Students at Elvehjem Elementary were invited to help the Madison Post Office kick off its annual letter carriers' food drive. On May 12 a mail truck came to pick up the items. After students from each classroom delivered their items the mail truck was full! This was a great opportunity for the Caring Majority of students at Elvehjem to give back to their community! Thanks to 2/3 Multiage teacher Shelley Bouffiou for coordinating this food drive and thanks to Doug Hoyt for the great photographs!

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Marquette Elementary: Two fifth grade students at Marquette, Ariela Bohrod and Patrick McCarthy, wrote a poem for Kim Shinstine for administrative assistant week called "Ode to a Secretary". Pictured is Ariela and Patrick with Kim, Administrative Clerk at Marquette.

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Midvale Elementary: Midvale Community Learning Center organized Family Literacy Night on April 25, 2006 at Midvale Elementary. The CLC, Reading Department, VISTA volunteer along with Jane Powers, 15 Station Leaders, and 20 volunteers worked together to make the night a HUGE success. Highlights include a musical performance by students, reading with Ronald McDonald, an appearance by Zero the Hero, free books for all attending families, and reading games and activities that parents can do at home. 108 families, a total of 324 people, attended the event, which wrapped up with an ice cream social.

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Mendota Elementary: The Mendota art students under the direction of art teacher Katharine McCoy, prepared a mural for the Madison Children's Museum Arts Showcase. This mural was showcased on Friday, May 5, 2006. Other students from the district also contributed to the event and included: artwork from Allis Elementary School, a Xylophone performance from Van Hise, and a Tai Chi Animal frolics from district dance students.

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Sennett Middle: To enhance Sennett's school-wide interdisciplinary study of Africa, several presenters shared their personal histories, engaged students in their own knowledge of African geography and essential facts, and spoke about their customs and traditions (e.g. games, sports, leisure, folktales, foods). In addition, many students had the "hands on" opportunity to appreciate authentic carvings, pottery, tapestries, brooms...and even try on beautiful African garments. Speakers ranged from university students to senior citizens from Dane County's RSVP program, with roots from Cameroon, Gambia, Uganda, Nigeria, Kenya and Ethiopia! In addition to those volunteering their time outside of school, however, we are fortunate to have firsthand expertise from our own teaching staff. Mary Ann Feutz, from House 6, was in the Peace Corps in Le Soto, and gave an engaging and visual account of its history and her experiences. Furthermore, Mika Oriedo (House 5) shared many of his personal "belongings" from Kenya... including his father, a native of the country. Students were definitely able to appreciate the connections to Africa with our school and to the Madison community as a whole!

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Sennett Middle Students showcase their literary, artistic and oratory skills:

• 55 students attended the Overture Center to celebrate Women's History Month, following a workshop led by the celebrated local poet, Fabu. Some students were given the opportunity to proudly orate some of their own written work as well!
• In April 40 students went to the Governor's mansion. First Lady Jessica Doyle shared her favorite poetry and graciously listened to several of the students do the same. Each student was given a brand new novel of their choice.
• On April 24th, 10 teams competed in our annual literary contest. Teams of either 4 or 5 participants were asked to read 12 books from our "Battle Of the Books" list. At the competition, they earned points by matching the books' characters and events with their titles and authors.
• In another contest, quality artwork and writing pieces were submitted for Sennett's Voices and Visions publication. A panel of judges selected and compiled student contributions into an impressive publication. A reception to honor these winning works occurred on May 16th, and was attended by our student artists and writers...as well as many of their proud parents!

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Emerson Elementary - Emerson hosted a Fine Arts Night on May 16th. This event featured both artistic and musical works by students. A student art exhibit featured handmade books and writing pieces. The handmade books were created by students in grades 3-5 under the direction of artist-in-residence guest Shawn Sheehy. Mr. Sheehy worked with Emerson Elementary students, staff, and art teacher Katie Mead Griffiths in a two week artist-in-residency program this past spring. Musical performances from the Emerson Elementary strings students, the chorus, and poets were also showcased that night. Musical groups were under the direction of music teacher Janet Larkin.

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Hamilton Middle - The Hamilton Middle School 7th Grade Band Concert was held on May 10th. Performances of the Seventh Grade Band, Jazz Ensemble, and special instrumental groups were presented. Groups are under the direction of Band Director James Kyle.

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Computer debugger by day; bug explorer at night... Cherokee students Meinuo Chen and Jesse Schackelford took the gold medal for the middle school Science Olympiad event "Don't Bug Me." MMSD's computer director, Mark Evans, an entomologist in one of his other lives, provided invaluable assistance with the sharing of his insect collection, expertise and inspirational stories of adventures experienced while collecting insects in the jungles of Central and South America.

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Hamilton Middle: The 7th grade student council, along with Erick Goelzer, student council advisor, Barbara Ryan, tutor/mentor coordinator, and Sara Parrell, school nurse, applied and were awarded DPI mini-grants resulting from proposals promoting physical activity and healthy food choices in the Hamilton and Van Hise communities.

On May 18th Hamilton held a "Bike To School Day" where a group of 115 students and staff biked in from the Shorewood Community Center with a police escort.

For students and staff not able to bike to school, an alternative walk/run was held during lunch recess for all grades. Healthy snacks and educational material regarding healthy choices were given to all participants with a sticker titled "Fitness Freaks and Eat Color". The homeroom who had the most participants in the activities at each grade level win "Fitness Freaks" T- shirts for their homeroom. Fortunately, the weather cooperated and the feedback from students and staff has been very positive. The impression seems to be to repeat this activity next year.

Arriving on their bikes from left to right are Barbara Ryan, tutor/mentor program coordinator and mini-grant advisor; Hank Schmelz, principal; and Barbara Lee, ESL teacher.

Handing out healthy snacks for bikers are: Eric Goelzer, teacher & student council advisor; Jasmine Wali, Rawi Khatib, Kaivahn Sarkaratpour, 7th grade student council members; Sara Parrell, school nurse and mini-grant advisor; and Karen Kedrowski, parent and mini-grant advisor.