Mott Middle Messages
January 2026
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.
January is the wintertime, it's time for sitting back, reflecting and being gentle with yourself. It's the time to enjoy nature and work with the rhythm of the winter. It's the time to be thankful for the past year and welcome in the new year, with NO expectations.
The Fun Starts Here:
January 2026
- January 5, 2026 Students Return from Holiday Break
- January 19 - Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
- January 30 - Progress Reports
- Satisfactory - S, Borderline,- B, Unsatisfactory - U,
February 2026
- February 1st - 28th - Black History Month
- February 11th - Be My Valentine Movie Night
- February 13th-16th - President's Weekend- Students Do Not Report
- February 17-20th BHM Spirit Week
- February 20th Black History Month Celebration
- February 27th Marking Period 3 Ends Grades and Credit Awarded
- A, A-, B+, B, B-, C+, C, N/C No Credit
March 2026
- March 30th - April 3rd - MMC Spring Break
- March 27th - Progress Reports
- Satisfactory - S, Borderline,- B, Unsatisfactory - U,
April 2026
- April 6th - Students Return From Spring Break
- April 24th -Marking Period 4 and 2nd Semester ends Grades and Credit Awaarded
- A, A-, B+, B, B-, C+, C, N/C No Credit
Civil Rights Leader
Martin Luther King Jr. Day is a federal holiday in the United States observed in January each year. King was the chief spokesperson for nonviolent activism in the Civil Rights Movement. He protested racial discrimination in federal and state law and civil society.
I HAVE A DREAM: "I say to you today, my friends, though, even though we face the difficulties of today and tomorrow, I stil have a dream." The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History. 2014. excerpt from "I Have A Dream Speech". retrieved from https://www.gilderlehrman.org/sites/default/files/inline-pdfs/king.dreamspeech.excerpts.pdf. July 14, 2025.
The Mott Middle College students who participated on Monday, January 19th at the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Giving were: Omari and Dihari Gathing, Keimyha Fox, MiLaysia Mitchell, and Mia Powell. Chaperoned by Mrs. Walker the group also included her nephew, Xavier McKenney and her son, Laurence Walker.
They had their own station, #17, where they were in charge of packaging soup meals for needy families. They were like a conveyor belt: Mia, MiLaysia, Laurence, Xavier, and I filled the bags with food; two ladies from Kettering University weighed and sealed them; and Omari, Dihari, and Keimyha were in charge of packaging and boxing the food for distribution.
They were joined by Congresswoman Krista McDonald-Rivet, State Senator Mark Cherry, Dan Weighill, and Mayor Sheldon Neely.
Destiny Bell is MMC's DAR Award Winner
On January 30, 2026, the Genesee Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution hosted a luncheon to honor the Good Citizens of 15 area High Schools. These students demonstrated the qualities of Dependability, Service, Leadership and Patriotism.
Mott Middle College chose Destiny Bell to be their Good Citizen for the 2025-2026 School Year. Destiny chose to participate in the essay portion of the award. She had 2 hours to write an essay "Describe how the characteristics of a good citizen helps to renew and strengthen the democracy achieved by the patriots of the American Revolution". She was not allowed to use the internet or any other resource materials.
Destiny's post graduation plans are to attend a four year university to major in philosophy and minor in business . She then plans to attend law school with a goal of becoming a Civil Rights Lawyer.
The members of the Genesee Chapter of the NSDAR are very happy to have met this year's Good Citizems and look forward to their achievements and participations in their communities.
Destiny is pictured here with her mom. Destiny, her mom and Ms. Hollenback attended the luncheon for all Genesee County awardees.
Pictured (L to R) Kenneth Edson, William Strong and Oliver Houston
Solo & Ensemble Festival is an opportunity for individual students from member schools to perform a selection of their choice for adjudication. District-level festivals are held in late January through mid-February.
SCORING
Each student or group of students is evaluated by one judge and rated on a scale of 1 to 5 with 1 being the highest rating possible. Students or groups that earn a rating of 1 (or "Superior") are qualified for State Solo & Ensemble Festival which is held in March. The basic structure of State Solo & Ensemble Festival is the same as District, but the students are held to a higher standard. Soloists in grades 10 through 12 must perform Proficiency Exams which include scales and sight reading. Students and ensembles that are chosen for the Michigan Youth Arts Festival Honors Band, Orchestra, Soloists and Ensembles come from the highest rated events at the State Festival. Participating students that earn a rating of 1 or 2 at District or State Festivals are eligible to receive medals.
Attended by MMC Music Instructor Mr. Jason Russell, The Michigan Music Conference featured school ensemble concerts, performances from Honors Choirs, All-State Bands, and Orchestras; sessions for in-service and pre-service teachers; professional development clinics; hands-on technology workshops; and association membership and business meetings. Attendance included approximately 9,000 teachers, administrators, students, speakers, and guests.
FOR INTEREST IN ITEMS FROM THE PANTRY CLICK THE LINK BELOW:
Items can be picked up or delivered. Contact the main office at (810) 232 8530.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1S1DUj-PWXg4g49g1TBhlJO0FPL_J9RRVCy0v3l2kg8k/edit
FAQ's
- Before school, during the 5 minute break, during lunch and after school. You may only visit the vending machines at any other time with permission.
- What are some clubs I can join?
- Chess Club, Art Club, E Sports, Crocheting
- Where can a sit down for lunch?
- NOTE!!!!! Room 1103 located in the front hall is now a student lunch area!
December Students of the Month
December Theme - A Strong Finish!!!
- 9th: Nabella Halloun
- 10th: Nyla Miller
- 11th: TyLee Stewart-Johnson
- 12th: Jermain Sims
- 13th: Jalen Smith-Winkfield
- Student Choice: Affinity Adames
Class of 2017
D’Shyla Duncan is a proud 2017 graduate of Mott Middle College, where her journey began with dual enrollment and a passion for growth. She credits her time at MMC for not only helping her earn associate degrees early, but for shaping her into a more confident and determined version of herself. “I came in as one person and left better—and I’ve been growing ever since,” she says.
Since MMC, D’Shyla has earned a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a Master’s in Public Health. She currently works as an Environmental Justice Specialist for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, where she supports outreach and grant resources for underserved communities. She is also the author of A Scholar’s Guide to Zero Tuition and Maximum Success, a practical guide for students who want to graduate college debt-free. Through her platform, @ShylaTheScholar, she creates educational content to help students access scholarships and funding for higher education.
Her advice for current MMC students: “Take advantage of everything MMC has to offer—it can truly be the stepping stone for your next chapter. Be open to growth, take initiative, and dream big. You can do anything you put your mind and effort into.”
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?
