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On Tuesday evening, we kicked off our 2022 high school commencement ceremonies, when our Malcolm Shabazz City High School and Capital High graduates stepped onstage at the Monona Terrace. 


Congratulations graduates, we are proud of your determination, resilience, and strength during what has been an unexpected high school journey. We are truly proud of all you have accomplished, and we are excited for each of you to begin a new chapter.


We are excited to celebrate at the East and La Follette High School commencement ceremonies tonight, and Memorial and West High School commencements on Saturday. You can view the full schedule of graduations at mmsd.org/graduation.

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Register Today for 2022-23 Online Learning with Madison Promise

 

Did your student discover that they THRIVED in a virtual learning environment? Does your student prefer the independence and choice offered by online school? MMSD scholars in grades 4-10 can register NOW for the district’s ‘Madison Promise Online Program’ for next school year.


This tuition-free, online program offers rigorous academics, delivered by innovative MMSD teachers who prepare students to be community, college, and career ready. Madison Promise is built on five key principles:

  • Strong student engagement
  • Teachers who excel at building strong relationships
  • Quality training/professional development for teachers
  • Flexibility
  • Student’s school of choice (voice & choice)


Course offerings, sample schedules, and FAQs are available at the Madison Promise webpage.


The registration window has been extended through June 30, 2022 – apply today!

Six Memorial Seniors to Attend Famed HBCU Tennessee State University


Tennessee State University (TSU) will be home to six graduating Memorial High School graduates this fall!


Located in Nashville, Tenn., TSU is a historically Black university founded in 1912, known for its top research programs and active student communities. Notable alumni including Oprah Winfrey, Wilma Rudolph, and Memorial Multicultural Student Coordinator and BSU advisor Andrea Jones, all share TSU as an alma mater. Before long, these bright and outgoing Memorial Spartans will also join that list:


  • Terell Aka
  • Taliyah Dais
  • Jakobe Godbolt
  • Ramaun Harris
  • Antonio Thomas
  • Anthony Ward


“My daughter joked I’m brainwashing the students since all six ‘just happen to be’ going to my college,” Jones said. “But really it’s because these kids are so smart and so deserving, and TSU is a great spot for them to continue to grow.”

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As we continue our celebration of our Class of 2022, we are so proud to spotlight La Follette's Gabriella Andrews Figueroa. 


Gabriella said one of her biggest achievements is getting accepted into each art school she applied to, before ultimately choosing to attend the School of the Art Institute of Chicago.


"I am a big advocate for Minority success, and I strive to be a strong, influential woman of color," Gabriella said. "Something I am particularly proud of is my self motivation to keep pushing on no matter my circumstances."


One of the most impactful MMSD staff member in Gabriella's time in MMSD is Jack Jackson, who runs Achievement Connections at La Follette.


"He has helped me achieve my goals and stay consistent in high school," Gabriella said. "I am forever grateful for him."

Elementary Students Welcome Back Graduates During Senior Walks


Graduating seniors from La Follette, East, and Memorial High Schools returned to where it all started this week—proudly wearing graduation gowns to their elementary schools with fellow classmates. They were greeted by the familiar faces of happy former teachers, halls lined with memories, and adoring, enthusiastic elementary students. What a beautiful way to celebrate the journey of our seniors!


Check out this video to see more!

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West High School Student Anna Siebers Selected for Nationwide Smithsonian Institution Competition


Rising sophomore at West High School, Anna Siebers, is one of only 53 middle and high school student exhibits nationwide selected to participate in the 2022 National History Day (NHD) Contest, with the theme Debate and Diplomacy in History: Successes, Failures, Consequences. She's also the only scholar representing the State of Wisconsin.


Siebers' exhibit, "Debating Primary Elections: Robert M. La Follette's fight against government corruption," will be featured in a virtual Smithsonian exhibit showcase June 13-27. 


"Every system, law, and person has a history that is worth exploring that will help you understand the world and your role in it even more," Siebers reflected in her presentation.


The competition is run by NHD, the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History, and the Smithsonian Learning Lab. Many of the NHD students whose projects were selected for this showcase by NHD affiliate coordinators addressed topics relevant to their own states’ or local communities’ histories. 

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Jefferson Students, Local Orgs Collaborate for Clean Water Art Project


A collaboration between Jefferson Middle School students and local organizations last month educated both the classroom and community on how to keep our waterways clean.


Jefferson Middle School six grade students in Vena Levesque’s class learned about watersheds and stormwater, completed classroom experiments, and explored how humans can impact water quality with the Madison Area Municipal Stormwater Partnership (MAMSWaP) and the Dane County Land and Water Resources Department. Students also cleared garbage from the storm drains in Mineral Point Park to prevent trash from entering our lakes.


On May 17, local artist Sonya Sankaran worked with Jefferson students to paint a unique mural design based on students’ ideas onto the storm drain on the corner of Mineral Point Road and Yellowstone Drive.


“The goal of this colorful mural is to capture the attention of those who pass by, help them understand where the stormwater that enters their storm drain flows and get them thinking about what they can do to ‘Keep It Clean,’” MAMSWaP team members said.


The mural features two bright lizards encircling the storm drain, with the words “Keep it Clean, Drains to Lake Mendota.”

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Construction is Underway!


Construction will be in full swing beginning June 13, and workers got an early start with ceiling removal in a few areas of Memorial High School. Demolition is moving along in the music room with ceiling and wall removal to prepare for new reconfigured spaces. As we roll into summer, construction crews will start work on new foundation, masonry walls, and underground utilities for the new additions.


The building additions at Memorial High School will serve as new instructional and support spaces for band, choir, and orchestra, as well as tech ed and science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) spaces. These additions are set for completion in February of 2023.


Upcoming work beginning this summer:

  • Continuing ceiling, floor, and wall demolition in the music, social studies, and English classrooms
  • Clearing the site for new building additions
  • Putting in new plumbing piping throughout the building
  • Updating and reconfiguring ductwork for new, more efficient heating and air conditioning equipment


For additional construction information visit our website. Thank you for your continued partnership in making our facilities Future Ready. Learn more about the updates included in the Referendum 2020.

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Spring Athletics Recap


MMSD is finishing up its spring sports season with excellent performances at the state level, and looking forward to next year!


Boys Golf State

Memorial finished 7th as a team, led by a top 25 finish by Charlie Erlandson.


Boys Tennis State

Madison West is participating in the WIAA team tournament this weekend.  


Track and Field State Highlights

  • Ana Ashworth, Madison Memorial, 3rd place 100m hurdles
  • Olivia Morgan, Madison Memorial, 4th place discus
  • Annika Cutforth, Madison Memorial, 5th place 3200m
  • AJ Ward, Madison Memorial, 5th place long jump
  • Madison Memorial boys 4 x 100 relay (Antonio Thomas, Mac Carroll, Matthew Ciesielczyk, and Will Smith), 7th place 
  • Manjot Singh, Madison East, 7th place 300m hurdles


Girls Soccer State Tournament

Madison West lost the sectional semifinal Thursday to Waunakee.


Looking forward to next year: The district-wide virtual kickoff presentation will be on Thursday, July 28, 6:30-8 p.m. On the agenda:

  • Required forms for participating in athletics for the 2022-23 school year
  • Sport-specific information provided by coaches
  • Athletic Code
  • Student-athlete and parent responsibilities to the Code, school, and team


Please make sure to complete all requirements prior to the season to ensure full participation opportunities. We have a few sports that have limited spots, so it is important student-athletes are prepared to start on the first day and do not miss time in-season. Online athletic registration for the 2022-23 school year is now available. 


If you have any questions about athletics, please contact MMSD Athletic Director Jeremy Schlitz at jschlitz@madison.k12.wi.us

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Keeping Kids Active, Healthy Through Outdoor Play


From the American Academy of Pediatrics

No matter what the weather brings, playing outside is good for kids. There is scientific evidence that playing outdoors can improve health, and children of all ages love it.

"Even as the COVID-19 pandemic continues, outdoor time and nature exploration are safe for most kids,” said Danette Glassy, MD, FAAP. 

 

Playing outside promotes curiosity, creativity and critical thinking. Studies have found that children who spent more time in nature exploration had improved learning outcomes. Research also shows that when children spent time in natural settings they had less anger and aggression. Impulse control is also better. This might be especially important when normal routines change for children. Stress and depression are lower for people who spend time in nature.


Visit the American Academy of Pediatrics website and check out their tips for safely spending time outdoors for children of all ages. 

There are many amazing opportunities throughout the Madison community for our students and families. View Community Events and Activities here.

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CDC Recommends COVID-19 Vaccine Booster for Five Years of Age and Older


The CDC recommends that everyone ages five years and older get vaccinated against COVID-19, as well as a COVID-19 booster, when eligible. Lincoln Elementary School (909 Sequoia Trail, Madison WI 53713) will host a COVID-19 clinic, in partnership with SSM Health, on Thursday, June 23 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. All MMSD staff, students and family members five and older are invited; appointments are required.


The clinic will provide 1st, 2nd, and booster doses, and 2nd booster dose for anyone over the age of 50 or those who are 12 and older and immunocompromised. To determine your eligibility, visit the CDC’s COVID-19 booster tool.


Click here for more information.


Additional COVID-19 Vaccine Opportunities


Leopold Elementary School (2602 Post Rd, Madison WI 53713)

Clinic Dates:

  • June 14, 2022
  • June 28, 2022

Hours: 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. (noon)

 

Lake View Elementary School (1802 Tennyson Ln, Madison, WI 53704)

Clinic Dates:

  • June 20, 2022

Hours: 3:45 to 5:45 p.m.


Covid Testing

Beginning June 13 through July 29, Accelerated Clinical Laboratories will begin COVID-19 testing at all Summer Semester sites, MSCR Camp Compass sites, and Allied Learning Center. Before going to a school, please check operating hours to verify that testing sites are open.


Before going to test:

  • Check hours and directions for desired testing site
  • Register through COVID Connect
  • After registering you will receive an email from COVID Connect; bring this email with the QR code to the testing site
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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.

Madison Metropolitan School District | mmsd.org

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