Mendell Communication Hub
School Spotlight
Letter from Principal Qi Chen
Dear Mendell Families,
I hope this letter finds you well and enjoying the remaining days of summer. As the new principal, I am honored to have this opportunity to welcome you to the 2023-2024 school year.
Since late June, I have had the privilege of immersing myself in the vibrant culture and values of the Mendell community. I have met with dedicated staff members, engaged with enthusiastic students, and had meaningful conversations with parents and caregivers. Through these interactions, I have gained a deep appreciation for the unique strengths and aspirations that define our school.
As we begin this new academic journey, I want to share the priorities that will guide us throughout the year. First and foremost, the safety and well-being of our students will be a top priority. We are committed to maintaining a safe and nurturing learning environment where all students can thrive.
Equally important is our dedication to fostering a strong sense of belonging and community. We believe that a thriving school is one where everyone feels valued and accepted for who they are. To achieve this, we will organize various events and activities that encourage collaboration, empathy, and friendship among students, families, and staff.
Our third priority revolves around enhancing students' learning outcomes. We recognize that each child's educational journey is unique, and we are committed to providing diverse and engaging learning experiences that cater to individual strengths and needs and empower your children to achieve their fullest potential.
I am thrilled to lead the Mendell School in the pursuit of these goals and to partner with you in creating a supportive and enriching environment for our students. Your involvement and feedback are invaluable to us, and I encourage you to actively engage with the school throughout the year.
Thank you for entrusting us with your children's education. I am excited about the journey that lies ahead and the positive impact we will make together. Let's make this school year one of growth, discovery, and achievement for every student at Mendell Elementary School.
Warm regards,
Qi
Principal | Mendell Elementary School
Stand Against Racism April 2022
Stand Against Racism Week
This week the Mendell community observed Stand Against Racism Week. This is a week of shared learning, reflection and advocacy inspired by the YWCA's national movement and commitment to racial equity and justice. Students and staff engaged in a variety of activities across all grade levels with the goals of celebrating racial identity and explicitly uprooting and challenging the interpersonal, structural and systemic forces that contribute to racial inequities in our city and nation.
This week our early childhood students read All the Colors We Are and learned about how we are all shades of brown :-) Shamikhah Baker, a Mendell parent and Independent School Admissions Officer came to read with our K2 scholars. Thank you! Our grade 2 students analyzed books on a "banned list" to identify themes and trends, determine the message and significance of each book and work together to advocate for these books to be accessible to all children. They were also visited by Beth Chandler, YWCA President and CEO, to learn how she stands against racism in her work and role.
Our upper grade students have been reflecting on their learning and building on one another's thinking all year long. Our 3rd grade students had the opportunity to interview the author of Innosanto Nagara, author of Oh the Things We're For. Our 4th grade students are meeting with a representative from a local urban grade. Next week in Science our students will meet with Ella Schwartz, author of Stolen Science: Thirteen Untold Stories of Scientists and Inventors almost Written Out of History
This week culminated with a school-wide chalk talk, where all of our students and staff took to the pavement and shared their vision of racial equity, justice and advocacy through written words, drawings and images. See below for some examples. We recognize that "standing against racism" isn't a commitment that lives in a day, week or month; It is a choice we must make day in and day out, all year long and it is a choice we will continue to make, together.
Sincerely,
Julia Bott
Stand Against Racism Week Chalk Talk!
Student Learning Spring Showcase! April 2022
Dear Mendell families,
Thank you to all the families who attended our annual Student Learning Showcase. It was amazing to see so many new and returning Mendell families IN PERSON, in our school community. Students were so proud to show off their learning and their classroom communities to all of you. We hope you enjoyed your visit and look forward to having you back again soon!
Below are some sample slideshows from the night:
Support the Mendell
Our School's achievement is built upon your financial support and your time invested in the school. Donations support our arts, science and physical education programs, as well as our mission of inclusion learning. All donations are tax-deductible and go directly to the school through our registered 501c3-Friends of the Mendell.
Donate Online: Click here
If you don't have paypal, you can make a contribution with a credit card here
Donate by Check
Or send a check made out to Friends of the Mendell to:
Friends of the Mendell
C/O Ellis Mendell Elementary School
164 School St.
Roxbury, MA 02119
Receipts will be provided for all donations.The EIN for tax purposes is 81-2367208.
Other Ways to Support the Mendell
Direct a portion of your on-line shopping to the Mendell using Amazon Smile
Give directly to a project through Donors Choose
At Artsonia, 20% of your purchase goes back to support art projects at the Mendell
stop and shop rewards.pdfStop & Shop
If you regularly visit Stop & Shop, a portion of the money you spend there could be returned to the Mendell as a donation. See the flyer to learn more.