November 18-19 - Virtual Parent Teacher Conferences

November 18

4:00-8:00 pm

Normal School Day

November 19

NO SCHOOL

8:00 am - 4:00 pm

More information -- including the form to sign up for individual conference time slots -- will be included in the November 5 "Shabazz Weekly Update" email.

November 23 - Shabazz Day of Thanks

While many traditions have been disrupted over the past two years, we are hoping to bring back a (modified) Shabazz tradition that has been going on at the school for decades. Shabazz Day of Thanks (Turkey Day) has always been a day meant to celebrate the community and culture of Shabazz through food and gathering.

This year it will be only provided for students and staff within Shabazz with appropriate COVID mitigation strategies in place. Students enrolled in our "Food and Public Opinion" learning lab will cook a special community lunch for students and staff highlighting culinary Shabazz traditions of the past as well as culinary dishes that reflect our school community of the present. Knowing that this tradition was originally intended to spread that cultural connection beyond our Shabazz walls, these students will also be creating a "50th Year - Shabazz Cookbook" to share with the community (for a small donation) so that even when we can't be together sharing traditions and a meal, the spirit of the Shabazz Community can still be honored. Look for our cookbook coming soon!

At Shabazz we work to create a safe community where students feel they can be themselves and advocate for what they need. If something comes up for a student, we always encourage students to come to a trusted adult and talk with them. Especially whenever they have a concern about a school safety issue. We also want students, staff, and families to know there is a statewide school safety reporting system they can contact anonymously as well. 

The Wisconsin Department of Justice (DOJ) Office of School Safety (OSS) has created a comprehensive, one-stop place to turn to with concerns regarding school safety, called SPEAK UP, SPEAK OUT (SUSO). We always encourage students to report safety concerns to a trusted adult at school, at home, or in the community. This tip line is another option. 

The SUSO threat reporting system is available 24/7 and is free to all. Students, families, school staff, and community members can submit a school safety concern by downloading the SUSO app (Android and iOS), visiting speakup.widoj.gov, or by calling 1-800-MY-SUSO-1. SUSO Resource Center staff work around the clock to respond to reports and to deploy a response locally by communicating directly with school administrators, law enforcement, and counselors.

Please feel free to reach out to Mary or any of our support staff with any questions or concerns you may have!

Civics Test for All Seniors

The state of Wisconsin requires that all high school students pass the Civics assessment with a score of 65% or higher in order to receive their high school diploma. At Shabazz all seniors will be taking the Civics test during the month of November. 

All seniors have been invited to a google classroom which includes practice tests and information about preparing for the test. Tuesday, November 16th during 4th hour all seniors will have the opportunity to practice and prepare for the Civics test. On Thursday, November 16th all seniors will take the Civics exam during second hour.

Please feel free to explore MMSD’s website for the Civics exam, and reach out to Elizabeth (School Counselor) with any questions you may have!

Choosing Your Path After High School

All MMSD seniors have been asked to complete a plan documenting their path after high school this year. This document is a place where students will be able to document, reflect on and get support around their plans for next year. 

Seniors, please remember to share your plan with your E3 Leader, postage stamp people and your family! Questions? Reach out to Elizabeth Long, Shabazz School Counselor (emlong@madison.k12.wi.us)

It’s almost time to begin choosing courses for the second semester of this year! Course offerings will be updated on the Shabazz website by Monday, November 8. Students will work through the process in E3 the weeks of November 8 and November 15. Click here for the full schedule of the process!

The FAFSA is open for next year! Financial aid from the federal government can help you pay for education expenses at an eligible college or career school. Grants, loans and work-study are types of federal student aid. You must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form to apply for this aid. 

Need help completing the FAFSA? Attend College Goal WI!

It will take more than good luck and best intentions to pay for college. You need a plan of action, and it could include College Goal Wisconsin!

College Goal Wisconsin is affiliated with a national event that provides free information and assistance to families who need to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) the federally required form for students seeking financial aid, such as grants and loans. Completing the FAFSA is the first and most important step in qualifying for aid.

Register here for an in person or virtual event!

We are so fortunate to have Crawford, our special support animal, with us every day - always available for hugs or to listen when someone needs to talk. Crawford's "person" Denise arranged for a special treat for him, plus cake for the students and staff. Happy Birthday Crawford! We love you.