Mott Middle Messages
November 2025
Mott Middle College Mission Statement
MMC prepares high school students for a successful work and educational future through full integration of high school, community college and the world of work.
What November is Known For:
November is known for Thanksgiving and Veterans Day, and is a month with many other awareness days, including National Native American Heritage Month, and National Veterans and Military Families Month.
The Fun Starts Here:
November 2025
- November 4 - French Walking Tour of Detroit - French Classes
- November 6 - Parent Teacher Conferences 1p.m. - 4p.m. and 5 p.m. - 8 p.m.
- Students Dismissed at 12:05 p.m.
- November 7 - Students Dismissed at 12:05 p.m.
- November 20 - Health Classes to Bremer Prosthetics Field Trip
- November 21 - 12 week Progress Reports
- November 25 -- Students Dismissed at 12:05 p.m.
- November 26 & 28 - Thanksgiving Break
December 2025
- December 1 - Students return to school from Thanksgiving Break
- December 12 - Mott Community College Fall Term Ends
- December 19 - Half Day Students Dismissed at 12:05
- December 19 - 16 Week Marking Period Ends - End of Semester
- December 22–January 2, 2026 Holiday Break – No School
January 2026
- January 5, 2026 Students return to school
Showing Gratitude in Action
November's theme is "GRATITUDE IN ACTION".
- 9th: Johnice Taylor
- 10th: Kenneth Edson
- 11th: Wanda Standish
- 12th: Kennedy Brezzell
- 5th year: BreShae Arbor
The Student Voice Choice for November is Justice McDonald
Along with our school-wide PRO matrix, November's theme considered the following criteria for student nominations:
- Gracious — Regularly says “thank you” and acknowledges others’ help.
- Service‑Minded — Helps others or volunteers to make our school better.
- Compassionate — Notices others’ needs and responds with kindness and support.
Live Your Life With Specialized Prosthetics Care
Our field trip to Bremer Prosthetics was amazing. Students got to tour the lab where employees were actually working. We also toured where patients are fitted for and practice walking with heir prosthetic(s) using rails, a treadmill, and a wall that was a huge mirror so patients could see how they look while walking. In addition, students got to handle different prosthetics. The hand actually had sensors that we got to touch that made the hand open and close. There was even a leg that had a button on the ankle that would make the ankle shift from a walking position to a swimming position. It was a great experience for MMC students!!!
Ms. Hackett's Health Classes Explore Prosthetics
Prosthetics
- Meaning: An artificial device that replaces a missing body part, such as a limb, that was lost due to injury, disease, or a congenital condition.
- Purpose: To help an individual regain function, mobility, and a sense of wholeness.
- Examples: Artificial legs, arms, and eyes
Orthotics
- Meaning: An external brace, splint, or other device used to support, align, or immobilize a weakened or deformed body part.
- Purpose: To stabilize a joint, correct a deformity, or relieve pain by supporting an existing body part.
- Examples: Braces for the back, neck, arm, or leg; shoe inserts; and splints.
Key differences
Replacement vs. Support:
Prosthetics replace a missing part, while orthotics support an existing one.
Duration:
Prosthetics are typically intended for permanent use, while orthotics can be for temporary use (e.g., after an injury) or long-term management of chronic conditions. AI overview
About National Native American Heritage Month
What started at the turn of the century as an effort to gain a day of recognition for the significant contributions the first Americans made to the establishment and growth of the U.S., has resulted in a whole month being designated for that purpose.
It’s a time dedicated to learning about the unique history, diverse cultures, and contributions that Native Americans have made to society. They have distinct traditions and languages that are connected to their ancestral land. Celebrate their culture all month long while bringing awareness to the hardship including assimilation and displacement they have faced in history.
Cyca, M. June 30, 2025. "9 Facts About Native American Tribes". history.com. retrieved from https://www.history.com/articles/native-american-tribes-facts. July 16, 2025.
One of the very proponents of an American Indian Day was Dr. Arthur C. Parker, a Seneca Indian, who was the director of the Museum of Arts and Science in Rochester, N.Y. He persuaded the Boy Scouts of America to set aside a day for the “First Americans” and for three years they adopted such a day. In 1915, the annual Congress of the American Indian Association meeting in Lawrence, Kansas, formally approved a plan concerning American Indian Day. It directed its president, Rev. Sherman Coolidge, an Arapahoe, to call upon the country to observe such a day. Coolidge issued a proclamation on Sept. 28, 1915, which declared the second Saturday of each May as an American Indian Day and contained the first formal appeal for recognition of Indians as citizens.
The first American Indian Day in a state was declared on the second Saturday in May 1916 by the governor of New York. Several states celebrate the fourth Friday in September. Presently, several states have designated Columbus Day as Native American Day, but it continues to be a day we observe without any recognition as a national legal holiday.
In 1990 President George H. W. Bush approved a joint resolution designating November 1990 “National American Indian Heritage Month.” Similar proclamations, under variants on the name (including “Native American Heritage Month” and “National American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month”) have been issued each year since 1994.
The Library of Congress. 2024. retrieved from https://www.nativeamericanheritagemonth.gov/about.html. July 9. 2025.
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Native American Heritage Month FACTS
Native Americans spoke more than 300 languages
There are 574 federally recognized tribes in the United States
Native Americans cultivated many of the world's most important crops
The Haudenosaunee Confederacy, also called the IROQUOIS CONSTITUTION is one of the oldest living democracies in the world
Native Americans were granted American citizenship in 1924
The Navajo Nation has the largest tribal land in the United States
Cyca, M. June 30, 2025. "9 Facts About Native American Tribes". history.com. retrieved from https://www.history.com/articles/native-american-tribes-facts. July 16, 2025.
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Mousseau, J. 2025. Diversity Resources. retrieved from https://www.diversityresources.com/november-awareness-and-heritage-months/ July 9, 2025.
National Veterans and Military Families Month
National Veterans and Military Families Month is celebrated throughout the month of November. It's a time to honor and appreciate the sacrifices and dedication of veterans and their families. This month-long observance includes recognizing the contributions of active-duty service members, National Guard, and Reserve military families. AI Overview
Friday, November 21, 2025
But don't forget!!! WE ARE ALWAYS HERE TO SUPPORT YOU!! ASK FOR HELP IF YOU NEED IT!
French Colonial History of Detroit
Antoine de la Mothe Cadillac founded Fort Pontchartrain du Détroit as a fur trading post in 1701, a lasting legacy reflected in its name from "le détroit," meaning "the strait". The fort was situated in a strategic location connecting the Great Lakes, a benefit also seen in the "Paris of the Midwest" city planning inspired by French architect Pierre Charles L'Enfant. The city's French heritage is evident in its early street names, and architectural influences. While French influence diminished after British control in 1760, the culture left a permanent mark on the city's layout and identity. AI Overview
French Colonial History Tour of Detroit
- MMC French class students were guided by a docent** who directed them to various sites, highlighting the city's French colonial past, the role of the fur trade, and conflicts with the British and Native Americans.
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MK Cannelle Bakery: A refined bakery & cafe turning out fancy French pastries, plus coffee & light bites. We bring the heart of French baking to Southeast Michigan, crafting artisanal pastries and baked goods that delight the senses. (picture to the left)
- Detroit History Museum: Where the "Where the River Bends" exhibit provides a learning experience about the city's French era.
- Detroit Institute of Arts: Exhibits on 18th-century French furnishings and decorative arts are for the view.
- Detroit Public Library: Visit the Burton Collection, which contains one of the largest collections of French-era Detroit books, documents, and maps.
- The Spirit of Detroit: A 26-foot bronze statue by Marshall Fredericks representing the city's hope and spirit. It holds human figures symbolizing family and a sphere symbolizing divinity.
- Hart Plaza: This location is central to many of the French era stories, including those involving Native American tribes. AI Overview
- Docent**: A docent is a person who serves as a tour guide.
Cultural Legacy of Detroit
- Street names and layout: Many of Detroit's early street and place names are French, a legacy from prominent families like the Beaubiens and Campaus. The initial city layout, influenced by the Parisian model, featured roads radiating from the central Campus Martius park.
- Modern descendants: French-Canadian settlers have a lasting presence in the region, with many living in the downriver suburbs and along Lake St. Clair.
- Flag: The municipal flag of Detroit is a reflection of both French and English colonial heritage. AI Overview
FAQ's
- What if I have a problem with my college schedule?
- For Colllege Questions see Mrs. Hollenback or Mrs. Renner in the main office. You must follow up with the counseling department - Mrs. Hollenback or Mrs. Renner.
- Students must NOT stop going to a class!!!
- Attendance is MANDATORY once you are scheduled.
FOR INTEREST IN ITEMS FROM THE PANTRY CLICK THE LINK BELOW:
Mott Middle College now has a School Pantry stocked with food, household products, and personal items which are available to all families. Students and families may see Mr. Page, Early College social worker, to receive items from the School Pantry..
Items can be picked up or delivered. Contact the main office at (810) 232 8530.
Class of 2001
1. I'm a proud graduate of the Mott Middle College Class of 2001. Looking back, Mott Middle College was a foundational place for me. It offered great role models, opened up amazing opportunities, and, most importantly, was a place where I felt like I truly fit in.
2. After high school, I continued my education at Eastern Michigan University, where I went on to earn a bachelor's degree in Secondary Education and a master's degree in K-12 Administration. For the past 20 years, I've dedicated my career to education right here in Genesee County. Currently, I serve the community at Bentley Community Schools as both a dedicated teacher and the Director of Grants. My experiences at Mott Middle College truly set me on this rewarding path.
3. My time at Mott Middle College provided me with incredible opportunities, and
I want to pass on a few lessons I've learned along the way:
1. Take Chances and Embrace the Struggle. Don't be afraid to step outside your comfort zone. You learn some of your most valuable lessons by working your way through struggles. Taking chances is how you truly discover what you're capable of.
2. While this area may feel like home, the world is much bigger. I encourage you to travel and actively seek out experiences you never thought possible. Gaining a global perspective will enrich your life and future career. And spend time outside! Fresh air, sunshine, and physical activities help build stronger bodies and minds.
3. You Are Stronger Than You Think! Always remember your resilience. You have the strength and capacity to overcome challenges and achieve your goals. Believe in yourself.
MMC Four Learner Outcomes
(These Learner Outcomes are the foundational elements of student success and the basis for the 5th year Exit Portfolio and Presentation in May of the graduation year.)
In this presentation students must describe how they meet the criteria for each Learner Outcome in addition to building their presentation around the 4 Xello - EDP Questions:
Who Am I?, Where Am I Going?, How Am I Going To Get There? and Who Will Help?
1. Self-Directed Learner
● Takes responsibility for own learning.
● Practices and extends learning processes.
● Applies knowledge set goals/plans.
● Self-evaluates – is aware of own thinking and resists impulsivity.
2. Effective Communicator
● Expresses ideas clearly, both orally and in writing
● Demonstrates capable listening and reading skills.
● Communicates through a variety of mediums and purposes.
● Communicates with diverse audiences.
3. Creative/Complex Thinker
● Accesses, evaluates, integrates information.
● Uses a variety of reasoning strategies (15) for managing complex situations/issues.
● Generates new ways of viewing.
● Seeks accuracy & clarity.
● Perseveres
4. Cooperative Group Member
● Possesses effective interpersonal skills.
● Evaluates/manages individual behavior in a positive manner.
● Participates constructively in cooperative learning groups
● Demonstrates sensitivity towards others
