Dear MMSD Families,

As we reach the end of the school year, we start to witness billboards, yard signs, invitations, and social media posts related to commencement. These events signal a simultaneous process of ending one phase of life and beginning another. As such, these events often elicit a time of reflection about a kindergarten experience; a move to middle school; beginning a new chapter in the fall as a high school student; or postsecondary education, career, and service opportunities upon graduation. We salute all of our students, staff, and family members who are currently experiencing these moments, and we are grateful for what they have contributed to MMSD and our community.

Please take a moment to check out what’s going on in our district - the stories below highlight only a small portion of the amazing things happening at MMSD! From student and staff successes, alumni Wesley Matthews giving back to Madison’s youth, and referendum construction updates, there is much to celebrate!

I hope our families and scholars enjoy these last few days of school, and have a wonderful summer!

Sincerely,

Carlton D. Jenkins, Ph.D.

Superintendent

Happy Pride Month!

We celebrate LGBTQ diversity together. We are committed to recognition, inclusion, and ensuring everyone's voice is heard.

We believe that students, staff, and families of all races, ethnicities, faiths, home languages, immigration statuses, disabilities, sexual orientations, and gender identities are valuable members of our MMSD community.

Stephens Elementary Celebrates Retiring, Longtime Teachers

Four outgoing teachers at Glenn Stephens Elementary School are retiring this summer, bringing plenty of memories, gratitude, and advice with them–all gathered during a combined 103 years of teaching at the elementary school.

Jill Hayes (22 years), Jamie Mawhinney (28 years), Deborah Steinhoff (27 years), and Susan Stevens (26 years) have each taught hundreds of scholars at Stephens. 

“I am so proud to have worked with so many strong, caring, and talented educators,” Principal Sarah Galanter-Guziewski said. “They have made Glenn Stephens a place where people want to bring their own kids and to educate the kids of our community.”

The four teachers said witnessing student growth was one of the biggest joys of teaching across their careers, made possible by their relationships with the entire Stephens community.

Read More About Their Journey

Early College STEM Academy Grad Reflects on Academic Success

Ana Michelle Guerrero-Rivera’s family, friends, and educators broke into cheers as she walked across the Madison College graduation stage last month, earning her associate degree through the Early College STEM Academy.

The partnership between MMSD and Madison College provides opportunities for students to earn free STEM college credit while still in high school. At only 18 years old, Guerrero-Rivera has already completed two years of college during her junior and senior years.

“I learned a lot about myself as a student and as a person,” Guerrero-Rivera said. “I also learned that I need help from others. It may sound obvious but this experience really pushed me to get out of my comfort zone and ask for help.” 

For Guerrero-Rivera, that meant developing a detailed class and study schedule and discovering her learning style. One of her favorite memories from the Academy is receiving tutoring help at the Student Achievement Center while taking Calculus II. With help from her tutor, she saw instant success in her homework and test scores.

Read More About Ana Michelle

Between now and graduation, we're spotlighting and celebrating our graduating classes. Visit our graduation page to see more!

Big achievements deserve to be honored in a big way, so keep an eye out for displays similar to this as you drive around Madison, and join us in celebrating our graduating class of 2022!

MMSD Alumni Wesley Matthews Gives Back to MMSD in Big Ways

Wesley Matthews understands the impact sports, physical education, and recess can have on a young person. From finding new passions – Matthews discovered his love for soccer in Physical Education class – to reducing stress, and learning how to problem-solve, getting active improves students’ well-being both in and out of the classroom.

"It's our responsibility to be the pillars of hope, stability, and safety to our youth! To give them positive encouragement, reinforcement, guidance and, above all, an environment that will enable their gifts and talents to shape our society and our world for the better through the classroom and sports. My hope is that you all can see the power our youth holds and help us positively impact kids' lives." -Wesley Matthews

Committed to investing in Madison’s youth, his alma mater, and the community, Matthews has partnered with Madison Public Schools Foundation to give Madison schools additional resources to ensure students have more opportunities to play every day. That partnership includes an initial $50,000 gift, plus another $50,000 donation match, dedicated to supporting the resources our schools need today.

MMSD will use your gift through the Foundation's Teacher Support Network. Their focus: To purchase equipment, cover student fees, and support programs directly related to physical activity that benefits ALL students. Let’s foster their future together.Donate

Construction is underway!

Construction crews are working diligently to get ready for a busy summer ahead. On the exterior, excavation crews established the site storage area for construction equipment and trailers. Workers have also started creating temporary access for the first phase of classroom renovations on the second and third floors.

Inside the building, temporary walls were built around construction areas to maintain student and staff safety during construction activities.

What’s happening inside East?

• Removing ceiling tiles in classrooms and hallways to prepare for the first phase of renovations
• Starting work for new mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fire suppression systems
• Preparing to install new, more energy-efficient boiler equipment, which will improve the school’s heating systems

For additional construction information visit our website. Thank you for your continued partnership in making our facilities Future Ready. Learn more about the updates included in the Referendum 2020.

Share Your Thoughts on MMSD's Strategic Framework

You are invited to attend and participate in an upcoming virtual input session, sharing your ideas about how MMSD can meet the three goals outlined in the Strategic Framework. We want to hear your perspectives about MMSD’s strategic plan, learn about your experiences within MMSD, and better understand your needs and concerns. Middle and high school students are invited to participate in the input sessions.

• Wednesday, June 8 • 6:30 - 7:30 p.m., virtual session
• Register in advance here. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

Your voice will help to inform the Strategic Framework recalibration process. Thank you for helping MMSD get to the next level as we seek to create learning environments where ALL scholars thrive.

Spring Athletics Highlights 

Below is a summary of recent achievements by student athletes across MMSD:

• Madison East: Aidan Simpkin, first state tennis qualifier since 2017
• Madison Memorial: Conference, regional, sectional champions in girls track
• Madison West and Madison Memorial tennis teams finish champion and runner up at sectionals
• WIAA golf: Madison Memorial qualifies as a team, and Madison La Follette sophomore Will Arkin qualifies as an individual for the State Boys Golf Championships next week.
• WIAA tennis: 13 participating in individual tournament this weekend
• WIAA track and field: 17 girls and 19 boys across the four high schools are participating in the state championships this weekend.

Stay up to date with all the excitement - follow us on Twitter @AthleticsMMSD.

Big Eight Schedules

The City of Madison Fire Department, in collaboration with over 25 public and private organizations throughout Dane County, host the Safety Saturday event each year.

Safety Saturday is an event that educates parents, children, and the public on ways to make safe decisions, prevent injuries, and to encourage the use of safety devices such as seat belts, bike helmets, and smoke alarms. 

• Date and Time: Saturday, June 11, 2022 - 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Location: East Washington Ave. at Capitol Square
• Event Cost: Free

Device Return Guidelines for Graduating/Departing Students

Details below outline how students should return their district-issued device prior to graduating or leaving the school district.

Saving MMSD Google Items

The school district maintains student Google Apps accounts, and files cannot be forwarded to a new Google account. This means students will need to transfer/download/save emails or documents/files from their Google Drive and other Google Apps before leaving. Based on the dates below, failing to transfer data means students will no longer have access to their Google Apps account or files. This webpage provides instructions on how to transfer Google information.

Last Day of September: Student accounts of graduated seniors are disabled

End of Year -Student Device Return:

• During the school year/before summer break: Departing students should return their devices to the LMTS/Librarians at their schools.
• During summer break: If departing students are unable to return their devices to school before the summer break, they may drop off or mail the devices to Tech Services staff at Madison School District - Doyle Administration Building. If the doors at Doyle are locked, please call 608-442-2855 for assistance to return the devices to Tech Services.

Device Return for Madison Virtual Elementary Students

Students enrolled in the Madison Virtual Elementary program should return their district-provided device and charger at one of these dates.

• Friday, June 10, 2022 (7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.), Doyle Administration Parking Lot, 545 W. Dayton St. 
• Monday, June 13, 2022 (noon to 7 p.m.), Doyle Administration Parking Lot, 545 W. Dayton St. 
• OR drop off to your student's home school during school hours

IMPORTANT: To ensure that a $35 lost charger fine is not assigned to the student, chargers should be returned with the student’s first and last name clearly labeled on the charger.

News From Around the District 

In case you missed it, there were some great things happening in Madison Schools this week, with many being shared by local news partners. For a good read, click on these links and check them out! Follow us on Facebook for daily news from around the district @MadisonSchoolsWI.

• Screen time: Robots help kids attend class in a more natural way

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.