Madison Metropolitan School District

Happy Substitute Educators Day! As American Education Week comes to a close, we take a moment to celebrate the invaluable contributions of substitute teachers. These dedicated individuals step into classrooms, ensuring that learning continues and that every student feels supported. Are you interested in joining MMSD and making a difference in the lives of our children? We’re looking for passionate substitutes who want to create a positive impact in our schools! By subbing with MMSD, you can enjoy a flexible work/life balanced schedule, competitive pay, and the chance to support our community. We have both daily and long-term assignments available, so whether you hold a high school diploma or a college degree, we have opportunities for you! ?Click here to apply: https://lnkd.in/gt_AkX3C

A heartfelt thank you to our incredible community partners for their unwavering support in helping our students! This week, our student services staff from MMSD schools had the opportunity to select a variety of brand-new cozy winter clothing, including coats, snow pants, long sleeve shirts, pants, and hats, all generously donated. As temperatures drop, the importance of warm clothing cannot be overstated. It’s essential for our students to get to school safely, enjoy recess, and maintain their health and well-being. "This is such a big need, because not all students have access to these items," said Community Schools Manager Sarita Foster. "Having a group of partners work together to address this need is crucial for the well-being of all our students." Our school social workers, family liaisons, and other dedicated staff members worked diligently, ensuring that every student is equipped for the winter ahead. We are grateful for the contributions from Madison Public Schools Foundation, Lands' End, EZ Office Products, and all the volunteers involved in this initiative. Your partnership creates a positive impact in our community and helps foster a sense of belonging and care for every student.

November is Homelessness Awareness Month Last week, Joe Gothard, Ed.D. , Jani Koester, and Shannon Stevens, along with other MMSD staff, came together to raise awareness about homelessness and its impact on our students. As a community, we are deeply committed to breaking down the barriers that stand in the way of student success. One of the most significant barriers we face is student homelessness. In our school district, more than 800 students are experiencing homelessness this year. That number is expected to rise to 1,400 students, which is about 5% of our student population who have no place to call home. These students are why we are here, and we must support them in every way we can. One of the key resources supporting these students is MMSD’s Transition Education Program (TEP). For 35 years, TEP has been a vital lifeline, helping to mitigate the impacts of homelessness on student success. Through the McKinney-Vento Act, which ensures access to education for homeless students, TEP helps provide stability, support, and a path to success. In the video from last week’s event, each ribbon represents a student experiencing homelessness. The different shades of purple symbolize the student’s grade level, reminding us that homelessness affects children of all ages. Want to Help? TEP is always accepting donations on behalf of students and families. Hygiene products (hair, skin care, feminine products, laundry detergent, body wash, deodorant, toothpaste and toothbrushes, and hair accessories) and winter clothing (winter boots, snow pants, coats and waterproof gloves) are in high demand this season. Community members interested in supporting the center are encouraged to reach out to [email protected]

First-Grade Inventors and Eighth-Grade Mentors Turn Imagination into Reality Through Classroom Partnership -- A partnership between Toki Middle School’s design and fabrication class and Orchard Ridge Elementary first-grade classes is helping students learn through collaboration and communication to design and create a “magnificent thing.” Read more: https://ow.ly/Fmaz50TZPNr

Students Explore Environment, Climate Change in Madison School Forest Pilot Program -- In the Madison School Forest’s new Junior Foresters program, K-8 students are exploring forest health through hands-on learning experiences that deepen their understanding of ecosystems and environmental stewardship. Read more: https://ow.ly/Swq350TZQ3x

A Heartfelt Thank You! We are proud to be part of a community that supports and invests in public education with the successful passage of our $100 million operational and $507 million facilities referendum! A huge THANK YOU to all the voters who said yes and to the incredible community leaders and organizations that rallied behind MMSD. Your support is more than just numbers—it's an investment in our students, our community, and the future of public education. Together, we can: - Retain and attract high-quality staff - Sustain and expand essential programs like 4K, early literacy, multilingual education, and middle school career exploration - Transform ten schools into modern, flexible learning spaces We have important work ahead of us and look forward to engaging with the community to make Madison a destination school district. #mmsdpeoplepurposepride

Three MMSD High Schools Recognized with AP Pacesetter Awards -- MMSD is pleased to announce that three of its high schools—East, Vel Phillips Memorial, and West—have been recognized by the Wisconsin Advanced Placement Advisory Council with AP Pacesetter Awards for the 2023–2024 school year. Memorial and West achieved Level 2 designation, and East earned Level 3. Read more: https://ow.ly/4XUZ50TZPCJ

MMSD Sees Enrollment Increase for Second Year in a Row -- For the second year in a row, MMSD realized an enrollment increase in full-time equivalent (FTE) students over its prior academic year—up 125, from 25,565 to 25,690. Read more: https://ow.ly/YY6x50TZQby

Happy Hmong New Year, Madison! Students from Lake View Community School performed the song “Nqua Hu Tub Ntxhais,” which celebrates being a learner and hard worker along with celebrating your cultural identity.

MMSD Superintendent Joe Gothard, Ed.D. recently sat down for an insightful interview on the 365 Amplified podcast. He discusses the upcoming referendum and its impact on our community, sharing his vision for the future of our schools. Listen now: https://ow.ly/nmxK50TY9lT