May, 2008

Dear Parents, Students and Community Members,

As we approach the end of the school year, I would like to share important news as we begin planning for the 2008-2009 school year. I want you to know that the Mitchell staff is committed to continuous improvement of the programs and courses we offer our students. In spite of a tightening budget, I am proud to report that we are working to bring new, rigorous program offerings to our students next year which will equip them with the knowledge and skills necessary for the 21^st century workplace and higher education.

Mitchell’s enrollment projections show that we will have 160 fewer students next year than we have now. Due to the projected decline in enrollment, we are forced to reduce our staff by seven teachers next year. While the staff reduction creates significant challenges, we are committed to preserving the quality of course offerings for our students. We are currently working in partnership with Colorado State University – Pueblo to expand our offering of college credit classes in the areas of foreign languages, social studies, math and science. We are also expanding the capacity in some of our Career and Technical Education programs including CISCO networking, SMART Homes, Project Lead-the-Way pre-engineering, Construction Trades and Catering. These classes provide our students with state-of-the-art training in career-oriented course work that prepare them for high-paying jobs or continuing education after high school. Additionally, we are bringing significant improvements to our freshmen Millennium Academy by enhancing reading & writing instruction and adding an Honors / SAIL+ component.

I want you to know how proud I am of the great students and staff at Mitchell High School. In spite of declining enrollment and a tight budget next year, we are moving forward as planned to provide our students with quality programs and learning experiences. Thanks to a creative and dedicated staff, Mitchell will continue to expand and improve the quality of programs to meet the needs of our students, parents and community.

Sincerely,

Larry Cutter

Principal

Zangle Parent Connect

· Access your student’s progress at Mitchell High School.

· Provides current information in the following areas:

News – information about events, deadlines, etc. for both school and classroom

Demographics – Personal data

Schedule – Current class schedule

Attendance – A summary of attendance this semester

Assignments – Current and past assignments for each class

Marks – Progress Reports and Report Cards

Transcript – All credits earned

GPA – Grade Point Average

Graduation Requirements – Graduation Requirements

Testing – Results of Standardized Test

Behavior – Record of Behavior Incidents

Health – Medical History and Immunizations

Contact Data Processing, 328-6650, to get your PIN# and Password.

Don’t have a computer at home or at work that you can use to log on? DON’T WORRY!!

1. Mitchell HS has computers available for your use in the Media Center and in the Counseling Center during normal school hours.

2. Holley Branch Public Library has 10 computers that are FREE for patron’s use.

685 N. Murray Blvd. Hours: M – Th 10am – 9pm

F & Sat 10am – 6pm

Call: 597-5377 to reserve computer time at Holley Library.

PARENTS

STAY INFORMED!

Available at Mitchell High School:

Zangle Parent Connect

Get your PIN and Password Now

Call Data Processing – 328-6650

Mitchell HS Subscriber Service

(The annual, non-refundable fee is $20.00 due to the increase in the number of mailings throughout the year.)

SUBSCRIBER SERVICE

FOR GRADES AND ATTENDANCE**

We believe communication is one of the keys to student success. One way Mitchell High School can increase communication with parents is through our Subscriber Service. The Subscriber Service is an additional way to better inform you of your student’s progress. For an annual, non-refundable, fee of $20.00 per family, we will send the following information to your designated address:

Student schedule of classes with the teacher’s name each semester.

Counselor’s names and phone numbers.

Assistant Principal’s names and phone numbers.

Attendance office phone numbers.

Distribution dates for progress and report cards.

A “D/F” grade marking schedule.

Attendance reports.

Eight mid-quarter progress reports.

1^st and 2^nd semester grade reports.

1^st and 3^rd quarter grade reports.

School bell schedule

School year calendar

Additional information you may require

Please send the following information to:

Mitchell High School

Data Processing Department

1205 Potter Drive

Colorado Springs, CO 80909-6999

Telephone number: 719-328-6650

Please keep the above information for your records, complete the form below, cut on the line, and send to the above address.

= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =

Student’s Name ___________________________________________ Grade_________

Please mail my student’s information to the following address:

Name___________________________________________________________________

Address_________________________________________________________________

City_______________________________________State______________Zip________

Your Name______________________________________________________________

Signature_____________________________________________Date_______________

Home phone__________________________Work phone_________________________

Please include a check for $20.00 payable to Mitchell High School. $20.00 fee is non refundable.

**If you want your student’s Semester 2 Report Card and Transcript to be sent to an address different from the student’s address of record, bring a business-size (#10) self–addressed, stamped envelope (SASE) to the Mitchell High School Data Processing Office no later than 2:00 P.M., Friday, May 16, 2008.

ATTENDANCE OFFICE

ATTENTION PARENTS!!

Please call directly to the Attendance Office when reporting absences, instead of tying up the switchboard to have your call transferred. Early in the morning, particularly, when we are inundated with calls regarding substitute teachers, etc. it will really help you to direct dial, making your call quicker, and it will really help us to free up the switchboard. 328-6613 and 328-6614. Thank you for your cooperation.

MESSAGES TO STUDENTS - Parents, please do not call the Attendance Office with messages for students, unless there is an emergency. We do not have available staff to run messages to students in their classes. Please communicate with your child before they leave for the day and only call when there is an emergency. Your cooperation with this will be greatly appreciated.

STUDENT APPOINTMENTS - For the safety of your student, we now request that you come into the Attendance Office with your ID when checking your student out for an appointment. If your student drives, please send a written note prior to his appointment date. Please remember that you only have 48 hours to excuse your student’s absences. Thank you for your help and cooperation. As always, if you have any questions, please contact the Attendance Office at 328-6613 or 328-6614.

MITCHELL PRIDE!!

Mitchell Pride is Blooming!Well, at least the Tree of Pride suggests that it is.Our school and students were highlighted on Channels 5/30 April 1, 2008 for the work they are creating to encourage and increase pride here at Mitchell High School.The first three projects are evident: The Senior wall in the southwest corner, the Tree of Pride in the northwest corner and the "Starry Sky" and constellations outside of the planetarium.The other projects that are in the works are "art" galleries at each of the staircases, a Fibonacci Mobile and a group effort montage picture of William Mitchell being created by the students in Mrs. Foos' advanced art class.Mr. Nielsen's Wood Shop is helping to make picture frames for artwork that has been accepted and will soon be on display in the "galleries".

Even though the news stated that these projects should be "completed" by the end of the month, we want to inform everyone that they will continue beyond this school year.We are hoping that once students, staff and patrons of Mitchell see and experience the artwork, they will want to participate and contribute their talents to these perpetual projects.

We all need to remember to Be Safe, Be Respectful and Be Responsible! Go, Mitchell Pride!

NEWS FROM THE COUNSELING DEPARTMENT

COURSE VERIFICATION FORMS

Copies of your student’s course requests for the next school year were mailed home after Spring Break. Course requests can also be viewed on Parent Connect. When you receive this, please review the courses very carefully and make any changes through your student’s counselor before the end of the school year. Our teacher staffing and courses offered depend highly on what students choose for their course requests. There will be minimal changes to student schedules at the beginning of the school year. If you have questions, please contact your student’s counselor.

NAVIANCE

Naviance is an Internet program that Mitchell continues to use. This is a program where students can obtain information on colleges, scholarships, and receive information about college visits. Each student must register with a registration code, which was given to all students at registration and during the first semester of classes. If your student lost or needs their registration code, please have them see Mrs. Weil, Counseling Secretary, or their assigned counselor.

SCHOLARSHIP INFORMATION FOR ACADEMIC CONVOCATION

Any senior notified of a scholarship award needs to bring a copy of their award letter to Mrs. Weil in the Counseling Center by May 1, 2008. This information is used to recognize students at Academic Convocation on May 19^th at 7:00 p.m. If we don’t have the information, your student will not be recognized, since we are not aware of the award. Any scholarship information received after May 1^st will not be included in the Convocation Program, due to the printing deadline. If you have questions, please contact Mrs. Weil or Mrs. Montez in the Counseling Office.

ALIVE TO STRIVE

Mitchell High School Peer Counselors sponsored an Alive to Strive Week from April 7, 2008 to April 11, 2008, with an assembly on April 11^th. Alive to Strive is a program that promotes safe driving around Prom and Graduation. As Graduation approaches, we want to continue to promote good choices around not drinking and driving, so our students will be “Alive to Strive”.

STUDENTS COMPLETING CREDITS THROUGH ALTERNATIVES

Seniors who are taking any classes through Digital or by correspondence MUST have their classes completed by May 1, 2008. If you have questions, contact your student’s counselor.

DISTRICT 11 SUMMER SCHOOL

District 11 Summer School will be June 4-24 and will be held at the Tesla Education Opportunity Center, 2560 International Circle. The cost is $165 per class. Students can enroll for one or two classes. Registration forms require a counselor’s signature prior to submitting for registration. Forms are available in the Counseling Office.

SUMMER SCHOOL AT DIGITAL HIGH SCHOOL

Summer school at Digital High School will be held from May 28, 2008 to June 24, 2008. To have your name added to the waiting list, please call Digital High School at 719-591-8695. Students must see their counselor at Mitchell to verify credits needed and obtain a referral form.

AUTOMATED PHONE MESSAGES

Mitchell uses District 11’s Automated Phone Messaging system as one way to keep parents informed about their students’ attendance, academic performance and special events. These phone messages usually start being sent about 6:00 PM. There are three types of calls:

Attendance Calls – Every evening after a school day to the home phone of each student by name with one or more unexcused absences that day. If a household has more than one student with an unexcused absence that day, the household will receive calls for each student by name

DF Calls – Most Wednesday evenings to the home phone of each student by name with one or more “D” or “F” in their classes. If a household has more than one student with a “D” or an “F”, the household will receive calls for each student by name.

Miscellaneous Calls – As needed to households to inform parents of special events such as Open House, Parent Teacher Conferences, Testing, etc. If a household has more than one Mitchell student, the household should receive only one call.

It is possible for more than one type of call to go out on the same evening. For example, a student may get an Attendance Call and a DF Call on the same Wednesday evening. It may even happen that a Miscellaneous Call would go out on a Wednesday evening, too, but this will be kept to an absolute minimum. So, if a household has multiple students receiving multiple calls, there could be several calls during one evening.

The system will attempt to deliver a complete message for each type of call up to three times. To ensure that your household does not get redundant calls, let the message complete before hanging up. If you use an answering machine, eliminate all pauses in your outgoing message to increase the probability that the entire incoming message will be recorded.

If you have questions or concerns about Automated Phone Messages, call Ken Kenney, Data Processing, (719)328-6620 (kenner@d11.org).

HONORS ENDORSEMENT/SAIL +

The Honors Endorsement Program juniors and the SAIL+ freshmen are preparing for their presentations during April.SAIL+ will be presenting their Social Action Projects in conjunction with their Booz-Allen-Hamilton mentors on April 17 beginning at 6:30pm. juniors will present their individual Advanced Learning Projects on April 10 beginning at 6:30 pm.

We are in the process of selecting next year’s SAIL+ class. Eighth graders from around District 11 as well as other surrounding districts have been at Mitchell shadowing SAIL+ students since January. The folders containing their test data, grades and teacher recommendations are being submitted and the students will all be selected and notified by the end of April. If you have questions about SAIL+ or Honors Endorsement, please call Robin Knoepke at 328-6697.

5TH ANNUAL MITCHELL CAR SHOW

The 5th Annual Mitchell High School Car Show will be held on Thursday, May 8, 2008 on the Mitchell Football Field. Parking begins at 9:00 a.m., with the Car Show running from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Early registration is $10.00 or $15.00 the day of the show. There will be prize giveaways, food and more. All proceeds benefit the Mitchell High School Auto Shop. We do need volunteers to help with the car show. If you are interested or need more information, please contact Angelo Montez at 719-328-6795.

In order to make this year's Car Show a success, we ask that you follow these simple rules:

1. Teachers need to supervise their students at all times

2. Please do NOT touch the cars.

3. NO leaning on the cars.

4. NO sitting on the cars.

5. NO opening the car doors.

6. NO backpacks allowed.

7. NO food or drinks near the cars.

8. Keep all keys in pockets.

9. NO loose belts or chains.

10. NO fighting.

ON THE MORNING OF THE CAR SHOW, MAY 8, 2008, PLEASE DROP OFF YOUR STUDENT IN THE FRONT OF THE SCHOOL. TRAFFIC BY THE ENTRANCE BY THE FOOTBALL FIELD, WILL BE RE-DIRECTED.

PLANNING FOR THE 2008-2009 SCHOOL YEAR

Back-to-school registration will be held the week of August 4-8. At this time, students will take school pictures, school IDs, purchase parking permits, activity tickets. Wednesday, August 13 will be make-up and Monday, August 18 will be late registration. More details will be in the July/August newsletter. Please make every effort to set these important dates on your calendar.

INTERNATIONAL WOMENS’ DAY

Once again Mitchell High School celebrated International Women’s Day on March 7^th, 2008. Our former Russian teacher, Pavel Kozhevnikov (Mr. K.) was instrumental in bringing this world celebration to our school. This is the eighth year our school has had this event, and Mitchell High school is the only high school in Colorado Springs to host it. Mr. Todd Dicamillo was the M.C., and the show was awesome.

The French Club, under the direction of Sharon Simpson-Dogon, presented flowers and candy to the female staff members, wrote a tribute in French (with English translation for the non-francophones), and created two cakes on which was written “Joyeuse Fete des Femmes” to commemorate the occasion.

Mr. Dicamillo and Mr. Kozhevnikov did a funny skit that showed the differences between how American women and women of the world are treated. Mr. K showed how some women’s roles are stereotyped and made the audience laugh.

Spanish Club, under the direction of Dolores Borrero, had six girls dance the Ballet Folklorico Mexicano. They danced to the song “Rescapetas” beautifully. The club also provided a feast of authentic Mexican-style cookies for all the ladies to enjoy. The German club, under the direction of James Sayler, sang two songs: “You are in my Heart” and “Do Re Mi,” all in German. The Japanese Club, also under the direction of James Sayler, sang: “You are my Sunshine” and “The Frog Song,” all in Japanese. The special treat was when Ashley Gee sang a solo in Japanese, “America the Beautiful,” and she did an excellent job.

Our special guest was our very own retired Russian teacher, Mr. Kozhevnikov. Mr. K. came to enjoy the show, and took part in a special number dear to his heart. He and many students sang and danced to the Russian song, “Katyusha.”

Mitchell staff members and ladies all enjoyed this year’s show, and the celebration will continue next year under the direction of Todd Dicamillo and all the foreign language clubs. - - Delores Borrero

CISCO

The year is wrapping up, and we are saying goodbye to the CCNA programs as we understand it. Next year, we will be moving into the new CISCO material called DISCOVERY. Our classes will still be the same but the content and labs will be different. This new material will include material to help prepare high school students for the world of work.

We are finishing our first course in SMART homes. In talking with the students, they feel that it is worthwhile, and I have had a chance to modify the course content and materials.

In our next newsletter I will present what the new CISCO materials will look like for the school year 2008-2009.

Have a great summer and happy networking.

Kenneth Holmes, CISCO Instructor

ATTENTION SENIORS:

As a reminder, the guidelines for Commencement Ceremonies are printed below:

The graduation ceremony is a school-sponsored event to acknowledge and honor graduates and their families. It shall be considered a school day for purposes of student discipline and shall also be considered as part of the school year.

Any senior, who, during the last month of the final semester of school commits any offense for which suspension or expulsion is an appropriate penalty, shall be excluded from participation in the graduation ceremony and any other school functions. The term “offense” includes but is not limited to damage, destruction or vandalization of District property, injury to fellow students, faculty members or administrators, or disruption of the academic process of the school.

In addition to exclusion from participation in graduation ceremonies and exercises and possible suspension or expulsion, students and their parents will be held liable for damages, destruction or bodily injury caused by the student as set forth in Colorado Revised Statutes 13-31-107. Any student who is excluded from graduation ceremonies and exercises who has met all requirements for graduation, shall receive his/her diploma after the ceremony.

Because graduation is a formal and dignified event, student responsibilities include appropriate dress. Students should dress and groom themselves for graduation exercises in a way that reflects personal pride. It is an appropriate time for young women to wear dresses and young men a shirt and tie. Inappropriate dress which is offensive will not be tolerated. Inappropriate conduct during the ceremony, such as the use of alcohol, drugs, fireworks, or tobacco (including chewing snuff) is unacceptable behavior.

Thank you for making graduation 2008 a memorable time for all!!!

GRADUATION ATTIRE

Gentlemen Ladies

Suit Dress

Slacks and shirt Blouse and Skirt

Shirt must be collared Pant Suit/Slacks

Tie - Optional Comfortable Shoes

Dark Colored Dress or Casual Shoes Flats

Black Low Heels

Brown (High Heels Not Recommended)

Tennis Shoes/Flip Flops Not Allowed Tennis Shoes/Flip Flops NotAllowed

SENIOR CHECKOUT

Seniors will pick up their cap and gowns between 1:00 and 3:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 13 in the main office hallway. ALL OBLIGATIONS MUST BE CLEARED BEFORE YOU WILL BE ABLE TO PICK UP CAPS, GOWNS AND/OR YEARBOOKS. THESE MUST BE CLEARED BY MAY 1. Your diploma will be withheld until your obligations have been cleared. Teachers will be turning in final senior grades on Thursday, May 15 by 8:00 a.m.

SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 11 FOOD SERVICES

ARE YOU A STAY-AT-HOME PARENT? ? DO YOU WANT TO INCREASE YOUR INCOME?

School District 11 is looking for qualified people to join our Food & Nutrition Services team to work service positions with varying hours around the district.Enjoy bonus pay incentives, a great team, and convenient schedules…no weekends or evenings.Plus have the summer and holidays off! We’ll start on-the-job training very soon!You’ll feel great that YOU helped a child in school through serving a quality, nutritious meal! We’re committed to exceptional customer service.Must be 18 y/o or older, have HS diploma/GED.

Interested? Apply TODAY at School District 11 Division of Human Resources, 627 E. Uintah St. or call 520-2188 for more info. www.d11.org.EOE

BECOMING A SCHOOL PARTNER

As part of our continuing efforts to develop assets in our students that increase the chance that they will become healthy, successful adults, this month’s suggestion for parents includes partnering with schools.Youth are more likely to grow up healthy when their parents are involved in their education and school.Most youth don’t have parents who are active in their schooling, with only 29% of young people experiencing this asset*.Parent involvement drops dramatically across the middle and high school years, from 44% of 6^th graders having this asset to only 17% of 12^th graders. Three ways to get more involved in your student’s education:

1. Encourage your student’s teachers to meet with you and your child so that everyone can have a say in expectations and goals.Exchange email addresses with teachers to regularly communicate with them.

2. Go to a museum or other community activity that is related to your child’s classes.Attend after school events/activities that your child is interested in.

3. Volunteer at Mitchell to be part of the booster club, the Building Accountability Advisory Committee, or join the Mitchell Positive Response leadership team, which meets weekly on Wednesdays, 11:52 a.m. in Room 107.

For further information on how you can support your student or if you have questions, feel free to contact Mitchell’s school social worker, Jamie Cushenbery at 328-6645.Have a great summer!

*Search Institute, Minneapolis, MN 1997

GRADUATION

The Class of 2008 will be graduating from the World Arena at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 20, 2008. Practice for graduation is mandatory and begins promptly at 5:00 p.m. at the World Arena.

World Arena Rules and Policies:

*No tossing of graduation hats inside

*No helium balloons

*No beach balls

*No horns, cow bells, sirens or loud devices

*No silly string

*No confetti

*No water guns

*No firecrackers

*No Sunglasses

*No chewing gum/food or drink on the arena floor

*No outside food/drinks will be allowed in the World Arena (concessions will be open)

District #11 Policies:

*No one is allowed on the Arena floor except for graduating seniors, district personnel participating in the ceremonies or contracted photographers

*The only picture taking allowed on the arena floor will be performed by District Eleven’s LRS and professional photographers contracted to do so by the schools.

*Seating is on a first-come, first-serve basis

*Seniors who are not properly dressed will not be allowed to participate in graduation ceremonies.

*All cell phones must be turned off on the World Arena floor during the graduation ceremonies. Members of the audience are also encouraged to turn their cell phones off or to vibrate mode to prevent distractions from occurring during the ceremonies.

OBLIGATIONS

ALL OBLIGATIONS MUST BE CLEARED BY MAY 1, 2008. STUDENTS MAY NOT PURCHASE TICKETS TO THE PROM AND SENIOR BREAKFAST AND WILL NOT BE ABLE TO PICK UP THEIR YEARBOOK UNTIL THESE OBLIGATIONS ARE CLEARED. THIS APPLIES TO ALL STUDENTS!

SENIOR BREAKFAST

Senior breakfast will be held on Wednesday, May 14 at 8:00 a.m. Senior Breakfast is a time to celebrate with our seniors as they enjoy their last official day of school. All seniors are invited along with their parents to join us for a wonderful time of celebration. Breakfast will be served at 8:00 a.m. in the gym, and there will be a program to follow. Tickets go on sale Tuesday, May 1 in the Business Office. Deadline to purchase tickets is Tuesday, May 7. ALL OBLIGATIONS MUST BE CLEARED BEFORE YOU WILL BE ABLE TO PURCHASE TICKETS. Please buy your tickets in advance so we know how many to plan for. NO TICKETS WILL BE SOLD AT THE DOOR!

CONGRATULATIONS TO EACH OF YOU UPON GRADUATION

AND BEST WISHES FOR YOUR FUTURE!!

Notes from the Registrar . . .

IMMUNIZATION UPDATE…All current 9^th and 10^th grade students must have the new state required Tdap immunization prior to enrolling into school next fall. If your student is missing a required shot, please bring proof of immunization or a signed exemption form to the registrar’s office. All students without a completed immunization record or exemption form on file at the school will not be allowed to register for and attend classes beginning August 2008, for the 2008-2009 school year. If you have any questions, please call 328-6615 or 328-6646.

SENIORS …Official transcripts are available from the Registrar for $2 each, payable at the Business Office.

One free official transcript will be mailed to the college of choice for each senior after graduation. Seniors must come to the registrar’s office to designate their college of choice before the end of this school year.

SILENCE IS NOT GOLDEN . . .Changed a Phone Number? Moved? Have a New Emergency Contact?

It is VERY important that the school have up-to-date and correct information on how to contact you in case of an emergency. PLEASE take the time to check your student’s mailing address and contact phone. If the information is inaccurate, please call 328-6646 or come in and fill out a new student contact sheet.

TO WITHDRAW A STUDENT…If your student will no longer be attending Mitchell High School, please call the Registrar’s Office at 328-6615 or 328-6646. If the Registrar is unavailable, please leave a message containing the student’s name and the new school (if in-state) or the new state of residency. A student is not allowed to withdraw himself from Mitchell; a parent/guardian of record must request the withdrawal. Please call the Registrar at least one day before your student’s last day so that withdrawal paperwork can be prepared and ready for your student to be able to complete the withdrawal process on the student’s last day. Students are responsible for returning all textbooks, library books, and other materials (ROTC uniform/accessories, athletic uniforms, etc.). All obligations must be cleared before any records will be released to a new school.

REGISTRATION FOR “NEW” STUDENTS…

• Registration packets are available in both English and Spanish; they are located in the wall file boxes outside the Registrar’s Office. (Call (719)328-6615 for dates and times of operation). The following documents are required to enroll:

• Immunization records — Required for all students: five DPT, four polio, three Hepatitis B, and two MMR shots. Additional required immunizations for 08-09 school year 10^th and 11^th grade students only: one Tdap.

• Copy of birth certificate. The name on the birth certificate is the name that will be used for enrollment purposes. If a student’s name has been changed, a copy of the legal document authorizing such change must be provided.

• Social Security CARD.

• An unofficial transcript from previous school. Transcripts can be faxed to (719) 328-6797.

• Proof of residency (within the district boundaries set for Mitchell High School). A rental agreement, purchase agreement, or Colorado Springs Utilities bill DATED WITHIN THE PAST 30 DAYS

In addition:

• Guardianship papers or notarized power of attorney must be provided if the student is living with someone other than a parent.

• Students receiving special services should provide a copy of their latest IEP (Individualized Education Plan) from their previous school.

• Married students must provide a copy of their marriage license.

• If a student and parent or legal guardian reside with another family, a notarized statement signed by the owner/lessor of the residence and that owner/lessor’s proof of residency must be provided.

NOTE: Students who attended a District 11 middle school last year and have pre-registered to attend Mitchell for the 2008-09 school year ARE NOT “new” students.

NEWS FROM THE MITCHELL MATH DEPARTMENT

At the beginning of this school year, the principals of the seven high schools in District 11 and Dr. Thurman, Deputy Superintendent, directed the high schools to come up with a common uniform aligned curriculum for the District for 9^th grade. The directive is called the “High School Math Initiative”. For the past six months the seven high schools have been working furiously to complete the overwhelming task. We have made great progress and have gone beyond the requirements of the directive to include 10^th grade as well as 9^th grade. The 9^th grade curriculum will not change that much. The order of topics will change and there will be a little more geometry and a little less algebra. The 10^th grade curriculum will change in a similar way. All the high schools will give the same exams for each unit at about the same time. This will allow the shift for students that have to change schools during the year to be more seamless. The high schools will also give common quarterly assessments. The data from these assessments can be used to facilitate discussions around best practices and how to make our interventions more effective.

Our most important intervention in math continues to be the Math Tutorial classes that give students an additional hour of math each day. Another intervention that was added this year was the Millennium Academy. The students that scored Partially Proficient on their 8^th grade CSAP are placed in the Tutorial classes. Our goal was to close the gap between them and their Proficient peers. For the students in the Millennium Academy AND a Tutorial class, the gap was not only closed, the Partially Proficient students out-performed their Proficient peers. As always, the Mitchell Math Department will continue to look for and implement best practices that will allow all students to be successful in math and make progress toward and be ready for graduation. Our goal is to allow no child to slip though the cracks or be left behind.

MITCHELL MUSIC

The Mitchell High School vocal music department has been extremely busy this spring with many exciting and fun experiences. It started the first weekend in February when Michael Burke and Sean Moore were selected to sing with the 2008 All State Men’s Choir in Ft. Collins.They were selected among the 2000 students who auditioned for this great event.

Next, we had a group who went to New York and sang at Carnegie Hall.Mads +1 was the name of this group and consisted of the following students, staff members and parents: Chelsea Mischek, Judy Miller, Anna Mitchell, Taja Werner (2007 graduate of MHS), Jeannie Robbins, Judith McFadden, Michael Burke, Michael Johnson, Isaac Davidson and Meagan Thomas.Chaperones were Ted Stevens, Cindy Merlo, Kris Gray, Steve Jessop, Merri Miller, Dan Robbins, Janet Johnson and Todd Dicamillo.This was truly an experience of a life time!!

The first weekend in March we had Sean Moore, Judith McFadden, Seann Quickstad, Ashley Lucero, Stephanie Emrick and Jeannie Robbins make the Mixed and Women’s Western Slope Honor Choirs for 2008 and had a blast!

The District 11 Honor Choir was held at Mitchell on March 14. All the top choirs from all of the high schools in our district came together under the direction of Dr. James Kim (CSU choir director) and performed some of the most beautiful music ever heard.Madrigals were great hosts as well as representatives of our school. Way to go!

No, we are not finished.Madrigals will be performing at the annual Large Group festival on April 15, held in our auditorium at 3:40 p.m. Come and see them; you will be in for a treat!

On April 30^th, Encore and Montage will be competing at the All State Show Choir competition held at Cheyenne Mountain High School.Both groups are working very hard to be acknowledged as one of the top three show choirs in the state.

Finally, our last concert will be on May 13^th for our annual outdoor concert at 7:00 pm.We will be on the lawn just west of the auditorium.We hope to see you then!Wow! That’s a lot of effort and hard work!

Academic Lamps of Knowledge

Taylor D. Barry

Nicole A. Batton

Daniel J. Burks

Ashley R. Cooper

Katrina R. Crouse

Stephanie J. Emrick

Lara J. Fischlein

Jennifer M. Grier

Samantha L. Harrison

Melissa R. James

Sara E. Junk

Michael G. McCreight

Candyce R. Merritt

Kevin S. Morgan

Katie M. Murphy

Krista L. Nixon

Ryan E. Pedersen

Matt J. Pedersen

Ryan W. Radford

R. Riecke

Alyssa J. Robb

Chelsea A. Schreibman

Jessa A. Smith

Claire D. Tucker

Monica R. Webb

2008 Academic Bars:

Rayna I. Allinger

Austin S. Barry

Mathew A. Bean

Nils L. Beasly

Jessica L. Bills

Janessa R. Brown

Alec J. Coleman

Nicole L. Cotterill

Michael A. Dabit

Timothy M. Eberhart

Aaron B. Ferlin

Vanessa A. Fontana

Alan P. Ford

Jonathan J. Frazier

CharleeAnn M. Grubelnik

Megan S. Halstead

Ryan C. Higgins

Katelyn J. Hogan

Jessica L. Hooker

Morgan R. Jackson

Miriam L. Jones

Benjamin R. Kidder

Eun H. Kim (Nancy)

Trevor S. Lowry

Corey M. Manross

Karleen J. Mays

Caleb N. Metzler

Kayla R. Miller

Kyndra B. Powell

Abigail S. Prince

Monica Y. Puanglarplai

Seann C. Quickstad

Hannah J. Ricks

Ana K. Rodriguez

Joshua G. Ross

Brian A. Ruzycki

Chelsey D. Saip

Craig J. Soto

Douglas F. Swatzell

Meagan M. Thomas

Kresten M. Tuttle

Academic Letters

Hayden J. Djuric

Jennifer M. Eltringham

Shannon K. Ernst

Madeline R. Francis

Ashley M. Gee

Janelle R. Grier

Mitchell G. Hoff

Eric C. James

Rachel A. Kendrick

Jasmyne E. Kim

Kristi Leung

Paige E. Machado

Anthony R. Mallard

Christina McDermed

Allison G. Medina

Meghan N. Migas

Oscar Morale

MEDIA CENTER NEWS

We have had a great year in the Media Center. We have recently received new books. Please come in and check out our “New Books” section and encourage your student to also. We now have 12 computers for students to do their school work on.

As we finish out the year, please remind your student the computers are for school work only. With many projects coming due, there is a high need for the computers. Students are not allowed to watch videos, play games or listen to music with the computers.

Also, as the school year winds down, we need students to please get all library books in on time. We have a lot of 9^th graders who still have books checked out from their middle schools and they are still responsible for either getting them in or paying for the lost book. Let’s get those accounts cleared up and start fresh in the fall.

Parents: We really need your help in please getting those late and overdue books back.

Seniors: all library books are due in by April 30^th.

Have a great summer,

Your Media Center Staff

NEWS FROM THE COUNSELING DEPARTMENT

Upcoming SAT/ACT Dates:

SAT

Test Date: June 7, 2008

Registration Deadlines

Regular: May 6, 2008 $43.00 (SAT Reasoning Test)

Late: May 15, 2008 $43.00 (SAT Reasoning Test) + $22.00 Late Fee

ACT

Test Date: June 14, 2008

Registration Deadlines

Regular: May 9, 2008 $30.00 (ACT-No Writing)

Late: May 10-23, 2008 $30.00 (ACT-No Writing) + $19.00 Late Fee

ATHLETIC/BUSINESS OFFICE

FALL SPORTS:

August 2 Athletic physicals available (SEE FLYER WITHIN NEWSLETTER)

August 4 Men’s Golf season begins

August 4 Fall sports Registration

August 11 Fall sports Season / Tryouts begin

Athletic Sports packet (see below) must be filled out and fees turned in to the Business Office BEFORE athlete may participate or try out.

FOOTBALL

May 19 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. Parents summer informational meeting and summer camp meeting and sign up.

May 21 & 22 Sign up for summer football camp (full contact)

May 27 – June 6 7:00 – 11:00 a.m. Summer football camp at Mitchell High School Varsity football field.

June 7 3:00 – 7:00 p.m. Blue and Orange Football game at Garry Berry Stadium (freshman game followed by JV/Varsity game)

August 5 8:00 – 11:00 a.m. Pre-season camp

For more information contact Archie Malloy: 328-6625

VOLLEYBALL

Volleyball league practice – Gym.

June 3, 5, 10, 12, 17, 19, 24, 26 (every Tuesday, Thursday) 5:00 – 10:00

For more information contact Brett Williams: 328-6643

SUMMER AEROSPACE INSTITUE

MISSION ALPHA

June 2 – 6, 2008

Mitchell High School

Colorado Springs, CO

Mitchell High School will be hosting an exciting one week Summer Aerospace Institute in partnership with the Society of Manufacturing Engineers Education Foundation, U.S. Northern Command, Project Lead The Way, and the Challenger Learning Center.

During the institute students will participate in the Mission Alpha aerospace curriculum developed by NASA, team with aerospace engineers, use the latest Satellite Took Kit (STK) software, tour U.S. Northern Command, and learn about career opportunities in the aerospace industry.

Students who successfully complete the Summer Aerospace Institute will earn 2 elective physics credits from the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs.

The instructors for the institute will be Mike Siegrist from Mitchell High School and Bryce McLean from Coronado High School. The Institute is open to any student in District 11 that has completed the Project Lead the Way Introduction to Engineering Design course.

For an application or for more information please contact Mike Siegrist (siegrm@d11.org) or Bryce McLean (mcleabb@d11.org).

To secure your spot, you are encouraged to apply before April 18^th to:

Mitchell High School

Attn: Mike Siegrist/Bryce McLean

1205 Potter Drive

Colorado Springs, CO, 80909

FROM THE ATHLETIC/BUSINESS OFFICE

BASKETBALL

Girls Basketball tournament

May 30: 3:00 – 10:00 p.m.

May 31: 8:00 – 10:00 p.m.

June 1: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

For more information contact Chris Earls: 328-6704

Boys Basketball

Open Gym begins May 27 (10:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.)

Summer Basketball Tournament: June 5, 6, 7, 8

Summer Shooting Camp: June 16, 17, 18, 19

For more information contact Al Blanc – 328-6617

ATHLETIC SPORT PARTICIPATION PACKETS

TO PARTICIPATE IN A SPORT YOU WILL NEED THE FOLLOWING:

1) Yellow Participation / Physical card (8 ½ x 11)

(This is to be dated and signed by a physician. Physical exams are

valid for ONE YEAR from the signature date.)

2) Blue Emergency card

3) CHSSA Handbook (Is now accessed on D-11 Website: www.d11.org//doi/athletics)

4) Football Safety form (Football players only)

RETURN TO BUSINESS OFFICE WITH PAYMENT:

1) Completed Yellow Participation/Physical Card

(Attach physical if applicable)

2) Completed Blue Emergency Card (FRONT & BACK)

3) (IF FOOTBALL) – Completed safety form

4) CASH or CHECK

If check, payable to: MITCHELL HIGH SCHOOL

FEES:

$65 – FULL PARTICIPATION FEE

**$30 – REDUCED LUNCH PARTICIPATION FEE

**$22 – FREE LUNCH PARTICIPATION FEE

** MUST BRING IN COPY OF Free/Reduced Letter to verify reduction of fees.

(To obtain a copy, call - Food Services: 520-2934)

Don’t Miss Out - ONE DAY ONLY!!!!

2008-2009 High School & Middle School Athletic Physicals

Saturday August 2, 2008

8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. (D-11 is asked to come between 10 a.m. and 12 p.m. if possible)

Cost is $20.00

NO Appointment Needed, But Registration is Required!

Mitchell High School

2^nd Semester

FINAL EXAM BELL SCHEDULE

2007-2008

Tuesday, May 20, 2008

1^st period FINAL EXAM 7:40 – 8:55 a.m.

2^nd period class 9:00 – 9:50 a.m.

3^rd period class 9:55 – 10:45 a.m.

4^th period class 10:50 – 11:40 a.m.

1^st floor classes 2^nd floor classes

and I.A. Bldg. have and P.E./Health have

the following: the following:

Lunch: 11:40 – 12:15 p.m. 5^th period: 11:45 – 12:35 p.m.

5^th period: 12:20 – 1:10 p.m. Lunch: 12:35 – 1:10 p.m.

6^th period class 1:15 – 2:05 p.m.

7^th period class 2:10 – 3:00 p.m.

***Busses depart at 3:10 p.m.***

Wednesday, May 21, 2008 (No PLC, exams only)

2^nd period FINAL EXAM 7:40 – 8:55 a.m.

3^rd period FINAL EXAM 9:05 – 10:20 a.m.

4^th period FINAL EXAM 10:30 – 11:45 a.m.

***Busses depart at 11:55 a.m.***

Thursday, May 22, 2008

5^th period FINAL EXAM 7:40 – 8:55 a.m.

6^th period FINAL EXAM 9:05 – 10:20 a.m.

7^th period FINAL EXAM 10:30 – 11:45 a.m.

***Busses depart at 11:55 a.m.***

Zangle Parent Connect

Saturday August 2, 2008

Sponsored By Colorado Springs Orthopedic Group, Mountain View Medical Group & Colorado Sports & Spine Centers at:

Mitchell High School