Dear MMSD Families,

The autumnal season is officially here! For many, this means fall sports and activities, the pervasive pumpkin spice latte, and of course, homecoming activities. I want to thank our high school families and students for sharing their thoughts about this important milestone event, and extend my appreciation to our high school administrators in planning safe solutions in the midst of an ongoing global health pandemic. 

Speaking of celebrations, I would like to acknowledge our national observance of Hispanic Heritage Month. In 1968, our nation began recognizing Hispanic Heritage Week; this commemoration was expanded to a month (September 15-October 15) in 1988. As we lean forward together with humanity, it is important to lift up the unique political, social, linguistic, economic, and cultural contributions of the LatinX community. Our district, state, and nation are strengthened when we embrace these contributions as well as the vibrant community which has given so much to the fabric of American life.

As superintendent, it is extremely beneficial to hear from our families, students, and staff. During Wednesday’s Facebook Livestream, we addressed questions ranging from COVID safety protocols, contact tracing on school buses, COVID testing, and vaccinations to social-emotional support, virtual learning, and teacher retention. We look forward to continuing these conversations with you throughout this school year.

Sincerely,

Carlton D. Jenkins, Ph.D.

Superintendent

Madison Metropolitan School District

Foundation 5K Book Giveaway

Reading is the foundation all students need to succeed. Even though it may seem a long way in the future for this Class of 2034, we are preparing our scholars now to graduate ready for college, careers, and community.

This week, MMSD 5K students began receiving the generous gift of more than 15,300 books. This was made possible through a collaboration among the school district, the Madison Public Schools Foundation, and the Madison Reading Project. This gift was funded by memorial donations from the family and friends of Karen Christensen Ragatz.

Mrs. Ragatz was a longtime MMSD educator, teaching English as a Second Language at Thoreau Elementary, and a dedicated volunteer in our schools. She passed away in February 2021. Each student’s book bundle will include multilingual books, in honor of Mrs. Ragatz’s teaching career.

During the month of September, we recognize National Literacy Month. This wonderful gift to our students is a perfect way to celebrate!

Congratulations Scholars!

This year the Madison Metropolitan School District continued the tradition of having a remarkable number of National Merit Scholar Semifinalists, with 26 outstanding students who have achieved semifinalist status in the National Merit Scholarship Competition. This designation is based on high performance on the 202 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test. Less than one percent of the 1.5 million juniors nationwide who took the test were awarded semifinalist status. 

To become a finalist, students and their advisors must provide information about their academic record, their leadership abilities, participation in activities at school and around the community, and about any honors or awards they've received. Finalists are announced in February, and winners are selected from this pool and announced in the spring. 

Congratulations to our semifinalists:

East High School - Samuel Rickert

James Madison Memorial High School - Regan Banaszak, Thavida Johnston, Jacob Kennedy, Ananya Krishna, Amy Qiao, Felipe Rey, Julia Votava

West High School - Madeleine Ehlenbach, Simon Johnson, Madeline Arpaci-Dusseau, Sorin Caldararu, Emma Elsdon, Alice Hegeman, Chaunjie Jin, Simon Kissel, Clarissa Kuster, Abby Lin, Emilia Nicometo, Nana Osaki, Eliza Siebers, Anna Wang, Bailey Wieland, Phoebe Wrycha, Simon Yang, Rohan Yethiraj

The Teacher Support Network is a New Resource Program for MMSD Schools Offered by the Madison Public Schools Foundation 

This unique model provides every school in the district access to an online store and a budget with which to shop, allowing each school to decide what student supplies and classroom materials they need most, and purchase them when needed. Community support makes this program a reality. Please read more about it in this Wisconsin State Journal story and please consider making a donation today!

Work Credit for High School Students

Is your student working, caregiving, or regularly volunteering for an organization? Did you know that MMSD high school students have the opportunity to earn elective high school credit through paid work or volunteer experiences? During COVID-19 students also have the opportunity to earn credit through caretaking/babysitting. Enrollment in the program is rolling throughout the year. Learn more about earning credit through work or volunteer experiences by clicking here. For information about earning credit through caretaking, please review this checklist.

Families Now Have Access to MMSD’s College and Career Platform, Xello! 

We are excited to announce that families now have access to their scholars’ college and career platform, Xello! 

Xello is MMSD’s college and career platform your child is using in school to help them prepare for the future. It offers a variety of activities from sixth grade to senior year. These activities help students explore their options to make informed decisions about their future goals and plans.

It’s important for students to take ownership in planning for their future. However, the caring adults in their life play an essential supporting role. Use Xello’s New Family account to see your child’s work in future-readiness. Use this opportunity to discuss and support their future goals and plans.

For more information and helpful resources, click here or reach out to your school’s ACP Coordinator. The link includes how to log in to your account, get around your account, and update language preferences.

We are Always Looking to Share the Amazing Stories Happening in MMSD!

Is there a teacher or staff member engaging students with innovative lessons? Do you know of a student who is making a difference or was recently recognized? Are athletics teams, co-curriculars or arts programs demonstrating excellence?

Let us know — share your story here.

Make a Difference in Madison Schools!

We’re looking for culturally diverse education leaders who exude passion as well as purpose, and are committed to the excellence of youth in Madison.

Now Hiring: Substitutes for Nurses, Psychologists, Social Workers, Counselors, Substitute Teachers, Special Education Assistants, and Bilingual Resource Specialists.

James Madison Memorial High School Renaming: Public Hearing Scheduled for Sept. 29 at 5 p.m.

The Ad Hoc Citizens’ Renaming Committee will hold a public hearing on Wednesday, September 29, beginning at 5 p.m., to hear input from the community on four names they wish to recommend to the MMSD Board of Education. 

The four names for consideration are:

• Darlene M. Hancock Memorial High School
• Memorial High School
• Vel Phillips Memorial High School
• Bruce Dahmen Memorial High School

More information about the renaming process and timeline can be found on the Memorial Renaming webpage.