Leading Off

 

It's Olson Elementary School

That's Paul J. Olson Elementary School. The name for the new school — now under construction and on schedule for a September opening — was decided by the Board of Education on March 24. Learn more about the decision and this longtime MMSD staff member. More...

 

Strong urban development means no budget cuts for next year

A one-time payout that the MMSD will receive as a result of the City of Madison closing two special taxing districts essentially closes the budget gap for next year — meaning no cuts. More...

 

District history now at your fingertips

The Superintendent is proud that his district is below the 100:1 pupil teacher ratio found in some Wisconsin classrooms, but warns the district's Board of Education that one Madison classroom he visited has more than 70 students! Supt. Samuel Shaw's January 1, 1881 report provides just one glimpse into the district's history, but there are many other interesting nuggets and tidbits. More...

Coming Soon, Very Soon

 

SIMS - What is it?

SIMS is now being rolled out in Madison Schools. But what exactly is SIMS and when is it going to be implemented? This report will tell you more about this novel, interactive software program created by the MMSD. More...

 

Introduction to a standards-based educational system #3

The Madison School District is making the full transition to a standards-based educational system. Here is the third in a series of articles about a standards-based system, with this one focusing on instruction. More...

People... and Schools

 

Family and Career, the best of both worlds

How unusual is this? Teachers who job-share and are identical twins. Maybe you saw the news coverage of Janet Pliner and Joan Unmacht, Hamilton Middle 7th grade math teachers. Click on "More..." to read about how this works for them and their students. More...

 

Reflections as a new principal

First year Kennedy principal Nancy Caldwell: "The experience as a new principal has been far beyond what I could have ever imagined." More...

 

In the Spotlight - staff, students, schools and the MMSD

Teachers Victoria Straughn and Loi Nguyen, four students, East, Emerson, Falk, La Follette, Mendota and Midvale Schools, the La Follette School Store and the Madison School District are all "in the spotlight" this month. More...

Action Research

 

MMSD teachers author a book

"Who knew that publishing a book would be such a long and interesting adventure?" - Mary Klehr and Cathy Caro-Bruce about their role as co-editors of a new book about educational equity via Action Research. Mary and Cathy plus 10 chapter authors are current or former MMSD staff members. More...

 

Super Book Bowl competition motivates reading in elementary schools

Book Bowl, a voluntary reading program, introduces elementary students to quality literature, propelling them over the hurdle of reading longer books, and gives them a genuine sense of accomplishment. More...

Getting Greener

 

More schools go green

Nine more MMSD schools have been certified as "Energy Star Buildings" by the Environmental Protection Agency, saving money and the environment. Learn what else MMSD is doing to improve the environment. More...

 

Saving energy, saving money

Technological energy-saving changes to district computers is one way to promote green-living and could save over $175,000 annually. Learn how the district is saving money and energy in a variety of ways. More...

Getting Better

 

Health care for homeless families program

Funding through a Rotary Grant allows Transition Education Program staff to help homeless children and families by addressing their chronic illness, meeting their acute health care needs and improving their overall long-term health More...

You Know What's Next

 

Who's Who

Know your colleagues! More...