Vol 5. October 17, 2023 Versión en español

Dear Madison West scholars and community,

I hope this email finds you well as we navigate through another semester. I wanted to take a moment to express my sincere appreciation for the continued hard work and dedication that all of you have shown. Your determination and resilience have not gone unnoticed, and I am truly proud to be the principal of such an exceptional school.

However, it is with a heavy heart that I address the recent unfortunate events that have affected our school district. The untimely death and injury of some of our youngest and most precious scholars is a tragedy that deeply saddens us all. Our thoughts and condolences go out to the families of those affected. We stand with them during this incredibly difficult time.

Additionally, I want to acknowledge the ongoing Israeli and Gaza conflict. The violence towards civilians was nothing short of an act of terror, and what occurred on October 7th was unspeakable and unjustified. We understand that this conflict is complex and may evoke strong emotions among our students, staff, and community members.  However, there is no place for violence against innocent civilians. 

We recognize the pain experienced by those who have already lost loved ones and those who anxiously await the safe return of their family members.  We also acknowledge the death, injury, and humanitarian crisis that this conflict will inevitably cause. The coming days will surely be filled with suffering.

We extend our condolences from West High School to all our neighbors, near and far, who will face these hardships. Please know that at West, we have supports available for those struggling due to this incident.  As this conflict unfolds, we will actively seek opportunities to appropriately support our students, staff and other impacted groups. Please reach out to us if you feel we’ve fallen short of this mission.  We welcome ideas and solutions that will bring us closer together.

Thank you for your understanding, and together  a strong and compassionate community, we will navigate through this darkness.

Sincerely,

Dan Kigeya

Principal, 

The Madison West 

Fall Parent & Teacher Conferences will be on the evening of Thursday, November 16, and during the day of Friday, November 17. Thursday conferences will be in person. Friday conferences will be virtual using Google Meet. 

To schedule conferences, we will be using the same format as in previous years. Families will be emailed a link to sign up for conferences through Power PTC. This allows you to schedule both in person and virtual conferences. 

We want you to know that we value good communication and strong partnership with all families, so that you feel welcome, seen, heard, and appreciated. Conferences are one of the ways we can connect, and you are always welcome to reach out. We want you to know that all families are welcome to schedule conferences.

It is also important to prioritize students who need extra support. We are first asking our teachers to start reaching out to arrange conferences with the families of students who have been experiencing academic and/or social difficulties. If you have questions or concerns in regards to your child, be sure to reach out to us. 

All families will have access to sign up for conferences on Friday, November 3. You can expect an email link to be sent to you on that day. 

On October 28th BSU is hosting our 2nd annual costume party. We’re having a costume contest! Come out in your best costume for a chance to win a cash prize! The party goes from 5pm - 8pm in the West Cafeteria. This event is FREE but we will be accepting donations for our HBCU Tour happening this spring. There will be light refreshments and music provided. Students should check their email for a sign up form. If you are on the Restricted Regent list you won’t be eligible to participate. Any questions? Please contact Mr. Mike: mdalston@madison.k12.wi.us

Save the Date: West High School's 1st Family Night of the school year is Oct 26th from 6-8 at Wright Middle School in the Gym. Light snacks will be provided. Check your emails for that night's agenda coming soon!

Important Timeline for AP Exam Registration for the 23-24 School Year

The College Board's Advanced Placement exam registration period continues to occur in the fall this school year. 

What do families need to know?

WHO: All MMSD students seeking to take Spring 2024 AP Exams

WHEN: MMSD's registration dates are September 11 – October 22, 2023 for this spring's final exams. Exam fees are $125/exam or $160 for Seminar/Research exams, but please note a $40/exam deposit per exam is due at this time.  The remaining balance will need to be paid between January and February 23, 2024.

WHERE: Full registration details are found at aptsusa.com/mmsd

WHY: Studies have shown students who commit earlier in the school year have a higher engagement and commitment, as well as an increase in scores of 3 or higher across multiple groups.  

HOW: Specific registration information regarding MMSD's exam sign up, fee payment and AP updates can be found here.

Attention to students who are interested in traveling to Costa Rica this summer! The Costa Rica Youth Exchange is accepting applications for summer, 2024. Participants travel to Tilarán, Costa Rica where they live with a host family, and engage in whatever interests them - cooking, dance, sports, service projects, Spanish conversation classes, and more. The program focuses on helping students integrate into the local community to maximize their time building friendships and cultural connections in this Costa Rican highland oasis.

The newly renovated West Library opened to students on Monday! Students can sign up to work in the library during their study halls or visit for short checkout visits. There is still some unpacking to do before the Makerspace and Quiet Commons are available, but the books are mostly ready to go!

Click here for the latest construction updates for West High School.

Dear West Families,

We are parent volunteers partnering with West staff liaisons hoping to provide two teacher appreciation events for the hard working West staff this year. Their jobs are hard and the construction never ends!  They are so grateful for anything we can do.  If just 200 families donated $15.00, we could give them a really nice meal. 

Staff only day, October 20th:  Breakfast snacks & Metropolis Coffee

Staff only day, February 16th: Catered luncheon, restaurant TBD (please reach out if you have any ideas or if your restaurant would like to be involved!)  

$1000.00:  could provide pizza or a dessert bar for 180 staff

$2000.00: could provide catering from a chain such as Q-Doba for 180 staff

$3000.00:  could provide catering from a local restaurant such as El Sabor or Banzo for 180 staff

Please send donations via Venmo to @Sara-Campbell-53  (verification 9139) 

Deadline: December 1st

Rather volunteer than donate? Contact Karen at karendreyfuss@gmail.com or (773) 960-1736 or sign up for you (or your student)  HERE

General questions or prefer an alternative way to donate money?  Contact Sara at sleifheit1@gmail.com

Thank you!  Karen Dreyfuss, Ali Burke, and Sara Campbell