Dear MMSD Families,

October marks many positive recognitions. I’d like to spotlight our dedicated Board of Education members for their continued leadership and advocacy, as we celebrate Wisconsin School Board Week from October 3-9. And Happy National Principals Month to our dedicated building leaders who go above and beyond every day for our students, our staff, and our families!

Governor Evers has issued additional proclamations for October, two of which I’d like to highlight: Learning Disabilities Awareness Month and Gifted Education Month. Our students have a wide range of talents and abilities, and MMSD supports learners of ALL abilities. It is incumbent upon us as educators to see each child succeed - it is truly a privilege to serve our scholars and families.

This week’s family newsletter includes other October observances, staff and student good news, and reminders. We look forward to engaging our entire MMSD community in various ways throughout the year to ensure all of our students and staff are thriving in our learning spaces.

Sincerely,

Carlton D. Jenkins, Ph.D.

Superintendent

Middle School Students Create Unity, Kindness Murals

This week, students at Black Hawk Middle School collaborated with members of the community art project, Dane Arts Mural Arts (DAMA), to create a series of murals promoting themes of unity and kindness. 

The project, funded through the City of Madison and the Kennedy Center’s Ensuring the Arts for Any Given Child art program, originally started in 2019 before being postponed by the pandemic.

Black Hawk art teacher Celia Parsons and DAMA artists worked with art students who designed, painted, cut, and glued the materials for the project. The new murals, which read “Together We’re Better'' and “Be Kind,” will hang in the halls of the school.

Infinite Campus Mobile Apps can be downloaded through the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.

Bullying Prevention Month

In observance of National Bullying Prevention Month, we are highlighting resources to help ensure our schools are places where every student feels safe, respected, and a true sense of belonging. 

Bullying behavior has no place in our schools (read our anti-bullying policy here). Anyone who experiences or witnesses bullying can complete the anti-bullying reporting form online; all reports of bullying are taken seriously. We understand the harmful social, physical, psychological, and academic impact on those being bullied, bystanders, and those doing the bullying.  

If you would like your child to receive support from a Student Services professional regarding bullying, please contact your school’s social worker or psychologist. Parents or guardians of students who are gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, or questioning can seek additional support through MMSD's Interim LGBTQIA+ Lead, Katie Rickert.

WI's 2021 Counselor of the Year is Finalist for National Recognition

Marianne Matt, school counselor at Capital High School, has been named 2021 Wisconsin School Counselor of the Year and is one of five finalists for the 2022 American School Counselor of the Year. 

Ms. Matt has been a school counselor for nearly seven years. She was selected as the 2021 School Counselor of the Year based on her ability to create lasting change within the profession through leadership, collaboration, and advocacy.

“She skillfully accompanies young people to deal with the crisis in their current lives while guiding them to look forward (and set goals) for their future college and career goals. And she does it all while making each of us feel special and bringing laughter and love to our lives,” said Megan Miller, MMSD social worker.

Ms. Matt works closely with Madison College to connect students to opportunities that will prepare them for post high school success. “She is the reason our school now has a college-going culture, and that our students, who previously did not see college as an option for themselves, now do,” shared Joel Jarosky,Capital High teacher.

After examining Capital High student data, Ms. Matt saw only 52% of African American and multiracial seniors taking a dual credit English course were earning college credit. Matt adjusted her school counseling programming, and as a result, the number of students earning a C or better and receiving college credit increased by 15%. She also recognized that while 69% of her seniors were enrolling in college, many more were expressing interest and not applying. In response, she offered more classroom

lessons, and met with students individually more often. As a result, college enrollment increased to 84%!

Congratulations Ms. Matt!

REMINDER - MMSD COVID Testing Clinics

COVID Clinics are scheduled to start approximately 30 minutes before students start and 30 minutes after schools end.  

School / Hours MMSD COVID Clinic Open

• Memorial / Jefferson   7:30-5:00
• Black Hawk/Gompers   7:00 - 4:30
• Hawthorne   7:45-3:00
• La Follette / Sennett   7:30-5:00
• Lowell   7:00-3:00 (This clinic is currently indoors. If you are not a member of the Lowell community, please select an alternative site.)
• Toki / Orchard Ridge   8:00-4:00
• Whitehorse / Schenk   7:00-3:45
• Thoreau   7:45-3:45
• West   7:30-5:00

National Fire Prevention Week

October 3-9 is National Fire Prevention Week, and serves as an important reminder to review safety protocols at school and home. Each school in the District runs nine evacuation drills per year for students to practice Standard Response Protocols. 

Additionally, the City of Madison Fire Department offers a variety of online fire safety resources for families, teens, and young children, including smoke alarm placement tips and educational programs.

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.