NOVEMBER 2020
Upcoming Events
Thursdays
Tuesday, November 17th
Wednesday, November 18th
Wednesday, November 25th - Friday, November 27th
NO SCHOOL - Thanksgiving Break
Greetings, East High Community! 

November promises to be a busy month for the Purgolder community. We have reached the end of the first quarter and are asking our students to reflect on where they are now, and where they want to be in pursuit of their academic goals by the end of the semester. We understand that learning in a virtual format is a significant challenge for many of our students and families and we very much appreciate the effort that you are putting in to make the most of our circumstances. Parent-teacher conferences are just around the corner, and we hope to connect with as many families as possible in our shared commitment to seeing our East High students succeed. Please stay tuned for sign-up information and remember that you can contact any member of our staff, including me, at any time about your student’s support needs. 

After the hiatus brought on by the arrival of COVID in the spring, our staff have resumed the process of setting long term improvement goals for our school. I want to thank the many students, families and community members who participated in interviews with members of our staff to provide insight into their experiences with East High School, and their hopes for our future. Your voices have informed and will continue to inform the goals we set for our school as we always look to better meet the needs of ALL students. I look forward to hearing feedback from more of you as these goals take shape over the coming weeks, and as always, you should feel free to contact me if you are interested in discussing your vision for the future of East High School. 

Though we certainly value the efforts of our student congress members and advisors, the conclusion of virtual homecoming week has largely served to remind us of how much our students are missing out on in this unprecedented school year. I really feel for our students, in particular our ninth graders who have yet to set foot inside East, and more than anyone, our seniors who undoubtedly have spent a lot of time imagining what their last year of high school would be, and could never have anticipated this. I know that there is nothing I could say to make up for the loss, but we want you to know that we are thinking of you and will do everything we can to celebrate you this year. If you are a senior who would like to help us brainstorm ideas for celebrating the class of 2021, we are forming a student leadership group for that purpose. We are looking to form a parent group as well. Please let me know if you would like to contribute.     
 
Lastly, we want to acknowledge how stressful this election season has been and continues to be for our community. We know that many of our students need extra patience and compassion this week. We know that our families are anxious about the outcome. Know that the East High community is here to support you, whatever the result. I really cannot say enough about how inspiring it is to go through an election season with the students of East High School. Their hope, honestly, compassion and willingness to act on their beliefs continue to be an example for all of us. As always, we are lucky to be at East.  

Brendan Kearney 
Principal        
STUDENT SPOTLIGHT
Food For Thought Club
Three members of the Food For Thought Club are holding their own weekly Pop Up Free Food Pantries in the community: Malik Terrab, Clio Maya-Johnson and Rose Cooper. They are providing any community member with free food, including dry goods like rice and pasta, canned goods and fresh fruit and produce. Clio's Pop Up Pantry was recently featured on East's Tower TV. To become involved in the Food For Thought Club, contact Helena White.

United Asian Club
Staff gathered virtually to listen to some of our students from United Asian Club speak about living in Madison during COVID. East is committed to lifting student voice and ensuring inclusive and safe spaces for everyone. Thank you students for your bravery and sharing your experiences so candidly to contribute to our staff's ability to better understand and support our students.
FEATURED PROGRAM
Achievement Connections

Achievement Connections provides personalized one-on-one tutoring and support in Algebra 1 and Geometry. "We mobilize the community members and staff, focusing on creating the positive relationships that allow us to support students by pairing them with a tutor for at least an entire semester, if not an entire year," Jack Jackson, Tutor Coordinator shared. Virtual tutoring opportunities will be shared through Algebra 1and Geometry classes and in the Achievement Connections Google Classroom. Workshops are also held regularly via zoom and are open to all students in any grade. Follow @achievementconnections on social media for study tips and the latest information about upcoming workshops or contact Tutor Coordinator, Jack Jackson.
STAFF SHOUT OUTS
MADISON EAST HIGH SCHOOL
east.mmsd.org