Every Family, Every Day Newsletter
February 2018

Jahana Hayes, the National Teacher of the Year visited Sun Prairie this week. She spoke at our middle schools, Cardinal Heights and the High School followed by a community presentation. Her messages to our staff and students were beautiful and powerful. To learn more about Jahana Hayes, watch this video.




Sun Prairie High School Students Bring Home Hip Hop Awards

Congratulations to four of our high school students for winning 6 awards at the Madison Hip Hop Award show in December.  Here is the rundown of their awards:
1) Rookie of the Year won by Chris Jewson
2) Video of the Year for "Feel Good Inc." (Directed by  Chris Jewson and Erik Moehr)
3) Song of the Year for "Mic Check" (Produced by Devin Barksdale)
4) Videographer of the Year won by Erik Moehr and Calvin Byers (Erkjam Productions)
5) Producer of the Year won by Devin Barksdale (Devinci Beats)
6) Fan of the Year won by Gabriel Sadoski
The Urban Community Arts Network, a non-profit organization in the Madison area looks to help develop relationships with the community through hip hop and sponsored this show.
 


 


February is Black History Month

The African American Parent Network (AAPN) and the Black Student Union (BSU) are collaborating this year for Black History Month. They are excited to present a t-shirt that has been designed by our students, club advisers and parents for Black History month. This is the first year that BSU is established as an official club and the students are truly excited to present AAPN's design of these shirts. The proceeds from the sales will go directly to BSU with aims of providing additional funds for college tours, community service opportunities, and materials to give back to the community. T-shirts can be purchased here.

In honor of Black History Month, 2nd graders at Eastside Elementary School are learning about the world renowned African American artist, Faith Ringgold. Faith Ringgold is the author and illustrator of the children's book, Tar Beach, which is a whimsical story of a young girl imagining what it would be like to fly above the city. Students created these beautiful cityscapes inspired by Faith Ringgold's work. Thank you to Sara Zallar for the beautiful photos.

Watch the District Facebook page to learn more about the celebrations in our classrooms and schools throughout the month.
25 kids books to read for Black History Month.
     
Shout Out #Cardinalpride

Human Resources Director, Malika Evanco was featured in Madison365 for growing and diversifying our schools. Read more here.

High School student, Dominic Cooper was recently featured on NBC15 for his work with Findorff and building our new elementary school through the Youth Apprenticeship Program. Watch the story here.

Congratulations to our Sun Prairie students that were recognized by the Urban League of Greater Madison. Awards were presented to middle and high school students of color that exemplify a commitment to academics, extra-curricular activities and volunteerism.

Cardinal Heights Students
 Jillian, Julissa &  Mussa, 

Prairie View Students:
Jayden , Mariama, Arhman & Brandie

Patrick Marsh Students:
 Fabrizzio, Eastlan, &  Lamin

High School students in attendance

AVID College Acceptance  

Our 14 High School AVID seniors have all been 
college accepted and have earned $150,000 in scholarships so far! 
Equity Work

The Teaching, Learning and Equity Council made up of educators, staff, and administrators from across the district participated in a workshop with Dr. Linn Posey-Maddox, a district parent and Associate Professor of Educational Policy Studies at UW-Madison. Her engaging presentation was titled, Placing Equity at the Center of Our Programs, Practices, & Policies.
 
The District is also working with Pacific Education Group (PEG) to learn and expand the scope of depth of our equity work. PEG is providing professional development, coaching and consulting services to help the district develop and accelerate the capacity to engage in systemic equity transformation and eliminate racial disparities.
In and out of the Classroom

Cardinal Heights E House students giving a  presentation
 
Prairie View student fast asleep on the bus after a day of skiing
S tay Connected to the Sun Prairie Area School District
 
We invite you to engage with the School District and follow the success of our students and staff. Here are just a few ways to stay connected:

Help spread the word....we are seeking to diversify our workforce. View current employment opportunities here.