Mitchell Math and Science Elementary is helping all students develop the World-Class Skills and life and career characteristics of the Profile of the South Carolina Graduate by focusing on critical thinking, communication, collaboration, and creativity. Our mission at Mitchell Elementary is to "create a safe, supportive, and loving environment where all students can become independent and lifelong learners."
Mitchell Elementary is part of Charleston County School District's "Acceleration Schools Initiative," which focuses on serving our students' academic, social, and cultural needs and works alongside staff, families, and our community to develop and support the whole child.
We just completed year two of our Leader in Me journey. Our staff and students are trained in Stephen Covey's 7 Highly Effective Habits, which we embed throughout our school day. Staff and students set “Wildly Important Goals” and work to reach them in their personal and school lives. Scholars are also members of the school's Student Leadership Teams, where they serve our school in many different ways. Our scholars participate in "student-led" conferences. During these conferences, scholars share their leadership binders, WIG goals, and other accomplishments from their school year.
Our top priorities continue to be student achievement and academic growth. All students have access but are engaged in the high-quality, grade-level curriculum of CKLA-Amplify (Core Language Arts and Literacy for ELA and Bridges for math instruction. We have a full-time Science teacher. All CD-1st-grade students access the lab monthly, and 2nd-5th-grade students visit the lab two times weekly. Students have hands-on experiences with science while in the lab setting and the outdoor gardens. Literacy and math instruction are embedded into the lessons. In addition, our related arts teachers embed these skills into their instruction.
At Mitchell Elementary, we support and foster collaboration with our staff to provide the best education for our scholars. We have partnerships with Leading Educators and Darden University that provide professional development for teachers and administration. Teachers also participate in weekly Professional Learning Communities to discuss strategies and lessons and make data-based decisions for instruction. Teachers are trained in Kagan Engagement structures and participate in ongoing learning with The Leader in Me.
We are committed to growing our partnership and communication with our families. We have continued to increase communication with parents and the community by updating our website and Facebook, and frequently contacting and communicating with families using Classroom Dojo. We hosted Mitchell Family Nights, including a Family Math-focused Game Night, Winter Holiday Program, Black History Celebration, and a Leadership Day. Students also participated in the D20 Winter Extravaganza. In addition, we had a Leader in Me Winter and a Spring celebration with our staff, students, and families celebrating WIG goals.
We have many community partnerships that contribute to our health and wellness focus. Charleston Hope supports our scholars with additional social and emotional time embedded within the school day and after school. In addition, we collaborate with the Green Heart Project to show the importance of growing your vegetables and incorporating fresh fruit and vegetables into a healthy lifestyle. Empowered Minds supports our scholars with yoga in the classrooms. We also partner with Be a Mentor, MUSC, Charleston Riverdogs, The Citadel, and the College of Charleston.
With strong community support and many partnerships, Mitchell is a true "Gem of the City."
Dr. Amber Sainz, Principal
Chiante Gourdine, SIC Chair
