Mitchell/Scarlett/Huron Schools Partnership Summer Celebration Event
The Mitchell/Scarlett/Huron Partnership is a working partnership between the School of Education (Marsal School) and three public schools in Ann Arbor: Mitchell Elementary School, Scarlett Middle School, and Huron High School. For 10 years, the Marsal School and these schools have worked together to form a mutually beneficial partnership that fills the needs of the school community as well as the needs of Marsal School students
A major aspect of this partnership has been supporting both ELLs (English Language Learners) in the Ann Arbor Public Schools (AAPS) and the teachers who work with them. This support is provided via attendance in SESLA (Summer ESL Academy), a three week summer program that is academically rich, culturally responsive, and literacy-based.
During SESLA, elementary and middle school students engage in action-oriented units designed in a collaboration between SOE faculty and AAPS teachers to create a space for students to see the numerous strengths in their culture, language, and community while learning English. SESLA culminates in a Summer Celebration Event where students, families, and community members gather to see what students have learned and accomplished during the three-week program.
SESLA Highlights
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In 2009, year one for SESLA, 27 elementary students attended. In 2018, year nine for SESLA, 225 3rd through 8th grade students attended.
- All students who attend now have free breakfast and lunch provided.
Previous SESLA Action-Oriented Units
Natural Habitats for Birds
This unit involved visits to the Critter Conservatory and Leslie Science Center. SESLA students were charged with making a plan for how to positively impact bird habitats.
Making A Living, Making A Life
This unit involved visits to several local businesses and restaurants owned by immigrants, refugees, city and state officials, and other community members. Students were charged with differentiating between making a living and making a life. After interviewing many different people within the community, students were asked to create brochures or pamphlets for businesses and restaurants introducing the owner and their place of business.
2020 SESLA Action-Oriented Unit
What Are Our Responsibilities to the Planet?
This unit will be in collaboration with the Natural History Museum at the University. Students will focus on issues of climate change and the relationship between people and the planet.
Ann Arbor Public Schools Staff Involvement
- Evelyn Daugherty: Teacher Leader at SESLA, EL Teacher at Scarlett Middle School
- Kevin Karr: International Baccalaureate District Facilitator
- Gerald Vasquez: Scarlett Middle School Principal
- Jaye Peterson: Scarlett Middle School Assistant Principal
- All Scarlett Middle School Teachers
Marsal Family School of Education Faculty and Staff Involvement
- Catherine Resichel, Clinical Professor, Co-Leader of SESLA
- Debi Khasnabis: Chair, Elementary Teacher Education, Clinical Associate Professor, Co-Leader of SESLA
- Tim Boerst, Clinical Professor, Mitchell/Scarlett Partnership Co-Planner
- Chauncey Monte-Sano, Associate Professor, Mitchell/Scarlett Partnership Co-Planner
- All ESL Teaching Interns
Links and Materials
MORE FROM Expansions Vol 3
The Marsal Family School of Education is proud to be a leader in the campus-wide initiative promoting Diversity, Inclusion, and Equity. Adding "Justice" to these values underscores the role of educators in the creation of just societies. Through research, public scholarship, community building, and the preparation of education practitioners and policymakers, we articulate and advance our dije agenda.