MMSD: Excellence Together

Are activities sponsored by a school that are not a part of the academic curriculum but are acknowledged to be essential to the overall learning process in a school. While athletics and the performing arts of music, speech and debate, and theatre are the most common cocurricular activities, other programs offered by state associations include academic competition, journalism, robotics, chess, visual arts and esports, among many others.

An approach to teaching and learning that honors students' cultures, languages, backgrounds, and lived experiences as strengths and assets in the classroom. Culturally and linguistically responsive practices build on what students already know and who they already are to deepen learning for everyone.

When data is broken down into smaller groups, such as by race, income, language, disability status, or grade level, rather than shown as one overall number. Looking at disaggregated data helps the district see how different groups of students are doing and make sure progress is reaching every child, not just averaged across everyone.

A program that English Language Learners and native English speakers together in a classroom where they learn side by side. Classes are taught in both Spanish and English. Students develop their first language while learning communication and literacy skills in a second language.

Learning that happens by doing, through real-world projects, exposure to careers, internships through youth apprenticeship and hands-on activities that connect classroom content to life outside of school.

A framework that guides how MMSD builds its relationship with families, from first contact through a student's entire time in the district. It focuses on making every interaction with families welcoming, consistent, and meaningful, recognizing that strong family engagement is essential to student success.

The knowledge, skills, traditions, and expertise that students and their families bring from their home lives and communities, including things like navigating multiple languages, practicing cultural traditions, or solving everyday problems. MMSD sees these as powerful resources that belong in the classroom and believes every student walks in the door with something valuable to contribute.

A measure of the district's financial health that compares the amount of money the district has in reserve to its total budget, similar to a savings account. A healthy fund-balance ratio means the district has enough of a cushion to handle unexpected costs without cutting programs or services that students and families depend on.

A districtwide approach to making sure every student gets the right level of support at the right time, academically, behaviorally, and socially, with strong instruction for all students as the foundation and additional layers of support available for students who need more.

A relationship built on shared goals, mutual respect, and a commitment to working together, where MMSD actively collaborates with students, families, community organizations, and local businesses as genuine partners in decisions that affect students and schools.

The ability to carry out math skills and steps accurately, efficiently, and flexibly, with an understanding of when and why to use a particular approach. Students with strong procedural fluency can apply math skills with confidence and adapt their thinking when a problem calls for a different strategy.

A body of research that explains how people learn to read and what kinds of instruction are most effective, including phonics, vocabulary, comprehension, and fluency. Wisconsin requires all schools to use this research to guide reading instruction, and MMSD uses it to make sure every student builds a strong foundation as a reader.

The full picture of what MMSD offers to attract, support, and retain great staff, going beyond salary to include benefits, professional development, workplace culture, and opportunities for growth.

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