Regent Reporter - September 13th, 2022

First, as a school that values all scholars and seeks to be inclusive and open to all cultures, peoples and individuals, I invite you to read our Land Acknowledgement pledge and our Madison West Equity Vision statement. These statements are the foundation for the work we do!

Secondly, I would like to call out that this week Friday, September 15th, marks the first day of Hispanic Heritage month. As a school that believes in inclusivity and belonging, I would like to recognize our Hispanic and Latinx staff and students. We have a rich and vibrant Latinx community that must be uplifted for who they are and what they bring to our school community! At Madison West, scholars must know that we celebrate and embrace Latinx history and culture.

In the months of September and October, these are the events and activities happening in our Madison community.

At Madison West, we plan to showcase the work of our Latinx staff and youth. Look for Shout-Outs to both staff and students in our hallways and announcements. Additionally, to promote our commitment to literacy, our Library Media and Technology Specialist, Beth Hennes, will be showcasing the works of Latinx writers and authors.

In other news, this week we will be sharing the school-wide universal expectations on learning. Through a short video, I will go over a short presentation of the Why and How we engage in learning as scholars at The Madison West. We have high expectations of all of you and it is imperative you know exactly what we’re asking of you.

Also, we will be discussing the Standard Response Protocol (SRP) training to insure our readiness for any emergencies or incidents we may face. This training will make both staff and students better prepared for any situation that may arise. Additionally, we will be sure to send a message home to your parent(s)/guardian(s) to ensure they are fully aware of this learning and training.

In the meantime, continue to be proud Madison West Regents! Go to class ready and prepared to learn. Do take the time to silence (Turn OFF completely and/or turn notifications off) and put away your phones. Do listen intently and do take risks by asking questions of your teachers and peers.

At West, we expect nothing less from today and tomorrow's leaders! Onwards.

Sincerely,

Mr. Kigeya

Happening Now

Attendance Procedures

Even with prior parent permission and the absence reported to the school, partial day absences require the student to check in and/or out of their Small Learning Community (SLC) Office. Leaving the building for illness or appointments (or any other excused reason) without an Outside Excuse Permit is considered an unexcused absence. Even with a parent excuse, students must sign out of the building by obtaining an Outside Excuse Permit in their SLC office. In the event that a student does not sign out before leaving the building, the absence can only be excused by the SLC principal upon presentation of a legitimate excuse from the parent of the student involved. Students must also report to the SLC office for admittance when returning from an excused absence. An excused absence hall pass will be issued if a parental excuse is provided.

Leaving early? Grab a pass from your secretary in your SLC office when you arrive at school or during a passing period - you can then use that pass to leave class and leave the building at the designated time (no need to stop back in the office). This counts as "checking out."

Coming late or returning from an appointment? Enter the building through the Welcome Center - you will get a pass up to your SLC office, and your secretary will give you a pass to class. This counts as "checking in."

Office Locations for check-in and check-out:

Ash - Regent office (1191) or Athletic office (2091) while we await the start of our new Ash secretary

Highland - 2211

Regent - 1121

Van Hise - 2091A (temporary location during construction)

Tutoring

Tutoring is now up and running in the new Resource Hall (room 2404B)! To request a tutor or to sign-up to be a tutor, check out the tutoring flier!

September News from Summit Credit Union

2022 Yearbook Update

We’ve had many students checking in about picking up their 2022 yearbook! At this time, last year’s yearbooks are still in their summer storage spot, which is not at West. We are working on getting them back in the building as soon as possible. If you ordered a book and did not pick it up yet, it will be delivered to your 4th hour once the books arrive back at West.

AP Exam Registration: Now Open!

MMSD AP Exams and Registration: Open September 12 through October 23, 2022

The College Board will continue with all in-person, pencil/paper exams for May 2023. MMSD will only be providing pencil/paper options this school year with the exception of Chinese and Japanese Language exams which remain computer-based.

Timeline for 2022-2023 AP Exam Registration:

Registration window opens 9/12/22
Registration window closes 10/23/22 (this is based on meeting College Board’s fall registration deadlines for all districts)
Second semester-only courses will have a second registration opportunity between 1/23/23 through 2/24/23.

Registration occurs at aptsusa.com/mmsd

Drop-0ff/Pick-up

We are so excited to welcome our staff and students back to West to see all of the construction that has been done over the summer. West The old Library and Van Hise Gym are now classroom spaces that will be used while other parts of the building remain under construction this fall.

Because of the ongoing construction, there will be changes to student drop off and pick up this school year.

Bus drop off/pick up

Metro buses will continue to drop off students on Regent Street, but will now pick up students at two different locations. Please look at the map below to determine if your student will catch their bus on:

Regent Street: (W3 Arboretum, W1 Tokay, W3 Hill Farms, W1 Shorewood, W1 Mineral Point)

Van Hise Avenue: (W1 Nakoma, W3 Leopold, W5 Burr Oaks, W5 Wingra, W7 Olin.

Fitchburg: yellow buses will load on Ash Street.

You can determine your student’s bus route to school by following this link to the Metro website.

Parent drop off/pick up

All parent drop off and pick up between 7:30 am-4:00pm should occur on Ash Street. Please access Ash Street coming from the east on Allen Street as turns onto Van Hise Street from Highland will be prohibited after 2pm in order to accomodate the Metro buses.

Here is the West parking and traffic plan in more detail.

Get Involved

Fall Play Auditions

Interested in auditioning for the West fall play, Clue? Fill out this form to share your interest - form and audition material is due Monday, October 3rd! See the Theater webpage for more info.

Clubs

Interested in joining a club this year? Check out the 2022-2023 Club List, and for more info, see the slideshow!

Upcoming Events

Academic/Career Planning (ACP) & Regent Pride!

During the 22-23 school year students will have monthly built-in time for either Academic and Career Planning (ACP) workshops or our Regent Pride anti-racism work. These lessons/workshops will take place at the beginning of an extended 3rd hour. Here is the calendar and bell schedule.

Students have repeatedly told us they need time, space, and support to figure out options during & after high school. These extended 3rd hour bell schedules will provide time in school, resources, and staff support to help students reach their goals. Thursday is our first ACP lesson! Students will be able to access the slides for their grade-specific lesson through this link. The link will be shared in their 3rd hour Google Classroom and via school email.

Students, please remember to bring your charged chromebook!

Reach out to ACP Coordinators Sarah Quinn or Amanda Dyer with questions.

Upcoming Family Night

Madison West High School | Visit our website!