November 2023

In Mr. Verhage's Intro to Business and Marketing class, students did market research to develop a beverage to bring to market. The bottle project brought together a product description and logo that the students designed into a realized product label mockup.

Students in Ms. Vesperman's Art & Crafts Collide Class learned about Paper Quilling, also known as paper filigree, which is a craft that involves rolling and shaping narrow strips of paper into various shapes. They got to practice several different shapes and then decided on which 6 they wanted to include in their Quilled Monograms. They all did great learning about this art form and creating something they are proud of!

Monona Grove Education Foundation

Did you know that the MGEF invests on average $28/student during the school year? Some of the broad reach items are the Weekend Snack Pack Program, which currently provides food for 150 MG students who experience food insecurity when not in school. The Pay It Forward personal hygiene supplies at MGHS, GDS and Winnequah offer students free access to basic hygiene needs (shampoo, toothpaste, deodorant). The Starting Line Fund just provided funding for the new Fishing Club at MGHS to purchase additional equipment and supplies giving access to students to participate in an activity they may not otherwise have. These are just three examples of the many things the Monona Grove Education Foundation does for the Monona Grove School District. There are many students who need additional support for various reasons and MGEF continues to partner with the Monona Grove School District to meet those needs. Please consider supporting the MGEF, so that we can continue helping the students of MG.

The MGEF is in the middle of its CARES Campaign. This is the only fundraising campaign for the MGEF which supports the students and teachers of Monona Grove via the 5 programs we offer. Students and Teachers have access to funding via the Pay It Forward Program (PIF), MGEF Weekend Snack Pack Program, Starting Line Fund, Summer Scholarships and Teacher Innovation Grants. As a 501(c) 3 organization run by volunteers all proceeds from the CARES Campaign are used for the operations of these programs. You can find out more about the individual programs, volunteer opportunities and support these initiatives by going to www.supportmgef.org.  

November’s Safety Drill - Lockdown Drill

Glacial Drumlin School will hold a lockdown drill on November 9 for all students and staff.

The safety of our students is a top priority which is why it’s important for students to be present for monthly drills. A lockdown drill is designed to familiarize students with responding to an active threat. In all cases of a safety drill, our staff will inform students beforehand of the drill and what they can expect so they are fully prepared. We follow best practices to use trauma sensitive language and exercises to mitigate fear and anxiety during the drill.  

What your student will experience: Staff will prepare students by explaining the purpose of the drill, what they can expect and what they will need to do during the drill. The drill will begin when an announcement is made over the speakers that a lockdown drill has started. Staff and students will use the methods of listening for information and the method of Lock, Lights, Out of Sight. Classrooms will be encouraged to practice creating a barricade if safe to do so. Throughout the drill students will be reminded of different ways to manage stress and anxiety (eg: deep breaths, counting to 10, focus on the task, stay in the present, etc.). Doors may be tested during the drill, but students and staff will be alerted of any tests before they occur. After the drill is complete, staff will use trauma sensitive language to help students process the experience.

Students with sensory and other special considerations will be accommodated according to their needs. 

We encourage families to communicate with your student(s) about the importance of safety drills. You can find resources on our website to help guide those conversations. 

Read the full message on safety communication practices on our website.

School Nutrition

Breakfast/lunch menus and Free and Reduced FAQ and application available HERE.

GDS New Grading Practices

GDS is implementing new grading practices this year. Click HERE for more information and ways you can support your student

Message from the School Nurse

When to keep sick kids home? Read more here

Silver Eagle Showcase

It's back again this year! More information will be available after Winter Break

Future Quest

Future Quest is a career expo with the goal of providing better career awareness to all 7th or 8th grade students in Dane County. Future Quest is a "HANDS ON" event that allows students to experience career paths in all 16 career clusters. GDS will be sending all 8th grade students.

Future Quest is held at the Alliant Energy Center on Wednesday, November 29th from 8:30 am until 11:15.

Permission slip (due Friday, Nov. 17th)Future Quest 2023 Permission Slip.pdf

Please visit the website for more information: https://www.thefuturequest.com/

Update on Grades for Quarter 1 Report Cards

As mentioned in our earlier newsletters and communications, GDS has new grading practices this year. For an overview of our grading practices, please refer to this prior family communication. 

Report cards this year will look different than past years. Instead of having a K&S grade and an Effort grade, each course will have one final grade which includes our summative and formative assessments.  Canvas has our most up-to-date grades, but report cards are shared through Infinite Campus on November 8.

Some families asked for more information about our proficiency scale. For guidance on the difference between “Secure” and “Extending” on our proficiency scale, check out this infographic. Our proficiency scale is used for teachers to provide feedback on student learning on each assessment, and our final grades convert to a traditional letter scale (A, B, C, D, F).  

Questions on our new grading practices can be shared here. 

LINKS FOR TRANSLATED VERSION:

1ST LINK in Spanish: Parent Communication on Grading sent Aug. '23 Spanish

2ND LINK in Spanish: Secure & Extending Spanish 2023

Do you have access to see your student’s grades in Canvas yet?

Canvas has our most up-to-date teacher feedback and grades. You can create a Canvas observer account to see your student’s grades by following this tutorial. 

We also have the below screencasts to walk you through the process:

MOBILE DEVICE

1. How to create an account in the Canvas app 
2. How to view student assignments and contact teachers in the Canvas app

DESKTOP or LAPTOP

1. How to create an account, access grades, and set notification settings
2. How to see the calendar and view assignments details (rubrics, teacher comments, and student submissions) in Canvas desktop

More assignment details are viewable in the desktop version than in the Canvas app. If you are using the app and want more detail on an assignment, log in on a desktop or computer to see more. 

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