Mitchell Mustang News

This year, we have the option to translate all of the Mitchell Mustang News weekly communication through S’More. Click here for instructions on how to translate.

• Friday, November 13, 2026 - Dine to Donate at New York Pizza Depot 10:00 AM -10:00 PM
• November 17, 2026 - PTO Meeting @6:00 PM Join Here for Zoom
• November 24, 2026 - Report Cards & NWEA Reports sent to families by email
• Tuesday, December 8, 2026 - Picture Retakes 9:00-12:00 PM
• Wednesday, December 9, 2026 - No School for Students; Staff in Professional Development
• Monday, December 14-18, 2026 - Mitchell PTO Staff Appreciation(Winter)
• Monday, December 21-January 1, 2027 - No School, Winter Break
• Monday, January 4, 2027 - School Resumes

Hello, Mitchell Community,

We had an amazing week with our students! We enjoyed the fun events of our rivalry contest and all of the classroom doors were amazing! We couldn't believe the work that our students put into this fun activity.

Yearbooks are on sale now!

If you are interested in purchasing a yearbook then now is the time! Yearbooks are on sale at https://shop.yearbookmarket.com/mitchellelementaryannarbor

Yearbooks cost $15 and are on sale through March 12, 2027. There is no guarantee of being able to order a yearbook at the end of the school year, so it is best to order now!

Two Spots Open at College Mentors for Kids

We have had two new openings for College Mentors for Kids. This free afterschool initiative pairs each child with a trained college student mentor, offering weekly hands-on activities with themes such as higher education and careers, culture and diversity, and community service. This occurs on Mondays afterschool until 6:15 PM. For more details, please visit https://collegementors.org/

To enroll, https://members.collegementors.org/PermissionPacket

Picture Retakes are December 8

If you are in need of a retake and ordered pictures, then send in your picture order on this day and a new picture will be taken and the original order will be replaced and delivered. Please make sure you communicate with your child's teacher if they are in need of a retake. You are also welcome to send a note to your child's teacher or in with your child if there is something that the photographer should change or address.

Best Regards,

Samantha Cucu

Principal, Mitchell Elementary

Save the Smore Newsletter link for all your School Needs!

If you would like to view previous messages or current messages in a PDF format from the family newsletter, you may view those here: Google Drive Folder.

Email: mit_attendance@aaps.k12.mi.us

Website: https://mitchell.a2schools.org/
Location: 3550 Pittsview Dr. Ann Arbor, MI. 48108
Phone: 734-997-1216

Click here to see Mitchell Bus Routes

Every summer, AAPS reviews bus routes to comply with Board Policy 3760- Transportation: following the 1.5-mile walk zone for the safety and efficiency of district operations.

The Ann Arbor Public Schools is again encouraging parents to use the My Bus Stop Arrival APP.

My Bus Stop Arrival APP: My Stop is a free desktop and mobile app that provides parents access to bus route information, such as a child’s assigned bus and location, and updates on the estimated time of arrival at the bus stop. My Stop allows parents and students to plan for late or on-time arrival and prevent missed pick-ups. We are aware of a 1–2-minute lag that may occur as the bus route information is being processed and transmitted to the app through the GPS system. We continue to work with My Stop to improve this issue.

Please still have your student at their bus stop 10 minutes before the posted arrival time.

Instructions on setting up My Stop from the app store and My Stop FAQs are below.

• How To Use My Stop
• My Stop FAQs

MyStop Instruction Translations

Arabic My Stop Instructions

Chinese MyStop Instructions

Japanese MyStop Instructions

Korean MyStop Instructions

Spanish MyStop Instructions

AAPS works closely with the City of Ann Arbor to make walking and biking route improvements following the Safe Routes to School initiatives.

AAPS strives to not only provide safe busing but to also reflect the commitment by AAPS to the Safe Routes to School initiatives as well as sustainability and reducing our carbon footprint.

This a reminder that school-of-choice families are responsible for transporting students to school. At this time, AAPS will not permit school-of-choice students to ride on school buses.

Under the MICHIGAN SCHOOL MEALS program, students in the Ann Arbor Public School District will receive FREE meals (breakfast and lunch). Students will continue to maintain a benefit status of Free, Reduced, or Paid under the approved program. Benefit status' will be used for the purpose of grants and other state funding.

As part of our participation in this program, it is necessary for EVERY family to fill out what has previously been known as the Free and Reduced Lunch Application. Even if your family does not qualify for Free/Reduced lunch and even if you do not plan on having your child eat school provided lunch or breakfast, it is a requirement that every family fill out this form.

The hyperlink to the Educational Benefits Form can be found here - https://www.a2schools.org/departments/food-service/ebt-and-ebf-forms-for-all-families

Translated documents - https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1aZB75_Btqv0PqBVR2AcBg8_9g7whFnpX

Please note that students are not required to eat school provided meals and can continue to bring lunch from home if your family prefers. Also, while complete school breakfasts and lunches include milk, if your child only chooses milk and not a meal, there is a charge for milk served a-la-carte.

We recognize the critical importance of supporting students and families who manage food allergy issues every day. Our commitment is to always work closely with the families of students who have food allergies and medical conditions that require a modification to their menu. Our approach involves coordination between parents and guardians, school nurses, school administrators, and foodservice professionals following the Ann Arbor Public Schools food allergy and medical conditions policy

In order to modify the school meals, we must have the following form submitted and signed by a licensed medical provider (physician, physician assistant, or nurse practitioner) - Special Dietary Needs Form. The form must identify the following:

• Information about the child’s dietary needs that is sufficient for understanding how it restricts the child’s diet
• An explanation of what must be done to accommodate the child's dietary needs
• If appropriate, the food(s) to be omitted, texture modifications and recommended substitutions

In the Ann Arbor Public Schools, we utilize a cloud-based web filter called Securly to keep students safe on their district-issued devices. To help parents monitor their child's online activity at home, AAPS offers the free Securly Home app. This application allows web-based filtering and parental controls on district-issued devices at home. Parents may set rules to allow or disallow certain websites, pause the Internet connection to the device as desired, and receive weekly usage reports.

Students and staff at Mitchell signed the final beam and watched as it was raised into

place at the new Mitchell Elementary. Click here to view the AAPS District News.

Current Work, Weather Permitting:

• · Exterior metal panel installation continues, pictured below left.
• · Learning stair concrete pour, pictured below right.
• · Window framing and glazing continues.
• · Interior work continues including drywall and mechanical, electrical & plumbing.

• Arrival drop off and dismissal pick up locations will remain the same. Relocated walkways will be identified with signs on site to direct foot traffic.
• Construction parking and construction access drives are for construction personnel only and to ensure safety, staff and parents should refrain from using construction parking and/or drives.
• Emails will continue to be sent, to provide updates on campus activities.

This new elementary school is made possible by Bond and Sinking Funds. Ann Arbor Public Schools wishes to thank the Community for the continued support of the Capital Program Bond and Sinking Funds.

AAPS Capital Program’s objective is to transform the student learning experience with the goal of providing for the health, safety, and well-being of all students in high-quality, equitable, and environmentally sustainable schools.

Please visit the Capital Program website www.A2SchoolsBond.org to learn more. To receive email updates on AAPS Capital Program projects, please sign up here.

All May: Mental Health Awareness Month Events from U-M Medical School

• The U-M Medical School is offering virtual and in-person events all Month long to help families learn more about a variety of Mental Health Topics including AI and Mental Health, Helping Struggling Kids, Substance Abuse and more.

• Learn more here: Mental Health Awareness Month Events

Friday, May 1, 4:30-6:30pm: CAN’s Mental Health Resource Fair

• At the Bryant Community Center (3 West Eden Court, Ann Arbor)

• Find out about available mental health resources in Washtenaw County!

• Gift card door prizes for the first 20 attendees!

Learn more here: Mental Health Resource Fair Flier

Get Help with Community Resources through the Healthy Neighborhoods Team.

• The Healthy Neighborhoods Team (HNT) is made up of community health workers who work with individuals and families to help them get the care they need.

• The HNT can help families access food, essential items like clothing and furniture, utility assistance, legal assistance, health and mental health support and more.

• Learn more by viewing the Healthy Neighborhoods Team Flier or visiting the Healthy Neighborhoods Team Website.

Free Medications for Eligible Individuals: Dispensary of Hope

• Dispensary of Hope is offered through the Trinity Health Pharmacy – EMU Campus

• The service provides free prescription medications to uninsured individuals with household incomes at or below 300% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL).

• This program helps ensure that cost is not a barrier to essential, often life‑sustaining medications.

• Eligible patients can access a wide range of medications—including insulin, treatments for infectious disease, mental health, cardiovascular conditions, diabetes, allergies/cold symptoms, and more.

• Community members may call (734) 712‑6100 to learn more or determine if they qualify.

• Please see the attached flyer for more information: Dispensary of Hope Flier.

Need food, health care or behavioral health services? Check out the Hope Clinic

• Hope Clinic Resource Fliers: English, Spanish, Arabic.

Housing Support

Funding available for Ann Arbor residents facing eviction

• Do you live in Ann Arbor and are facing eviction?

• You may qualify for funding to help prevent your eviction.

• Learn more and apply here: Housing Eviction Prevention Program.

Public Benefits Assistance

Need Help Getting Cash Assistance, Food Assistance or Health Care Coverage?

• University of Michigan Law Students can help anyone who is trying to access public benefits.

• To get support, call 734-252-6375 or email pbapboard@umich.edu

• Public Benefits Project Flier

WCC Dental Clinic

• Beginning Feb 10th, the WCC Dental Clinic will offer low cost dental services for anyone in the community. Learn more here.

Dispensary of Hope

We’re pleased to share an important resource that may benefit many of the community members you serve. Dispensary of Hope, offered through the Trinity Health Pharmacy – EMU Campus, provides free prescription medications to uninsured individuals with household incomes at or below 300% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). This program helps ensure that cost is not a barrier to essential, often life‑sustaining medications.

Eligible patients can access a wide range of medications—including insulin, treatments for infectious disease, mental health, cardiovascular conditions, diabetes, allergies/cold symptoms, and more.

The program is located at:

Trinity Health Pharmacy at the EMU Campus

1065 N Huron River Dr, Suite 600, Ypsilanti, MI 48197

Community members may call (734) 712‑6100 to learn more or determine if they qualify. Please see the attached flyer for more information.

We encourage you to share this resource widely with your clients and networks. Together, we can help ensure that more individuals in our community receive the medications they need to stay healthy.

Substance Abuse Program for Adolescents: Catholic Charities Intensive Outpatient Program

• The intensive outpatient program (IOP) is a structured treatment program for adults and adolescents managing substance use.

• Learn more here: Catholic Charities IOP Program Flier.

Thrive Counseling FREE Summer Drop in Dungeons and Dragons Groups

• Thrive Counseling is running two Dungeons and Dragons inspired drop-in groups for social anxiety and social connection.

• These groups are for youth ages 13-16 and are limited to 10 participants per session.

• Sessions fill up on a first come, first serve basis.

• The groups will meet at the AADL Mallett's Creek library and the YDL Whittaker Road library for six weeks starting June 23rd and June 25th, respectively.

• Learn more here: Thrive DnD Group

Summer Programming
Looking for Low Cost Camps, Activities, Scholarships and Resources?

Check out this summer activity document put together by members of the Washtenaw Alliance for Children and Youth (WACY) and will be updated continually as information becomes available.

Join us to learn strategies to support the mental health of young people in your life. New topics each month, please register below for each workshop you would like to attend.

All workshops are free, on Zoom, and open to all Washtenaw County parents, caregivers, and school staff.

Learn more here.

Love Ypsi Diaper Pantry

• 10:00 AM–1:00 PM at Faith Lutheran Church, (1255 E. Forest Avenue, Ypsilanti).

• Families can receive diapers and wipes.

• The pantry is offered on the second Saturday of each month.

Mother’s Reaching Hands

• 436 Hawkins Street, Ypsilanti.

• Free children’s clothing, shoes, baby supplies, and limited emergency diapers and wipes are available to families

• Current regular hours are Tuesdays from 10:00 AM–2:00 PM, first come, first served.

👚View more resources for Clothing and Household Items here: Clothing and Household Needs.

The Ann Arbor Public Schools understands that many of our families will face challenges with the loss of SNAP benefits. Here is a list of free food resources that may be helpful.

Find Free Food Near You

• Food Gatherers is your resource for information on food pantries, meals and groceries.

• Website: foodgatherers.org/foodresources

• Phone: 734-761-2796.

Free Tutoring Through Student Groups at the University of Michigan
***AAPS does not vouch for the quality of or endorse any of these tutoring services. AAPS Students and families should use their own judgment when deciding if a tutoring option is right for them.***

Tutoring with LEAP for Middle and High School Students

• LEAP is a University of Michigan volunteer organization providing free academic and college admissions tutoring for middle and high school students.

• Volunteers provide one-on-one, personalized support either remotely or in person for essentially any topic or task that students may need help with, from algebra and college essay writing to biology and history.

• Tutoring hours are flexible and can be arranged directly with tutors.

• LEAP tutors are equipped to work with students on a wide range of topics as well as a wide range of students, whether they need additional instruction and help with homework or are excelling and would like enrichment.

• For more information, check out our website or email us at leapexecutiveboard@gmail.com.

• Free Tutoring by College Students: End the Cycle

  • End the Cycle is a student group at the University of Michigan offering free K-12 Afterschool, GED, ACT/SAT Weekly Online Tutoring.

  • Parents can sign up their students here: www.endthecycleatum.org/students.

  • After completing sign-up, an email will be sent this Sunday, September 27 allowing parents/students to sign up for tutoring slots.

  
  

FREE online tutoring through the Education Project

• The Education Project (a non-profit organization of University of Michigan students). Offers free online tutoring in a variety of subjects.

Families can learn more and sign up at https://theeduproject.net/

Free Tutoring from Washtenaw Literacy.

Washtenaw Literacy offers free ESL, academic, digital literacy and other types of tutoring. Learn more by going to washtenawliteracy.org or by viewing the fliers below.

• In-Person Tutoring for Adults (Ypsilanti)

• Citizenship Tutoring (Ann Arbor and online)

• Digital Literacy Tutoring (Ypsilanti)

• In-Person ESL Tutoring (Several Locations)

• Online ESL Tutoring

• Tutoring for Returning Citizens (Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti)

• Reading, Writing and Math Tutoring for anyone 16+ (Ypsilanti)

• If you or anyone else you know are part of the LGBTQIA+ community and struggling with mental health concerns and/or are upset by recent local and national policy changes, please know there are people who stand side-by-side with you in support.

• There are still plenty of resources available to you, right now, within our county and beyond:

• Check out this LGBTQIA+ Resource Guide prepared by the Washtenaw County Community Mental Health Crisis Team and our Wish You Knew campaign to learn more about the support services available.

• Anyone in Washtenaw can call the Washtenaw County Community Mental Health 24/7 Access Line at (734) 544-3050 for mental health support.

• See statewide resources.

• See national resources.

Vouchers for Free glasses and exams through America's Best

• The America's Best Vision Centers at Maple Village and Arborland offer vouchers for free eyeglasses and exams for eligible individuals (including children).

• Each location only offers 5 vouchers per month.

• Maple Village: Offers a free exam and free glasses.

• Children under 13 can get free polycarbonate single-vision lenses. Call and ask for Roxanne to schedule an appointment.

• Arborland: Offers a voucher program for families in need.

• Kids 13 and under can get free polycarbonate single-vision lenses. Children under 15 can get 2 pairs of glasses with an exam for $65. A social worker must accompany the family to get a voucher from the Arborland location. Please check in with your school social worker for assistance at this location.

FREE CLR Academy Programs EVERY Saturday for children K-8

• Time: Saturdays, 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM

• What: Our K–8th grade program brings enriching, fun, and focused activities to one central, welcoming location. All children are welcome regardless of school, town, or municipality. Students can participate in a wide range of exciting, enriching activities all designed to support education, health, fun, and wellness! Activities include sports, dance, reading, art and more.

• Location: Southpointe Scholars (10550 Geddes Rd, Superior Township, Ypsilanti)

• Learn more and Register here: https://www.clracademy.org/

Looking for more resources for Health or Medical Needs? Please visit a2schools.org/students-families/community-resources/medical-and-health-needs

Utility Bill Assistance – New Rules Make It Easier to Qualify!

• Michigan's Energy Assistance Program (MEAP) helps eligible households pay electric and natural gas bills.

• Beginning October 1, 2026, families can apply using their current utility bills.

• A past-due balance, shutoff notice, or prior State Emergency Relief approval is no longer required!

• Assistance is based on household eligibility and available funding.

• How to Apply: Call 2-1-1 to connect with a participating energy assistance agency in your area or visit: michigan.gov/mpsc/consumer/energy-assistance

Free home repair services through the Washtenaw County Home Improvement Program.

• Low income homeowners and renters may qualify for free repairs including furnace repairs and tune-ups, insulation and air-sealing and refrigerator replacement.

• Learn more here: washtenaw.org/2923/Home-Improvement-Programs

Housing Support

First-Generation Down Payment Assistance Program

• Becoming a homeowner isn’t easy, especially if no one in your family has owned a home before. That’s why MSHDA’s First-Generation Down Payment Assistance Program is here to help.

• This limited-time pilot program offers up to $25,000 to first-generation homebuyers to cover down payment, closing costs, and prepaid escrows.

• Available statewide, it’s designed to make homeownership more accessible and set families up for long-term success.

• Learn more here Down Payment Assistance Program MSHDA

Free food Pantry, Ypsilanti
Every 3rd Saturday of each month at Berea city of hope -1070 McCartney Ave, Ypsilanti Charter Twp, MI 48198 from 11am to 2pm Remember the earlier the better to receive what you need. Please register here Flier. Many more food options are available at a2schools.org/students-families/community-resources/food

Basic Needs

Ypsilanti Area - Love Ypsi Diaper Pantry
Provides supplemental baby diapers and wipes to families in need. Every 2nd Saturday of each month from 10am-1pm at Faith Lutheran Church – 1255 E Forest Ave – Ypsilanti.

Housing Help

Help with Housing for Justice-Impacted Families

If someone in your family has been in jail, prison, or has been affected by the police and you have a housing choice voucher, you might be able to get help with housing through the Rising Hope Program. Learn more here: Rising Hope for Housing

Utility Help

Support Through DTE

Having trouble paying your DTE Bill? You may qualify for assistance through the Low Income Self Sufficiency Program. Learn more here: Low Income Self Sufficiency Program.

Other Utility Bill Support

Need more help paying your utility bills? Please visit this page other community resources: a2schools.org/students-families/community-resources/utility-assistance