Dear MMSD Families,

Often at this point in the year, many reflect on the ways in which they are thankful or grateful. As such, it has been inspiring to watch our community’s ‘gratitude grams’ videos. I continue to be not only grateful, but proud, to serve as your superintendent. The Madison community is strong, caring, and vibrant. I deeply appreciate our community’s commitment to the success of our students, staff, and school district. 

We are energized by our students lifting their voices in leadership, our staff collaborating on instructional and co-curricular planning, and our families volunteering their valuable time, along with our community members making us aware of important resources and perspectives. 

Leaning forward with humanity involves being inspired by the unique potential

of all of our students, staff, and families. The stories included below illustrate our community’s abilities - and unlimited capacity - to strive for excellence.

Sincerely,

Carlton D. Jenkins, Ph.D.

Superintendent

Gratitude Gram: Celebrating Our Scholars!

How to take part: email your short video (under 20 seconds) to communications@madison.k12.wi.us.

Here are a few things to consider when creating your video: Make sure you state your name, school, and grade if applicable. Use Zoom or your mobile device to record your message. Record by yourself or with a group.

We believe community connections are at the heart of what makes us a strong #MMSDfamily. Thank you for being a valued member of this community!

If you're not already, make sure to follow us on Facebook: @MadisonSchoolsWI and Instagram so you can see all our great Gratitude Grams throughout the month!

East High School Students Add Outdoor Food Pantry to Feed Those in Need

Deagan Wiebel was checking around East High School for Eagle Scout Service Project opportunities when he discovered he could help feed hungry students and anyone who drives by the school.

Wiebel, now a sophomore, said he learned that a club at East has a mission to feed the hungry and he could help them branch out by creating a pantry available outside the school 24 hours a day. So Wiebel, a member of Troop 132, enlisted the help of others and used blueprints for a garden shed to make the food pantry, which sits outside on the North Fourth Street side of the school. It’s painted in the school colors — purple and gold — so it’s hard to miss.

Read the full story here

Memorial AVID Teacher Reflects on Former Student’s Milestone 

Former Memorial High School student Matida Bojang is the first student to attend medical school after completing The Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) program, which aims to support low-income and disadvantaged learners to become college and career ready. 

MMSD students must apply to the program, which supplies them with crucial educational skills like note taking and learning comprehension. MMSD partners with the Boys & Girls Club of Dane County on another part of the program called Teens of Promise (TOPS), which provides student support outside of the classroom. Enrolled students must take an AVID elective course, which prepares them for post-secondary education.

Bojang joined AVID as a sophomore at Memorial, just years after immigrating to the U.S. from Gambia. Since then, she’s graduated from UW-Milwaukee and is now finishing her first semester of medical school at the Medical College of Wisconsin. Memorial physical education teacher Jason Rogers worked with Bojang as her AVID teacher.

Read the full article

Be Bright at Night Campaign Offers Free Bike Lights and Reflective Armbands 

Now that there is less daylight in the evening, it is especially important for anyone who bikes to school to wear a helmet and use bike lights. During November, if you walk or bike to a Madison public library to pick up books or other materials, you can pick up lights and reflective armbands, free of charge and until supplies last. The Be Bright at Night Campaign is an initiative of the City of Madison and Madison Public Libraries

Don't forget helmets: Bicycle helmets can reduce your chance of brain injury by 85%. You can find tips for properly fitting a bike helmet on the city's website.

Learn more about MMSD's Office of School Safety.

Books to Celebrate Transgender Awareness Week 

In celebration of Transgender Awareness Week and MMSD’s commitment to promoting early literacy, we’re highlighting books that feature and uplift intersectional trans characters. Check out this list for book recommendations. Additional resources are available at MMSD’s LGBTQIA+ resource site.

In the 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!

• Former head of the U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs, Ada Deer, celebrates Native American Heritage Month with Franklin Elementary students
• Gumbo brings East students and district leaders to table
• East high school students add outdoor food pantry to feed those in need
• SSM Health partnering with MMSD for on-site COVID vaccinations for students
• MMSD exceeds expectations according to latest school report card
• Madison students receive milestone senior photos through special effort

Help Protect Your Child, Your Family, and Others

The CDC recommends children five to 11 years old be vaccinated against COVID-19 with the Pfizer-BioNTech pediatric vaccine. This expands vaccine recommendations to about 28 million children in the United States in this age group, and allows healthcare providers to begin vaccinations as soon as possible.

Getting a COVID-19 vaccine can help protect children ages five years and older from getting COVID-19.

• Vaccinated MSMD students do not need to quarantine if they are considered a close contact.
• Vaccinating children can help protect family members, including siblings who are not eligible for vaccination and family members who may be at increased risk of getting very sick if they are infected.
• Vaccination can also help keep children from getting seriously sick even if they do get COVID-19.
• Vaccinating children ages five years and older can help keep them in school and help them safely participate in sports, playdates, and other group activities.

Help protect your family and slow the spread of COVID-19 in your community by getting yourself and your children (ages five years and older) vaccinated against COVID-19.

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
• Lindbergh 8:30-4:30
• 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

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.