Mrs. Wills' Blog

Author of Black Lagoon Series

2011-10-31T11:22:00.000-07:00

We were excited to meet Mike Thaler- author of the Black Lagoon Series recently during the Burrow Library Services Book Harvest. He was very entertaining and inspiring as he has produced over 200 published books.

Be a Champion and Read Contest

2011-08-29T10:47:00.000-07:00

Would you like to win tickets to the 2011 Iron Bowl or a nice Auburn or Alabama gift basket? All you need to do is read 8 books from August 29 to October 31 and take an AR test on the books and you will qualify to win!!!

Read Across America Skype with Detroit, Michigan

2011-03-03T10:08:00.000-08:00

Mr. Graham's Fifth Grade skyped with Mr. Curran's Fourth grade in Detroit, Michigan as both classes read the book Regarding the Fountain by Kate Klise. The students shared their favorite parts from the book and ended the skype session by reading "NEA's Read Across America Reader's Oath.

Regarding the Fountain

2011-02-20T19:48:00.000-08:00

Mrs. Williams' class share their ideas for a school fountain.

Regarding the Fountain

2011-02-20T19:46:00.000-08:00

Mr. Waits' class share their ideas for a school fountain.

Regarding the Fountain

2011-02-09T11:14:00.000-08:00

Fifth Grade students are reading the book Regarding the Fountain. They share their ideas of what a school fountain should look like.

First Grade Skypes with Author Hans Wilhelm

2011-02-09T07:45:00.000-08:00

We were so honored and excited for Mitchell First Grade students to meet and talk with author Hans Wilhelm. He has written over 200 books- some of which are in our library. First Grade students read "I'll Always Love You" and "Wake Up Sun" in preparation for the visit with Mr. Wilhelm.

Regarding the Fountain

2011-01-08T20:09:00.000-08:00

5th Grade students will be reading the book "Regarding the Fountain" by Kate Klise this 9 weeks. Students will be participating in a wiki with classes from across the United States. Check out this website: http://bookclub21.wikispaces.com/Regarding+the+FountainOur 5th Grade students are participating in a book discussion on an Emodo website: www.edmodo.com

Harriet the Spy

2011-01-08T19:38:00.000-08:00

Fourth Grade students will be reading the book "Harriet the Spy" while in the library this 9 weeks. As an introduction to the book, students drew pictures of items and wrote descriptions of their person, place or thing much like a spy would do.

The Little Prince

2010-12-07T12:23:00.000-08:00

Fifth Grade students participated in a Global Read Aloud with schools from around the country and world. They read "The Little Prince" in the Library along with these schools. They participated in a Global Wiki which can be seen at www.globalreadaloudproject.wikispaces.com They then drew pictures of how they think the Little Prince traveled from place to place.

Skype with New Jersey

2010-11-11T20:38:00.000-08:00

R.A. Mitchell 4th Grade students read the book "Frindle" by Andrew Clements along with Kingwood School in New Jersey. These two classes made up their own words and discussed the meaning of these words, the definitions of the words, and the origin of the words. Mitchell students really enjoyed meeting these students from New Jersey.

Book Fair is Coming!!!

2010-11-08T09:55:00.000-08:00

In preparation for Book Fair 3rd Grade students share a Reader's Theater titled "Book Fair Day".

Skype with Author Terry Pierce

2010-10-12T07:32:00.000-07:00

To celebrate Alabama School Library Week- 3rd grade students in Mrs. Wright's class participated in a Skype session.

Book of the Week- September 20-24

2010-09-30T14:03:00.001-07:00

Henry's Freedom Box is the Book of the Week this week. Be sure to check out the question in the Library and on the monitors. The winner of the question each week will win Book Fair Bonus Bucks.

Book of the Week- September 13-20

2010-09-14T12:04:00.000-07:00

Our Book of the Week this Week is "Diary of a Wimpy Kid". The question for the week is: What happened to the cheese? A. It got washed away in a snow storm B. Bullies made Rowley eat it C. Fluffy ate it D. Greg told the principal about it

Place your answers in the box in the library. One winner with the correct answer will be drawn Friday to receive Book Fair Bonus Bucks.

Book of the Week

2010-09-06T19:56:00.000-07:00

Each week, the Book of the Week will be displayed in the library. A question from the book will be posted on the monitors above the office and in the lunchroom. Students wishing to answer the question can do so by writing their answer down and placing it in the box beside the display. A name will be chosen each week to receive "Book Fair Bonus Bucks" which can be used at the Book Fair in November.

This week the book is "First Day Jitters" by Julie Danneberg.

Global Read Aloud

2010-08-29T18:15:00.000-07:00

During September and October- our 5th Grade classes will be participating in a Global Read Aloud with classrooms from all over the U.S. and around the world as far as Morocco! We will be blogging with other classes from around the U.S. and will be participating in a Skype session to discuss the book. Click on these links to see the Global Read Aloud website and the Wiki.

Connecting Classes through Reading!!!

2010-08-29T18:08:00.000-07:00

What a great opportunity! Our 4th Grade classes are going to be connecting with a class in New Jersey at Kingwood School to read the book "Frindle" together. Our classes will be blogging about the book and will present culminating projects through a Skype session! I will post the blog website as soon as it is up and going.

Brandy and New Zealand ePal

2010-03-05T10:49:00.000-08:00

Enrichment students discuss how Christmas Holidays are celebrated.

McCayla and New Zealand ePal

2010-03-04T20:01:00.001-08:00

Enrichment students discuss how Christmas holidays are celebrated.

Daisy-Head Mayzie- part 2

2010-03-04T14:03:00.000-08:00

Daisy-Head Mayzie- part 1

2010-03-04T13:12:00.000-08:00

Performed by 3rd Graders from Grover Cleveland Elementary and 4th-5th Graders from Mitchell Elementary on March 2, 2010- Dr. Seuss' Birthday.

Read Across America Skype

2010-03-04T12:19:00.001-08:00

4th-5th Grade Enrichment students participated in a Skype with Mr. Litchman and 3rd grade students at Grover Cleveland Elementary School in Rahway, New Jersey. They discussed their favorite Dr. Seuss book.

JSU Tech Fair 2010

2010-02-23T19:03:00.000-08:00

Create your own video slideshow at animoto.com.

Mitchell on TV

2010-02-23T10:52:00.000-08:00

Mitchell on TV

2010-02-15T19:04:00.000-08:00

Create your own video slideshow at animoto.com.

Mitchell students were visited by Channel 33/40 from Birmingham. They did a news story on our Skype session with Officer Teague who is in serving our country in Iraq. Officer Teague is the father of one of our own Mitchell students.

Mitchell in the News!!

2010-01-21T09:26:00.000-08:00

Beta Club Sponsors Food Drive

2010-01-03T14:48:00.000-08:00

Mitchell Beta Club sponsored a Food Drive in November to benefit the Etowah Community Food Bank.

Fall Fest 09

2010-01-03T14:31:00.000-08:00

Thank you to Councilman Reed

2010-01-02T17:40:00.001-08:00

Thank you to Councilman Reed for his continued support of Mitchell Elementary as he gave funds to help purchase necessary software for the library to continue to run in a web based version. We appreciate all you do for our school!!

Polar Express at Mitchell

2010-01-02T16:52:00.000-08:00

Mitchell Honors Chorus performs as Principal Waits leads students to board the "Polar Express" and participate in a Storybook Christmas where students traveled from room to room listening to Christmas stories.

Our Principal Skypes NZ

2009-12-30T18:55:00.000-08:00

Mitchell Enrichment students skyped with New Zealand in November to discuss how Christmas traditions are celebrated in our different countries. Our principal, Mr. Waits was able to talk with Mr. Herring- teacher at Riverdale School in North Palmerston, New Zealand.

Principal Waits Skypes NZ

2009-12-28T20:42:00.000-08:00

Enrichment Field Trip to Anniston Museum of Natural History

2009-12-28T18:14:00.000-08:00

Skype with New Zealand

2009-11-28T17:44:00.000-08:00

Enrichment students ask questions with their e-pals to learn more about New Zealand.

Skype with New Zealand

2009-11-28T14:25:00.000-08:00

Mitchell Enrichment students participated in a Skype in November with students from Riverdale School in North Palmerston, New Zealand. Mitchell students and Riverdale students were able to meet their e-pals face to face after corresponding via e-mail since September.

"Book Fair Day" performed by 3rd Grade

2009-11-05T19:58:00.000-08:00

Scholastic Book Fair is coming!!! November 13-November19. Family Night is Tuesday, November 17 at 6:00 in the Library. Come have pizza and shop for Christmas!

Enrichment Student Interviews Dr. Berry

2009-10-29T06:53:00.000-07:00

McCayla interviewed Dr. Berry about her retirement and past memories at Mitchell Elementary.

Enrichment students inspired by Mr. Hill- owner of Anniston Gadsden Christian Magazine

2009-10-21T11:54:00.000-07:00

Podcast with Mr. Shon Hill

2009-10-21T09:36:00.000-07:00

">
Enrichment was visited by Mr. Shon Hill- owner of the Gadsden Anniston Christian Magazine. Enrichment students have been learning how newspapers are put together.

Do You Know What you are eating?

2009-10-12T18:36:00.000-07:00

Came across this video. This is a great, funny video about harmful pesticides used on our food.

Find more videos like this on If I could change the world...

Titan Homecoming

2009-10-02T10:53:00.000-07:00

Book Fair Fun

2009-09-22T11:27:00.001-07:00

Constitution Day Podcast

2009-09-22T09:05:00.001-07:00

Click on the title to hear Fifth Grade students sharing a podcast with us on the meaning of the Preamble in honor of David Catrow and his book titled "We the Kids".

Tennis Ball Conversations

2009-05-25T12:48:00.001-07:00

Our Enrichment students prepared for their second videoconference with their e-pals in New Zealand by participating in "Tennis Ball Conversations" just like our e-pals did. Students practiced asking open-ended questions and responding to questions with details.

Websites created by Enrichment Students

2009-05-19T10:44:00.000-07:00

Draven and Holliann created this website on the popular series "Twilight". Take a look-- www.hdtwilight.webs.comLindsay and Madison created this website on the effects of pollution on our own Coosa River. Take a look www.coosagirls.webs.com

Enrichment Tech Project: Effects of Pollution

2009-04-29T11:35:00.000-07:00

Jacob and Will put this movie together on the Effects of Pollution.

Enrichment Tech Project: Honda Technology

2009-04-29T10:44:00.000-07:00

Savannah and Karli won an award at Tech Blitz for this movie they put together.

Read Across America 09

2009-04-19T18:35:00.001-07:00

Mitchell students were treated to many visitors during Read Across America in March. We enjoyed hearing our favorite Dr. Seuss stories from District 7 City Councilman Ben Reed, Fire Chief Stephen Carroll, Mayor Sherman Guyton, Senator Larry Means, Board Member Randy Holland, Technology Coordinator Dr. David Asbury, Children's Director at Crosspoint Community Church Deana Thacker, retired Media Specialist Glenda Hicks, Councilman Perry Gwin, Gadsden Public Library Director Amanda Jackson and many others.

Videoconference with New Zealand!

2009-04-08T10:41:00.000-07:00

Mitchell Enrichment students were very excited to meet their e-pals from Palmerston North, New Zealand in a videoconference on April 7. Students learned much from New Zealand and we are continuing to learn about Riverdale school in Palmerston North, New Zealand.

"Reader's Oath" Read Across America

2009-03-09T09:40:00.000-07:00

Mr. Graham's class takes the "Reader's Oath".

Mayor Guyton Reads a Proclamation for Read Across America

2009-03-05T13:46:00.000-08:00

SAT/ACT Vocabulary Video Contest- Help Us Win!!

2009-03-04T09:50:00.000-08:00

Click on the following website to help Mitchell Enrichment students win the Vocabulary Video Contest: www.brainyflix.com/words/allay and www.brainyflix.com/words/defunct

Read Across America Poem

2009-02-18T13:33:00.000-08:00

Read Across America 2009

2009-02-18T10:31:00.000-08:00

Lauren shares how Dr. Seuss' book "The Sneetches" inspired her to write a book of her own.

Jacksonville State Technology Fair

2009-02-02T09:31:00.000-08:00

Mitchell students won many awards for their technology projects. Ethan and Gavin won 3rd place for their web page design on "Space Myths and Space Technology". Draven and Holliann also won 3rd place for their web page titled "Twilight Trivia". McCayla and Kendall won 1st place for their video- "Mrs.Roberts' News". These girls will be going to the State Technology Fair- good luck!

Make video montages at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Christmas Holiday Reading

2009-01-07T13:36:00.000-08:00

Some 5th grade Mitchell students took the opportunity to read over Christmas break and here they share some thoughts and ideas about what they read.

Letters to Santa by Enrichment Students

2008-12-19T08:53:00.000-08:00

Enrichment Presidential Speeches

2008-12-02T09:20:00.000-08:00

In preparation for the Presidential elections, Enrichment students participated in a unit of study where they were divided into three major political parties: Democratic, Republican, and Libertarian. They researched major issues in the 2008 campaign and how each party stood on the issues. Students were assigned roles such as: Campaign Manager, Speech Writer, Publicity Manager, and Candidate. These are the speeches written by students and fellow party members.

Book Fair Commercial

2008-11-20T08:11:00.000-08:00

We had a very succesful Book Fair--Thanks for all who attended!

Exciting News!!!

2008-11-13T11:12:00.001-08:00

Books-A-Million at Gadsden Mall is sponsoring an in-store Book Fair to benefit Mitchell Elementary Library. On Saturday, December 6-- Shop from 2:00p.m. to 5:00p.m. and 20% of the proceeds go to Mitchell Library!!! Come do Christmas shopping and help out our library!!

Mrs. Bradley's Kindergarten "Five Little Pumpkins"

2008-10-29T10:43:00.000-07:00

Listen to Mrs. Bradley's Kindergarten students perform a Reader's Theatre titled "Five Little Pumpkins".

Mrs. Roberts' 3rd Grade "The Teeny Tiny Ghost and the Monster"

2008-10-29T10:36:00.000-07:00

Listen to Mrs. Roberts' 3rd grade students perform a Reader's Theatre during their library class entitled "The Teeny Tiny Ghost and the Monster".

Interview with Gadsden Times

2008-10-29T08:05:00.000-07:00

On Tuesday, October 21, Jacob and Draven- two Enrichment students were interviewed by Lisa Rogers from the Gadsden Times.
Click on Interview with Gadsden Times to hear the interview.

Mitchell Mock Election 2008

2008-10-24T13:32:00.000-07:00

Make photo slide shows at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Enrichment Students prepare for National Student/Parent Mock Election

2008-10-24T10:49:00.000-07:00

Make an on-line slide show at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Summer Reading- James and the Giant Peach

2008-08-28T07:42:00.000-07:00

Summer Reading- Holes by Louis Sachar

2008-08-28T07:22:00.000-07:00

Summer Reading- P.S. I Love You by Cecelia Aheren

2008-08-26T11:24:00.000-07:00

Summer Reading- AFC East: the Buffalo Bills, the Miami Dolphins, the New England Patriots and the New York Jets

2008-08-26T11:16:00.000-07:00

How much do you know? Web 2.0

2008-08-20T07:58:00.000-07:00

Our students are using Web 2.0 to communicate in ways never imagined. These tools can be used in the classroom to prepare students for jobs in their future. Take this fun online quiz to check your knowledge of Web 2.0 terminology.

Happy Retirement to Mrs. Douthit, Mrs. Nelson, and Mrs. Kisor from Mitchell Elementary

2008-08-13T11:48:00.000-07:00

Beta Club Inductions '08

2008-08-13T10:21:00.000-07:00

Mrs. Bradley's Kindergarten Releases Butterflies

2008-05-15T08:52:00.000-07:00

Beta Club Recycling Project

2008-05-09T06:44:00.000-07:00

Beta Club Officers count cans to see who brought the most cans for the Recycling Project sponsored by Mitchell Elementary Jr. Beta Club.

Jerrell Harris visits Mitchell Elementary

2008-04-08T19:40:00.000-07:00

Jerrell Harris gives Mitchell students 3 things to remember: 1.Keep God first in all you do. 2. Don't let anyone tell you that you can't accomplish what you want to do. 3.Stay focused and stay away from drugs.

Are You Smarter Than a Mitchell 5th Grader? - Group 2

2008-03-31T12:38:00.000-07:00

Are You Smarter Than a Mitchell 5th Grader?

2008-03-28T09:32:00.000-07:00

To end a unit of study on careers, Enrichment students wrote, designed, and performed this skit.

Enrichment Field Trip

2008-03-13T09:19:00.000-07:00

Mitchell students participate in ACTE Regional Tech Fair

2008-02-29T14:35:00.001-08:00

Mitchell students enjoyed participating in the Alabama Council for Technology in Education's Regional Tech Fair on February 22. Our students were among hundreds of students from North Alabama who entered the competition in categories such as Multi-media, Video Production, General Applications, etc. Two of our Fifth grade students: Mandy Burns and Madeline Haynes won 3rd place in the Multi-media Division. Their project was titled "Droughts: A Threat to the Southeast"

Visitors speak on Careers

2008-02-29T14:26:00.000-08:00

Enrichment students enjoyed hearing about different types of careers from local professionals: Mrs. Linze McRae- dance instructor at Downtown Dance Conservatory located in Gadsden Cultural Arts; Dr. Terisa Thomas- general surgeon, Dr. James Isbell, veterinarian. Many thanks to these individuals who took time out of their busy schedules to talk with our students about career options!!!

Trouble With Trolls by Jan Brett Student Book Talk

2008-02-14T10:34:00.000-08:00

Enrichment Students visit Z93 and City Hall

2008-02-14T08:48:00.000-08:00

As a part of studying our unit on Careers- Enrichment students visited a local radio station- Z93. The students were able to see how the disc jockeys operate the technical equipment used as they were on the air. Students were given the opportunity to be on the air to try their hand at being a disc jockey. We had a great time! The staff at Z93 were awesome and the morning show is fun! We also toured the Etowah County Emergency Management Association to see how disasters are handled in our area. The very curteous and informative. We also were able to see a new police car and all the gadgets policemen use. Students were fascinated by the equipment the bomb squad uses and how the investigative branch of the police department work.

Author Michael Finklea

2008-02-14T08:29:00.000-08:00

Mitchell students enjoyed hearing from Author Michael Finklea on Tuesday, February 12. He told us that anyone can be a writer if we just use our imagination and be descriptive.

Podcast with visiting author Michael Finklea

2008-02-14T08:22:00.000-08:00

Enrichment students who interviewed our visiting author Michael Finklea. Students have been studying a unit on Careers and these particular students are interested in becoming authors and/or journalists.

Author of the Month- February

2008-02-09T12:42:00.000-08:00

This month our author of the Month is Beverly Cleary. Mrs. Cleary's books have earned her many prestigious awards, including the 1984 John Newbery Medal for Dear Mr. Henshaw, for the most distinguished contribution to American literature for children in 1983. Her Ramona and Her Father, and Ramona Quimby, Age 8, were named 1978 and 1982 Newbery Honor Books, respectively. Mrs. Cleary's books have delighted children for generations.

Honey...Honey...Lion by Jan Brett Student Book Review

2008-02-06T13:42:00.001-08:00

Wild Christmas Reindeer by Jan Brett Student Book Review

2008-02-06T13:35:00.000-08:00

Honey...Honey....Lion! by Jan Brett Student Book Review

2008-02-06T10:42:00.000-08:00

Berlioz the Bear by Jan Brett Student Book Review

2008-02-06T10:38:00.000-08:00

Enrichment Food Fair

2008-01-16T10:07:00.000-08:00

Recently, Enrichment students completed their unit on "Droughts and Water Conservation in the Southeast" with a Food Fair. The Food Fair was held in the library. Many parents attended and fun was had by all. Food dishes were prepared that involved water as an ingredient. Parents and students enjoyed viewing PowerPoint projects created by Enrichment students.

Author of the Month- January

2008-01-16T09:59:00.000-08:00

The author of the month for the Month of January is Jan Brett. She has over thirty three million books in print. She has written books such as
The Mitten and Wild Christmas Reindeer.Check out her website www.janbrett.com

Enrichment Interview with Donald Davis

2007-12-19T12:18:00.000-08:00

Enrichment students conducted an interview with Donald Davis who wrote a "Message in a Bottle" back in the 1980's. This message was found some 20 years later and began the Renew the Rivers program to clean up the Coosa River.

Enrichment PowerPoint Projects

2007-12-19T10:41:00.000-08:00

| View | Upload your own

Mitchell Beta Club Project

2007-12-04T10:59:00.000-08:00

Our Mitchell Elementary Jr. Beta Club students recently participated in the "Operation Santa Claus" project to benefit the Mental Health America of Etowah County. Jr. Beta Club students collected items such as clothes, games, toiletries, etc. to benefit those in our area suffering from Mental Illnesses.

Author of the Month- December

2007-11-29T11:53:00.001-08:00

Check out this website for our Author of the Month- She has written familiar books such as
Flossie & the Fox and Mirandy and Brother Wind.

Field Trip to Alabama Power Environmental Center Water Course

2007-11-29T08:15:00.000-08:00

Our Enrichment students really enjoyed the trip to visit Alabama Power Water Course. This was in conjunction with a study on the severe drought affecting Alabama at this time. The trip to the Water Course was an interactive, hands-on exhibit where students learned many important aspects of water: water conservation, hydroelectricity, etc. Students took a simulated helicopter ride over Alabama’s waterways and learned features of the waterways; they took a simulated tour of Mitchell Dam to view the hydroelectric facility and tested their knowledge of water facts in a fun game show called “Water Whys”.

2007-09-24T14:34:00.000-07:00

Andrew & Clay chose this picture because it looked extremely hot as conditions could be during a drought.

Alabama Drought Pictures

2007-09-24T14:22:00.000-07:00

Today, Enrichment students looked at images from the drought in our state. They chose images and e-mailed them to me. In this process, they learned how to save an image to the desktop and attach it to an e-mail. Here are the images they chose and an explanation as to why they picked those particular images.

Enrichment Drought Project

2007-09-23T20:34:00.000-07:00

Our enrichment students are learning how to use new technology tools as we research a current problem in our state- the ongoing drought. We will be talking about how to conserve water and the effects of the drought in our area. We are participating in an online collaborative project with other students from around the world. The project is titled "Down the Drain".

Students- your assignment is to

1. go to this site

2. Choose an image from the drought

3. e-mail a picture to me at swills@gcs.k12.al.us . Include why you chose this picture.

Also, we will be using a new tool called "Google Documents". I would like for you to

1. go to this site

2. Go to "Google Documents"

3. Click on the document titled "Drought Facts" with your name on it and type in your answers.