Curriculum
Art
Art
Alexander Levesque - alevesque@kitteryschools.com
Hello Kittery, as you may know, I am new to the Mitchell School family. This is my first year teaching and I couldn’t be more excited. I am so lucky to be at a school with kids and staff that are so kind and welcoming. I am looking forward to all of the artistic adventures the kids and I will go on this year!
The Mitchell School Art program is focused on providing a safe, enjoyable environment where students will express themselves and form friendships. All students will have the opportunity to build confidence by showcasing their unique perspective of the world. Through challenges, they will gain a sense of accomplishment and pride. Students in grades K-3 will explore and experiment with the elements and principles of art through different mediums as they build a strong foundation of art skills and knowledge.
Phys Ed
Phys Ed
Meri Clemons - mclemons@kitteryschools.com
The Mitchell School Physical Education(PE) program is designed to help all students develop the fundamental movement skills through challenging and fun activities. Individual students are challenged to improve their skill in a safe and accepting environment. The PE program also educates our minds as we learn to apply our knowledge in our moving and attain knowledge about physical activity and fitness. Lastly, our program promotes the joy of moving and helps develop positive social qualities such as kindness, cooperation, respect for others and rules, sportsmanship and honesty. It’s not a rule, but we always have fun in Physical Education!
My classroom expectations are the same for grades K-3. Be Kind: Uses polite words and actionsFriendly to all classmates
Be Respectful: Listens when it’s time to listenDemonstrates cooperative behaviorValues classmates and uses equipment with care
Be Your Best: Shows effort in all activities and keeps tryingWearing sneakers is the best!
Be Safe: Shows awareness of personal space and others around youFollows all rules regarding safety.
The Mitchell School Physical Education(PE) program is designed to help all students develop the fundamental movement skills through challenging and fun activities. Individual students are challenged to improve their skill in a safe and accepting environment. The PE program also educates our minds as we learn to apply our knowledge in our moving and attain knowledge about physical activity and fitness. Lastly, our program promotes the joy of moving and helps develop positive social qualities such as kindness, cooperation, respect for others and rules, sportsmanship and honesty. It’s not a rule, but we always have fun in Physical Education!
My classroom expectations are the same for grades K-3. Be Kind: Uses polite words and actionsFriendly to all classmates
Be Respectful: Listens when it’s time to listenDemonstrates cooperative behaviorValues classmates and uses equipment with care
Be Your Best: Shows effort in all activities and keeps tryingWearing sneakers is the best!
Be Safe: Shows awareness of personal space and others around youFollows all rules regarding safety.
Library
Library
Briana Morrill - bmorrill@kitteryschools.com
Students will attend a library class once a week. This class will focus on guiding students in understanding the many uses of a library including, learning a new skill, researching an interesting topic, and of course, exploring our imaginations! Students will spend time on different genres of books learning what each of them can offer and where to find them in the library. We will spend time focusing on the importance of storytelling and the different elements found in a story. Students will also learn to use the library as a resource for research and investigation! Throughout the year they will be introduced to different resources available in the library, such as Atlas, Encyclopedia, and Exhibits.
Students will attend a library class once a week. This class will focus on guiding students in understanding the many uses of a library including, learning a new skill, researching an interesting topic, and of course, exploring our imaginations! Students will spend time on different genres of books learning what each of them can offer and where to find them in the library. We will spend time focusing on the importance of storytelling and the different elements found in a story. Students will also learn to use the library as a resource for research and investigation! Throughout the year they will be introduced to different resources available in the library, such as Atlas, Encyclopedia, and Exhibits.
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Music
Music
Saigelynn Green - sgreen@kitteryschools.com
Hello! I am going into my fifth year of teaching elementary music, and my first year at Mitchell Primary School. I am originally from Vermont and graduated from the University of Southern Maine with my undergraduate degree. Students at Mitchell have music class once a week, and in music we spend each class learning about the four National Core Arts Standards: performing, responding, creating, and connecting. We learn about these standards through many different mediums, such as vocal exploration (exploring the voice), echo songs, expressive movement, movement with the beat, improvising and composing music, song tales, classroom instrument skills, and more. Most importantly, we learn about the purpose of music in our lives, whether big or small, and the benefits that can come from a deeper understanding and appreciation for music. Some additional information about music class:-We learn through play and exploring different musical concepts-We practice being part of an ensemble/community-We practice being safe, kind, and responsible-We practice listening to each other
Hello! I am going into my fifth year of teaching elementary music, and my first year at Mitchell Primary School. I am originally from Vermont and graduated from the University of Southern Maine with my undergraduate degree. Students at Mitchell have music class once a week, and in music we spend each class learning about the four National Core Arts Standards: performing, responding, creating, and connecting. We learn about these standards through many different mediums, such as vocal exploration (exploring the voice), echo songs, expressive movement, movement with the beat, improvising and composing music, song tales, classroom instrument skills, and more. Most importantly, we learn about the purpose of music in our lives, whether big or small, and the benefits that can come from a deeper understanding and appreciation for music. Some additional information about music class:-We learn through play and exploring different musical concepts-We practice being part of an ensemble/community-We practice being safe, kind, and responsible-We practice listening to each other
Computer/STEM
Computer/STEM
Amy Cook - acook@kitteryschools.com
All students have Technology Lab (previously known as computer lab) once a week. The students will practice their typing skills. We also begin teaching the students how to code using visual coding called “blockly’. Did you know that coding teaches the kids critical thinking, logic, persistence, and creativity and that learning how to code helps students excel at problem-solving in all subject areas, no matter what their age? In addition to coding and typing, students will use a variety of digital art tools on the Ipads, as well as integrating some science exploration. Third grade students will learn how to use their Mitchell School Google accounts. In addition to using the iPads, students will have the opportunity to engage in many unplugged STEM activities and projects. Students may build, explore using fine motor manipulatives, or work with maker space materials, or participate in small science experiments and challenges.
All students have Technology Lab (previously known as computer lab) once a week. The students will practice their typing skills. We also begin teaching the students how to code using visual coding called “blockly’. Did you know that coding teaches the kids critical thinking, logic, persistence, and creativity and that learning how to code helps students excel at problem-solving in all subject areas, no matter what their age? In addition to coding and typing, students will use a variety of digital art tools on the Ipads, as well as integrating some science exploration. Third grade students will learn how to use their Mitchell School Google accounts. In addition to using the iPads, students will have the opportunity to engage in many unplugged STEM activities and projects. Students may build, explore using fine motor manipulatives, or work with maker space materials, or participate in small science experiments and challenges.
School Counselor
School Counselor
Dana Rickerich and Monica Tatarczuk
drickerich@kitteryschools.com mtatarczuk@kitteryschools.com Website/blog: drickerich.blogspot.com
Dana Rickerich, School Counselor- Looping with Grade 1 and Grade 3
Monica Tatarczuk, School Counselor - Looping with Kindergarten and Grade 2
School counselors serve a vital role in maximizing student success. Through leadership, advocacy and collaboration, counselors promote equity and access to rigorous educational experiences for all students. Counselors support a safe learning environment and work to safeguard the human rights of all members of the school community. They are expected to address the needs of all students through prevention and intervention programs that are a part of a comprehensive school-counseling program. Counselors teach weekly classroom lessons and meet with students in small groups and on an individual basis. Our mission is to provide a comprehensive school counseling program that promotes the academic, career and social/emotional development of all students and assists students in acquiring competencies for life-long learning and success.
Please do not be alarmed if your child comes home and reports to you that they came to visit with one of us--we meet with students frequently, most often concerning very normal childhood issues such as how to resolve a conflict with a friend, how to handle difficult feelings in appropriate ways, or just to give them time to cool off during an emotional day. If a situation arises that is of concern we will contact you so that we can work together to find a solution.
drickerich@kitteryschools.com mtatarczuk@kitteryschools.com Website/blog: drickerich.blogspot.com
Dana Rickerich, School Counselor- Looping with Grade 1 and Grade 3
Monica Tatarczuk, School Counselor - Looping with Kindergarten and Grade 2
School counselors serve a vital role in maximizing student success. Through leadership, advocacy and collaboration, counselors promote equity and access to rigorous educational experiences for all students. Counselors support a safe learning environment and work to safeguard the human rights of all members of the school community. They are expected to address the needs of all students through prevention and intervention programs that are a part of a comprehensive school-counseling program. Counselors teach weekly classroom lessons and meet with students in small groups and on an individual basis. Our mission is to provide a comprehensive school counseling program that promotes the academic, career and social/emotional development of all students and assists students in acquiring competencies for life-long learning and success.
Please do not be alarmed if your child comes home and reports to you that they came to visit with one of us--we meet with students frequently, most often concerning very normal childhood issues such as how to resolve a conflict with a friend, how to handle difficult feelings in appropriate ways, or just to give them time to cool off during an emotional day. If a situation arises that is of concern we will contact you so that we can work together to find a solution.
Literacy Intervention
Literacy Intervention
Sue Hickey (Literacy Coach), Karen Seleb (Interventionist) and Laine Ockerbloom (Ed. Tech)
shickey@kitteryschools.com; kseleb@kitteryschools.com; eockerbloom@kitteryschools.com
We work with students in small groups to strengthen skills in literacy. Students are chosen to participate in the Title I Literacy program based on assessments, data results and teacher recommendations. Mrs. Hickey and classroom teachers work closely to monitor student progress. We use various instructional tools in our small-group literacy intervention for students who find reading, writing and/or phonics difficult. Our goal is to lift the literacy achievement of students to grade-level expectations. Students will often bring books and passages home to read and practice. “Reading is important because if you can read, you can learn anything about everything and everything about anything.” – Tomie dePaola
shickey@kitteryschools.com; kseleb@kitteryschools.com; eockerbloom@kitteryschools.com
We work with students in small groups to strengthen skills in literacy. Students are chosen to participate in the Title I Literacy program based on assessments, data results and teacher recommendations. Mrs. Hickey and classroom teachers work closely to monitor student progress. We use various instructional tools in our small-group literacy intervention for students who find reading, writing and/or phonics difficult. Our goal is to lift the literacy achievement of students to grade-level expectations. Students will often bring books and passages home to read and practice. “Reading is important because if you can read, you can learn anything about everything and everything about anything.” – Tomie dePaola
Math Intervention
Math Intervention
Kelly Moulton (Math Coach) & Beth Wescott (Interventionist)
kmoulton@kitteryschools.com & bwescott@kitteryschools.com
In a small group setting, we help engage students in thought provoking activities that encourages growth in their mathematical understanding. Based on previous data and teacher observations, students from kindergarten through third grade who may be at-risk are screened at the beginning of the year. All new incoming students are automatically screened. Students are chosen for math intervention on the basis of risk in number sense, grade level skill ability and conceptual understanding. The learning needs of the student will determine the frequency of math intervention. Collaboration with classroom teachers is an important part of this process to make sure students are monitored; and progressing toward grade level standards.
kmoulton@kitteryschools.com & bwescott@kitteryschools.com
In a small group setting, we help engage students in thought provoking activities that encourages growth in their mathematical understanding. Based on previous data and teacher observations, students from kindergarten through third grade who may be at-risk are screened at the beginning of the year. All new incoming students are automatically screened. Students are chosen for math intervention on the basis of risk in number sense, grade level skill ability and conceptual understanding. The learning needs of the student will determine the frequency of math intervention. Collaboration with classroom teachers is an important part of this process to make sure students are monitored; and progressing toward grade level standards.