they learn, they play, they dance, they build, they write, they draw, they laugh. Mostly, they feel loved.
Kim has added so much value to an already strong Pre-K team. One teacher praised her by saying, “Kim is a team player and is constantly looking for new ways to grow, learn, and teach.” We are blessed to have her at Mitchell Elementary.
We also show our Bulldog BEST when we practice difficult tasks so we can get better – whether it’s academics or behaviors.
Our students practice difficult academic tasks during our Bulldog U intervention period, working with teachers or tutors on targeted areas of improvement. They practice in the classroom within small groups or through independent practice. Our teachers are committed to working with our students so they can get better.
Mitchell Elementary has implemented Practice Academy for our students who are struggling with social skills or disruptive behaviors in the classroom. We believe that practice, not punishment, is the first step in changing behavior. Our teachers and administration are committed to working with our students so they can get better.
If you have questions about Academic Interventions, contact your child’s teacher or the Principal, Shari Hedstrom, at shari.hedstrom@bryanisd.org. If you have questions about Practice Academy, contact the Assistant Principal, Sharyn Womble, at sharyn.womble@bryanisd.org.
Harvey Mitchell and Ms. Hedstrom want to remind you that masks will be required for all Bryan ISD students (PreK-12 grade) at the beginning of the 2nd Six Weeks on Monday, September 28.
Thanks to our students & staff who have done a fantastic job of wearing facial coverings so far. We appreciate your continued support.
The first six weeks ends on Friday. Students will have this week to finalize all assignments in the grade book. Please check with your child’s teacher if you have any questions or concerns.
During the 1st six weeks, we had 139 students (37%) who were participating in At-Home learning. Many students plan to return to On-Campus learning beginning September 28. Currently, we only have 66 students (17%) who have signed up for At-Home learning for the 2nd six weeks.
While we have sought to provide a quality education through Schoology, we have also found that grades and attendance are far below the performance of our On-Campus learners. In addition, opportunities for math and reading intervention will begin fully during the 2nd six weeks, and At-Home students will miss out on these foundational learning experiences.
Mitchell Elementary is still taking requests to change from At-Home to On-Campus learning. If you feel this would help your child academically and socially, please contact Heaven Wells at 209-1400.
We look forward to providing a quality education for all students. We ask that you partner with us by sending your On-Campus child to school every day or ensuring your At-Home child completes all Schoology assignments every day.
