Thank you for visiting the Mitchell Elementary School website.

My name is Mark LaLonde, and I have been the proud principal of Mitchell Elementary since 2023. Prior to coming to Ann Arbor, I worked as a principal in Stockbridge, MI and at a National Blue Ribbon school in Baltimore, MD. I have also worked in the following roles as an educator in Washington DC Public Schools as a district level content expert in humanities, lead teacher, dean of students, department chair and as a highly effective classroom teacher. However, as a resident of Ann Arbor with my family, I am excited about the opportunity to serve the Mitchell Community. 

At Mitchell, we take pride in developing our students into reflective life-long learners through our International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme. We stress the development of our students as inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who contribute to their community and world. 

Our team is eager to work with you. I am available to discuss school issues with you and can be reached via email, voicemail or by appointment. We welcome the involvement of our families in making Mitchell Elementary the best place for children to learn and grow!

Hello, Mitchell Community, 

I am excited to join the Mitchell Community in a new way! As a current Mitchell parent and building leader in the Ann Arbor Public Schools, I look forward to supporting the Mitchell community through the many perspectives and experiences I will bring to her role. 

I have worked in the Ann Arbor Public Schools since 2011. I have served in many roles within the district, including special education paraprofessional, middle school teacher, elementary school Intervention Specialist, and Assistant Principal at King Elementary. Last school year, I served as Interim Principal at Thurston Elementary. My education includes a B.S in Elementary Education from Eastern Michigan University and a M.S. in Educational Leadership from Concordia University.

During my time in the AAPS, I have served on the district’s Multi-Tiered System of Supports Committee and Social-Emotional and Wellness Team. I have also been a proactive advocate for equitable teaching and learning, social-emotional learning and well-being structures and supports, restorative practices, effective communication and student engagement. 

My leadership focus is on the social-emotional health and wellness of students and cultivating inclusive, equitable environments. The philosophy that the grown-ups in a child’s life are critical partners and that each child must feel seen, heard, and not only understood but empathized with has led my work. It is my mission to affirm and value the cultural identity of each child. This provides a learning environment where students can feel comfortable as risk-takers, are able to express themselves each day, and can meet the high expectations that they set for themselves.

I look forward to working with students, teachers, staff, parents, and each member of the community to continue to provide children with the opportunity to grow in their enthusiasm for learning and life, exploration of their interests, and understanding of the world around us with a caring and reflective outlook.