October 9, 2026

EAST HAPPENINGS

East Assistant Principal Named One Of Wisconsin's Most Influential Latino Leaders

We are proud to announce that Madison East High School Assistant Principal, Mike González, was named one of Wisconsin's 23 Most Influential Latino Leaders for 2026 by Madison365.

Michael González is an assistant principal at Madison East High School, a role he took on a year ago after many years in educational leadership around Wisconsin. He previously was principal of Bessie Allen Middle School in North Fond du Lac, where he also served as director of English language learners and summer school coordinator for six years, and principal of Gordon Olson Middle School in Mauston. He began his career as a social studies teacher at La Follette High School in Madison and has worked in multiple Wisconsin school districts for more than 25 years. González received the 2022 Herb Kohl Educational Foundation Principal Leadership Award and was named the 2015 Wisconsin Association of School Councils Junior and Middle School Administrator of the Year. He has a master's degree in educational policy studies from UW-Madison.

College, Career and Community Readiness Newsletter

Check out this week's College, Career and Community Readiness (3CR) Newsletter for key updates on college rep visits, scholarship deadlines, financial aid guidance, and upcoming career exploration events.

Standards Based Learning

Standards-Based Learning is a continuous learning cycle that centers on mastering core academic skills and giving students the opportunity to take ownership of their academic development. Standards-Based learning doesn’t get rid of assessments or grades — what it does is change how we measure success. By focusing on specific core skills with clear goals, students are able to self-assess, navigate setbacks and chart a path forward. Our goal is to empower students to grow in their learning by tackling harder problems and complex tasks without fear of failure on the first try.

East Celebrates Hispanic/Latino Heritage Month

This month, East High School has celebrated Hispanic/Latino Heritage Month as students and staff honor the rich cultures, histories, and contributions of Hispanic and Latino communities. Through vibrant hallway displays, mariachi performances from San Jose State University, and of course, the flag presentation of all Latin American Countries on East Washington Avenue, our school community celebrates diversity and heritage. It is a powerful time for Purgolders to unite, learn from one another, and elevate the Latino/Hispanic voices and traditions that enrich East High every day.

East Celebrates Banned Books Week

East celebrated Banned Books Week with our local librarian + the Wisconsin Book Festival. Jen Milne-Carroll (East LMTS) and Kristen Delorme (Memorial LMTS) held a conversation with author Jarret Dapier on Wake Now in the Fire: A Story of Censorship, Action, Love, and Hope. Wake Now in the Fire is a fictionalized account of a true event that galvanized a community, based on extensive interviews with the real-life students and teachers who were affected, and written by the librarian who exposed key information about the Chicago Public Schools censorship decision. This graphic novel is an inspiring portrayal of student activism taking on one of the most urgent issues of our time, and a passionate reminder of why protecting the books we love matters.

Packed House At The FAFSA Completion Night

This week, families gathered in the Cafeteria for College Goal Wisconsin's FAFSA Completion Night. College Financial Aid experts were on hand to help Seniors and their families complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, the first step in receiving financial aid for college. 

AP Exam Registration Deadline: October 18th

Registration for the spring 2027 Advanced Placement (AP) exams is open now through October 18th. AP exams give students the opportunity to earn college credit or advanced placement based on their scores. Students must register this fall to take exams in May 2027.

• Who: MMSD high school students planning to take a Spring 2027 AP Exam
• Cost: $125 per exam. A $40 deposit per exam is due at registration, with the remaining balance due between January and Feb. 21, 2027.
• Register: aptsusa.com/mmsd
• Learn more: MMSD AP Testing Information

Financial support is available: If a student qualifies for Free and Reduced Lunch, they can select that option in the registration form and use the code that is listed inside of the registration form to be used to get a waiver for AP Exam fees.

News Briefs From Writing For Media Students

Students in East's Writing for Media class are developing their skills by writing news briefs published online at ehstowermedia.com.

• How the Graduation Date Change is changing the end of the school year for the Class of 2027, by Lyna Darsouni
• A mini-feature on Mr. Strader's No Tech Approach by Cynthia Propsom
• HoCo Touchdown Creates Lasting Memories, by Fatima Jallow
• New Roller Rink Set to Open Soon, by Nick Salus
• School Food Pantry for All, by Emilia De Los Reyes
• Skateboard Club, by Oliver Savidusky
• Mariachi Club, by Austin Ward-Debauche
• Trinket Club, by Natalie Hughes

Purgolder Shoutouts

Check out the latest shoutouts, highlighting our our students and staff who embody What It Means To Be A Purgolder.

COMING UP

NO SCHOOL - Thursday and Friday, October 15th & 16th

Booster Club Updates

Our next Boosters meeting is Monday, October 26th at 6:30 p.m. in the Community Room just off the East Cafeteria (enter through Door 3). We'll be voting on fall grants and previewing our three big annual fundraisers. Don't miss it!

Help Build the Boosters' Silent Auction!

The Boosters' Silent Auction is coming up quick! We're looking for contributions - and chances are, you have something that would make a fantastic auction item.

Season tickets? Donate a game.

Cabin up north? Share a weekend.

Crafty? Donate something handmade.

Love to cook? Offer jam, lasagna, brownies, or a dinner.

Team up with friends! Create a themed gift basket.

Own a business? Donate a product, service, or gift card.

If you’d be excited to bid on it, we’d be excited to include it.

Submit your donation through our Silent Auction form. Every contribution fuels our $60,000 Giving Plan and the programs that make East so great. You can also print the flyer below and share on your favorite neighborhood or workplace bulletin board.

Have questions? Want to get more involved? Email fundraising@easthighboosters.org.

Goodman Thanksgiving Baskets

The registration form for the Goodman Thanksgiving Baskets will be open Monday, October 12th - Sunday, October 18th. Families who are facing food insecurity are encouraged to register! Once registered, families can pick up the baskets at the Goodman Community Center from November 21st-23rd from 10:00am-4:00pm. The registration link will be emailed to families on Monday.

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