Dear MMSD Families,

Our MMSD Family has been leaning forward together with humanity and intentionality, working together to ensure all of our learning spaces are places where students and staff can thrive. We want to thank our families for their continued support thoughout this pandemic. Our entire MMSD community is encouraged to use this Friday to recharge, reconnect, and revive!

Also this Friday, MMSD is convening scholars, educational researchers, and practitioners from across the nation. The goal for these great thinkers is to develop a Justice Driven Framework for lifting Black scholars and transforming school communities. This can serve as a blueprint as we bring about change in the future outcomes of our students, especially those from historically excluded groups.

Finally, next week we close out 1st quarter. We have transitioned students from “re-learning” school procedures to engaging in high-quality instruction. It is wonderful to see our scholars learning and enjoying school!

Sincerely,

Carlton D. Jenkins, Ph.D.

Superintendent

Two MMSD High Schools Performing Family Friendly Plays

The Madison Metropolitan School District community is invited to theater productions by students from both Memorial and Madison East High Schools this weekend.

Meet the Directors of MMSD's Office of School Safety 

MMSD's Office of School Safety works with school principals and school-based critical response teams to ensure our schools balance the physical safety of our students, staff, and school buildings with the importance of social, emotional, and psychological safety. 

This office is co-directed by Gina Aguglia, Director of Cross Systems & Critical Response and Sedric Morris, Director of Safety and Security. Together they focus on connecting with community partners, emergency responders, and other agencies to ensure that cross system collaboration happens early and often. They are also developing specific professional development, early intervention support, consultation, and restorative response to school teams throughout the year. 

This office will instill the foundational practices of safe and welcoming schools, utilizing mental health and trauma informed based interventions, and responding to any and all incidents at schools and in the community with care and support. 

Learn more about Sedric Morris, Gina Aguglia, and their honorary co-director, therapy dog Bonnie. 

Sedric Morris

Director of School Security Services

Gina Aguglia, LCSW

Director of Cross Systems & Critical Response

Honorary co-director, therapy dog Bonnie

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

Advanced Placement Exam Registration to Close

Important Timeline for AP Exam Registration for the 21-22 School Year The College Board's Advanced Placement exam registration period continues to occur in the fall this school year. What do families need to know?

• WHO: All MMSD students seeking to take Spring 2022 AP Exams
• WHEN: MMSD's registration dates are September 13 – October 24, 2021 for this spring's final exams. Exam fees remain at $110/exam or $143 for Seminar/Research exams, but please note a $40/exam deposit per exam is due at this time. The remaining balance will need to be paid between January and February 24, 2022.
• WHERE: Full registration details are found at aptsusa.com/mmsd
• WHY: Studies have shown students who commit earlier in the school year have a higher engagement and commitment, as well as an increase in scores of 3 or higher across multiple groups.
• HOW: Specific registration information regarding MMSD's exam sign up, fee payment and AP updates can be found at https://www.madison.k12.wi.us/assessments/high-school-assessments-for-families/ap-testing-in-madison

Red Ribbon Week Resources

October 23-31 is Red Ribbon Week, which serves as an important reminder to educate youth on drug-use prevention and the harmful effects of vaping. According to recent data from the 2021 National Youth Tobacco Survey, 11.3% of high school students and 2.8% of middle school students reported current e-cigarette use. 

Use of tobacco products by youths in any form, including e-cigarettes, is unsafe. Most e-cigarettes contain nicotine, which can harm adolescents’ developing brains. Families are encouraged to talk to their children about the dangers of vaping, and can access a tip sheet by the Office of the U.S. Surgeon General for guidance.

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

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.