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May 2023

Principal's Message

Dear Parents and Guardians,


I hope this newsletter finds you well as we reach the halfway point of the fourth quarter. Midterm progress grades were posted earlier this week, which provides a good opportunity for you to check in with your student about their academic progress and their end of the semester goals. With five weeks of school remaining, it is crucial to plan and approach the final stretch with purpose and urgency. This is an excellent time to guide and encourage your student to effectively navigate distractions and prioritize tasks, which are important life skills.


We would like to remind you that our spring pep assembly will be held this Friday morning. Additionally, our prom is taking place this Saturday, May 6, and we want to make sure everyone is aware of the important details. Doors will open at 6:45 pm, and students will enter through Door 2, while parents will enter through Door 1. The Grand March will begin at 7:00 pm in the Auditorium, and the dance will end at 11:00 pm. Students are allowed to bring a guest as long as the proper form is filled out and submitted to the office.


Lastly, we want to remind you that graduation will take place on Sunday, June 4, at 1:00 pm in the MGHS Gym. The doors will open at 12:15 pm, and we are not limiting the number of guests per graduate or distributing tickets for guests. The ceremony will be livestreamed on our YouTube channel and streamed on televisions in the commons at the high school. Mandatory graduation rehearsal for all seniors will be Friday, June 2, at 9:30 am.


As always, we appreciate your continued support, and we look forward to seeing you at athletic competitions and concerts as we move through the month of May.


Sincerely,

Mitch McGrath




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OFFICE HOURS:

Main Office: 7:15-4:15

Student Services: 7:30-4:00

Attendance: 7:15-3:45


CONTACT:

Main Office: (608) 221-7666

Fax: (608) 221-7690

Student Services:

(608) 316-1373

Athletics: (608) 316-1395

Attendance: (608) 316-1393 or contact via email

School Website
School Calendar
District Website
Digital Flyers

MAY EVENTS:

  • May 4- Band Concert 7:00
  • May 6- Prom
  • May 11- Orchestra Concert 7:00
  • May 14- Big Band Bash 3:00
  • May 15- Choir Concert 7:00
  • May 17- Senior Recognition Night
  • May 29- No School
  • May 30-31- Senior Finals

LOOKING AHEAD TO JUNE:

  • June 2- graduation rehearsal
  • June 4- graduation 1:00
  • June 9- No School

Lunch Trays and Library Books

If your student has any library books or blue MGHS lunch trays in their locker, in their car or at home, please have them returned to the IMC and cafeteria ASAP.

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Show Choir and Show Band Auditions

If your student has any library books or blue MGHS lunch trays in their locker, in their car or at home, please have them returned to the IMC and cafeteria ASAP.

Have you moved out of the district?

Most current students are eligible to continue attending Monona Grove schools even if you move out of district boundaries. If you have moved or are planning a move that takes you out of the district, you need to apply for Open Enrollment through Wisconsin DPI: https://dpi.wi.gov/open-enrollment.  Application deadline is April 28. If you have questions, please email openenrollment@mgschools.net.

Summer School ACP Prep Class

THIS PROGRAM IS FOR STUDENTS CURRENTLY IN GRADES 10-11 ONLY.

Class Time: 8:05-11:45am

ACT Prep is a summer class that will address skills tested on the ACT. The class will review skills covered in school year courses, address ACT-specific skills, and offer a chance to improve standardized test-taking skills in a low-risk environment. This is an excellent opportunity to keep academic skills sharp over the summer!

Summer school runs June 19-July 14 (no school on July 3 and July 4, in observance of Independence Day).

This class is an enrichment course; there is no charge and no grades or credit will be given. Registration for this course will occur through our student services department, please email michelle.boyde@mgschools.net to register.

Summer School Credit Recovery

Monday, June 19 through Friday, July 14

(no class Monday, July 3 and Tuesday, July 4)


Monona Grove High School offers summer school for additional academic support for students who need credit recovery options. 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 communication from the student services department regarding students who are in need of credit recovery options during summer school and how to register.


Please click here to bookmark the Summer School webpage for the most updated information.

Leadership Equity Institute

The Monona Grove High School Black Student Union and Glacial Drumlin Middle School SCU program collaborated with the Anti-Defamation League for a Leadership Equity Institute at the Monona Grove School District Office on April 21st. During this event students were given the space to learn about how inequities and biases in schools can impact learning and student's mental health. The goal for this meeting was to help students understand the value of diversity in our schools and community. Having space and time for students to learn and discuss their concerns can help support students from all identities, backgrounds, and cultures.

Notes from the Nurse

As the school year is winding down please remember to pick up any medications kept in the health room for your student. Any Expired medications that are not picked up will be disposed of at the end of the school year. 


A reminder to all staff, students and families that all balloons are strictly prohibited inside Monona Grove High School. We have students with life-threatening allergies to latex (meaning it could cause students serious injury and/or death). It is extremely important that this rule is followed.

MGSD Onsite COVID Testing Update

Due to a decrease in the amount of testing we've experienced at our district COVID testing site, the state COVID testing program has announced they will end MGSD onsite COVID testing on Thursday, April 27 at 2pm. At home tests remain acceptable to report to schools. For information on alternative local community testing sites, visit our website.

NEW MononaGo App

There’s a new, convenient way to watch Monona Grove school concerts, sports, and other school and community events while you need to be mobile. The MononaGo app can be downloaded free from the App Store or Google Play for iOS and Android phones and other mobile devices.

2023-24 Student Parking Applications

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Applications for student parking next school year will be available for seniors (class of 2024) in the main office starting Monday, May 22nd. Parking is assigned via a lottery system with class officers and administration in the summer. In order to be included in the lottery, students must submit completed applications to the main office by Friday, June 9th. Students will be notified if they were chosen via the lottery in early August and do not pay for parking until they have been notified that they have a spot.

Late Yearbook Orders + Yearbook Pick-up

Parent Equity Council Open House Meeting

The Monona Grove School District recognizes that racism, bias and discrimination are present in our culture and schools and is committed to disrupting societal and historical inequities and eliminating disparities in our communities. It is the District's responsibility to enact policy changes that shape a more equitable environment, the integrity of these changes depends on the affirmative and direct involvement of those with insight into and expertise around these issues.


The MGSD Parent Equity Council consists of caregivers that have students of color in the district and the council has served as an advisory group to district leadership since the Fall of 2018. Since then, the group has met monthly with the goal of improving the experience of students and families of color in the district. 

We would like to invite you to our upcoming meeting in May to learn more about the council’s work and its members, create community, and help plan for the future. We currently have 8 active members that meet with district leadership on a regular basis and are looking to expand that representation and learn more about our students’ and families' experience in the district. This invitation is extended to any caregiver who has a student of color in the district. 


If you have interest in attending the open house meeting or sharing thoughts or ideas, please fill out the interest form linked here.  


Details

Date: Thursday, May 18, 2023

Time: 5:00-6:30

Location: Monona Grove District Office 5301 Monona Dr. Monona WI 53716 - 3rd floor Meeting Space

Directions: Parking lot and front entrance is off of Nichols Rd. Enter at the main doors, take stairs or elevator to the 3rd floor. 


 

la reunión de puertas abiertas del Consejo de Equidad de Padres


El Distrito Escolar de Monona Grove reconoce que el racismo, los prejuicios y la discriminación están presentes en nuestra cultura y escuelas y está comprometido a interrumpir las desigualdades sociales e históricas y eliminar las disparidades en nuestras comunidades. Es responsabilidad del Distrito promulgar cambios de política que den forma a un entorno más equitativo, la integridad de estos cambios depende de la participación afirmativa y directa de aquellos con conocimientos y experiencia sobre estos temas.


El Consejo de Equidad de Padres de MGSD está formado por cuidadores que tienen estudiantes de color en el distrito y el consejo ha servido como grupo asesor para el liderazgo del distrito desde el otoño de 2018. Desde entonces, el grupo se ha reunido mensualmente con el objetivo de mejorar la experiencia de estudiantes y familias de color en el distrito.

Nos gustaría invitarlo a nuestra próxima reunión en mayo para aprender más sobre el trabajo del consejo y sus miembros, crear una comunidad y ayudar a planificar para el futuro. Actualmente tenemos 8 miembros activos que se reúnen regularmente con los líderes del distrito y estamos buscando expandir esa representación y aprender más sobre la experiencia de nuestros estudiantes y familias en el distrito. Esta invitación se extiende a cualquier cuidador que tenga un estudiante de color en el distrito.


Si tiene interés en asistir a la reunión de puertas abiertas o compartir pensamientos o ideas, complete el formulario de interés vinculado aquí.


Detalles

Fecha: jueves, 18 de mayo de 2023

Hora: 5:00-6:30

Ubicación: Oficina del distrito de Monona Grove 5301 Monona Dr. Monona WI 53716 - 3er piso espacio para reuniones

Indicaciones: El estacionamiento y la entrada principal están fuera de Nichols Rd. Entre por las puertas principales, tome las escaleras o ascensor al 3er piso.

News from Student Services

WELCOME TO OUR NEW STUDENT SERVICES TEAM MEMBERS - JACK JACKSON AND KAYLA PATRICK

Hello! My name is Jack Jackson and I am the new Student & Family Engagement Specialist at Monona Grove High School. I have experience working with students at all grade levels, even preschool age! Most recently I was a coordinator at La Follette High School for the past six years. I am excited to begin this role with hopes to continue to support our students in a variety of ways. Along with academic support, I look to support students and their families with any needs that may arise - inside and outside of school. I aim to make Monona Grove more fun, engaging, and safe for all students. I am currently finishing a degree at the University of Pennsylvania, I have two kids, a 12 year old son, and a month old daughter. I enjoy traveling, playing and watching sports, and spending time with my family. Proud to be a soaring Eagle! Please feel free to connect with at any time, I can be reached at jack.jackson@mgschools.net and (608) 316-1397.


My name is Kayla Patrick and I have been the school social worker at MGHS since January. For the past eight years, I worked at an elementary school in Sun Prairie so it has been a pleasure seeing the amazing student growth that occurs between elementary and high school. I am a link between the home, school and community to provide direct and indirect services to students and families and to promote and support students' social, emotional and academic success. Specifically, I can help with school and community resources, supporting students individually, and any other educational barrier students face. I live in Monona with my husband, two kids, one dog and four chickens. Feel free to contact me with questions, concerns or just to connect at kayla.barnespatrick@mgschools.net or (608)316-1394. 


ACT RESULTS AND SCORE REPORTS

Students who have questions about how and when they will receive their ACT score reports from state testing in March are asked to see page 4 of their Taking the ACT Test booklet that was distributed in Advisory when students set up their MyACT account. Score reports are mailed directly to the homes of students up to 8 weeks after the receipt of their test responses. 


Students may also view their scores by accessing their MyACT account. See page 4 of their “Taking the ACT Test” booklet for more information. 


SENIOR NEWS

Senior Recognition Night

Join your friends, family, teachers, and members of the community to celebrate the many accomplishments of the class of 2023!

Senior Recognition Night

Wednesday, May 17, 2023

7:00 PM

Monona Grove High School Auditorium

Refreshments will be served following the program


Students who will be recognized should have already received a letter.


Final Transcripts

Final transcripts are required for all seniors attending a two- or four-year college. Most schools required you to accept admission prior to May 1. You have another step before your admission status will be complete. If you are attending a post-secondary institution after graduation to further your education, you must have your final transcripts sent to your college. The process to do this varies based on how you applied to the school and/or where you are attending. Final transcripts will be processed and released to colleges after transcripts have been finalized (sometime in mid-June). See the information below to determine how to request your final transcript. 

  • Madison College: You need to request your final transcript through Parchment. You can create an account and request your transcript to be sent at any time, but select the option to "Hold for Grades". The cost for this transcript is $4.40 which will need to be paid with a credit/debit card.
  • Four-year non-Common Application College: You need to request your final transcript through Parchment. You can create an account and request your transcript to be sent at any time, but select the option to "Hold for Grades". The cost for this transcript is $4.40 which will need to be paid with a credit/debit card
  • Four-year Common Application College: You must notify your school counselor by email what college you are attending as we will upload your final transcript within the Common Application. We can only send them to ONE college. If you do not notify your counselor where to send the transcript, it will not be uploaded and your application will be incomplete. There is no cost for this.

Congratulations on your many accomplishments and we wish you health and happiness in the next part of your journey.


UW System Placement Testing

The University of Wisconsin Center for Placement Testing will once again be offering online placement testing this Spring. Registration for Summer and Fall 2023 began in March. For more information about placement testing registration, please reach out to the appropriate Placement Testing contact.


Scholarship Information

Scholarship information can be found on the MGHS Student Services page, under "Post-Secondary Planning". It is up to the students to check this regularly for updates. Most colleges/universities also offer their own annual scholarship opportunities for incoming freshmen. Students are highly encouraged to explore these by contacting their future school(s) of choice or by visiting school websites.


MAY IS MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH

Many people, including children and adults, are managing a mental health challenge. During May, there is a national movement to raise awareness about mental health--the goal is to fight stigma, provide support, educate the public and advocate for policies that support people with mental illness and their families. The goal is to share information about mental health and wellness, learn about barriers to accessing resources, promote acceptance and understanding, and break the stigma that people often have related to their own mental health needs and/or the needs of others. Learn more about what you can do to support people who are managing a mental health challenge. Mental Health Awareness


RESOURCES FOR STUDENTS AND FAMILIES

MG Virtual Calming Room 

The calming room is a tool for families and students that offers an array of options to help manage emotions in a very stressful and strange time. Check it out!

Grief Resources for Parents and Caregivers

Resources for supporting the kids in your life who are grieving and support for yourself

Helping Your Loved One Who is Suicidal: A Guide for Family and Friends 

SAMHSA's new resource guide provides information on understanding suicide, warning signs and action steps to take, and how to prevent future attempts and keep your loved one safe.

Mental Health America of Wisconsin - PRISM Program

A new pilot program to connect LGBTQ+ youth in Wisconsin with trained peer-specialists who can provide mental and emotional support and mentorship. Young LGBTQ+ people around the ages of 16-26 years old may now access this free service by calling 414-336-7974 and leaving a voicemail to get connected with a trained peer-specialist.

Housing, Homeless and Doubled-Up Family Resources 

If you are staying temporarily with someone else because you lost your housing, or staying in a motel/hotel, campground, shelter, or in an outside or inadequate place, you and your children have special rights at school.

MGSD Homeless Liaison: Andrea Fresen, andrea.fresen@mgschools.net, 608-316-1922

Crisis Text Line

Text "HOME" to 741741

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

1(800)273-8255


STUDENT SERVICES DEPARTMENT: 608-316-1373

School Counselors:

School Psychologist: Melissa Smith

School Social Worker: Kayla Patrick

Engagement Specialist: Jack Jackson

School Resource Officer: Luke Wunch

Administrative Assistant: Michelle Boyde

News from the Athletic/Activities Dept.

MG Athletics

The MG Athletic Department is selling “water only” Mt. Olympus tickets for $5 a piece.  Tickets can be upgraded on site at Mt. Olympus for an additional $6 plus tax for the use of full park attractions.  These tickets are only redeemable during the month of June, 2023.  Tickets are available in the Main Office between 7:30 am and 4:00 pm through May 26.  Tickets may only be purchased for personal, individual and family use.  Payment should be cash or a check made out to “MGHS Athletics”.


Registration for Monona Grove summer camps is now open! Please visit http://mononagrove.activityreg.com for camp details and to register. Please register your student based on their grade level for the 2023-24 school year.


Questions? Please contact Athletics/Activities Administrative Assistant Amelia Leger at amelia.leger@mgschools.net


WIAA

Anticipating hosting a Foreign Exchange student during the 23-24 school year? WIAA rules allow for one year of eligibility for foreign students participating in exchange programs. 


Eligibility is not automatic, however, and schools must fill out a request for foreign student eligibility. This form is filled out between the Athletic Director and the student. These students are required to meet existing WIAA rules in areas other than residence. 


For more information regarding foreign exchange and athlete eligibility, see WIAA Website - Eligibility Information


All foreign students must have a physical conducted in the United States prior to participating in practice or competition at a member school.


Athletic Training

The MGHS training room is open Monday - Friday after school until 6:30pm. On days where there is an event, the training room might close early. Specific weekly hours are posted on the training room doors and sent to coaches.


Any student-athlete who needs athletic training services can stop by the training room during open hours or reach out to Jacqui Landry (jacqueline.landry@mgschools.net) with any questions or concerns.

Farm to School

Our Harvest of the Month is a bit different for May. It is a product that we see on our lunch menus often, and are so excited to get it from a local farm this month! Find out what it is by checking out the May F2S newsletter under the Farm to School Program tab here: MG School Nutrition Page. We love to support our local community and to make sure our students have fresh, nutritious food! Take a look at your school's lunch menu to see what new and local we are featuring. This newsletter features lots of great information including: nutrition education, recipe ideas, and pictures from recent F2S events. Visit the F2S Website for even more resources.

Attendance Notes

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The phone number for attendance is 608-316-1393. If you call the main office number, you do not have the option to "press 1 for attendance", so please add the attendance number to your phonebook.


Thank you in advance to all of our parents for sending your students into school after medical/dental appointments with doctor's notes! Please note that doctor's notes are required in order for students to participate in sports and extra curricular activities.


An Anticipated Absence Form is required for all absences of 3+ days. It must be signed by each teacher plus a parent/guardian and then turned in to the attendance office at least 3 days prior to the anticipated absence. The form can be picked up from the attendance office.


Students cannot call themselves out of school unless they are 18 and have completed an 18 year old adult form. These are available for pick up in the Attendance Office.

School Nutrition

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What are the high school meal prices for 2022-23? 

Breakfast: $1.75

Breakfast (reduced): free

Lunch: $3.75

Lunch (reduced): $0.40


Where do I find menus?

Meal menus are found on the high school website under "Resources".


How do I check balances, add money, or set reminders and/or recurring payments?

Families can check balances, add money, set reminders and set up recurring payments all through Infinite Campus. 

Work Permits

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Work Permit Requirements

Work permits are required for anyone under the age of 16. To obtain a work permit, the minor* must bring the following to the MGHS or GDS** main office:

  1. employer letter
  2. parent/guardian letter
  3. birth certificate, passport or WI license
  4. social security card
  5. $10

Please visit the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development website for more information.

*Please note that a parent/guardian does not need to accompany their student.

**MGHS students can get their work permits at GDS and vice versa. Work permits can not be issued to students that don't currently attend a Monona Grove School District school. They are asked to check with their own school district or Briarpatch Youth Services.

Lifeguard Class

MGHS Pool

Lifeguard Class - Blended Learning*

May 19-21

Friday: 4-9pm

Sat: 9am-5pm

Sun: 8am-2:30pm

Must be 15 by May 21 to participate

 

Cost: $200

 

Registration is open until the class is full or May 5th (whichever comes first).

https://mononagrove.activityreg.com/ClientPage_t2.wcs

 

*Blended learning is a combination of e-learning and in-person.

E-learning (7 hours) must be completed prior to starting class.  

Info on e-learning will be given out 2 weeks before class starts.

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5301 Monona Drive, Monona, WI 53716  Phone: (608) 221-7660  Fax: (608) 221-7688

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