A drizzly day outdoors made the perfect excuse to stay in over lunch and catch today's lively staff vs. student volleyball game. This game is part of a series of monthly sports and activities focused on increasing engagement between students and staff at East and fostering positive relationships. Thanks to all who participated and came to watch the game!

East's Africa Club was recently featured in Goodman Community Center's Eastside News. The club provides students a space to stay connected to their African culture. Africa Club is a sponsored 21st Century Learning Center club through the Goodman Community Center’s LOFT High School Program.

"Every Tuesday during lunchtime on the second floor of East High School, you might hear the sounds of Afro­beats, drums and African flutes from Room 2023. The music fills the room, along with the sounds of Mandinka, French and several other languages, as well as laughter. These sounds belong to the members of Africa Club — a safe space and a community for East students from across Africa." Read More >>>

Please join me in congratulating students who represented East in Thursday's districtwide, fourth annual Project Soapbox Event, in partnership with Mikva Challenge. This is a public speaking competition and showcase, highlighting the voices of our youth. In a 2-3 minute speech, students address the driving question, “What is the most pressing issue facing your community and what should be done about it?”  

A special shoutout to Addie Currier, whose speech on police brutality made the final round. Other participants included: Rosa Macaulay (Period poverty), Axel Tubbs (Wealth Inequality), Zahraa Alghazali (The Hijab), Paul Mugisha (Facing Racism in a Diverse Nation), Luci Philipp (Mental health in teens), Demell Glenn (Post-traumatic slave sydrome), Fatou Kujabi (Islamaphobia), and Carina Caspar (Racism in Healthcare).

This week Seniors met in the Forum to celebrate their post-secondary plans. Check out the photos from the event!

This week Juniors and Seniors voted on the theme for Prom this year, which will be Enchanted Forest. Also, save the date for the Prom Pep Rally on Friday, April 22nd at 2:45pm the in Field House (adjusted bell schedule).

The "31 Days" Art Exhibit, featuring East High School students, is being featured at the at Communication Gallery (2645 Milwaukee Street) on Saturday, March 26th from 10:00am-3:00pm with a performance at 12:00pm. Masks are required.

On Thursday there was a Black Artist Showcase at lunch in the forum. It was hosted by a group of students in Choir who were looking to create space for Black East students to showcase their talents.Performances included many types of performing art (musical performances, spoken word, movement, etc.). A huge shoutout to all that participated and attended the event.

On Wednesday, East's Black Student Union took a field trip to visit the DuSable Museum of African-American History in Chicago. The museum is an educational institution and the first non-profit Museum dedicated to the collection, documentation, preservation, study and the dissemination of the history and culture of Africans and African Americans. Through exhibits, educational programs, the archives, and special activities, the Museum continuously explores the African American experience and accomplishments of the past and present to further advance the education of the future.

East’s ProStart 2 Culinary Class visited the Madison College Culinary Program for a tour and special lunch made by the Madison College students. Students enjoyed a 3 course meal and a chance to observe the chefs in action.

This spring, East High School culinary students tapped the maple trees on school grounds and learned the process for maple sugaring. Students enjoyed the syrup on pancakes and waffles they learned to make from scratch.

Purgolder Spring Scenic Photo Contest Spring has finally arrived. It is the perfect time to get out and enjoy the warmer weather. Enjoy time in the sunshine; maybe take a walk in the rain and splash in some puddles. There are so many benefits of spending time outdoors on our mental health. During the month of April, while outside focusing on the wonderful sights, take some pictures of the beautiful scenery, and submit a photo for the Purgolder Spring Scenic Photo Contest!

Online applications for the Dane County Driver Education Scholarship program through MSCR must be completed in the Spring to be considered for the class over the Summer. It is not first come first serve. Any application received by the deadline will be considered, however there is a selection process due to limited spots in the class. Note that students 17 years old or older are not eligible for this program. Students must be born between 1/1/2006 and 12/31/2006. The program takes place Monday-Thursday, June 13 - July 14, 2022, 12:30-2:30pm at O'Keeffe Middle School. Applications due by April 22, 2022.

The Summer of 2022 will offer credit recovery opportunities for students entering grades 10, 11 or 12 in the fall of 2022, and for students who are short credits in order to graduate in August 2022. There will be limited First Time Credit for students entering grades 9-12. Courses will be offered virtually and in-person for students attending MMSD's high schools. Course availability depends on staffing and course enrollment.

Due to referendum construction at the comprehensive high schools, MMSD's in-person Summer sites are as follows:

Summer Semester Session begins on Monday, June 20th and ends on Thursday, July 28th and takes place Monday through Thursday.

Here is the course catalog for this summer, which lists the courses that will be offered.

Contact your high school counselor to enroll in credit recovery courses. First time credit course requests must be made through an Interest Form that will be shared via email in mid-April.

Check out the MMSD Summer Semester website at mmsd.org/summer.

If you have any questions about 2022 Summer High School programming, please contact your School Counselor and/or the MMSD Summer Semester Office at 608-663-1914.

Join the East Mountain Bike Club on some Spring rides! See Ms. Sonneman in Room 142 for more information or questions.