In January, the Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD) “paused” our winter break return at all grade levels for three days. The delay was in response to a severe spike in positive COVID-19 cases. The pause proved a necessary step in providing a safe return. The MMSD is now required to provide additional instructional time to make up for the three days of time lost. To avoid extending the school year three days, our district developed an asynchronous learning plan for Mondays and May 27. The plan is that all students will engage in 90 minutes of asynchronous learning beginning Monday, April 25, and continuing on Mondays through June 6. Also, Friday, May 27 will be an asynchronous learning day for students. The asynchronous learning will be focused on planning for college, career, and community success after high school. Students will have different options for how to use this time. The options will be posted in Google Classroom. This work is self-paced and ungraded. For questions and support with college and career prep contact your counselor.

East's MENA Student Association is group of students at East High School who either identify as Middle Eastern or North African or are interested about learning and exploring about these regions and their cultures. Part of the group's purpose is to create presentations to educate and celebrate MENA cultures with others. As the month of April comes to an end, we encourage you to view this presentation about MENA Heritage Month to learn about and celebrate MENA cultures. Students who are interested in working to break stereotypes, fight against racism, and make the East community safe and welcoming for all should join weekly MENA meetings on Tuesdays during lunch in the LMC Gold.

Mikki Smith has been named the permanent principal of East High School. In a letter to the school community on Wednesday, Superintendent Dr. Jenkins said, "Principal Smith has been a steady leader at school, a tireless advocate for students, and committed to family partnerships and engagement." Prior to serving as interim principal this year, Ms. Smith was an Assistant Principal at East for 11 years, an Assistant Principal at LaFollette High School for six years and West High School for three years. Ms. Smith worked as an administrator at Sun Prairie High School, and was a school counselor. She’s also a Logistics Officer and Major in the United States Army Reserve, where she’s served for 24 years. She received a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from the University of Maryland-College Park, and a Master’s degree in Counseling from Hampton University in Hampton, Virginia. Ms. Smith holds a K-12 Guidance Counseling Certification and K-12 Administrative Certification, both from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Congratulations Principal Smith!

Congratulations are in order for the King of the Castle, Barry Thruman, East High School Building Custodian III, on his retirement after 31 years of service to the Madison Metropolitan School District in the Building Services Department. Barry is an exemplary employee and leader and will be missed tremendously. Thank you for all you have done for us Barry!

The Expressions Student Literary Committee excitedly announces that we have published the Expressions Literary & Arts Magazine 2021-2022 edition! Physical copies are available in the LMC. Students worked very hard to publish virtually "Connections + Transitions" with an emphasis on illustrated art (shoutout to April Sopkin's art students) and poetry written in Spanish (shoutout to Barbara Davis and her poetry students!). A special thank you to Jen Milne-Carroll, Library Media Technology Specialist and Expressions Advisor, and the Expressions Committee Student Members: Kadjata Bah, Zuri Eason, Tamaya Travis, Nikia Rowe, Eva Hecht, and Jenna Hillestad.

Last week East High students came together to celebrate Earth Day while also bringing attention to the climate change crisis, calling for action in this environmental movement. "It's one of our most brought-up topics because everybody is really concerned," East High School Senior Tamaya Travis said. Public Radio covered the event and you can listen and read more about our brave and intelligent Purgolders here.

Summit Credit Union is in the process of hiring new interns for next school year, 4 specifically at East High School. Students can stop by the branch next to the Welcome Center during lunch with questions. Pay starts at $13/hr, interns work primarily during the lunch hour at the school branch, but can work outside of that time if they would like extra hours. They will also have professional development opportunities including job shadowing, interning in other Summit Credit Union departments, networking, as well as working on projects.

Through grant funding East was able to get a semi-portable sound booth and podcasting set-up (pictured). Thanks to our custodial staff and the TowerTV editors for setting it up. The Advanced Broadcast students are psyched to use it for the May episode of the school TV show.

Three East students, Jashiya Maynard-Woods, Florencia Olivera and Ross Hudson, applied for and secured all expenses paid scholarships for a college journalism camp this summer at Elon University in North Carolina. The program includes college credit in the School of Communication.

East High School Business and media teacher, April van Buren went to LA earlier this month for the Journalism Education Association conference, in her 7th year serving on the National Contests Committee, and was recognized by the JEA Board and President. Ms. van Buren served as the National Broadcast Contests Director for 4 years and ran a National Journalism Quiz Bowl twice a year for 3 of 4 years before that. Congratulations Ms. van Buren, our students are so lucky to learn from someone with such great field experience.

Seniors will visit the LMC with their English class throughout the day on Friday, May 6th to fill out their name reader card for the ceremony, sign up for Summer Melt, check for overdue fees, ensure they completed the Post High Survey App and Civics Exam Graduation Requirement, and receive their cap/gown/stole/tassel from Midwest Scholastic. Here are some dates and times of upcoming Senior activities and some helpful information about graduation. Updated Senior information can also be found on our Senior website: east.mmsd.org/students/seniors.