The Madison Metropolitan School District WSMA Solo & Ensemble Festival was held on Saturday, March 4, 2006 at Hamiliton Middle School. The event was hosted by the West High School music staff. Students in grades 6-12 particpated in the event, performing within ensemble and/or solo events. Performances were judged and presented awards based on a set of criteria including: overall musical performance, technique, and expression.

The Large Group Ensemble Festival will take place for Middle School and High School performance groups on April 13, 2006 at West High School.

---

First Annual 100th Day of School Food Can Drive

Schenk Elementary celebrated the 100th Day of School by participating in the First Annual 100th Day of School Can Drive. Franklin, Van Hise, Hawthorne, Sandburg, Kennedy and Schenk schools joined together and collected over 750 cans of food which were donated to Second Harvest, St. Marks and the Atwood Food Pantry. Staff members involved in the project include: Beth Wambold, Julia Peterson and Kelly Jones from Franklin, John Christopherson and Katie Mahr from Van Hise; Amy Covey from Hawthorne; Laura Titley Driscoll from Sandburg; Shirly Randl and Bryenne Alesch at Kennedy; Pat Blair, Pam Dempsey, Kat Hoeksema, Paula Inda, Katie La Chance, Bev Lange, Gary Skiles, Sue Sterk and Mary Ziegler at Schenk.

Organizers hope to make the Second Annual 100th Day of School event bigger and better with districtwide participation. Please contact Pam Dempsey at Schenk for more information.

The 100th Day photo was organized by Nancy Caldwell and taken by Gary Skiles (who climbed up on the roof!) at Schenk.

---

Computer "Give-a-way" Program at East High

In an effort to provide computers to households that may not have the resources to purchase one, a unique project was undertaken at East High. Richard Scott, Minority Services Coordinator at East, helped coordinate the program. Eligible households filled out a survey and if selected to receive a PC, the parent/guardian was required to attend six classes to become familiar with computer use.

Ten computers were donated by CUNA and Affiliates of Madison. Kraft Foods graciously provided volunteers to offer instructional guidance and support to the parents. Special thanks to MMSD Technical Services staff members Lynda Chen and Brian Sack, and Diane Crear, Special Assistant to the Superintendent for Parent Community Response, for their support. Alan Harris, Principal of East, encouraged the use of the Career Center at East for the parents to use while learning about "the how-to's" of computing! This is truly a "collective effort" and one that has great benefits to many families at East High School!

---

Lincoln chess "sharks" tie for 3rd! At the 2006 Madison Scholastic Chess Championship held at Union South on Saturday, Feb. 25, the Lincoln Elementary "Sharks" finished third. They had a great time during at the competition. Check out more photos and their cool t-shirts on their website at: http://www.madison.k12.wi.us/midlinc/dspitzer.htm

---

U.S. Senator Herb Kohl visited Shabazz City HS in March to tour the school and talk to students and staff. Students peppered Kohl with questions on topics ranging from funding for education, the war in Iraq and the Patriot Act to free trade agreements, the U.S. economic embargo against Cuba and child labor in China. Since 2001, four Shabazz staff members have been named Kohl Educational Fellowship recipients.

---

Affiliated Alternatives Staff Present in Los Angeles and St. Louis
submitted by Anne Fischer, Principal of Affiliated Alternatives

Affiliated Alternatives staff were honored to be the keynote speakers at the Regional Accelerated Schools conference in St. Louis. Anne Fischer, Erik Shager, LuAnn Clausen, Dave Hoon and Work and Learn graduate, Anthony Walker provided a keynote address and a teaching session. At the keynote, Anne and Erik described our successful alternative programs and shared our video, "Reflections of a Great School". They were joined by Anthony, who is now a student at Whitewater University. Following his presentation, he enjoyed a standing ovation from participants who were very impressed with his ability to share his story and reflect on his journey from high school drop out to high school graduate and college student.

Two staff members of the Affiliated Alternatives were invited to present at the Northwest Regional Educational Laboratory in Los Angeles on January. Erik Shager and Dave Hoon presented at the Small Learning Communities Leadership Institutes. They both participated in a forum and coaching sesssion focusing on instructional strategies for academic achievement. The institutes were quite illuminating, demonstrating the challenges and successes schools and districts are experiencing while moving toward smaller learning environments.

Front: Anne Fischer, PRincipal and Anthony Walker, WLC Graduate
Back Row: Staff: Dave Hoon, LuAnn Clausen, Erik Shager taken at the St. Louis conference.

Dave Hoon's presentation in LA