Dear MMSD Families,

In celebration of Earth Day, we have the opportunity to pause and reflect on the impact we make on our collective environment. Many of our schools celebrated Earth Day with special activities and events. One example is Badger Rock Middle School, where all week long students dug in the dirt to give our planet eight new apple trees, pedaled a bicycle to power a blender (to make apple chutney!), learned about energy usage as well as sustainability from guests from MG&E, and engaged in many more environmental activities (watch for Monday's coverage of the week in the Wisconsin State Journal). Later today, I hope you'll tune in to Wisconsin Public Radio to hear how students at East High School commemorated this (rainy) Earth Day.

As the adage goes, "Earth Day is every day," and I wholeheartedly subscribe to this sentiment. On Monday, I look forward to honoring the Indigenous peoples ancestral lands at the Land Acknowledgment Ceremony. This is a long-overdue gesture, and I could not be more proud of our students who powered this mission.  

This week, we were thrilled to see the immense energy our students bring into the MMSD community. At West High School, a student-run Big Ideas project inspired a hands-on, diverse education of sustainability practices throughout Madison. In addition, I encourage you to read more about senior Gordon Allen, an excellent Stanford-bound leader working to sustain a supportive climate at East High School for all scholars.

Our elementary scholars are also bringing their energy and focus into our learning spaces. Young scholars at Elvehjem Elementary School renewed their math skills during the Dane County Regional Math Meet, while fourth-grade scholars at Stephens Elementary grew inspired to create their own edition of the book “ABCs of Mathematics.” 

We are beyond proud of the environment our scholars, staff, and community members continue to foster throughout MMSD. Your efforts will strengthen our community for many years to come.

Sincerely,

Carlton D. Jenkins, Ph.D.

Superintendent

From Chicago’s Southside to Stanford: East High senior Gordon Allen charts his path forward

Wisconsin State Journal

Before moving to Madison for middle school, East High School senior Gordon Allen grew up on the South Side of Chicago, where abandoned buildings, potholed streets littered with garbage and overdose deaths were common parts of daily life.

“Nothing was being done about it,” said Allen, now one of two student representatives on the Madison School Board and Stanford University bound. “That’s not the only area in this country that has that same condition, even internationally you can really see the effects of poverty.”

Allen’s upbringing has motivated him to seek out ways to effect change at East and has helped form his career goal: to eventually seek a seat in Congress, where he hopes to be a champion for those in communities like the one where he grew up.

Allen’s mother moved their small family to Madison in 2016, halfway through his sixth-grade year in search of more opportunities in education for her children. Allen, his 11-year-old brother and his mother currently live on Madison’s North Side.

Read More

Madison West “Big Ideas” Initiative Inspires Hands-On Sustainability Education 

The hands-on, student-led, and community-based climate justice initiative In Pursuit of Sunshine (IPOS) at Madison West High School is providing opportunities for environmental action. Currently in its second semester as a part of MMSD’s Big Ideas program, which is funded by the ESSER II Grant, IPOS started as a personal project by two Madison-area teens in 2018.

Noemy Lesieutre, Director and Co-Founder of IPOS, is a senior at West and leads the Big Ideas project with support from school staff. The IPOS team utilizes multiple outlets to educate on sustainability, particularly around gardening and food access. Thus far, Lesieutre and her teammates have created a weekly radio show, documentary, vertical farming plans, guest speaker series, independent study program, community gardens, and more. 

“Something I see more and more working with younger students is how much of a negative view they have on the world and the climate crisis,” Lesieutre siad. “Seeing children not have hope is one of the reasons education is so important.”

Within the classroom, IPOS works directly with West teachers to intertwine sustainability lessons into a wide variety of course subjects, including literary trends in the twentieth century, biblical literature, psychology, and First Nations. The IPOS team shares its findings and project data with a climate education class at UW-Madison to determine the best curriculum. 

“Discussing sustainability in multiple classes really helps make these connections across subjects and focus on interdisciplinary education as well,” Lesieutre said. 

While a request to make IPOS a fully developed course at West was not accepted, more than 35 students meet weekly during lunch to discuss the team’s current projects. About 5 students are taking an independent study class to further commit to their IPOS projects. 

This fall, Lesieutre is set to attend UW-Madison to study nonprofit management, and ultimately hopes to turn IPOS into a full-fledged nonprofit. Until then, she wants to see the program continue to grow and inspire students to take more of a hands-on role in community organization. 

“We’re taught to kind of fear climate change, but it’s really important we recognize that we also have solutions,” Lesieutre said. “We have power over what we do in our lives as we heal our mutual relationship with earth.”

Elementary Students Demonstrate Their Math Skills

MMSD scholars continue to develop and ace their math skills! Last week, two students from Elvehjem Elementary School, Oliver and Ben, qualified to participate in the Dane County Regional Math Meet. They competed in team problems, individual problems, and mental math problems against students from Middleton and Sun Prairie.  

At Stephens Elementary School, fourth grade scholars in Mr. Hopp’s class were inspired by MMSD Superintendent Dr. Jenkins' reading of “ABCs of Mathematics” by author Chris Ferrie during Read Your Heart Out in February. Recently, the class created their own rendition of the book, “ABCs of 4th Grade Mathematics,” which they gave to Dr. Jenkins. Students showcased the importance of math and literacy skills in this creative, hands-on project!

Toki Taste Testers

Toki students became expert taste testers this week during a lunchtime visit from the Madison Schools - MMSD Food Service Team! Students sampled a new vegetable side, apple glazed sweet potatoes, and offered suggestions to perfect the recipe.

Nichele P. Smith, our new Director of Food & Nutrition, has a passion for feeding children, making sure they receive the very best reimbursable meals offered under the National School Lunch Program. 

Nichele emphasizes diversifying school menus by working with state-approved chefs to enrich and create flavor profiles, food quality, and meal presentation. Nichele also reinforces to her team, that "every student should not only receive great tasting meals but the best dining and customer service experience throughout the district." 

K - 4th Grade Student Devices will Stay at School

Attention Elementary Families: MMSD plans to keep Kindergarten through 4th-grade devices at school starting in the fall. During the pandemic, having devices go home on a daily basis allowed us to quickly shift our instructional model should the need occur. However, during this last academic year, we recognize the need to have devices remain at school to support students. 

Additional communication will come from you later this spring when your scholar’s device will remain at school on a daily basis. At that time, your child will need to return their charger and device to school.

Enrollment for our Madison Promise Online Program is Now Open

Madison Promise Online Program is gearing up for the application window for the 2022-2023 school year. This school year has allowed us to learn and reshape how we support our families.

For the next academic school year, we will serve students in grades 4-10 with plans to add 11th grade in 23-24 and 12th grade in the 24-25 school year. In addition, for the next school year, course enrollment will be open to Advanced Learners, and students will have an opportunity to enroll in Advanced Placement courses.

Students will continue to enroll/register at their home school, and Madison Promise will be listed as their secondary enrollment. Doing this ensures that students can still participate in co-curricular activities and continue to receive additional services at their home schools. Next year, based on DPI enrollment policies, students who are open-enrolled in MMSD will not be able to participate in the online program via MMSD.

The application window will be April 22-May 27th. All students, including currently enrolled students, will need to complete the application process. Families will have an opportunity to attend Q & A Sessions starting every Wednesday at 11:30 or 4:30 starting May 4th. The Madison Promise website is the best place to receive current and up-to-date information, including the application and general information, available courses, family information session registration, and the live application. Please send all questions or concerns to promise@madison.k12.wi.us

Visit our website for more information and to apply.

Interested in learning more about different Arts styles - such as African drumming, acting, or acrylic painting?

With a special focus on expanding options for our middle and high students in our pilot year, MMSD Summer Arts Academy’s wide range of programming has something for everyone!

The MMSD Summer Arts Academy offers amazing learning opportunities for MMSD students in several visual and performing arts areas. In partnership with Madison Community Members, Business and Industry, and local Artists, the Academy offers robust programming in performing arts, digital music and media production, acting/drama and theater, and more.

MMSD’s Summer Arts Academy programming is geared toward self-expression, self-identity, and growing students’ interests in arts experiences through unique, inspiring learning opportunities, and providing improved access.

The Summer Arts Academy is FREE for Madison Metropolitan School District students, including free transportation. Registration Closes  April, 29.

Registration is now open, visit our webpage for more information and to view the Course Catalog.

MSCR To Offer Swimming Lessons at Goodman Pool

Madison Parks and MSCR are partnering to offer swimming lessons at Goodman Pool Madison Parks and Madison School & Community Recreation (MSCR) are partnering to offer preschool, youth, and adult aquatics programs this summer at the Goodman Pool, 325 W. Olin Ave.

Janet Dyer, MSCR Executive Director, describes “MSCR is excited to work with the Madison Parks Division to provide swimming lessons and aquatic fitness classes at this popular Madison outdoor pool. This is another great opportunity for our organizations to come together to serve the community.”

MSCR typically offers aquatic programs at the Madison high school pools, however, due to construction, the pools are not available this summer. MSCR aquatics programs teach swim skills, water safety, and physical exercise - all important lifelong skills. MSCR swimming lessons & fitness classes at the Goodman Pool begin the week of June 13 and take place in the mornings and evenings.

Registration is open at mscr.org. Fee Assistance is available for those who qualify. Please call 608-204-3000 for more information.

Madison Parks, a division of the City of Madison, has more than 270 parks and provides hiking trails, golf courses, a community pool, disc golf courses, ice skating, cross-country skiing, off-leash dog parks, and more. MSCR, a department of the Madison School District, offers a variety of recreation programs for all ages including arts, enrichment, camps, fitness, outdoors, sports, swimming and afterschool.

Free Scholarship Essay Support

MMSD has partnered with Get Schooled to offer FREE post-high school planning support to our students. It is scholarship season for our seniors, let Get Schooled experts review your student's essay for FREE! Students and families can also opt-in to receive weekly text messages with tips on how to pay for your student's post-high school path! Simply reply to the text with any questions you have and an expert will respond.

Will you Help our Students Safely Cross Streets? 

We are so thankful for our local crossing guards and their commitment to keeping our students safe on their journey to and from school. We need more of them. Would you – or a grandparent or neighbor – consider stepping up and helping our students cross streets safely next school year? 

The City of Madison is recruiting candidates and has this to share: 

Are you or someone you know, looking for part-time work of 10-15 hours per week?  As a Crossing Guard, you will be providing a great service as a friendly face and kind presence to students each morning and afternoon. Are you responsible, dependable, enjoy kids and the outdoors? Then we want you providing for the safety of our school children for the 2022-2023 school year.

Starting pay is $18.09/hour (approximately $700+/month) plus regular raises and earned sick leave.  Work is Monday - Friday (no nights or holidays and enjoy summer/school breaks off). Flexibility is required for early release dates (including early release every Monday afternoon). This is a great job for the retiree, grandparent, or stay-at-home parent.

Beginning in late June/early July, a job description and application will be available (search “hourly” positions for crossing guard link). Please be sure to list on your application any experience you have directing/controlling children (including your own children or grandchildren). Interviews will begin mid-August; employment begins approximately Wednesday, August 24, 2022. For information, contact the City of Madison Crossing Guard Supervisors at 266-4703.

Spring Sports Update

Spring sports have been battling mother nature in the first few weeks of the season but have some competitions in and are looking forward to end-of-season competitions. We have teams at all high schools in track and field, softball, baseball, girls soccer, boys tennis, and boys golf competing in the Big 8 conference. Our teams and individuals are ranked amongst the state elites including state team rankings of Madison West, 7th boys tennis, and Madison Memorial 7th boys golf.

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

Big Eight Schedules

Don't Miss La Follette's Spring Musical "Emma"

Emma, a senior at Highbury Prep, is certain she knows what’s best for her classmates’ love lives, and is determined to find the perfect boyfriend for shy sophomore Harriet by the end of the school year. But will Emma’s relentless matchmaking get in the way of finding her own happiness? Based on Jane Austen’s classic novel, this sparkling new musical features the hit songs of legendary girl groups and iconic female singers from The Supremes to Katy Perry. Girl power has never sounded so good!

Show dates and times:

• Friday, April 22 at 7 p.m.
• Saturday, April 23 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
• Sunday, April 24 at 2 p.m.

Tickets: Purchase Tickets HERE

• $5 students with a special code
• $5 for children under 12
• $7 seniors
• $10 adults

Save the Date for East High School's Spring Musical

Enjoy original songs by Yolanda Adams, Steven Tyler and Joe Perry of Aerosmith, Sara Bareilles, Jonathan Coulton, Alexander Ebert of Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros, The Flaming Lips, John Legend, Lady Antebellum, Cyndi Lauper, Panic! At the Disco, Plain White T’s, They Might Be Giants and T.I., and a song by David Bowie, Tom Kenny, and Andy Paley. Additional lyrics are by Jonathan Coulton.

Show dates, times and location:

• May 5, 6, 7, and 13 at 7 p.m.
• May 8 and 14 at 2pm
• at Margaret Williams Theater

Tickets: Purchase Tickets HERE

• $5 students
• $10 General Admission

Covid Testing

COVID-19 testing is available at these sites from 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

For additional information and the pre-registration link, click here.

COVID-19 Vaccine Opportunity - Leopold Elementary School

Public Health Madison Dane County (PHMDC) is partnering with the Leopold Food Pantry to offer COVID vaccinations to anyone 5 years of age and older. PHMDC Vaccine Clinic will provide vaccine every other Tuesday from 10 am to 12:30 pm through the end of the school year. No appointments needed. All are welcome whether it is your 1st dose, 2nd dose, or a booster dose. The CDC & WI DHS is now recommending a 2nd booster dose of Pfizer or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine for anyone over the age of 50 and certain immunocompromised people ages 12 years and older. For more information to determine your eligibility visit the DHS Additional Doses and Booster Doses webpage. PHMDC will be offering these 2nd booster doses at this vaccine clinic as well.

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

• East High teacher promised field trip if his students all got into college. They did, but there's a snag
• West High School senior leads charge to digitally preserve the school's history
• 'The Earth is dying': On Earth Day, Wisconsin students are calling for climate action

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.