Family News - Special Edition
![Mikki Smith, east high school principal, cutting the ribbon at the east high school ribbon cutting ceremony]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1725546744/madisonk12wius/x4dtci7b4svl1auxrqeb/8Z3A4302.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1725546744/madisonk12wius/x4dtci7b4svl1auxrqeb/8Z3A4302.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1725546744/madisonk12wius/x4dtci7b4svl1auxrqeb/8Z3A4302.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1725546744/madisonk12wius/x4dtci7b4svl1auxrqeb/8Z3A4302.jpg","width":1199}])
After four years of dedication and hard work, the long-awaited transformations of our four comprehensive high schools are complete! We celebrated on Friday, Aug. 30 with ribbon cutting ceremonies at La Follette, East, West and Memorial high schools.
These updates go beyond just new facilities—they’re about creating spaces where students and staff can truly be their best selves, explore their passions and reach their highest aspirations. Together, we’re shaping a bright future for our students and our community!
![First page of the PDF file: 2020-referenda-slide-deck-updated]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1720729668/madisonk12wius/fzrcjmnclmlfzkgvo5nf/ref24graphic.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1720729668/madisonk12wius/fzrcjmnclmlfzkgvo5nf/ref24graphic.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1720729668/madisonk12wius/fzrcjmnclmlfzkgvo5nf/ref24graphic.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1720729668/madisonk12wius/fzrcjmnclmlfzkgvo5nf/ref24graphic.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1720729668/madisonk12wius/fzrcjmnclmlfzkgvo5nf/ref24graphic.jpg","width":1218}])
Community engagement sessions will be held over the next few weeks to share school-specific details about the upcoming facilities and operations referenda. We need your input to shape the future of our schools!
![A family member embracing a student]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1725566661/madisonk12wius/emanfanlsmwrzhvkmppq/IMG_0441.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1725566661/madisonk12wius/emanfanlsmwrzhvkmppq/IMG_0441.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1725566661/madisonk12wius/emanfanlsmwrzhvkmppq/IMG_0441.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1725566661/madisonk12wius/emanfanlsmwrzhvkmppq/IMG_0441.jpg","width":1199}])
Check out our first day of school photo gallery to see if you spot any familiar faces. We visited several schools across the district to capture these special moments.
![Three sudents picking out books in the library]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1681765193/madisonk12wius/cyem2mawoaxics8dx7qi/literacy_0000_12-20-16_MMSDlindbergh_207.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1681765193/madisonk12wius/cyem2mawoaxics8dx7qi/literacy_0000_12-20-16_MMSDlindbergh_207.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1681765193/madisonk12wius/cyem2mawoaxics8dx7qi/literacy_0000_12-20-16_MMSDlindbergh_207.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1681765193/madisonk12wius/cyem2mawoaxics8dx7qi/literacy_0000_12-20-16_MMSDlindbergh_207.jpg","width":1107}])
In honor of International Literacy Day on Sept. 8, we invite the MMSD community to take our ‘Mad for Reading’ pledge. Together, let's dive into the wonder of words, the joy of storytelling and the endless adventures that await within the pages of a book.
![Principal Jackie Smith, Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway, U.S. Department of Education Deputy Secretary Cindy Marten and Dr. Joe Gothard walk down the hallway at Henderson Elementary.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1725562519/madisonk12wius/dylrjdhltyiskrekjxpr/P1127484.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1725562519/madisonk12wius/dylrjdhltyiskrekjxpr/P1127484.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1725562519/madisonk12wius/dylrjdhltyiskrekjxpr/P1127484.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1725562519/madisonk12wius/dylrjdhltyiskrekjxpr/P1127484.jpg","width":900}])
MMSD welcomed several special guests this week, including U.S. Department of Education Deputy Secretary Cindy Marten. They had an opportunity to connect with staff and students, seeing firsthand the teaching and learning that happens in our schools.
![Seats in an elementary classroom]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1705684524/madisonk12wius/a78gkhkoghdpylvnwly3/attendance.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1705684524/madisonk12wius/a78gkhkoghdpylvnwly3/attendance.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1705684524/madisonk12wius/a78gkhkoghdpylvnwly3/attendance.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1705684524/madisonk12wius/a78gkhkoghdpylvnwly3/attendance.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1705684524/madisonk12wius/a78gkhkoghdpylvnwly3/attendance.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1705684524/madisonk12wius/a78gkhkoghdpylvnwly3/attendance.jpg","width":2200}])
There is a new, convenient way for families to notify their student's school of an absence, late arrival or early pick-up. Using the Infinite Campus Parent Portal is quick and easy.
![Student fixing damaged bicycle tire]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1725376522/madisonk12wius/xux79xptkhmofvhrbqzh/LeopoldNewMural.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1725376522/madisonk12wius/xux79xptkhmofvhrbqzh/LeopoldNewMural.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1725376522/madisonk12wius/xux79xptkhmofvhrbqzh/LeopoldNewMural.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1725376522/madisonk12wius/xux79xptkhmofvhrbqzh/LeopoldNewMural.png","width":1000}])
On the first day of the 2024–25 school year, Leopold Elementary School unveiled a new, culturally inclusive mural by local artist Rodrigo Carapia that will serve as a greeting to visitors inside the school’s main entrance.
![Student fixing damaged bicycle tire]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1724891174/madisonk12wius/yw9uszhnas6lx1spkivg/BikeRepairClub.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1724891174/madisonk12wius/yw9uszhnas6lx1spkivg/BikeRepairClub.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1724891174/madisonk12wius/yw9uszhnas6lx1spkivg/BikeRepairClub.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1724891174/madisonk12wius/yw9uszhnas6lx1spkivg/BikeRepairClub.jpg","width":1000}])
The grant, from the Bloomberg Philanthropies' Youth Climate Action Fund, will be used to help grow the school’s new Bike Repair Club and purchase tools and equipment.
![Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month on a bright background]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1725648888/madisonk12wius/qzvba47x1yo15v72ingr/celebratesmiles.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1725648888/madisonk12wius/qzvba47x1yo15v72ingr/celebratesmiles.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1725648888/madisonk12wius/qzvba47x1yo15v72ingr/celebratesmiles.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1725648888/madisonk12wius/qzvba47x1yo15v72ingr/celebratesmiles.jpg","width":1200}])
MMSD elementary and middle school students can receive no-cost dental care right at their school through a partnership with Access Community Health Centers.
![Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month on a bright background]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1724891263/madisonk12wius/fh0bzsmopqvimlgeyhse/Sept7.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1724891263/madisonk12wius/fh0bzsmopqvimlgeyhse/Sept7.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1724891263/madisonk12wius/fh0bzsmopqvimlgeyhse/Sept7.jpg","width":779}])
The entire MMSD community is invited to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month on Saturday, Sept. 7. Meet Superintendent Dr. Gothard; learn about school and district resources; enjoy music, entertainment and pick up free children’s books; food will be available for purchase, too. The event will be hosted at Centro of Dane County, on Madison’s southside.