JULY
July 29: Last Day of Summer School
AUGUST
August 3: Online Enrollment Begins
August 17 - 19: New Staff Days August 24 - 30: Staff Learning/ Prep Days
August 31: Staff Voluntary Day
SEPTEMBER
September 1: School Starts for Grades 4K, K, 6, 9 and Early Childhood (EC); Beginning of 1st Quarter/1st Semester
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Dear MMSD Staff,
During this time, as staff make preparations for the upcoming school year, we reflect on our scholars’ unlimited potential for positively transforming the fabric of our nation and world. One such example can be found through a collaboration at East High School and Muir Elementary, as students in Anisa Yudawanti and Amy Wilson’s classes wrote and illustrated the book, “What Does it Mean to Tell the Truth.”
Whether it’s the arts, academics, athletics, or staff recognition, we continue to see many examples of excellence from our district, including:
- Memorial skilled trades teacher, Miles Tokheim, is one of 50 finalists for a national award - see the story below!
- MMSD central office staff member Adam Clausen has been named one of Wisconsin's most influential Asian American Leaders by Madison365.
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Nuestro Mundo fourth-grader Iliyan Hoskins takes two gold medals in judo competitions.
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West's Aidan Baccus earns Madison All-City baseball honor as co-player of the year.
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La Follette's Demetria Prewitt played in the WI Basketball Coaches Association All-Star Games, named Madison Sportswoman of the Year.
While we grow our district’s capacity to graduate all of our scholars ready for college, careers, and the community, human decency continues to be centered in our planning. Also important during these summer months - finding opportunities to take needed breaks to enhance mental and physical restoration and wellness. We look forward to the upcoming school year, and thank you for your continued dedication and service to the Madison community.
Sincerely,
Carlton D. Jenkins, Ph.D.
Superintendent
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Miles Tokheim, Memorial Skilled Trades Teacher, Finalist for National Award | |
Memorial High School automotive and engineering teacher, Miles Tokheim, is one of 50 finalists for the Harbor Freight Tools for Schools Prize for Teaching Excellence. A total of $1.25 million in cash prizes will be awarded in October, when the field is narrowed down to 20 winners.
During his time at MMSD, Tokheim has spent 10 years teaching at La Follette High School, five years at the district central office as the Director of Career and Technical Education, and seven years at Memorial, where he currently teaches Consumer Auto, Automotive Technology 1-4, Project Lead The Way–Engineering Essentials, and Automotive Youth Apprenticeship.
“I’m proud of my students' hard work, dedication, and commitment to learning,” Tokheim said. “This is all possible because of my colleagues, supportive administration at Memorial, and our MMSD Central Office staff. This program is benefiting students at Memorial High School and moving school district Technology and Engineering programs forward.”
Read more
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MMSD 2022-2023 Preliminary Budget Approved
On June 27, the Madison Metropolitan School District Board of Education approved and adopted the 2022-2023 preliminary budget by a vote of 6 to 1 (agenda). The balanced budget maintains the necessary resources to increase student achievement opportunities, such as AVID and full-day 4K expansions, as well as providing resources to support early literacy and beyond efforts, including new K-5 curricular resources and LETRS professional learning.
Included in the 2022-2023 preliminary budget is a competitive earnings increase for MMSD staff, with a total amount above the allowable base wage of 4.7% for the majority of employees. The Board also approved a year-end bonus proposal for all MMSD staff. Salaries, wages, and benefits account for over 80% of the 2022-2023 budget, and includes:
- Three percent base wage increase to all MMSD employees;
- Two percent (on average) increase for steps and lanes;
- Additional one-time, non-recurring staff appreciation bonus of $1,000 to all full-time, eligible staff;
- Additional one-time, non-recurring staff appreciation bonus of $500 for 2022 summer semester and Summer Arts Academy eligible staff;
- Revision to November 2021 bonus proposal to retroactively include all SEE/NUC unit eligible employees;
- Continuing to offer staff one of the most comprehensive and competitive health plans available, with no plan design changes in the upcoming fiscal year.
In addition, the preliminary 2022-2023 budget includes investments to increase social-emotional and mental health support to students and staff; lowering the student to social worker ratio, and providing resources to enhance family engagement and outreach. The MMSD board is set to finalize the budget at their regular board meeting in October.
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What's on Deck for Summer Professional Learning
Are you trying to catch up or get ahead with LETRS training? Keep digging into the Science of Reading with your colleagues at these upcoming facilitated sessions. Facilitators will lead you through a review (or preview) of Units so that you’re ready to apply the learning to your classroom in the fall.
You’ll earn Professional Advancement Credits for your time in these sessions. Sign up now in the Talent Portal (via your Classlink app). We need a minimum of five participants per session so bring a friend and learn together!
- Wednesday, August 3 - choose one of the following: Unit 1, 2, 3, 5 or 7
- Thursday, August 4 - choose one of the following: Unit 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 or 8
All sessions are held virtually from 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. with an hour for lunch.
There are many other opportunities available for Summer Professional Learning. Peruse the calendar and sign up for all courses on the Talent Portal.
Have You Thought About Becoming a Mentor?
Mentoring relationships are proven to help Beginning Educators grow quickly, connect with students, and stay committed to education. Did you know that we’re expanding our Mentoring support for Beginning Educators? Veteran educators can apply to mentor one or two Beginning Educators as they also continue to work in their role in MMSD.
The most qualified applicants have at least three years of successful experience with students from diverse backgrounds, are committed anti-racist educators, and are natural leaders. Successful Mentors also are open to learning, understand the importance of coaching, and center relationships on the road to success for both staff and students. Beginning Educators benefit greatly from Mentors who share similar experiences, whether it be in a content area, personal identity, or background and skills. Given the pool of Beginning Educators, we are especially looking for Mentors who can support CC teachers, bilingual teachers, and teachers of color - and anyone is welcome to apply!
Learn more and apply here!
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Attention Science Teachers: UW Continuing Ed Program
The 3D Plasma Material Interaction group in the Department of Engineering Physics at UW-Madison is offering a continuing education program for middle and high school teachers this summer. The program focuses on developing and sharing curriculum for plasma physics. We aim to help you integrate this material into curriculum to educate students on the properties and applications of plasma which are present all around us. We are looking to find people interested in learning about the topic and teachers wanting to incorporate plasma physics into their curriculum.
We are able to offer a $500 stipend to participating individuals. Additionally, teachers will receive curriculum and teaching materials. The program is available to anyone who would benefit from instruction in plasma physics and we are hoping to reach as many people as possible.
We will utilize both in person and remote instruction based on participants' needs. The Program will be offered from August 15 - 19, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. There is a brief application process which will close on July 29 11:59 p.m. Please follow the link to apply and indicate interest as soon as possible. For more information, visit the Wisconsin Plasma Experience website.
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Construction Update: Memorial High School
Making progress on building renovations and new additions
There's quite a bit of construction activity happening at Memorial High School since school let out for the summer.
Renovation work is ongoing throughout the existing building for the English, music, social studies, and applied technology spaces, which will be ready for staff and students returning in the fall. Ceiling and floor demolition continues in other areas of the building to make room for new piping and duct work throughout the existing building and into the new additions.
Construction activity on the new arts and music addition is well underway. Crews recently poured the concrete for the footings and foundation. Once complete, the addition will provide space for band, orchestra, choir, and fine arts support rooms.
Upcoming work for building additions
- Installing walls, roof joists, and exterior facade for the music addition this summer and into the fall
- Pouring concrete for the footings and foundation for the new technical education addition this summer
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Concrete was poured for the footings and foundation of the new music addition. | |
Crews have started preparing the soil for the applied technology wing expansion. | |
FREE COVID Testing
Now through July 29, Accelerated Clinical Laboratories will begin COVID-19 testing at all Summer Semester sites, MSCR Camp Compass sites, and Allied Learning Center. Before going to a school, please check operating hours to verify that testing sites are open.
Before going to test:
- Check hours and directions for desired testing site
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Register through COVID Connect
- After registering you will receive an email from COVID Connect; bring this email with the QR code to the testing site
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Share the Amazing Stories Happening in MMSD!
Is there a teacher or staff member engaging students with innovative lessons? Do you know of a student who is making a difference or was recently recognized? Are athletics teams, co-curriculars or arts programs demonstrating excellence? Let us know — share your story here.
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MADISON METROPOLITAN SCHOOL DISTRICT | mmsd.org | |
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