October 2022
Renovations are going smoothly. A large section of our Science rooms and the English rooms are complete (although we are still waiting for delivery of some items, such as new doors, clocks and speakers). Our World Language and Business rooms are currently undergoing renovations and are on track to be completed by the end of winter break. Construction continues on the expansion of our cafeteria (you can watch the new outer wall going up on 4th street), the remodel of the locker room and the addition of an all purpose room. The new elevator, just inside door 2 should be complete by the first of the year. You can see the current construction phasing plan here.

Progress report grades were posted this past week. Check out this video from a La Follette Teacher showing how to view grades in Infinite Campus. Please see the academic supports available to scholars. Do not hesitate to contact teachers or support staff with academic progress concerns. We have a wonderful staff that goes above and beyond to support scholars.

Please let me know how we can support you. If you want to meet with me personally, please let me know. My door is always open to you.

Thank you, and have a great month.

Mikki Smith
Principal
Staff Shoutout
Welcome new staff, and some familiar faces in new roles
Terrance Shempert, Student Engagement Specialist
Hello Purgolder family. Most of you know me as a Security Assistant at East for the past 5 years, and I am excited to be taking on a new role as one of the new Student engagement specialists. I am originally from Chicago but have been in Madison for over 6 years. I spend most of my time with my 3 daughters and in my free time I like to travel, relax, attend comedy shows and concerts, and play chess. I look forward to continuing to make a positive impact on our community. GO PURGOLDERS!  
Keyerah Bennett, Student Engagement Specialist
Hello, my name is Keyerah Bennett and I’m happy to be joining the East family this year as one of the Student engagement Specialists! Prior to this position I was doing COVID screening in the middle schools which made me want to be more active in the schools. I’ve lived in Madison since March of 2021, but I was born and raised in Columbia, MO! In my free time, I love doing DIY projects and listening to music. I also love traveling, trying new restaurants, and spending time with friends. I’m looking forward to getting to know everyone!
Keonte Schad, Multicultural Services Coordinator
What's up, I'm so excited to be back at East High School. I am the new East High School Multicultural Service Coordinator and a Varsity Football Coach. I grew up on the North and Eastside of Madison, I went to Sandburg Elementary, Sherman and Blackhawk Middle School. I also graduated from East in 2017 where I played football, baseball and basketball. For college I went to Ellsworth Community College in Iowa and transferred to the University of Minnesota where I earned my bachelor's degree in Youth Studies, then I finished my last season of eligibility at Oregon State University. I love to talk about sports and play video games such as Madden and Call of Duty. I can't wait to meet you all this year!
Featured Program
Madison East Football Program
Eastside Football was recently featured in MMSD's Athletic Spotlight.

Head Coach Jeremy Thornton explains, "We definitely have a way of doing things on the East side that's different. We're very inclusive, we're very family oriented, and we take a lot of pride in who we are. We don't have much on this side of town, but what we do have is love and family, and we try to do our best to share that with everybody."
The coaches set attendance expectations for class and study tables for the student athletes and encourage them all to compete in a winter and/or spring sport. Over the summer, every player had to attend weight lifting at 6:30am at Lindbergh Elementary three times a week. They also participated in community building events like, volunteering at Lambeau Field, bowling, and paintballing.

"These student-athletes have all committed to these expectations and made sacrifices for their team. They are still finding the positives after each game and they are an inspiration to be around," said Coach Wilson Seely.
Student Spotlight
Senior, Ry Feiner
Senior Ry Feiner worked all summer on this documentary about the history of East High School. Ry broke the 40 minute video into chapters that are each 2-6 min each, and the link is actually a playlist. You may remember when Ry was featured in Summit Credit Union's Teen Money Challenge where he won first place and a $2,500 scholarship.
When I grow up, I want to be:
A Content Creator/Entertainer/Videographer
When I go to college, I would like to attend:
New York University
What do you like to do in your spare time?
I am a weekly member of GSA (Gay and Straight Alliance) and participate in Anime Club. I’ve always enjoyed singing, and performing in my school’s Show Choir (including competitions). I also spend a lot of my spare time working on videos for my YouTube channel. 
What is your favorite subject?
Video Production and Choir
What is the most exciting thing you have ever done?
I hiked in the mountains in Idaho. I’ve always loved climbing, and being up high in the mountains was exhilarating.
What have you done that really scared. you?
I did improv on stage in front of a semi-large audience.
Name three words to describe you.
Entertaining, Positive, Outgoing
View Student Grades In Infinite Campus
View the video below for instructions on how to view progress grades.
INFINITE CAMPUS
The "Campus Student" and "Campus Parent" apps are designed to provide real-time access to student information. The easy-to-use design displays what is currently happening in the classroom so you can understand, monitor, and participate in the educational process.
  • Announcements - Quickly see district announcements as they are posted.
  • Assignments - Browse assignments by specific class or due date.
  • Attendance - Review attendance events in summary and detail form.
  • Grades - Immediate access to grades as they are posted.
  • Schedule - Review schedules from anywhere, at any time.

East High School Spirit Wear
Show your Purgolder Pride!
Apparel for adults and youth and accessories are available online.