Is it me or is the summer going by way too fast? Very soon the school year will arrive for our students and the Board action will mark some changes.

• On July 17th the Board approved a "wellness policy" that will prohibit the sale of soft drinks at local high schools in favor of milk, bottled water and 100% juices. In addition, it will stop the sale of "junk food" during the school day that put school cafeterias in competition with school stores or vending machines.

  Some of our students and staff believe that this will hurt school fundraising efforts; however, our Board believes that our students are resourceful and will find alternative means for funding. This policy was developed in part because of a federal mandate that all schools nationwide must have a wellness policy.

• The Board also approved "advertising" and "sponsorship" policies. These policies have very clear parameters. Examples of where ads and sponsorship could occur include the district website, newsletters and announcements at sporting events.

  Given our fiscal challenges, I believe that this is an appropriate policy that I hope will help preserve some of our extra-curricular, arts and sports programs which are often vulnerable to budget cuts.

• On August 7th the Board will vote on the proposed "Animals in the Classroom" policy and begin the process of evaluating the Superintendent... On August 14th the Board will discuss the November 7th referendum and have our regular monthly meeting.

• District Notes:
  The summer edition of MMSD Today is now available at http://www.madison.k12.wi.us/today/.

  Congratulations to Reggie Williams for being named Boys Varsity basketball coach at La Follette....

  Enrollment of all MMSD elementary school students will be Thursday, August 24 from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the student's school... Supply lists for elementary schools are online...

  MMSD's Summer Food Service provides free meals to children. The program was established to ensure that children in needy areas continue to receive nutritious meals during summer vacation.

• Save the Date (Community Events):
  On Saturday August 12th, the 6th Annual Streetball & Block Party will be from 12 noon to 7 p.m. at Penn Park, South Madison. Activities include a men's basketball tournament, youth activities, food and fun. Proceeds to the campaign to promote student achievement and parent involvement...

  The Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network is putting on a walk to raise awareness of food allergies on Saturday August 19th at Elver Park at 9 a.m.

• Did you know? Madison School and Community Recreation (MSCR) is a department of the Madison Metropolitan School District and has been providing recreation programs for 80 years?

Thank you for your interest and support of the MMSD.

Johnny Winston, Jr., President, Madison School Board jwinstonjr@madison.k12.wi.us

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