A huge staff shout out goes to our custodial and maintenance staff this month. They work around the clock ensuring East is a welcoming and safe space for learning. Especially with the added challenges that construction and renovations bring, our custodians literally keep the lights on in our building. From salting sidewalks outside, to sweeping and mopping inside, and everything in between, thank you for all you do to contribute to our keeping our 800,000 square foot building operational and clean.

Our East High School Girls Inc. club members are serious about addressing period poverty by resolving the gaps in period product accessibility and working to destigmatize period care for all through education and practice. In December, six of our strong, smart, bold teens formed a Period Product Task Force. Their goal: get menstrual products and trash receptacles in every bathroom at East High School, regardless of the gendered sign at the door. These teens want all East students from now on to never have to decide between using the bathroom that aligns with their gender and having access to the hygiene products they need. These students are taking charge and leading the way for ending period poverty on Madison's Eastside, and we can't wait to see where their ambitions take them. The members of the East High Girls Inc. Club are true leaders. Girl-identifying and non-binary students can join Girls Inc. during lunch on Tuesdays in Room 142 to learn more and get involved with this initiative and other upcoming projects. Questions? Contact Girls Inc. Advisor, Jade Koenigs.

Marena Fox Baker recently represented East High School in the Boys and Girls Clubs of Dane County Youth Of The Year Competition. She was recognized on Thursday, January 26th for her leadership and achievements. Marena is a Senior at East in the AVID/TOPS Program. She is an enrolled member of the Colville Confederated Tribes and is passionate about bringing awareness to Indigenous issues and wishes to see more policy changes around these issues. She has crated awareness by founding East's Native American Student Association (NASA) which works on Indigenous Awareness projects. In her free time, she enjoys beading and reading a good book.