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Family Newsletter for Monona Grove High School
~ April 2018
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A Message From Dr. Brost
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Dear Parents:
We hope that your family had a wonderful Spring Break and that students are refreshed. Third quarter ends on April 5 and there is no school on April 6. Grades will be available in Infinite Campus the following week. After a long winter, students are happy to begin fourth quarter. We do remind students, especially Seniors, that one fourth of their school year is still in front of them. Seniors begin vacillating between bliss and anxiety as the end of high school finally approaches. Please help us to reinforce the importance of finishing the year on a positive note: being on time, having good attendance, and keeping grades up.
Freshmen and Sophomores will take the Aspire Exam on the mornings of April 18 & 19. This exam is developed by ACT. Because it aligns with the knowledge and skills on the ACT, Aspire is used to measure progress towards College and Career Readiness. Madison College now utilizes the ACT as an entrance exam as well as four-year universities. It is important that students make their best efforts on these assessments. In addition to the individual feedback that students and families receive, we use scores from Aspire to measure curriculum and performance gaps that need to be addressed.
There will be two "Safety in Our Schools" meetings for parents and community members in the near future. The updated procedures for active shooter responses will be shared. Glacial Drumlin School will host a meeting in their gym at 6:30 p.m. on April 10 and Monona Grove High School will host a meeting in the auditorium at 6:30 p.m. on April 12.
A new visitor sign-in system will be implemented at the high school in the next couple of months. Parents and visitors will need to present a driver's license or other identification. The I.D. is scanned and an automated background check is conducted prior to a Visitor Pass being issued. More details will be communicated when the implementation date is determined and training for office staff is complete.
Parents of seniors, graduation is approaching fast. Caps and gowns should be ordered. A reminder that gowns that were used in ceremonies before 2016 will not match. Students may borrow a gown from the last two years only. The ceremony is on Sunday, June 3 at 1:00 p.m. Seniors must successfully complete all graduation requirements in order to participate in the commencement ceremony. Also, all fees must be paid in full and there can be no outstanding discipline. Please communicate with teachers and school counselors if you have any questions or concerns regarding academic progress.
The next Parent/Educator Forum will be in the IMC on April 16. Please join us if you are available.
Sincerely,
Paul Brost, Ph.D.
Principal
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2018-19 Student Calendar
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The 2018-19 School Calendar has been approved by the MGSD Board of Education. Click
HERE to view it.
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| AP Exam Reminder |
A reminder to students who have registered to take the AP Exams. These exams will be administered May 7 - 18. Make sure you know what days your exams are offered. All exams will be at the district office, so please make transportation arrangements and arrive on time. Parking is limited, so please carpool if possible.
Morning exams require you to arrive no later than 7:40 a.m., afternoon exams have an 11:40 a.m. arrival time. If you have questions, please see Ms. Bishop in the student services' office.
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Parent Educator Forum Meeting
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All parents/guardians of MGHS students are welcome to attend the Parent Educator Forum meeting on Monday, April 16, at 6:30 p.m.
Parent Educator Forum is an informal meeting in which Dr. Brost gives a brief overview of current issues in education and events occurring at the high school, occasionally followed by group discussion. There is no formal agenda, it's an opportunity for parents to have contact with high school staff, without dues or volunteering. This is a great opportunity to meet with Dr. Brost in a small group setting, hear what's going on at the high school level and discuss issues!! Parents interested in what is discussed can email Lisa Stangler at jlstangler@hotmail.com to get notes from our most recent meeting. We'd love to see new faces!
The Forum will meet again on May 21. It will be the last meeting of the 2017-18 school year.
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| HOSA News |
HOSA would like to thank everyone who donated and volunteered at the spring blood drive. The American Red Cross was able to collect 71 units of blood which will help save over 200 lives!
Twenty HOSA members will be competing at the State Leadership Conference in April. They will be competing in events such as Public Service Announcement, Sports Medicine, Biomedical Debate, Researched Persuasive Writing and Speaking, Extemporaneous Writing, Medical Math, Nutrition, Health Education, and more! Wish them luck before April 15th.
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Spring Musical - Crazy for You
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"Crazy For You," the Tony Award winning musical comedy inspired by George Gershwin's 1930 musical "Girl Crazy," has memorable music, hilarious characters and non-stop dancing.
Adults: $14; Student and Seniors: $10
Tickets also may be purchased in person in the lobby one hour before the curtain. For more information on ticket sales, call 608-316-1389.
Showtimes: April 5, 6, 7 at 7:00 p.m.
April 7 and 8 at 2:00 p.m.
Directed and choreographed by Michael Stanek, "Crazy For You" tells the story of New York banker Bobby Child traveling to a small mining town in Nevada to foreclose on a property. When Bobby discovers that the property is actually an old theater, he has another idea. Bobby recruits the whole town as well as some Broadway talent to put on a show, save the theater and win the heart of the sweetest girl in town.
The script, by award-winning Broadway playwright Ken Ludwig, seamlessly weaves together an iconic score by George and Ira Gershwin featuring some of the most well-known standards of the golden age of musical theater. Vocal director Lori Nahirniak and Orchestra director Patrick Dorn lead the cast and pit in a lineup of classics including "Embraceable You," "They Can't Take That Away From Me," "Someone to Watch Over Me" and a tap dancing extravaganza: "I Got Rhythm!" You won't want to miss this musical extravaganza!
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News from the Student Services Department
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Freshmen and Sophomore Aspire Assessment
All MGHS freshmen and sophomores will take the Aspire assessment on Wednesday and Thursday, April 18 and 19, 2018. The Aspire is a computerized assessment in the areas of: reading, math, English, science and writing. The Aspire assessment is designed to assess a students' readiness for post-secondary college and career options. Participation in the Aspire is mandatory for all freshmen and sophomores; please schedule non-school related appointments outside of these days.
On the 18th and 19th, Freshmen and Sophomores will report at the usual start time for the Aspire assessment. Juniors and Seniors will report to classes at 11:58 am. Wednesday, April 18 is a B day and Thursday, April 19 is an A day. Buses will run normal morning and afternoon runs. There will NOT be a mid-day bus run to bring Juniors and Seniors to school. Supervision will be provided in the Commons for students who take the bus in the morning and are not testing. There will be one lunch at 11:18-11:53 am. All students must report to classes beginning at 11:58 am.
ACT Results and Score Reports
Students who have questions about how and when they will receive their ACT score reports from state testing in February are asked to see page 28 of their
"Taking the ACT Test"
booklet that was distributed during pre-administration bubbling.
If students already have an ACT web account,
they should wait at least 2-3 weeks after the test date to log in to their account and check to see if their multiple choice scores have been posted; writing scores are usually posted about two weeks after the multiple choice scores are posted.
If students do
not
have an ACT web account, they must wait until
after
they receive their mailed score report before creating an account.
ACT with writing score reports are mailed 5-8 weeks after the test date. To create their account, students will need to enter the ACT ID from their paper score report.
Advanced Placement Testing 2018
Students registered to take the Advanced Placement Exams are reminded that the regularly scheduled exams will be administered between May 7 - May 18. A copy of each student's exam schedule including dates, times and rooms of the exams will be sent to the students via the email used when registering for the exams. A reminder that all testing will occur at the Monona Grove District Office. Transportation is not provided to or from the district office, please make necessary arrangements prior to the date of the exam, and if possible, carpool with classmates as parking is limited. If transportation will be problematic, please see Susan Bishop at least one week prior to your AP Exam date and she will assist you in making these arrangements.
All students must arrive to the test location at the time noted during your registration (typically 7:40 for morning exams and 11:40 for afternoon exams). Late arrivals will not be admitted and you will not be allowed to test in the late testing sessions. You must stay for the entire duration of the testing; no leaving early is allowed (including for sporting events). Talk to coaches or advisors if you have an activity the day of one of your exams to arrange to arrive late.
NO CELL PHONES ALLOWED IN THE TESTING ROOM!
No electronic equipment (cell phone, smartphone, smartwatch, fitbit, laptop, tablet computer, chrome books, portable listening or recording devices (MP3 player or iPod), cameras or other photographic equipment, devices that can access the internet, or any other electronic or communication devices are allowed during the administration or breaks.
If a student is found to have a cell phone or any other electronic device, the device will be confiscated, and the student must be dismissed from the testing room. The student's score will be cancelled and fees will not be returned.
These rules apply during the exams as well as during breaks and following the exam prior to dismissal.
Eat a nutritional breakfast the morning of your exam(s). If you have two exams in one day, please pack a lunch to eat quickly between exams. You will not have time to leave and get something. If you participate in the free or reduced lunch meal program, please let Susan Bishop know at least one week prior to your exam so that she can make arrangements for you to have a healthy meal.
Bring sharpened number two pencils (NO mechanical pencils), a black or blue pen, and if necessary, a calculator or straightedge to your exam.
Any questions can be directed to Susan Bishop.
SENIOR NEWS
Local Scholarship Applications Due on April 4!
Seniors are encouraged to complete the local scholarship application today! Students should access the application through their Monona Grove school account by clicking on the link below.
Each sponsoring individual, family or organization established the selection criteria for their scholarship award. Scholarship criteria may include some or all of the following: GPA, intended major/program of study, co-curricular activities, community service, and/or leadership. The deadline for submitting applications is Wednesday, April 4, 2018.
Scholarship Information
Seniors are encouraged to continue applying for scholarships! New scholarships offered by area families, service organizations, and businesses are being posted daily. Click on Student Services, then Post-Secondary Planning, and then scholarships. The most recent additions with upcoming deadlines are listed at the bottom of the list. Hurry - many deadlines are coming soon!
Summer Employment
Is your student looking for a job this summer? Do they have a resume ready? Ms. Macias will be hosting resume workshops during both lunches on April 3rd and 5th. Students should plan on bringing their Chromebooks. Following the resume workshops, Monona Grove is working with the Monona Public library to support their mock interview day on April 14th from 10-2. Students should use the following link to secure their spot for a mock interview:
https://goo.gl/TkLQxD
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| Mindfulness Class for HS Teens |
Do you know any teens who are struggling with STRESS?? Click
HERE to see a flyer from the UW Health Mindfulness Program.
For more information and registration materials are available
REGISTRATION ENDS APRIL 4!
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Homework Help
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The Overtime Program is a program for students who need a place to do homework after school and for students who need extra time to complete an assignment or get extra help in a class. Some students may be assigned to Overtime by their teachers if there is a need.
Overtime takes place on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 3:30-4:30 in the IMC. Please encourage your student to take advantage of the Overtime Program if they need additional help with an assignment or in one of their classes.
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Summer School 2018
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Summer School 2018
Monday, June 18 through Friday, July 13
(no class July 4, 5 & 6)
Monona Grove High School provides summer school for additional academic support for students who did not pass a specific course and need credit remediation. Registration for the credit recovery classes at MGHS summer school will continue to be done through our MGHS counselors in Student Services. Parents will receive a letter from the student services department stating that your child needs to sign up for summer school and how to register.
In addition to credit recovery classes, MGHS will offer an ACT prep class. Registration for this course will occur through counselors in our Student Services department as well.
This year our Speed, Conditioning & Agility and Weight Training sessions will be offered but will NOT run through summer school. Registration for those sessions will be done through the MGHS Athletic Department. Please watch for more information to come from the high school on how to sign up for Speed, Conditioning & Agility and Weight Training.
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| 2018-19 Online Registration Opens May 1 |
Online Registration for Returning Students Begins
May 1, 2018
Online registration for returning students begins on May 1, 2018 and ends on June 30, 2018. Families of returning students are required to register each year. You will receive an email at the end of April with instructions on how to complete the online registration process.
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| School Pictures for Fall 2018 |
All picture days/times will be listed on the printable form-after May 1st-instead of sending letters to home during the summer. For questions or other assistance call Capital School Pictures at 608-839-1700 before picture day.
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| Summer Sports Camps |
~ Save the dates ~
Summer Camp season is just around the corner! Registration for Monona Grove High School's athletics summer camps is now open. Camp dates are listed below.
- Boys Basketball Youth Camps: June 12-14
- Dance Youth Camp: June 14-15
- Football Youth Camp: June 18-19
- Football High School Camp: June 18-19, July 17-19
- Boys & Girls Soccer Youth Camp: June 25-28
- Girls Basketball Youth Camps: June 25-28
- Girls Basketball Youth Skills Camps: July 10, 12, 17, 19, 24, 26
Please contact Activities/Athletics Administrative Assistant Nicole Poley at (608) 316-1371 or nicole.poley@mgschools.net with questions.
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| Athletic Department News |
Notify Me!
Spring sports are up and running! Have you ever wondered if a sporting event or activity has been cancelled due to weather? If so, it's time to get registered to receive email notification of the cancelled/changed sport/activity. MGHS waits until approximately 2:00 p.m. to cancel a sporting event.
Are you following us?
Keep up on the latest athletics information by following us on Twitter @mghssports
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Reminders from the Attendance Office
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 24 hour Attendance Line: 608-316-1393
The Attendance Office is open from 7:15-3:45. Parents may call before or after school and leave a message regarding their child's attendance.
Parents are required to call the Attendance Line prior to 10:00 A.M. on the day of the absence.
Please be sure to indicate the student's name, grade, date of absence and reason for absence when calling.
Students must have absences excused within 24 hours after they return or the absences will be considered unexcused.
The MGSD recognizes a positive relationship between good school attendance and success in school and employment.
A student's attendance in school becomes part of his/her permanent school record and is often the subject of inquiry by employers. Most importantly, however, is the need for students to be in school to interact with the teacher and with other students as they gain the knowledge that is necessary for successful completion of the course of studies Monona Grove High School provides.
Excused Absences
Parents may excuse, in writing, a student for any reason
PRIOR
to the day of the absence. (Wis. Stats. 118.15(3)(c). If an excuse is not given prior to an absence, the school, not a student's parent, excuses an absence. Monona Grove High School will excuse a student from school for the following reasons:
- personal illness;
- illness in the family for which the student is required at home;
- funerals and weddings;
- religious holidays;
- legal obligations;
- dental, medical, and orthodontic appointments;
- family vacations that cannot be scheduled during non-school times or other family approved vacations or school visits with prior approval; and
- an emergency situation which must be reviewed by the assistant principal.
Unexcused Absences
The school will not excuse an absence for any reason other than those listed above. Specifically:
- single period absences for illness when the student fails to report to the Nurse's Office
- absences related to vehicle problems during the school day
- oversleeping
- absences due to working on other school work will not be excused unless it's a school-sponsored field trip.
Parents will be notified of unexcused absences by phone or mail. Students with unexcused absences from classes or study halls will be assigned one, two-hour after school detention per period missed.
Leaving School Early
Monona Grove High School is a closed campus except for the following occasions: lunch, cooperative education programs, medical/dental appointments, sudden illness, or open campus students. During passing times, students must remain on school grounds. All students wishing to leave school must obtain permission from their parent, the assistant principal, or the school nurse in case of illness. Students will not be allowed out of class for illness unless they are going home. At that time, the student must sign out in the Attendance Office and receive an out pass. If he/she plans to return to school, he/she must sign in upon returning. Students are not allowed to have other students drive them anywhere during the school day.
Planned Absences and Vacations
Occasionally a student will know in advance that he/she will be absent from school. This can be excused if, and only if, a planned absence form is
completed prior to the absence. This requires that the student notify his/her teachers of the planned absence so that school work missed during the absence can be given to the student. This must be done at least three days prior to the planned absence. Planned absence forms are available in the Attendance Office and are required for absences of 3 or more days.
If forms are not completed and returned before the student leaves, the absences will be unexcused.
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Infinite Campus Information
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Is your Infinite Campus Information Up to Date?Do you have a change of information such as a new doctor, a new e-mail address or phone number? It is very important that all of your information is up to date on Infinite Campus. Please log into your Parent Portal and enter the new information.
Infinite Campus Mobile App
Parents may access Infinite Campus on their mobile devices. The mobile app information can be found at the bottom of the parent portal window. The District ID is GJGZMY.
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| Black Student Union News |
The Black Student Union (BSU) put months of hard work into an assembly on March 7th that included two guest speakers, definitions, and personal examples of Microaggressions and how to be an Upstander, not a bystander. In addition to presenting to the entire school, they also presented to the District Level Equity Alliance Group. The BSU has patiently educated students and staff and continues to overcome adversities as a group, because we are a family.
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| DECA State AND Internationals |
In early March MG DECA sent nine competitors to their annual State Competition in Lake Geneva. Congratulations to the team of Anna Brown, Taylor Payne, and Haley Stauffacher who took 1st place in their Marketing Project Competition and will represent Wisconsin DECA at DECA's International Competition in Atlanta in April. Hugh Counsell will join them in Atlanta after two top 4 finishes in his events at State. Gabby Kokesh also medaled in her role play event and MG's DECA Chapter received Gold Chapter recognition for their outstanding community service events. Congrats to all participants and winners!
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District Wide Strings Fest
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A SUCCESS!
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| MG21 Open House and Newsletter |
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MG21's 8th Annual Open House
April 18th, 4:30-7:30pm
The Nichols School Building, 5301 Monona Drive, Monona
Click
HERE for the MG21 Newsletter
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| Alcohol Awareness |
April is Alcohol Awareness Month. Click
HERE for the April Family Service AODA Prevention Newsletter for April 2018.
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