Community Connection I 2024-2025 I Spanish by mcpasd

Bob Hesselbein roberth@mcpasd.k12.wi.us

Marni Ginsberg - IV marniashag@mcpasd.k12.wi.us

Katie Frank - IV kathrynf@mcpasd.k12.wi.us

Catherine Kells - II catherinek@mcpasd.k12.wi.us

Jim Coursey T - IV jamesc@mcpasd k12.wi.us

Bartlett Durand - V kemperd@mcpasd k12 wi.us

Bob GreenII bobg@mcpasd.k12.wi.us

Emily Evans - I emilye@mcpasd k12.wi.us

Tabitha Hansen - III tabithah@mcpasd k12.wi.us

Dr . Dana E. Monogue Superintendent , MCPASD :

Dr . Dana E. Monogue Superintendent

News & World Report

The student-led group Middleton Meals Matter raised $20,000 and collected 52,000 pounds of food to support local food banks.

Middleton High School ranked first in Wisconsin with 23 National Merit Semifinalists for 2025—the highest number among the 120 Wisconsin schools with semifinalists this year.

In 2024–2025, Middleton High School’s athletic teams won state championships in boys’ swim and dive, girls’ swim and dive, and boys’ soccer. Also, Matthew Arnold won the D1 300M hurdles at the state track championship.

Middleton High School’s debate team has won four straight state championships.

Middleton High School’s Beauty and the Beast was one of the largest productions in school history, featuring 90+ students onstage and behind the scenes. 90

Middleton High School’s HOSA–Future Health Professionals (formerly known as Health Occupations Students of America) team had top 10 international finishers and celebrated sophomore Tanvi Kulkarni, who became Wisconsin’s first gold medalist.

Middleton High School seniors Nikhil Quintin and Blu Ginko were selected for the highly competitive Wisconsin Senate Scholar Program, a week-long experience offering an inside look at the state legislature in action.

The Middleton High School marching band earned its first Wisconsin School Music Association state championship title, while taking home Best Musical Performance and Best Color Guard honors for the third year in a row.

Twin sisters and Middleton High School seniors Nuha and Reya Khatri each had prominent leadership positions in state-level organizations! Nuha served as the DECA State President, while Reya held the position of HOSA State President.

At the 41st Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Youth Recognition Breakfast, 21 students from Middleton High School, Clark Street Community School, and Kromrey Middle School were honored for their leadership, service, and commitment to promoting unity across Dane County.

Middleton High School teacher Megan Sipiorski was recognized as the 2025 Wisconsin High School Social Studies Teacher of the Year, awarded by the Wisconsin Council for the Social Studies.

2024–2025 SCHOOL YEAR

HIGHLIGHTS

MIDDLE & ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS

West Middleton Elementary’s library media specialist, Amanda Struckmeyer, is publishing her book, Inspiring Teens, Tweens, and Families to Make a Difference in the World: Programming to Advance the Sustainable Development Goals, with the American Library Association.

In March, Governor Tony Evers visited Sunset Ridge Elementary School to read to third and fourth graders during Literacy Week, highlighting the importance of reading.

Kromrey Middle School’s robotics team, the VEX Chefs, advanced to the VEX Robotics World Championship after winning state with their robot, Gordon Ramsay 2.0.

After starting in January 2024, the Brown Girls United Club has strived to uplift young girls. The club creates a dedicated space of empowerment for its members at Kromrey Middle School. Leaders highlight positive affirmations and focus on issues that impact girls.

Kromrey Middle School seventh grader Arnav Vempati advanced to the Wisconsin State Spelling Bee in March.

In January, seventh graders from Kromrey and Glacier Creek Middle Schools explored career paths at the 2024 Future Quest event at the Alliant Energy Center.

2,400

Over 2,400 students are involved in 95 clubs and sports across Glacier Creek and Kromrey Middle Schools, fueling a vibrant and connected middle school experience.

60 YEARS

Rodney “Mr. Peanuts” Esser celebrated 60 years as head custodian at Park Elementary School.

Rodney “Mr. Peanuts” Esser celebrated 60 years as head custodian at Park Elementary School.

Multilingual resource teacher Emily Vosberg guided Sauk Trail Elementary School fourth graders in turning a persuasive writing assignment into a service project for the Dane County Humane Society, which included a visit to the shelter for inspiration.

Fourth graders at Pope Farm Elementary School won the Best Instant Challenge Award at the Wisconsin KidWind Challenge for their energyefficient wind farm design in March.

with artist

Northside Elementary School teacher Jennifer Magee was selected as a 2025 Herb Kohl Educational Foundation Teacher Fellow. She is one of just 114 educators statewide to receive this honor.

Northside Elementary School Jennifer Magee was selected as a 2025 Herb Kohl Educational Foundation Teacher Fellow. She one of just 114 educators statewide to receive this honor.

Northside Elementary School teacher Jennifer Magee was selected as a 2025 Herb Kohl Educational Foundation Teacher Fellow. She is one of just 114 educators statewide to receive this honor.

under the theme “The POWER of ART: Creativity, Community, Kindness” for a permanent display.

theme “The POWER of ART: Creativity, Community, Kindness” for a permanent display.

created artwork with artist Poornima Moorthy under the theme “The POWER of Creativity, Community, Kindness” for a permanent display.

theme “The POWER of ART: Creativity, Community, Kindness” for a permanent display.

118

With 118 members, the Library Helpers Club represents more than 10% of the student population at Glacier Creek Middle School. Led by library media specialist Christina Makos, library helpers shelve books, displays, and present at professional conferences.

Club members describe Makos as “the holder of all wisdom for the library.”

libraries.

libraries and media centers.

and media centers.

libraries and media centers.

Fourth graders at Pope Farm Elementary School created artwork with artist Poornima Moorthy under the theme “The POWER of ART: Creativity, Community, Kindness” for a permanent display.

Fourth graders at Pope Farm Elementary School

In April, Sauk Trail School welcomed Wisconsin Secretary of State Sarah Godlewski for a special visit to celebrate state in school

She presented a

Fourth graders at Pope Farm Elementary School created artwork with artist Poornima Moorthy under the

In April, Sauk Trail Elementary School welcomed Wisconsin Secretary of State Sarah Godlewski for a special visit to celebrate state investments in school libraries. She presented a

Fourth graders at Pope Farm Elementary School created artwork

Poornima Moorthy

In April, Sauk Trail Elementary School welcomed Wisconsin Secretary of State Sarah Godlewski for a special visit to celebrate state investments in school libraries. She presented a

Fourth graders at Pope Farm Elementary School created artwork with artist Poornima Moorthy under the

In April, Sauk Trail Elementary School welcomed Wisconsin Secretary of State Sarah Godlewski for a special visit to celebrate state investments in school libraries. She presented a ceremonial check for $571,237 allocated to MCPASD to support

Fourth graders at Pope Farm Elementary School created artwork with artist Poornima Moorthy under the theme “The POWER of ART: Creativity, Community, Kindness” for a permanent display.

Clase De 5

Dimidium Facti Qui Coepit Ha

Dimidium Facti Qui Coepit Habet

Haley Klatt Rosaneli Montes Adame

Aydin Rosa

Aydin Rosas

SHOEMAKER

BOBBIE REINHART

MIDDLETON HIGH

—Horace

Journey Cardinal’s A Journey Cardinal’s A Journey Cardinal’s

Ca

This year, a dedicated workgroup of students, parents, educators, community leaders, and administrators collaborated to develop MCPASD’s FuturePreparedness Framework: A Cardinal’s Journey, which defines the essential mindset and foundational skills students need to thrive beyond graduation. focuses on four key dispositions: Community-Oriented, Curious, Accountable, and Self-Aware.

highlight four essential skills: Adaptability, Collaboration, Critical Thinking & Problem Solving, and Communication.

Students will develop the mindset and foundations through learning experiences, goal setting, and self-assessment. The framework will be part of curriculum updates, report cards, career planning, and student-led conferences. Starting in grade 6, it will also shape learner profiles and advisory lessons. Families will receive regular updates to stay informed and connected to their child’s growth.

Cora Thomas

Daniel Bukhman

Andres Mendoza Alcala

Paulina Garduño

MHS CAPS: Preparing Students for the Future with Real-World Experience

The Middleton High School Center for Advanced Professional Studies (CAPS) is transforming education by offering students dynamic, hands-on learning opportunities in real-world professional settings. This innovative program empowers students to explore career paths, develop critical skills, and collaborate with industry experts, bridging the gap between classroom learning and future careers.

CAPS STRANDS OFFERED:

Business Solutions Science Research & Design

I would highly recommend the CAPS program to anyone seeking a more holistic approach to education. The nontraditional structure has kept me engaged and challenged in ways no other class has. This program has provided my classmates and me with valuable, hands-on, real-world skills that will benefit us in the future. For a first-year program, the instructors have done an outstanding job preparing their students for the realities of the professional world. I’m confident that I will walk out of this class more prepared for the real world than when I entered.

— Addy Frantz, Middleton High School senior

— Addy Frantz, Middleton High

Fetch Rewards

Digital Media Marketing Introduction to Education & Teaching

CAPS collaborates with a wide range of industry partners, giving students access to unique learning opportunities and real-world projects. Our valued partners include:

Fetch Rewards

UW Credit Union

Fetch Rewards Fisher

Thermo Fisher Scientiﬁc

Marketini Media

Thermo Fisher Scientiﬁc Marketini Media

Marketini Media

MSAN

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Dane County

MSAN Brothers of Dane

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Dane County

UW Credit Union Spencer Real Estate Knektar

Barriques

Spencer Real Estate Knektar

UW–Madison School of Pharmacy

UW–Madison School of

Navitus Health Solutions

UW–Madison School of Pharmacy Navitus Health Solutions

Navitus Health Solutions

KEY EVENTS FROM THE FIRST YEAR OF CAPS:

Barriques Epic Fiskars

Fiskars

Barriques Epic Systems Fiskars

Epic Systems

Middleton Meals Matter

Design Sprint: In the first week, students engaged in an intensive, hands-on design challenge to jumpstart their problem-solving and teamwork skills.

Interview Day: Students participated in mock interviews with industry professionals, gaining invaluable experience in professional communication and résumé building.

Middleton Meals Matter : s

Inaugural Showcase: This event celebrated student achievements with associates presenting their projects and experiences to community members, partners, and school leaders.

If you are a business or organization interested in partnering with Middleton High School CAPS to provide meaningful experiences for students, we would love to connect with you! For more information, visit our website or contact us today!

As I reflect on our first year of CAPS, I couldn’t be more proud of the incredible growth our students have demonstrated. Watching them tackle real-world challenges, develop professional skills, and build confidence in their abilities has been inspiring. The partnerships we’ve formed with local businesses and organizations have provided invaluable learning opportunities, and I am excited to see how this program continues to evolve. The future is bright for CAPS, and I look forward to seeing our students continue to thrive and make meaningful contributions to their communities.

—Shane Leadholm, CAPS

CAPS Coordinator and Instructor

—Shane Leadholm, CAPS

— Addy Frantz, Middleton High

Anitha Quintin Clas 2017

Aaliyah Razvi 2023

Kelly Mulqueen, Happy House Cleaning

THE ARTS THE ARTS THE ARTS PRIDE IN

EN LAS ARTES ORGULLO

Middleton High School students have soared in the arts, taking the stage, earning top honors, and sharing their talents with local and international audiences.

HIGH SCHOOL

ARTES VISUALES DESTACADAS

VISUAL ART HIGHLIGHTS

Students earned awards in the Pheasant Branch Photography Contest, with winning photos exhibited in the Middleton High School Gallery.

The PBS show Wisconsin Life visited Middleton High School to feature The Memory Project and our collaboration of 15+ years.

Middleton High School sophomore Sofia Pan won the Dane County Parks Conservation Art Contest with a colored-pencil drawing of a wood duck.

EXCELENCIA

THEATRE

TEATRAL

EXCELLENCE

Middleton Theatre’s production of Beauty and the Beast earned 10 Jerry Award nominations, including:

Outstanding Musical, Ensemble, and Lead Performers: Linus Ballard, Ava Greenberg, Ben Freiberg, Owen Sehgal

: Linus Ballard, Ava Greenberg, Ben Freiberg, Owen Sehgal

: Isa Killian

Outstanding Supporting Performer: Isa Killian

Lorne Ballard

Youth Performance: Lorne Ballard

: Lighting – Aydin Rosas

Design Awards: Lighting – Aydin Rosas | Costumes – Star Tangwell, Ava Leonhardt

| Costumes – Star Tangwell, Ava Leonhardt

Middleton High School students Isaac Freiberg, Isa Killian, and Owen Sehgal joined the exclusive 2024–2025 Jerry Ensemble, which helps students build their technical skills in acting, singing and dancing.

Middleton High School junior Ava Greenberg was selected as Wisconsin’s 2024 Jimmy Awards representative—one of only two students statewide!

MUSICAL ACHIEVEMENTS

LOGROS MUSICALES

Middleton High School junior and violinist Indre Raghavan won the Madison Symphony Orchestra's Final Forte competition, was a finalist for the Milwaukee Symphony’s Stars of Tomorrow, and performed as a featured soloist with the Middleton Community Orchestra.

Middleton High School orchestras performed the national anthem at a Milwaukee Brewers game and a Madison Mallards game.

The Middleton High School marching band earned its first Wisconsin School Music Association state championship title and took home Best Musical Performance and Best Color Guard honors for the third consecutive year.

In March, Middleton High School orchestras and choirs toured Italy, performing in schools and historic churches across Rome and Naples. Simultaneously, the Middleton High School bands toured Greece, sharing music through public concerts and cultural exchanges in Athens.

Middleton High School junior and pianist Sarah Blust performed as a featured soloist with the Middleton Community Orchestra.

Student winners of the 25th Annual Concerto-Aria Competition—Eunice Chung (cello), Isa Killian (soprano), and Harry Jin (piano)—performed with the Middleton High School Symphony Orchestra in February.

MIDDLE SCHOOL

Middle schoolers can participate in extracurricular after-school music clubs, including the Saber Cat Singers, spring musical, jazz band, percussion ensemble, rock orchestra, fiddle club, and more. Check out a handful of middle schoolers, many art highlights this year!

Students from Kromrey Middle School and Glacier Creek Middle School grew as artists, sharing their talents and passion for the arts with band, orchestra, choir, and theater performances throughout the year. Middle schoolers can participate in extracurricular after-school music clubs, including the Saber Cat Singers, spring musical, jazz band, percussion ensemble, rock orchestra, fiddle club, and more. Check out a handful of middle schoolers, many art highlights this year!

Seventh-grade band and orchestra students from Glacier Creek Middle School took a field trip to a Madison Symphony Orchestra concert at the Overture Center. Afterwards, they learned two combined pieces and performed together as one big symphony for their December concert.

MUSICAL ACHIEVEMENTS

LOGROS MUSICALES

MUSICAL ACHIEVEMENTS

Each spring, seventh and eighth graders in Glacier Creek Middle School’s bands march in the Cross Plains Memorial Day Parade. They perform “On Wisconsin!” and “Military March,” a patriotic medley of the official US Army and Marine Corps songs.

Eighth-grade band, orchestra, and choir students from Kromrey Middle School and Glacier Creek Middle School participated in the Beyond the Notes Music Festival at the Kalahari Resort in Wisconsin Dells. Students played for clinicians and received feedback, listened to other schools perform, and enjoyed time in the water and adventure parks.

Kromrey Middle School’s jazz band students in grades 6–8 worked with the Madison Jazz Society to prepare for the Southwest Wisconsin Jazz Festival, which they participated in on March 8.

Seventh-grade band students from Kromrey Middle School performed their annual Band Tour, performing pep band music at Sauk Trail, Elm Lawn, and Northside Elementary Schools.

Our middle school choir program has doubled in size in three years! Middle schoolers learn the intricacies of vocal technique and perform at different venues. Choral highlights included performing the national anthem at Madison Capitols hockey games, performing for all of the District’s elementary schools, hosting a Pops Concert & Trivia Night, seeing Broadway shows and a cappella concerts at the Overture Center, and joining the Middleton High School choirs for multiple events.

THEATRE EXCELLENCE

EXCELENCIA TEATRAL

THEATRE EXCELLENCE

Musical theater students in our middle schools learned and performed short scenes and monologues, studied fundamental acting and singing techniques, prepared and practiced auditions, and used sound and stage-lighting equipment. Each school hosted a spring musical: Matilda and Newsies!

CARDINAL

CARDINAL STRONG CARDINAL STRONG

FUERZA CARDINAL FUERZA CARDINAL FUERZA CARDINAL

CELEBRATING ANOTHER POWERHOUSE

Middleton High School

athletics brought home three state championships and endless pride.

Girls’ Swim and Dive

The Middleton High School girls’ swim and dive team continued their winning tradition, earning their second straight state title and the program’s fifth since 2016. The team remained undefeated in conference dual meets, claimed the sectional title, and made program history by winning all three relays at the state meet. Congratulations to the athletes and coaching staff—RJ Leiferman, Cyndie Zocher, Andrew Cotton, Emily Keebler, and Mike Keleny.

Boys’ Swim and Dive

Congratulations to Coach Wes Lagerhausen and the Middleton High School boys’ swim and dive team on capturing their third consecutive division 1 state championship. The Cardinals dominated the competition, setting three new state records and earning high praise from the Wisconsin State Journal, which described their performance as “utter dominance.”

Boys’ Soccer

History was made on the field as the Middleton High School boys’ soccer team secured their second consecutive division 1 state championship, becoming the first public school to win back-to-back titles since 1988. Their relentless drive, unity, and competitive spirit defined the season, and their achievement will be remembered for years to come. Congratulations to the players and Coach Kevin Pauls on an incredible run.

Inaugural Hall of Fame Inductees

MCPASD inducted eight honorees into Middleton High School’s Athletics Hall of Fame in October 2024: Otto Breitenbach, Bob Joers, Dewey Stendahl, Gene Stormer, James “Jumbo” Simon, Russ Shaub, Leo Simms, and the 1983 state championship football team. Their photos and biographies are displayed on the Hall of Fame wall at the Borden Athletic Complex.

COONEY AND WILCOX NAMED SENIOR ATHLETES OF THE YEAR

Middleton High School announces the 2024–2025 Senior Athlete of the Year / Bob Joers Award winners. Recipients are multisport athletes demonstrating dedication, sportsmanship, and academic excellence, with GPAs of 3.4+ and no code violations.

CONGRATULATIONS

to these outstanding student-athletes on their incredible achievements and lasting impact on Cardinal athletics!

Drew Cooney

Maddy Wilcox

Golf, Soccer

Drew Cooney Football, Basketball

Maddy Wilcox Golf, Soccer

Adaptive Sports League

Middleton High School launched a new

Adaptive Sports program designed specifically

Brad Crandell Named Athletic Director at Middleton High School

MCPASD is excited to welcome a familiar face to a new leadership role in Cardinal athletics.

Brad Crandell has been named the next athletic director at Middleton High School, effective July 1, 2025.

Crandell joined MCPASD in 2020 as dean of students and currently serves as assistant athletic director and student activities coordinator. With over 20 years in public education and a reputation for building strong relationships with students, staff, and families, he is deeply committed to the success of our school community.

“It’s an honor to build on the momentum that current athletic director Jamie Sims has created,” Crandell says. “His leadership and commitment to our students have made an impact on me and our whole community. I look forward to building on this strong foundation

Congratulations, Brad! We look forward to the continued growth and success of our athletics and activities programs under your leadership.

REALTOR

When I opened Spencer Real Estate Group in 2016 after ten years as an agent, I knew I wanted to be based here in Middleton. While my team and I serve all of Dane County and the surrounding areas, there’s something special about working with our neighbors. Over the past 19 years, we've helped over 700 families buy or sell their homes. Many of these connections were made within the Middleton community. Whether it was while dropping my kids off at Northside Elementary and Kromrey, attending Middleton Gators swim meets, cheering at Middleton United soccer games, or during my decade of service on the city's Sustainability Committee. I am genuinely grateful for the friendships I have built while

My family and team love being part of the Middleton community. I hope you consider choosing a real estate team

Spencer Schumacher

Leading the Way in Education Innovation

How Clark Street Community School Is Shaping the Future of Learning

At Clark Street Community School, education isn’t just about today—it’s about shaping the future. From local classrooms to national conversations, Clark Street Community School is making waves with its learner-centered, competency-based approach. Here’s a look at some moments from the 2024–2025 school year that highlight the school’s impact:

National Spotlights

Aurora Institute Conference: Students Ruby and Everest were featured in a powerful student panel, sharing their experiences with learner-centered education. Their voices were also amplified on the Learner-Centered podcast.

National School Administrator Magazine: Clark Street Community School was recognized in the December 2024 issue for its innovative approach to education.

Canopy Project Nomination: For the third consecutive year, Clark Street Community School was nominated for inclusion in the Canopy Project, a national recognition for schools pioneering innovative practices.

Wisconsin DPI Collaboration: Clark Street Community School hosted a daylong visit with the Competency-Based Team from the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction, providing insights into effective learner-centered practices.

CESA 2 Webcast: The school’s forward-thinking approach was highlighted in The Future Is CCLR webcast.

Educational Testing Service and Carnegie Foundation Partnership: Clark Street Community School is at the forefront of assessment innovation, piloting “Skills for the Future” assessments in collaboration with leading organizations. Learner-Centered Collaborative's Playbook: Clark Street Community School’s model is featured as a profile in the Competency-Based Reporting Playbook

To learn more about a few of these initiatives, scan the QR code.

Dr. Jill Gurtner: The Visionary Behind Clark Street Community School’s Transformation

After 30 years with the Middleton–Cross Plains Area School District, Dr. Jill Gurtner retired in June 2025. She began her District career as an associate principal at Middleton High School and later became the principal of Middleton Alternative Senior High (MASH). In 2012, Gurtner led a team of educators in creating Clark Street Community School. It has become a national leader in innovative, competency-based, learner-centered design. Gurtner also led the District’s online learning program while continuing her leadership at Middleton High School. Her vision expanded educational opportunities and shaped Clark Street Community School into what it is today.

Clark Street Community School Welcomes

New Principal, Nicole Victor

Building on the legacy of Dr. Jill Gurtner, Clark Street Community School and 9-12 Innovation at Middleton High School are proud to welcome Nicole Victor as their new principal. Victor comes to MCPASD from Parkview School District, where she led the Parkview Academy of Virtual Education. With over 20 years of experience in education, she brings a deep passion for personalized, democratic, and place-based learning, along with a strong background in online learning, equity, and innovative curriculum design. She has a master’s degree in education administration and certifications as a principal, director of instruction, and director of pupil services.

I’ve been genuinely inspired by the dedication here, and I can’t wait to work with all of you—students, staff, and families— to continue the fantastic work already happening. I believe in creating a place where everyone feels empowered to learn and try new things. I’m ecstatic to start this journey with you all, and together, we’ll build a future filled with learning and achievement.

—Nicole Victor

The Power of 4K

The Class of 2025 holds a special place in MCPASD history as the first to begin their educational journey in the District’s 4K program, which debuted in the 2011–2012 school year.

The voluntary, 2.5-hour, play-based program is for students who are four years old. It is a critical part of how MCPASD supports its youngest learners, strengthens family and community engagement, and sets the foundation for long-term student success.

Kindergarten teachers notice differences among students who have attended a 4K program and those who have not.

“Students with a 4K experience come in with more confidence and a stronger ability to adapt to the new environment of kindergarten,” says Jenny Tollefson, kindergarten teacher at Elm Lawn Elementary. “They know that the scheduled structure of the day is something to learn and rely on because of their time in 4K. They are often excited for what’s next in their school journey. Additionally, 4K allows students to form connections with friends that they’ve had a year of school with. As a result, kindergarten is more of a next step than a big unknown.”

Sauk Trail Elementary School kindergarten teacher Nicole Schemmel agrees:

“Kindergarteners who have attended a 4K program generally show more confidence in navigating school routines—lining up, sitting at the carpet, raising their hand to ask or answer

questions,” she says. “They also are more ready to learn and practice reading and math skills and have greater stamina for academic learning.”

MCPASD 4K / Early Childhood principal, Katie Kavanaugh, emphasizes the long-term benefits of 4K:

“This program not only introduces them to the routines and expectations of elementary school but also sets a strong foundation for their future learning,” Kavanaugh says. “Our 4K teachers create classroom expectations and common language that are consistent across MCPASD elementary schools, which helps the students prepare for the years ahead. Students who have attended 4K enter kindergarten with a social emotional and academic foundational advantage compared to their peers who have not attended 4K. Our goal in the MCPASD 4K program is to set young learners up for success and instill a love for learning, both now and in the years to come.”

MCPASD will expand from nine to ten 4K sites for the 2025–2026 school year. Visit the District’s website to learn more or to enroll your student in 4K.

Learn more about the program and how to register by scanning the QR code.

Q&A Edition: Meet Clara Wegener, the

Artist Behind Our Cover

Q1:

Can you share your name, grade, and a little bit about your journey as an artist so far?

Cardinal Academy

Cardinal Academy is MCPASD’s post–high-school transition program for students ages 18–21 with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). The academy provides hands-on, community-based learning experiences to help students build skills needed for adulthood, focusing on vocational, life, and social-emotional learning skills.

Cardinal Academy guides students in developing vocational skills so they can obtain and maintain employment. Our goal is to help each student become as independent and prepared for adulthood as individually possible.

We provide job coaching at students’ workplaces and at our vocational training sites to support skill-building in real-world settings.

Special thanks to:

Keva Sports

Cross Plains Library

Middleton Brookdale Senior Living

Middleton Senior Center

Harbor Athletic Club

Sunny Seconds

MHS South Kitchen & Pool

MCPASD Office

Middleton & Cross Plains

Culver’s restaurants

Q2:

My name is Clara Wegener, and I am a senior at Middleton High School. I’ve always been drawn to the beauty of creation, whether that meant doodling on the margins of my notebooks as a child or getting lost in art galleries as I grew older. Art has always been the simplest way for me to develop and preserve my personal identity. Over the years, I’ve come to see art as not just a creative outlet but as an essential part of who I am. Whether it’s experimenting with different mediums or simply letting my hands move without a plan, I find that art allows me to find meaning in the smaller moments. The joy comes not from perfection but from the process itself—the act of creation, the excitement of trying something new, and the deep satisfaction of bringing an idea to life.

What inspires you most when you create art, and how do you channel that inspiration into your work?

In Rick Rubin’s book titled The Creative Act: A Way of Being, he says: “To live as an artist is a way of being in the world. A way of perceiving. A practice of paying attention.” The roots of my inspiration grow from the individualism that comes from living and perceiving as an artist. Our perception of the world controls how we move through it, and I live to perceive the world through a creative lens. To live as an artist is to constantly evolve, to question, to explore. It is to recognize that inspiration is everywhere, not because the world is inherently inspiring but because I choose to see it that way. By grounding my work in personal perception, I create art that is authentic to me. It is this deep connection to individualism that makes my work not just an artistic expression but a reflection of the way I exist in the world.

Q3:

What message or feeling do you hope to convey through your art, especially with this magazine cover design?

I consistently create with the intention of exploring the ways we are connected while embracing the unique elements that set us apart. I want viewers to see themselves in my work, to recognize both the familiar and the foreign, and to contemplate what it means to be human. My creative process is an exploration of these connections, an ongoing conversation between individuality and universality.

With cellphones put away, staff have noticed more conversations and smiles during lunch.

Making the Most of the School Day

Tracking Cell Phone Policies at the Middle School Level

In the digital age, it’s not uncommon for kids to have their first cell phone well before middle school. These devices can be disruptive when it comes to a student’s education. Both MCPASD middle schools have a cell phone policy in place to ensure that students get the maximum benefits from their instructional time during the school day.

Kromrey Middle School’s policy has been in place since 2019. Phones must be off and in students’ lockers between 8:05 a.m. and 3:36 p.m. Students are not allowed to take pictures or videos on school grounds, and they cannot use technology during lunch or on the school bus.

"Our families really appreciate knowing that cell phones aren’t a distraction during the school day,” says Eric Engel, associate principal at Kromrey Middle School. “Without that interruption, students are more focused and engaged in their learning."

The 2024–2025 school year was the first full school year of the policy for Glacier Creek Middle School. Students must keep their cell phones and other personal devices off and away between 8:00 a.m. and 3:36 p.m. There are exceptions for students to use Chromebooks during indoor recess, or if they have permission during other times.

"Teachers have been all about the cell phone policy because kids seem happier and more engaged in classes,” says Mary Summers Kern, associate principal at Glacier Creek Middle School. “Although students complained at first, they have settled in nicely with the changes. Most families support the policy."

Glacier Creek Middle School Principal Update

We are excited to welcome Carmen Klassy as the new Glacier Creek Middle School principal, effective July 1, 2025!

Klassy has served as an associate principal at Middleton High School since 2019 and brings more than a decade of experience in education. She previously served as a Spanish teacher, director of summer school, and principal in the Oakview School District. We are thrilled to welcome her to Glacier Creek!

Carmen will step into the role following the transition of longtime principal Ken Metz, who will begin a new chapter as the director of secondary curriculum, instruction, and assessment for MCPASD, also effective July 1. After 21 years of dedicated service at Glacier Creek, we are incredibly grateful for Ken’s impact on students, staff, and the entire school community. We look forward to his continued leadership in this new District-level role!

With cellphones put away, staff have noticed more conversations and smiles during lunch.

WELCOME TO THE FAMILY

Elementary School Logos, Mascots Get a Fresh Look

The logos and mascots at MCPASD’s seven elementary schools are beloved symbols that inspire school pride and community spirit. Now it’s time for a refreshed look—not a complete transformation, but a thoughtful makeover—to bring greater alignment among the mascots across the MCPASD family.

School communities were involved throughout the refresh process. Our communications team finalized two new looks for each school in late April. Students then voted for their favorite design in May.

These updates ensure that our logos and mascots remain trusted, recognizable figures—and distinct parts of our District’s brand identity.

Now Elvis, Leo, Phin Swimmington, Willy, Peanut and Sunflower, Sunny, and Wolfie are ready to show off their fresh new looks and share exciting updates from their schools!

Meet the Mascots

1 Elvis the Eagle

Elm Lawn Elementary School

Students at my school soared this year during our first All School Read Aloud event! Each student got a copy of the book The World According to Humphrey. We also soared during the Bi-Annual Science Fair, Encore Showcase Night, and Hot Dog Hustle!

2 Leo the Lion

Park Elementary School

My school had a roaring good time this year thanks to our annual Kindness Campaign! We also expanded instructional time in core subjects like literacy and math. Our Spring Fun Run also raised money for new library books and student activities!

3 Phin Swimmington the Dolphin

Northside Elementary School

Finding joy in the journey made this year go swimmingly! I helped students learn about different cultures during school assemblies. Students have also enjoyed our new playground, SPLASH groups, and fun events like the Share Fair and Glow Dance!

4 Willy the Wolverine

West Middleton Elementary School

My students are following the Wolverine Way! They show kindness, stay safe, and let learning happen. We raised money for the school during our Wolverine Dash, celebrated diversity during Culture Night, and showed creativity during Fine Arts Night!

5 Peanut & Sunflower the Prairie Dogs

Pope Farm Elementary School

We are proud of our students and staff for raising school spirit throughout the year! They danced into the spotlight during our Sunflower Shuffle, STEAM Fair, food drive, and more. Students also celebrated growth toward our monthly school-wide goals!

6 Sunny the Lion

Sunset Ridge Elementary School

The Do Something Good Club has been a ray of sunshine at Sunset Ridge! Students volunteer to do kind things in our community, including making blankets for Project Linus, caroling at Oakwood Village, and sorting books for Reach a Child!

Wolfie the Wolf

Sauk Trail Elementary School

My students led with kindness this year! Our monthly Wolf Dens helped students practice kindness with children of all ages. We also had fun at events like our Rise and Shine Read-In and Sauk Trail Shuffle, and we learned dances from an artist in residency!

It Starts with Registration

At the Middleton–Cross Plains Area School District, every student’s journey begins with a simple step: registration.

Whether you’re enrolling for 4K or kindergarten or transferring to our District, we’re here to make the process smooth and supportive so that your child can focus on what matters most: learning, growing, and thriving.