Women’s History Month: Kate Mitchell
The most recent elementary school in the Ames Community School District bears the name Kate (Lysinger) Mitchell, dedicated on November 8, 1970. An Ames native,…
Read moreAmazing EAs: Jamie Bruer
In the realm of inclusive education, where diverse learning needs are addressed with empathy and dedication, there exists a remarkable Educational Assistant (EA) whose commitment…
Read moreGet To Know Justin Jeffs
As we celebrate National Principals Month, let’s get to know Justin Jeffs, the Principal at Mitchell Elementary. Jeffs became a principal because he loves working…
Read moreWelcome Back From Dr. Lawson
It brings me great joy to welcome all of our Ames Community School District students and families to the 2022-23 school year! The opening of…
Read moreFree Summer Meals 2022
The Ames Community School District is pleased to offer a free breakfast and lunch each day to every child in our community through the summer…
Read moreMasked Hero: Barb Malchow
Superpower: Making connections and storytelling. “Every student matters. Every student is a unique individual. Every student deserves the best I can give them in order to help them grow and realize their greatest potential.” This is how Barb Malchow approaches teaching every single day. With a sign in her room that reads “I am of great worth. I have unlimited potential. I can make good choices. I can do hard things. I am amazing inside and out,” Malchow challenges students to believe in themselves.
Read moreMitchell Elementary Construction Update / Informational Meeting
Mitchell Elementary School was one of three elementary schools in Ames (Edwards and Meeker being the other two) that was part of the April 2018 successful bond referendum for elementary school building additions. After reviewing current enrollment, near-term predictable enrollment, projected future enrollment, and housing development, it was determined the most urgent need for additional space is at Mitchell Elementary. In April 2019, the school board approved architectural services by Roseland Mackey Harris Architects (RMHA) for design and construction of addition(s) and renovation at Mitchell Elementary. The scope and goals of the project are to 1) add 6 classrooms to the building, 2) improve the HVAC system to control humidity in the building, and 3) address sound challenges in the music practice area.
Read moreMitchell Elementary Building Expansion
Mitchell Elementary School was one of three elementary schools in Ames (Edwards and Meeker being the other two) that was part of the April 2018 successful bond referendum for elementary school building additions. We reviewed current enrollment, near-term predictable enrollment, and projected future enrollment and determined the most urgent need for additional space is at Mitchell Elementary.
Read moreSensory Path at Mitchell Elementary
Elementary students are full of energy and it is important for them to have an outlet for that energy throughout the day. For many students, recess and physical education classes serve this need, but there are times when additional breaks are needed. Teachers at Mitchell Elementary recently installed a sensory path down one of their main hallways, which is in many ways an indoor “obstacle course.” “The initiative started around conversations with staff about alternative ways to provide “brain breaks” to reduce our building-wide behavior referrals,” said special education teacher Angela Pardun. “During these conversations, we discussed multiple options including a puzzle break table, the sensory path, the addition of a trampoline, and others.”
Read moreRead-a-Thon Celebration
In January, elementary schools across the District organized read-a-thon events in collaboration with their PTOs. “The goal is to get students to develop a passion…
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