Dear MMSD Families and Community,
As we approach June and into the final days of the school year, it is important to take time to reflect on all the effort your students have put forth, and celebrate their outstanding achievements in academics, the arts, athletics and the many creative activities and events they have participated in throughout the year.
The month of June is widely celebrated as Pride Month, and as you are biking, taking a stroll or driving by our schools, you may see a colorful flag flying outside of our buildings. In honor, admiration and support of our MMSD LGBTQIA+ students, families and staff, we will be flying these Progress flags at all of our buildings throughout the month of June. At MMSD, we are committed to unity and equality for everyone, and are especially grateful to Madison’s New Harvest Foundation for providing a special grant for the district to purchase the Progress flags.
Also, June is the time we begin to make final preparations for the end of the school year, and many of you may be wondering how the recent announcement from Public Health Madison & Dane County (PHMDC), to end Emergency Order #16 when it expires June 2, will impact our daily lives. For the Madison community, the decision means, in many spaces, masking will be recommended but not required. However, for schools, it is important to note, the most recent guidance from PHMDC, the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services and the Wisconsin's Department of Public Instruction remains unchanged. Therefore, MMSD will continue to require face coverings for the remainder of the school year. Additionally, for families with students ages 12 and older interested in finding out more on how to get vaccinated, in this newsletter you will find information on how to receive the COVID-19 vaccine for free at the Alliant Energy Center in Madison.
I hope you find this edition of our family newsletter informative, and I look forward to sharing with you our next edition, which will be dedicated to uplifting the tremendous achievements of our graduating ‘Class of 2021’. We will be highlighting many of our seniors through stories, photos, and videos in celebration of their accomplishments and desire to succeed despite the challenges we all faced during this unprecedented school year. Thank you for your continued support, strength and resiliency. #MMSDFamily
Sincerely,
Carlton D. Jenkins Ph.D.
Superintendent
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Expanding COVID-19 vaccine access for students 12 and up |
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Everyone in Wisconsin age 12 and older is now eligible to receive the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine. The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) announced earlier this month vaccinations for the 12 -15 age group requires two doses and is the first and only vaccine available for the group. Many more MMSD students can now be protected from COVID-19, and we want to help make that process as easy as possible by providing families with vaccination resources. Public Health Madison & Dane County is currently scheduling appointments for various dates and times for their vaccination clinic at the Alliant Energy Center. COVID-19 vaccines are free of charge to everyone 12 and up, regardless of their health insurance status at the Alliant Energy Center.
Alliant Energy Center Clinic Information:
- The vaccination clinic is open Tuesdays and Thursdays from 12pm-7pm and Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday from 8am-3pm.
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The clinic is a walk-up, bike-up, or drive-up site with free transportation available.
- The clinic is closed on Saturday, May 29 in observance of Memorial Day.
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Appointments are recommended but not required. If you need help booking an appointment, please call (608) 242-6328.
- *Important* Parents and guardians need to either attend the vaccine appointments with students or must be available over the phone to give verbal consent.
Individuals can also call the toll-free DHS vaccine hotline at 1-844-684-1064 with questions or help registering for a vaccination appointment. The hotline can help you find a vaccinator, assist with registration, and help answer any of your questions about vaccines. The hotline is intended for people who don't have internet access.
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Introducing our BIG Idea campaign finalists |
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We are excited to introduce you to the innovative entrepreneurs and creative thinkers who were selected to work in partnership with the district to shape and build the future of our MMSD community. From the 337 BIG Ideas submitted, we’ve selected 14 amazing projects to fund. All of the top ideas were selected because they are deeply rooted in MMSD core values and commitment to equity while highlighting the work we do with our students, families and community partners. Check out the BIG Idea finalists from our recent Pitch Event, MMSD’s virtual version of the popular TV show, Shark Tank at mmsd.org/big-idea.The judges and community members who attended the Pitch Event were impressed by the work, energy and passion behind each idea. We are thankful to everyone who not only submitted an idea, but for those who are rallying behind these ideas to make them become a reality.
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Lake View Elementary celebrates Wisconsin School Garden Day |
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Students from Lake View Elementary recently spent time learning about plants and gardening as part of the third annual “Wisconsin School Garden Day.” Lake View invited city and state officials including Lieutenant. Governor Mandela Barnes, Senator Melissa Agard, and Representative Samba Baldeh to learn about gardening, planting produce and to explore the school’s nature station. Pictured below is Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes and Lake View Elementary School student Emery planting in the school garden as part of the third annual statewide School Garden Day on May 20. (Photo by Scott Girard, The Capital Times)
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Elvehjem, Glenn Stephens team up with DAMA and Dane County for Storm Drain Mural Project |
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Dane County and Dane Arts Mural Arts (DAMA) partnered with 12 groups across the county on storm drain murals this year and two MMSD schools, Elvehjem and Glenn Stephens, are among them! The Elvehjem mural was painted a few weeks ago and the Stephens mural will be painted on June 1st with the help of the students.
This project teaches the importance of protecting our precious water resources and the impacts of pollution. After learning about water pollution and solutions, through colorful design and imagery, students illustrated where storm water goes. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the project was put on hold. As conditions improved and schools welcomed back their students, they are now able to see the project to completion!
“This is a project I look forward to every year. We teach the students about how all our actions on land impact our waters, but they then spread the message even further by educating their community through their beautiful mural designs” said Stormwater Education Coordinator, Christal Campbell. Check out pictures below of Elvehjem students painting various storm drain mural designs.
If a school is interested in participating next year, they can contact Christal Campbell, Stormwater Education Coordinator, Madison Area Municipal Stormwater Partnership (MAMSWaP), Campbell.christal@countyofdane.com. Applications are typically due in February.
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MMSD recognizes LGBTQIA+ Pride Month with new Progress Flags |
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Every June, Pride Month is held as a celebration of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community. In honor, admiration and support of our MMSD LGBTQIA+ students, families and staff, school leaders will be flying progress flags at all of our schools and buildings throughout the month of June. Many people are familiar with the Rainbow flag. However, in 2018 the flag was redesigned and renamed the Progress flag to include black and brown stripes to represent people of color, and baby blue, pink and white stripes to include the trans flag in its design. It’s all part of a global initiative to be more inclusive and to expand on the many identities within the LGBTQIA+ community.
In May 2020, MMSD’s Board of Education passed a resolution to celebrate Pride month by flying the Rainbow flag at our schools during the month of June. Read the resolution here.
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Congratulations MMSD Healthy Kids Healthy School award winners |
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The Healthy Kids Collaborative of Dane County just announced the 2020-21 winners of the second annual Healthy Kids Healthy Schools Award. Despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, many of our schools continue to encourage their school communities to be active, healthy and well. Additionally, up to 5 schools will be awarded $1,000 in wellness learning funding to address their school’s wellness needs. Kudos to the following schools who are working together on schoolwide wellness projects and activities to keep their communities healthy: Van Hise, Lake View, Orchard Ridge, Sandburg, Marquette, Mendota, Crestwood, Falk, Franklin, Glenn Stephens, Gompers, Hawthorne, Sennett, Wright, Badger Rock, Cherokee Heights, O’Keeffe, Toki, La Follette, West and Shabazz! The Healthy Kids Healthy Schools Award is generously funded by a grant from the American Cancer Society to support school wellness.
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Join us for a virtual referendum information session on Environmental Sustainability |
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MMSD continues to be thankful to Madison’s voters who supported both of the MMSD’s referendum questions on the ballot in November 2020! The operating referendum passed with over 76% support and the facilities referendum passed with 80% support. To keep you informed on our current referendum-related sustainability projects, you are invited to a live information session with MMSD staff, MMSD Board Members, our subject matter experts from Eppstein Uhen Architects (EUA) and Findorff, and fellow environmental sustainability advocates on June 3rd, 2021 at 6:00 p.m. on MMSD’s Facebook page. Our Building Excellence Team will be presenting information on the current vision of the sustainability projects and are looking forward to receiving your feedback and answering your questions live.
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East High School’s ‘Pi Mile’ fundraiser returns as a virtual event |
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East High’s 20-year fundraising event is going virtual for the first-time ever! The Pi Mile, a 3.14 mile walk/run, is the club’s main fundraiser, and the money raised is used for scholarships for students to participate in competitions and conferences and to provide rental graphing calculators for students who cannot afford them.
Participants in the Pi Mile will have an 11-day window to individually complete their 3.14 mile walk/run.
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Support MMSD Arts! Purchase digital access to virtual events. |
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When you purchase your spot, you’ll reserve your virtual seat by receiving a special Ticket Code. To unlock, you’ll simply enter your Ticket Code when it's time.
West High - Multico: Available now!
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MSCR is hiring for summer programs
Upgrade your summer by coming to work for Madison School and Community Recreation. MSCR is looking for enthusiastic and motivated community members to help us support the health and wellness goals of our Madison community. Highest priority openings are for SREC (Summer Recreation & Enrichment Centers) and YRC (Youth Resource Centers) Program Leaders directly serving MMSD summer semester students in the afternoons. Positions are also available in sports, camps, aquatics and inclusion services. High school students are encouraged to apply. Positions descriptions and online application can be found at mscr.org/employment.
MMSD is hiring qualified school leaders
We are seeking passionate leaders to inspire and lead in various professional roles in departments including Student Services, Curriculum and Instruction, Instructional Technology and Media Services, Human Resources and more. For more information about the hiring process and the exciting work happening at MMSD, visit TEACH, LEAD or SERVE. We are happy to answer your questions, please email us at recruitment@madison.k12.wi.us
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MMSD Alumni Stories: Meet Sam Wheeler |
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West High class of 2016 alumnus Sam Wheeler is not only a Software Engineer for the UW-Madison Athletic Department, but also the Operations Coordinator for STEM to Stern, an organization dedicated to helping rowing teams become more diverse and competitive. STEM to Stern started in Milwaukee, WI at the Milwaukee Rowing Club in 2017 as a way to eliminate the barriers of participation and increase representation on the team and is now working with clubs across the country to help them develop their own programs. Their goal is to create twenty-five programs across the United States by 2021 and Sam’s role focuses heavily on helping these prospective clubs get their programs off the ground.
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Community events and opportunities
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Is your high school student interested in a hands-on learning experience that teaches them how to help others? Madison College offers Early College Academies, including a Fire Recruit Academy and an Emergency Medical Responder course for high school students 16 and older at no cost to students or families. Check out this demonstration video highlighting the Fire Academy. Please connect with your student’s high school counselor for more details.
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Summer Texting Campaign for Seniors: Graduation is upon us! Does your graduate have a plan for next year? Is your student unsure of what they need to accomplish this summer to be ready for college? MMSD School Counselors are available throughout the summer to answer those questions. Opt in to receive text messages throughout the summer supporting your student as they prepare for what is next! Register yourself and/or your senior here by June 1.
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UW Family Gardening Days in May: Virtual activities, workshops, and live chats aimed at making gardening accessible to all families.
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Badger Precollege Summer Programs at UW Madison has extended their application deadline to May 31 and financial aid deadline has been extended to May 15. Explore an array of academic programs for students ages 5-18 from advanced learning programs and STEM classes to music clinics and college readiness conferences.
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Black Girl Magic Mindfulness in the Park June 14-17: Learn how to bring awareness to your thoughts, feelings, emotions and the body as you participate in journaling, art, and movement at Warner, Elver, Penn and Tenney Parks from 12pm - 3pm.
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Maydm STEM courses for students in grades 6 - 12: Free virtual summer courses in STEM, youth financial literacy and game/app development.
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Madison Metropolitan School District | 608-663-1879 | Email | Website
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