Latest Updates

Announcements for This Week

Holiday - No School:
- There will be no school, tomorrow, Monday, January 20, 2025 in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
- School will resume on Tuesday, January 21, 2025
Share Your Input and Help Us Reach Our Goal! - Please respond before Tuesday, January 21st:
- Mitchell Senior values your input and would love for you to participate in the Measurable Results Assessment (MRA) survey. This home survey, which takes only 5-10 minutes, is a critical tool for us to continue enhancing our academics, leadership, climate, and culture.
- Deadline: Please complete the survey by Tuesday, January 21st—sooner is even better! The survey can be accessed in multiple languages by using the globe drop-down icon.
- Survey Link: MRA Survey - Mitchell Senior Families
- If we reach our goal for parent responders, students will enjoy a special extended schoolwide lunch hour with activities on Friday, January 31st! Let’s make it happen together!
Teddy’s Closet:
- Open every Wednesday after school in Room 101.
- Offers food, hygiene items, and clothing for families in need.
- For immediate assistance, contact Ms. Mina or call the school office.
Learning Lab:
- Learning Lab is open on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3-4 PM.
- Any student can attend for academic support and catching up on assignments.
AESD Parent Workshop:
- Wednesday, January 22nd from 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. in the Bellevue cafeteria.
- Our AESD Psychologist and Counselor from Bellevue will present information about Nutrition and Healthy Eating.
- Dinner will be served at 5:00 p.m. and the presentation will begin at 5:30 p.m. Childcare will be provided.
- To register to attend, please click here: https://forms.gle/DHPBhDCoEtzX6Kqm8
Winter "Black & White" Dance:
- Friday, January 24th from 3-4:30 PM in the gym.
- Tickets sold at lunches - $5 (Must meet eligibilty requirements listed in the FLIGHTS Manual).
- Photos, snacks, and drinks available for purchase.
Yearbooks:
- Customize and purchase your Mitchell Senior 2024-2025 Yearbook today
- How to Order: Visit this link or go to www.treering.com/validate and enter our school's passcode: 1016649943154994.
- Pricing: Softcover: $30.62, Hardcover: $37.50
- Customize Your Yearbook: Create your custom pages by April 11, 2025!
- 8th grade Baby Photos: Send photos to [email protected] with student name and ID number, also due by April 11, 2025.
- Delivery & Distribution: Yearbooks will be delivered to the school and distributed to students during the last week of school.
- Need Assistance? Visit www.treering.com/help for support.
Chromebooks:
- Ensure students bring a fully charged Chromebook to school daily.
- For issues, visit Mrs. Gomez in the library.
8th Grade Graduation Requirements:
- This month, administration will be meeting with parents of students who are at-risk of not meeting eligibilty requirements for 8th grade graduation and activities.
- To be eligible to participate in the promotion ceremony and activities, 8th grade students must:
  - Maintain a cumulative 2.0 overall grade point average (GPA) during their 7th and 8th grade years, OR a 2.5 or higher GPA during their 8th grade year.
  - Attend at least 90% of the school days in session during the student’s enrollment in school. Home/Hospital participation or an Independent Study Program (5-15 days) shall constitute attendance.
  - Have no more than two (2) home suspension for the year.
  - Not be suspended (in-school or home) during the last 20 days of school.
  - Clear all obligations (including, but not limited to: library fees, sports uniforms, PE loaner clothes, PE locks, textbooks, damage to Chromebook, classroom novels, etc.)
Athletics/Band/Guard Requirements:
- Sports physicals and a completed medical clearance packet are required annually.
- Packets are available in the main office or on our website.
- Students must also meet GPA, attendance, and behavior standards.
- The medical clearance packet must be turned in before the first day of tryouts for a sport/band.
- Girls Basketball tryouts are January 13-14th from 3-4:30 PM in the gym.
Cell Phone Policy:
- Review the attached District Cell Phone - Yondr Policy.
Dress Code:
- Refer to the FLIGHTS Manual for the dress code policy.
- Non-compliant students may need to borrow loaners or call home.
Athletics This Week:
- January 23: Girls Basketball vs Tenaya at Mitchell - 4 PM

Upcoming Important Dates: January Activity Calendar Attached

January 20: No School - Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
January 21: MRA Family Surveys DUE
January 21: 2nd Quarter Reward Trip to Rollerland - 8th Grade
January 22: 2nd Quarter Reward Trip to Rollerland- 7th Grade
January 22: Parent Workshop at Bellevue - Nutrition and Healthy Eating - 5 PM
January 24: Winter "Black & White" Dance - 3-4:30 PM
January 28: 2nd Quarter ALEKS Math Reward Trip - Ten Pin Bowling
January 29: No School - Teacher Professional Development Day
February 4: AHS and BCHS visits to Mitchell Senior for Freshman Registration
February 10: Jostens representative here to measure for graduation gowns during PE
February 10 to 14: ASB Spirit Dress-up Week!
February 14: 3rd Quarter Progress Reports Mailed Home
February 17 to 21: No School - Presidents Day Recess & Lincoln's Birthday

Have a great week! Go Thunderbirds! #MissionPossible

Principal Dietz

Announcements for This Week

Teddy’s Closet:
- Open every Wednesday after school in Room 101.
- Offers food, hygiene items, and clothing for families in need.
- For immediate assistance, contact Ms. Mina or call the school office.
Learning Lab:
- Learning Lab is open on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3-4 PM.
- Any student can attend for academic support and catching up on assignments.
2nd Quarter Reward Trips to Rollerland (8th grade January 21st and 7th grade January 22nd):
- Students who qualify may pick up a permission slip from Mr. Hammar, Activities Advisor, in room 116.
- Permission slips are due by Thursday, January 16th and slots to attend will be on a first come, first served basis.
- Each quarter, students may be eligible for a reward based upon the following criteria:
  - 3.0 cumulative quarter GPA
  - Noclass, in-house, or home suspensions
  - Must meet tardy policy eligibility requirements.
  - No more than three (3) days of excused absences or one (1) unexcused absence. Any single period, or part thereof (i.e. come to school late more than 30 minutes, leave and return for an appointment, or leave early), which is unexcused, will be counted as a full day of absence for the quarter rewards calculation.
  - No outstanding obligations (Including, but not limited to: library fees, sports uniforms, PE loaner clothes, PE locks, textbooks, damage to Chromebook, classroom novels, etc.)
Winter "Black & White" Dance:
- Friday, January 24th from 3-4:30 PM in the gym.
- Tickets sold at lunches - $5 (Must meet eligibilty requirements listed in the FLIGHTS Manual).
- Photos, snacks, and drinks available for purchase.
Yearbooks:
- Customize and purchase your Mitchell Senior 2024-2025 Yearbook today
- How to Order: Visit this link or go to www.treering.com/validate and enter our school's passcode: 1016649943154994.
- Pricing: Softcover: $30.62, Hardcover: $37.50
- Customize Your Yearbook: Create your custom pages by April 11, 2025!
- Delivery & Distribution: Yearbooks will be delivered to the school and distributed to students during the last week of school.
- Need Assistance? Visit www.treering.com/help for support.
Chromebooks:
- Ensure students bring a fully charged Chromebook to school daily.
- For issues, visit Mrs. Gomez in the library.
CJSF:
- Report cards for SECOND quarter were mailed home over vacation. If your child earned exceptional grades for 2nd quarter and has outstanding citizenship, he/she is invited to be a part of CJSF. CJSF stands for California Junior Scholarship Federation. It is an organization that emphasizes high standards for academics, community service, and citizenship.
  - All applications are due by January 17th. No applications will be accepted after this date.
  - Please have your child email Mrs. Johnson at [email protected] or have your child stop by room 203 if he/she has any questions.
- If your child is interested in being a part of this program on our campus, they must check their email to click on the link and fill out the attached Google form. Here are the instructions for your child to fill out the new form:
  - Fill in your name, email and grade.
  - Using your grades FROM YOUR SECOND QUARTER REPORT CARD, put a check by the letter grade you received in each class.
  - Then in the next part, you will mark 3 points for each class you received an A and 1 point for each class you earned a B. No points are given for C's. D's and F's automatically disqualify you.
  - If you are in advanced classes and received an A or B in those classes you can add one extra point for each class. (2 max).
  - Add up the points. If you have 12 or more points (Advisor will verify grades and citizenship) enter your total and click submit. If you have less than 12 points, you do not submit your form, please try again next quarter.
  - You must reapply after every quarter. You must be a member of CJSF for 6 of the 8 quarters in junior high for recognition at 8th grade awards ceremony and preferred seating at graduation.
8th Grade Graduation Requirements:
- This month, administration will be meeting with parents of students who are at-risk of not meeting eligibilty requirements for 8th grade graduation and activities.
- To be eligible to participate in the promotion ceremony and activities, 8th grade students must:
  - Maintain a cumulative 2.0 overall grade point average (GPA) during their 7th and 8th grade years, OR a 2.5 or higher GPA during their 8th grade year.
  - Attendat least 90% of the school days in session during the student’s enrollment in school. Home/Hospital participation or an Independent Study Program (5-15 days) shall constitute attendance.
  - Have no more than two (2) home suspension for the year.
  - Not be suspended (in-school or home) during the last 20 days of school.
  - Clear all obligations (including, but not limited to: library fees, sports uniforms, PE loaner clothes, PE locks, textbooks, damage to Chromebook, classroom novels, etc.)
Athletics/Band/Guard Requirements:
- Sports physicals and a completed medical clearance packet are required annually.
- Packets are available in the main office or on our website.
- Students must also meet GPA, attendance, and behavior standards.
- The medical clearance packet must be turned in before the first day of tryouts for a sport/band.
- Girls Basketball tryouts are January 13-14th from 3-4:30 PM in the gym.
Cell Phone Policy:
- Review the attached District Cell Phone - Yondr Policy.
Dress Code:
- Refer to the FLIGHTS Manual for the dress code policy.
- Non-compliant students may need to borrow loaners or call home.
Athletics This Week:
- Boys Basketball Tournament: JV at Cruickshank and Varsity at Rivera
- Girls Basketball Tryouts: Wednesday & Thursday in the gym at 3PM

Upcoming Important Dates: January Activity Calendar Attached

January 15-January 16: Girls Basketball Tryouts - 3 PM (UPDATED DATES)
January 20: No School - Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
January 21: MRA Family Surveys DUE
January 21: 2nd Quarter Reward Trip to Rollerland - 8th Grade
January 22: 2nd Quarter Reward Trip to Rollerland- 7th Grade
January 24: Winter "Black & White" Dance - 3-4:30 PM
January 28: 2nd Quarter ALEKS Math Reward Trip - Ten Pin Bowling
January 29: No School - Teacher Professional Development Day

Have a great week! Go
Principal Dietz

Announcements for This Week

ASB Spirit Dress-up! 3 School Days 'til Christmas Break!
- Monday, December 16: Christmas Vacation: Wear your Favorite Hawaiian Shirt
- Tuesday, December 17: "Snow Day!" Wear White!
- Wednesday, December 18: 'Twas the Night Before Break - Pajama Day
Winter Break is Coming!
- School lets out at 1:37 PM on Wednesday, December 18th.
- Winter Break is December 19th to January 3rd.
- School resumes on Monday, January 6, 2025.
Teddy’s Closet:
- Open every Wednesday after school in Room 101.
- Offers food, hygiene items, and clothing for families in need.
- For immediate assistance, contact Ms. Mina or call the school office.
Learning Lab:
- Learning Lab will be closed this week before Winter Break.
Chromebooks:
- Ensure students bring a fully charged Chromebook to school daily.
- For issues, visit Mrs. Gomez in the library.
Athletics/Band/Guard Requirements:
- Sports physicals and a completed medical clearance packet are required annually.
- Packets are available in the main office or on our website.
- Students must also meet GPA, attendance, and behavior standards.
Cell Phone Policy:
- Review the attached District Cell Phone - Yondr Policy.
Dress Code:
- Refer to the FLIGHTS Manual for the dress code policy.
- Non-compliant students may need to borrow loaners or call home.
Athletics This Week:
- None

Upcoming Important Dates: January Activity Calendar Attached

December 17: ASB Winter White-out Rally
December 18: 2nd Quarter Report Cards Mailed Home – 2nd Quarter Ends!
December 19-January 3: Winter Break – No School
January 6: 3rd Quarter Begins!
January 7: Learning Lab Open again on Tuesdays and Thursdays
January 13-January 14: Girls Basketball Tryouts - 3 PM
January 20: No School - Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
January 21: 2nd Quarter Reward Trip to Rollerland - 8th Grade
January 22: 2nd Quarter Reward Trip to Rollerland - 7th Grade
January 24: Winter Dance - 3-4:30 PM
January 28: 2nd Quarter ALEKS Math Reward Trip - Ten Pin Bowling
January 29: No School - Teacher Professional Development Day

Have a great week! Go

Thunderbirds! #MissionPossible

Principal Dietz

Announcements for This Week

Welcome Back: School resumes tomorrow, December 2nd. We hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving Recess!
Thank you: We had nearly 1,000 items donated for our canned food drive before break. Your generousity doesn't go unnoticed! Thank you so much for caring for our community and giving back. We appreciate you!
Pennies for Presents:
- Runs from December 2nd to December 6th.
- All proceeds benefit the Atwater Police and Fire Toy Drive.
- Start gathering spare change now to support this community initiative!
Atwater Christmas Parade:
- Friday, December 6th at 7 PM, downtown Atwater.
- Come see our Thunderbird Band march in all their holiday splendor!
Atwater City Fire Department Open House:
- Join for some hot chocolate and candy canes!
- Take a tour of the fire station and a family photo with the fire truck.
- Saturday, December 14th, 6-8 PM.
- Atwater Fire Station 42, 2006 Avenue Two.
- Consider bringing a NEW unwrapped toy for their toy drive.
Teddy’s Closet:
- Open every Wednesday after school in Room 101.
- Offers food, hygiene items, and clothing for families in need.
- For immediate assistance, contact Mrs. Odom or call the school office.
Learning Lab:
- Open every Tuesday and Thursday from 3:00-4:00 PM.
- Teachers are available to help with assignments, homework, and studying.
- Learning Lab will be closed the week before Winter Break.
Chromebooks:
- Ensure students bring a fully charged Chromebook to school daily.
- For issues, visit Mrs. Gomez in the library.
Athletics/Band/Guard Requirements:
- Sports physicals and a completed medical clearance packet are required annually.
- Packets are available in the main office or on our website.
- Students must also meet GPA, attendance, and behavior standards.
Cell Phone Policy:
- Review the attached District Cell Phone - Yondr Policy.
Dress Code:
- Refer to the FLIGHTS Manual for the dress code policy.
- Non-compliant students may need to borrow loaners or call home.
Athletics This Week:
- Monday, December 2: Boys Basketball vs. Cruickshank at Mitchell Senior – 4 PM
- Tuesday, December 3: Boys Basketball vs. Rivera at Rivera – 4 PM
- Thursday, December 5: Boys Basketball vs. Tenaya at Tenaya – 4 PM

Upcoming Important Dates: December Activity Calendar Attached

December 2-6: Pennies for Presents
December 6: Atwater Christmas Parade – Our band is marching!
December 9-13: Computer Science Education Week
December 9-18: ASB Spirit Week
December 11: MCOE Jr. High Spelling Bee
December 11: Winter Band Concert – 5:30 PM in Gym
December 12: AVID Family Gingerbread House Night – 5 PM in MPR
December 13: Hour of Code – 8th Period
December 14: Atwater City Fire Department Open House - 6-8 PM
December 17: ASB Winter White-out Rally
December 18: 2nd Quarter Report Cards Mailed Home – 2nd Quarter Ends!
December 19-January 3: Winter Break – No School
January 6: 3rd Quarter Begins!

Have a great week! Go Thunderbirds! #MissionPossible

Principal Dietz

Announcements for This Week
- Veterans Day: There will be no school on Monday in observance of Veterans Day, a holiday dedicated to honoring the men and women who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces. This day is an opportunity to reflect on the sacrifices and dedication of our veterans. Classes will resume on Tuesday.
- AESD Board Meeting: Join us on Tuesday, November 12th, at 6:15 PM in the District Office Board Room. This month, Mitchell Senior will present its Showcase, highlighting our elective wheel: Art, Culinary, STEAM, and FLIGHTS/LAUNCH. All are welcome to attend!
- National School Psychology Week: This week, we celebrate the essential role of school psychologists in fostering students' academic, social, and emotional growth. School psychologists like our amazing Alyssa Chavez work with teachers, parents, and administrators to create supportive learning environments and guide students through challenges. Let’s show our appreciation for their dedication to making our schools a place where every student can thrive!
- Lung Cancer Awareness Month: This November, we’re supporting our assistant principal, Mr. Hoffart, who was recently diagnosed with lung cancer and is undergoing treatment. To show our support, we’ll wear "White on Wednesdays" throughout the month. On Wednesday, November 20th, we’ll hold a special "Hats for Hoffart" day—everyone is encouraged to wear a fun hat in honor of Mr. Hoffart’s strength and resilience. Let’s come together as #TBirdsforHoffart!
- Annual Canned Food Drive: Our AVID team is hosting the Annual Canned Food Drive from November 12th to 19th. Please send in donations; see the attached flyer for information on needed items and our class competition.
- Winter Coat Giveaway: The Atwater Educational Enrichment Foundation will hold its annual coat giveaway for AESD families. Distribution is on Saturday, November 16, 2024, from 9:00 - 11:00 AM at the Mitchell K-6 Cafeteria. Donations of new or gently used coats can be dropped off at any AESD school or the District Office at 1401 Broadway Avenue, Atwater.
- Teddy’s Closet: Teddy's Closet offers food, hygiene items, and clothing to our families every Wednesday after school in Room 101. Families in need can also contact Mrs. Odom, our Community Outreach Coordinator, or call the school office. Students needing essentials like a backpack, supplies, or a coat can stop by any day.
- Learning Lab: The Mitchell Senior Learning Lab is open every Tuesday and Thursday from 3:00-4:00 PM. Teachers are available to help with makeup work, assignments, homework, and study time.
- Chromebooks: Please ensure your child brings a fully-charged Chromebook to school each day. If there are any issues, students can visit Mrs. Gomez in the library for support.
- Athletics/Band/Guard Requirements: A sports physical is required for students participating in school sports, marching band, color guard, or as team managers. A medical clearance packet must be completed annually and submitted to the office before tryouts. The packet is available in the main office or on our website. Students must also meet minimum GPA, attendance, and behavior standards.
- Cell Phone Policy: Please review the attached District Cell Phone - Yondr Policy.
- Dress Code: Refer to the FLIGHTS Manual for our dress code policy. Students may need to call home or borrow loaners from Student Services if not in compliance. Thank you for double-checking attire before leaving home.
Athletics This Week: Nothing scheduled.
Upcoming Important Dates (November Activity Calendar Attached):
- November 11: Veterans Day - No School
- November 12: AVID Canned Food Drive begins (ends November 19)
- November 19: 8th Grade 1st Quarter Reward Trip - Bellevue Bowl
- November 20: 7th Grade 1st Quarter Reward Trip - Bellevue Bowl
- November 20: Hats for Hoffart Day
- November 22: 2nd Quarter Progress Reports Mailed Home
- November 25-29: Thanksgiving Recess - No School
- December 2-6: Pennies for Presents
- December 6: Atwater Christmas Parade

Have a great week! Go Thunderbirds! #MissionPossible!

Principal Dietz

Veterans Wall - Mitchell Senior is having a "Veterans Wall" at school in honor of Veterans Day. We decided this is a nice way to honor Veterans from our community and elsewhere. If you have any pictures of veterans you know, please send a COPY (as it will not be returned), with their name, rank, and military branch. Send it in with your child, and they can give it to Mrs. Whitby in room 106 by November 4th. We will make sure the photo is on our "Veteran Wall" before the end of that week. Black and white copies are just fine. Thank you!
November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month - This year we’re showing our support for our assistant principal, Mr. Hoffart, who was recently diagnosed and is going through treatment. As a community, we’ll be wearing "White on Wednesdays" to raise awareness and show our support for Mr. Hoffart’s fight.
On Wednesday, November 20th, we’ll have a special "Hats for Hoffart" day—everyone is encouraged to wear a fun hat in honor of Mr. Hoffart’s strength and resilience. Let's come together as #TBirdsforHoffart and show how much our school community cares. Thank you for your support, Thunderbirds!
Canned Food Drive - Our AVID team is hosting our Annual Canned Food Drive. Please send in your items between November 12th and 19th. See attached flyer for more information regarding items needed and class competition.
Winter Coat Giveaway - The Atwater Educational Enrichment Foundation is once again holding its annual coat giveaway to benefit the families of AESD in the coming winter months. Distribution of Coats: Saturday, November 16, 2024 from 9:00 - 11:00 a.m. at the Mitchell K-6 Cafeteria. If you are interested in donating a new or gently used coat, you may drop off items at any AESD school or the District Office located at 1401 Broadway Avenue in Atwater.
Teddy's Closet - Teddy's food, hygiene items, and clothing closet is open to our families every Wednesday after school in room 101. If you are in need of something, you can also contact our Community Outreach Coordinator, Mrs. Odom, or call the school office. If your student is in need of something (backpack, supplies, coat, sweater, etc), they may stop by any day.
Learning Lab - The Mitchell Senior Learning Lab is open every Tuesday and Thursday from 3-4 PM. The Lab is hosted by teachers who are available to help all students with makeup work, missed assignments, homework help or study time.
Chromebooks - Your child will need to have their fully-charged Chromebook every day at school. If your child is having any issues with their Chromebook, have your child stop by the library and Mrs. Gomez can support him/her.
Athletics/Band/Guard - This is a reminder that a sports physical is required for any student who plans to try out for school-sponsored sports, marching band, color guard, or as a team manager. Prior to participating, a student must be cleared. The mandatory medical clearance packet is good for the entire school year and must be completed each year. The completed packet must be turned in to the office at Mitchell Senior prior to the first day of tryouts for your sport. The medical clearance packet can be picked up at our main office or on our website. As well, students must meet the minimum requirements for grade point average, attendance & tardies, and discipline.
Cell Phone Policy - Please see attached District Cell Phone - Yondr Policy.
Dress Code - Please see FLIGHTS Manual for dress code policy. Students may be asked to call home for a change of clothes or borrow loaners from our Student Services. Thank you for supporting your student by double checking what they are wearing before leaving the house.
Fall Back! - Daylight saving time ended at 2 a.m. today. Make sure you set your clocks back one hour!
Athletics this Week:
- November 4 - Girls Soccer & Boys Volleyball Game vs. Rivera at Mitchell
- November 5 to 8 - Girls Soccer & Boys Volleyball Tournaments
- November 7 & 8 - Boys Basketball Tryouts - Gym - 3:00-4:30 PM
Important Dates - November Activity Calendar Attached
- November 5 to 8 - Girls Soccer & Boys Volleyball Tournaments
- November 8 - Band Veteran's Day Ceremony at Mitchell K-6
- November 11 - Veterans Day - No School
- November 12 - AVID Canned Food Drive begins (ends November 19)
- November 12 - 7th grade 1st Quarter Reward Trip - Bellevue Bowl
- November 19 - 8th grade 1st Quarter Reward Trip - Bellevue Bowl
- November 20 - Hats for Hoffart Day
- November 22 - 2nd Quarter Progress Reports Mailed Home
- November 25 to 29 - Thanksgiving Recess - No School
- December 2 to 6 - Pennies for Presents
- December 6 - Atwater Christmas Parade