Hello Mitchell Family and Friends,

I am excited to have the privilege to lead Mitchell Elementary and become a Mustang. My pursuit of this position was sparked by the International Baccalaureate (IB)  commitment to inquiry as a teaching and learning practice, the IB focus on fostering a more peaceful world and intercultural understanding and respect, as well as the Mitchell community's sound reputation of collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement towards academic excellence.

As I have been so warmly welcomed, I wanted to take this opportunity to share a little about myself. I received a Bachelor of Science in English from Wayne State University, where I also earned a Master of Arts in Elementary Education. In addition to leading the Lakewood community for the past four years, I serve on the AAPS district equity team and have an extensive Responsive Classroom background. Prior to Lakewood Elementary, I served as the Assistant Principal of John D. Pierce Middle School in South Redford School District, as well as an ELA and reading intervention teacher. I was also the Elementary Summer School Principal and helped launch SOAR Academic Institute, South Redford’s online school. Personally, I am a triathlete who recently celebrated five years of marriage to my husband, John. I enjoy music, going to the movies and have an addiction to chocolate chip cookies.

Thank you for your continued support and do not hesitate to reach out should you need anything.

In partnership,

Principal Latour

Hello Mitchell Families!

I am honored to serve as Assistant Principal at Mitchell Elementary School. I was born and raised in Ann Arbor and began my career in the Ann Arbor Public Schools as a teacher at Dicken Elementary and then continuing on at Mitchell Elementary. Prior to being named as the Assistant Principal at Mitchell Elementary, I served as a middle school Assistant Principal and Dean of Students in the San Jose Unified School District in San Jose, California. I hold a Master's degree from Eastern Michigan University in Educational Leadership, K-12 Administration as well as a Doctoral degree from Eastern Michigan University in Educational Leadership. My wife is a 5^th grade teacher in the Ann Arbor Public School District, and we have children enrolled in the district.

Returning to Mitchell School is like coming home for me, and that is something that I hold in high regard. I believe there is no greater purpose than to work for the success and wellbeing of children. I believe that school should be a place of joy, curiosity, engagement, and growth. It’s a place where every child should be nurtured and their social, emotional, and academic needs met by a caring, committed staff. I’m excited to contribute to and support the great work already being done at Mitchell Elementary.

Thank you for your support,

Dr. Bell