MAY 2022

Principal's Message

Greetings Parents and Guardians,

Midterm progress grades were posted yesterday morning, marking the halfway point of the fourth quarter. This presents an excellent opportunity to talk with your student about their academic progress, end of the semester goals, and steps they need to take to move toward those goals. Some students find themselves in a panic the last week of school, hoping to complete missing work to improve their grade. With five weeks of school remaining, we can use this midterm marking period to create a sense of urgency much earlier and to planfully approach this final stretch. Learning to navigate distractions and prioritize tasks are important lifelong skills. The second half of 4th quarter is a great time to apply these skills.

Prom

We will hold our spring pep assembly this week on Thursday afternoon. Most of our athletic teams will be out of the building on Friday afternoon when we traditionally hold this assembly. Prom is on Saturday, May 7. The doors will open at 7:45 pm. There are two sets of doors in the main circle. The main entrance is considered Door 1. The other set of doors to the south are considered Door 2. Students will enter through Door 2, while parents will enter through Door 1. The Grand March will be held in the Auditorium and will begin at 8:00 pm. The doors to the dance will close at 9:00 and the dance will finish at 11:30. Students are allowed to bring guests, and those forms are due in the main office by the end of the day today.

Graduation

Graduation will take place on Sunday, June 5 at 1:00 pm in the MGHS Gym. The doors will open at 12:15. We are not limiting the number of guests per graduate or distributing tickets for guests. The ceremony will be livestreamed on our YouTube channel and streamed on televisions in the commons at the high school. Mandatory graduation rehearsal for all seniors will be Friday, June 3 at 9:30 am.

I look forward to seeing you at athletic competitions and concerts throughout the month of May.

Respectfully,

Mitch McGrath

OFFICE HOURS:

Main Office

7:15 a.m.–4:15 p.m.

Student Services

7:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m.

CONTACT:

Main Office: (608) 221-7666

Fax: (608) 221-7690

Student Services:

(608) 316-1373

Athletics: (608) 316-1395

Attendance: (608) 316-1393 or contact via email

UPCOMING EVENTS:

May 2-13 - AP Exams
May 5 - Pep Assembly 2:30; Band Concert 7:00
May 7 - Prom
May 11 - ACP
May 12 - Orchestra Concert 7:30
May 15 - Big Band Jazz Concert 5:00
May 16 - Parent Forum 6:00; Choir Concert 7:00
May 18 - Senior Recognition Night
May 25 - Fine Arts Awards
May 30 - No School
May 31 -1st day of senior finals

Drawing Painting 1 student art on display

Ms. Sobotik is thrilled to share that 7 artists from her Drawing Painting 1 class are displaying their drawing portraits at the new Madison Public Library Pinney Branch located at 516 Cottage Grove Rd, Madison, WI 53716. Students responded to the prompt "Hero" and created large portrait drawings using graphite on paper. The library is excited to present these artists' work as their first student art show. For the next month, you are invited to visit the Pinney Library and view the collection. Congratulations to all the artists in the class for successful completion of the portrait drawing project & a special thank you to Ella, Kyan, Hayley, Finnian, Ethan, Noelle, and James for volunteering their work to be displayed!

Prom 2022

MGHS Leaders

The following students will represent Monona Grove High School in leadership opportunities held in person and virtually in May and June of 2022:

2022 Hugh O'Brian (HOBY)

Wisconsin Leadership Seminar Virtual Conference June 24-June 26

Marcella Simmons

2022 Wisconsin Leadership Seminar (WILS)

Carroll University (Waukesha, WI) June 10 -June 12

Alex Coller

2022 Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA)

May 21 Virtual Conference

Blake Cook sponsored by Madison East-Monona Rotary

2022 American Legion Auxiliary Badger Girls State (UW Oshkosh campus) June 19-June 24

Mary Konz sponsored by American Legion Post 248

Katherine Roberts sponsored by Monona Grove Lions

Leah Meyer sponsored by Cottage Grove Lions

ALABGS is a week-long government and leadership conference for young women in their junior year of high school.

2022 Badger Boys State (UW Eau Claire campus) June 12-June 18

Maxwell Adrians sponsored by Wolf-Sub Zero Madison

Liam Penzenstadler sponsored by American Legion Post 248

Dillon O'Brien sponsored by Anonymous Donor

Liam Risberg sponsored by Wolf-Sub Zero Madison

Badger Boys State educates young leaders on how to become more impactful community members of Wisconsin.

News from the Athletic Department

Athletic Department

The MG Athletic Department is selling “water only” Mt. Olympus tickets for $5 a piece. Tickets can be upgraded on site at Mt. Olympus for an additional $5 plus tax for the use of full park attractions. These tickets are only redeemable during the month of June, 2022. Tickets are available in the Main Office between 7:30 am and 4:00 pm through May 26. Tickets may only be purchased for personal, individual and family use. Payment should be cash or a check made out to “MGHS Athletics”.

Registration for Monona Grove summer camps is now open! Please visit https://mononagrovehs.rschoolteams.com/page/5440 for camp details and to register. Please register your student based on their grade level for the 2022-23 school year.

Questions? Please contact Athletics/Activities Administrative Assistant Nicole Dunbar at nicole.dunbar@mgschools.net.

WIAA/Badger Conference

Anticipating hosting a Foreign Exchange student during the 22-23 school year? WIAA rules allow for one year of eligibility for foreign students participating in exchange programs.

Eligibility is not automatic, however, and schools must fill out a request for foreign student eligibility. This form is filled out between the Athletic Director and the student. These students are required to meet existing WIAA rules in areas other than residence.

All foreign students must have a physical conducted in the United States prior to participating in practice or competition at a member school.

Athletic Training

The MGHS training room is open Monday - Friday after school until 6:30pm. On days where there is an event, the training room might close early. Specific weekly hours are posted on the training room doors.

Any student-athlete who needs athletic training services can stop by during open hours or reach out to Jacqui Landry (jacqueline.landry@mgschools.net) with any questions or concerns.

Strength and Conditioning

Registration for Summer Strength & Conditioning is now open! Please visit https://mononagrovehs.rschoolteams.com/page/5440 for camp details and to register. Please contact Coach Bellamy at andrew.bellamy@mgschools.net with questions.

Work Permits

Work Permit Requirements

Work permits are required for anyone under the age of 16. To obtain a work permit, the minor must bring the following to the MGHS or GDS main office:

employer letter
parent/guardian letter
birth certficate, passport or WI license
social security card
$10

Please visit this web site for more information.

Ribbon Cutting/Open House for Solar Array

Please join the Monona Grove Ad Hoc Sustainability Committee for a ribbon cutting and open house for the new solar array at Monona Grove High School. The largest (to-date) solar PV array on any K-12 school in the state is happening at Monona Grove High School and will be finished soon! The Monona Grove Sustainability Committee is hosting a ribbon cutting and open house and we would love for you to attend!

Join us Saturday, May 21 from 9am to 12pm at Monona Grove High School (4400 Monona Drive, Monona, WI). Please click here for additional details.

News from Student Services

ACT RESULTS AND SCORE REPORTS

Students who have questions about how and when they will receive their ACT score reports from state testing in March are asked to see page 4 of their “Taking the ACT Test” booklet that was distributed in Advisory when students set up their MyACT account. Score reports are mailed directly to the homes of students up to 8 weeks after the receipt of their test responses.

Students may also view their scores by accessing their MyACT account. See page 4 of their “Taking the ACT Test” booklet for more information.

SENIOR RECOGNITION NIGHT

Mark your calendars for Senior Recognition Night!

Join your friends, family, teachers, and members of the community to celebrate the many accomplishments of the class of 2022!

Senior Recognition Night

Wednesday, May 18, 2022

6:30 pm

Monona Grove High School Auditorium

Refreshments will be served following the program

Students who will be recognized received a letter the week of April 25.

SCHOLARSHIP INFORMATION

Scholarship information can be found on the MG website in the student services tab under "Post-Secondary Planning". It is up to the students to check this regularly for updates. Most colleges/universities also offer their own annual scholarship opportunities for incoming freshmen. Students are highly encouraged to explore these by contacting their future school(s) of choice or by visiting school websites.

UW SYSTEM PLACEMENT TESTING

The University of Wisconsin Center for Placement Testing will once again be offering Placement Testing online this Spring.

For more information about placement tests, please reach out to the appropriate Placement Testing contact .

SUPPORTING GRIEVING STUDENTS PRESENTATION

Join us for an hour-long presentation focused on the signs of grief, different forms of grief (death, loss, war, pandemic, etc.) and support for coping with grief.

Date/Time: 6 PM on May 5th, 2022

Zoom Link: click here

Please see attached flyer for all information.

MAY IS MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH

Many people, including children and adults, are managing a mental health challenge. During May, there is a national movement to raise awareness about mental health--the goal is to fight stigma, provide support, educate the public and advocate for policies that support people with mental illness and their families. Throughout this month, we will be sharing information about mental health and wellness, engaging in activities that enhance learning about barriers to accessing resources, promoting acceptance and understanding, and breaking the stigma that people often have related to their own mental health needs and/or the needs of others. Learn more about what you can do to support people who are managing a mental health challenge. Mental Health Awareness

RESOURCES FOR STUDENTS AND FAMILIES

MG Virtual Calming Room

The calming room is a tool for families and students that offers an array of options to help manage emotions in a very stressful and strange time. Check it out!

Helping Your Loved One Who is Suicidal: A Guide for Family and Friends

SAMHSA's new resource guide provides information on understanding suicide, warning signs and action steps to take, and how to prevent future attempts and keep your loved one safe.

Mental Health America of Wisconsin - PRISM Program

A new pilot program to connect LGBTQ+ youth in Wisconsin with trained peer-specialists who can provide mental and emotional support and mentorship. Young LGBTQ+ people around the ages of 16-26 years old may now access this free service by calling 414-336-7974 and leaving a voicemail to get connected with a trained peer-specialist.

Housing, Homeless and Doubled-Up Family Resources

If you are staying temporarily with someone else because you lost your housing, or staying in a motel/hotel, campground, shelter, or in an outside or inadequate place, you and your children have special rights at school.

MGSD Homeless Liaison: Christa Foster, 608-316-1908 or christa.foster@mgschools.net

STUDENT SERVICES DEPARTMENT: 608-316-1373

School Counselors:

Susan Bishop - students with last names A-G
Scott Groff - students with last names H-O
Melissa Burke - students with last names P-Z

School Psychologist: Melissa Smith

School Social Worker: Maggie Danielson

Engagement Specialist: Toren Young

School Resource Officer: Luke Wunch

Administrative Assistant: Michelle Boyde

Music Notes

Spring Concerts

Band- May 5th 7:00 PM

Orchestra- May 12th 7:30 PM

Jazz Band- May 15th 5:00 PM

Choir- May 16th 7:00 PM

2022-2023 Show Choir Auditions

Summer School

Monday, June 20 through Friday, July 15 (no class Monday, July 4)

Monona Grove High School offers summer school for additional academic support for students who need credit recovery options, as well as enrichment opportunities. Registration for the credit recovery classes at MGHS summer school will continue to be done through our MGHS counselors in Student Services. Parents will receive communication from the student services department regarding students who are in need of credit recovery options during summer school and how to register.

In addition to credit recovery classes, MGHS will offer an ACT prep class. Registration for this course will occur through our Student Services department, please email michelle.boyde@mgschools.net to register.

Please click here to bookmark the Summer School webpage for the most updated information.

Attendance Notes

The phone number for attendance is 608-316-1393. If you call the main office number, you do not have the option to "press 1 for attendance", so please add the attendance number to your phonebook.

Thanks to all of our parents for sending your students into school after medical/dental appointments with doctor's notes! Please note that doctor's notes are required in order for students to participate in sports and extra curricular activities.

An Anticipated Absence Form is required for all absences of 3+ days. It must be signed by each teacher plus a parent/guardian and then turned in to the attendance office at least 3 days prior to the anticipated absence.

The form can be picked up from the attendance office or accessed here to print at home.

Please continue calling in your students absences and tardies! Students cannot call themselves out of school unless they are 18 and have completed an 18 year old adult form. These are available for pick up in the Attendance Office.

We expect you to notify us if your child is not going to be attending class (telling the teacher is not enough--you must notify the attendance office). If they will be absent due to illness, be sure to list all of their symptoms. Please email mghs.attendance@mgschools.net if your child should be excused. If you are not able to email, please call (608)316-1393 to report the absence. If you are reporting COVID-like symptoms, a close contact, or a positive PCR test, please also include mgsdcontacttracing@mgschools.net in your message.

International Travel Opportunity

Reminder: Students currently in grades 8-11 that are interested in travelling to Germany, Prague, and Switzerland in the summer of 2023 should email Mrs. Rossing at stephanie.rossing.mgschools.net.

School Nutrition

May Menus

Breakfast and lunch menus will be posted for the current month on this website.

You can toggle between breakfast and lunch in the upper left-hand corner.

A reminder that ALL students can get 1 free breakfast and 1 free lunch (from the main line) each day. They simply need to swipe their ID card or enter the 4 digit code from the front of their ID card.

Pool Notes

Red Cross Lifeguard Class

MAY 20-22

Friday 4:30pm-8:30pm

Saturday 9:00am-5:00pm

Sunday 9:00am-4:00pm

Must be 15 years old by the last day of class to participate. Price is $200 and includes supplies/book/certification. Register at this website.

Moving out of district?

Most current students are eligible to continue attending Monona Grove schools even if you move out of district boundaries. If you have moved or are planning a move that takes you out of the district, you need to apply for Open Enrollment through Wisconsin DPI:

https://dpi.wi.gov/open-enrollment

The application deadline is April 29. If you have questions, please email

openenrollment@mgschools.net.

5301 Monona Drive, Monona, WI 53716 Phone: (608) 221-7660 Fax: (608) 221-7688