Welcome Packet | English

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WELCOMETOTHEMIDDLETON-CROSSPLAINS AREASCHOOLDISTRICT!

Hello! I am Dr. Dana Monogue, Superintendent of the Middleton-Cross Plains Area School District (MCPASD).

I am honored to welcome you to our District, which is renowned for delivering exceptional education to families in search of top-quality education.

MCPASD serves approximately 7,300 students and offers a variety of educational programs. We provide a range of educational options, including a community-based and on-site program for four-year-olds (4K), as well as seven elementary schools, two middle schools, and two high schools Within our student body, you will find a diverse range of backgrounds and talents representing the future of our community.

We are proud to have received multiple national accolades. These include being ranked as the #1 school district in Dane County and having the #1 elementary school in Wisconsin (Pope Farm Elementary), according to Niche.com U S News has nationally recognized Middleton High School as one of the top schools in the country!

We look forward to getting to know your family better over the coming years.

With gratitude, Dr. Dana E. Monogue

The MCPASD Board of Education is made up of nine citizens who represent specific geographic areas within the District They serve a term of three years or until their successors are elected Terms are arranged so that three new seats are open for election each year Members are selected from specific geographic areas but represent the entire District

MeetingSchedule

The Board of Education generally meets on the second and fourth Monday of each month, with the exception of holidays and school breaks.

Meetings are usually held at the District Services Center, 7106 South Ave., at 7:00 p.m., and are open to the public.

You can view the meeting schedule by visiting the “Events” tab on our website

SubmittingaPublicComment/ PublicAppearance

Anyone wishing to provide public comment can do so in person or in writing by completing the Public Comment Form by 2:00 p.m. on the day of the meeting. The form can be found on the Board of Education web page on the District website.

Citizens can make a public appearance during the Public Comment portion of the meeting. Each individual is allocated up to 3 minutes. Please register online or by calling the Superintendent’s office (608-829-9004) or by emailing Cheryl Janssen (cjanssen@mcpasd.k12.wi.us)

Anyone who is a resident or staff member of the District can provide in-person or written comments.

REGISTRATION

The first step to joining our District is registering The registration process is designed to be simple and efficient.

Visit www.mcpasd.k12.wi.us and click on the Registration button on the main page.

You can choose a meeting time with the Registration Team by selecting the Registration Calendar link.

Before starting the registration process, be sure to have proof of residency and your child’s birth certificate, and immunization record on hand.

To ensure a smooth process, please follow these steps:

Complete the Student Enrollment Packet. It is available electronically on our website, and physical copies are available at the District Services Center located at 7106 South Avenue, Middleton, WI. Completed packets can be submitted either via email at reg@mcpasd.k12.wi.us or in person at the District Services Center 1. If needed, please schedule a registration appointment Visit our website to access the Registration Calendar and book a 30-minute appointment. Slots are typically available from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on weekdays. Hours may be limited during the summer.

3

2 Registration and course selection will be processed within two to three business days Registration applications and course selections submitted over the summer are processed in August when staff members return to our buildings.

If you have any questions, contact the Registrar’s Office at 608-829-9031 or email reg@mcpasd.k12.wi.us

Meet the Registration Team

Sayra Jayo | Registration Clerk

HEALTHINFORMAT

We place the highest importance on the health and well-being of our students. To maintain a safe environment for all students and staff, we adhere to strict health guidelines and protocols. As a parent or guardian, you can contribute to this effort by following these steps:

1 Complete the Student Enrollment Packet: This form includes a “Health Concerns” section, where you can provide any relevant information about your student’s health, such as allergies, chronic conditions, or medications.

Ensure that your student has all required immunizations and has attended their annual physical appointment. This step is crucial in protecting not only your student but also their classmates and school staff. More information regarding this step can be found on our website under Health Services.

2. The information helps our staff better understand and accommodate your student’s needs

QuickLinks

School Nurse Contacts Health Services Information

Student Enrollment Packet

NAVIGATINGTHEMCPASDWEBSITE

Banner:

View highlights and important reminders.

Menu:

Quick Links:

These buttons are available for commonly searched items and resources

Here, you can access comprehensive information about our District, including details about our departments, policies, report cards, and much more.

News:

Continue scrolling down the main page to read about exciting things happening in our District.

Events:

View a snapshot of upcoming events. You can view a full listing of more events on our calendar page

TRANSPORTATIONSERVICES

Transportation plays a significant role in your student’s school experience, and we are committed to providing bus services to eligible students.

To determine your student’s eligibility for transportation services and to access bus route information, please follow these steps:

Visit the District’s website and click on the Transportation button. This will direct you to the Transportation Services page, where you can find eligibility criteria and bus route details. 1 Click on “Attendance / Walk Zone Locator” (InfoFinder) to see if your student is eligible for transportation

If your student is eligible, please complete the “Transportation Access” section in the Student Enrollment Packet to apply for transportation

4 Once your transportation request is processed, you can view your student’s bus assignment by logging in to the Parent Portal. Click on the “Transportation” tab in the menu under “ more ”

5 Please monitor your Parent Portal account until your student’s bus route information becomes available. If you do not see your route within three to five business days after your student is enrolled, please submit a request to the Transportation Help Desk. If you have an immediate question, please call 608-829-2365. For additional information and resources, check out the Transportation Services website.

DownloadtheStopfinder apptoday!

Transportation Services uses an app called Stopfinder. This easy-to-use secure app enables registered parents/guardians to view bus schedules in real time.

An upgrade called GeoAlerts is now available It sends a push notification when the school bus arrives at the bus stop, when it leaves the bus stop, and at other points along bus routes

BusPass/ Z-Pass

Students eligible for transportation must have their bus pass when riding the bus Students will scan their bus passes on our Z-Pass system when getting on and off the bus. This safety measure helps us to identify when, where, and which bus a student has boarded or disembarked.

The Z-pass system also provides ridership numbers, which are used to monitor transportation costs

Students will receive their bus pass in August during their back-to-school night or when assigned a bus route If a student has a bus pass from the previous year, they can use the same one.

Bus Eligibility

Bus transportation is provided to all students living 1.1 miles or more from the school of attendance Students living less than 1 1 miles from school may ride the bus if the walking route to school is determined to be hazardous. All students living outside the village limits are eligible for bus transportation

Not sure if you are eligible for transportation?

Enter your address in Infofinder!

TECHNOLOGYSERVICES

Qustodio|OnlineSafetyApp

This app offers families a range of free resources and features, including:

Visibility and insights on how school-provided devices are used by students during the school day and beyond Expert advice on online safety topics like online bullying, screen time, and gaming

Pause the Internet feature, which can be activated during after-school hours

Learn more

WiFi Access for All

District-assisted internet access is available to qualifying students and families upon request. Please call the MCPASD Help Desk at 608-829-9036 to submit a request

StudentDevices

Students in grades K–1 receive an iPad for classroom use

Students in grades 2–12 receive a Google Chromebook

Students in grades 6–12 take their devices home for academic work

Students and families are responsible for care of the device

Students in grades 6–8 will have a personal Chromebook delivered to their school within one to two business days after registration.

High school students in grades 9–12 will be sent an email from our Student Technology Help Desk within one to two business days with instructions for picking up their personal Chromebook.

Username/Password

Passwords can be obtained from classroom teachers and Library Media Coordinators.

Digital Citizenship / Acceptable Use Policy

The goal of the technology Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) is to give students the tools and language they need to be safe, successful, scholarly, and productive users of technology in our schools

Violation of the AUP guidelines may result in internet and other technologyrelated privileges being limited or revoked and may also result in school disciplinary action

Acceptable Use Policy

COMMUNICATIONSDEPARTMENT

Privacy&Technology

Every year, parents/guardians must complete an Annual Student Verification form for each student. This is sent via email

Please review the situation in which you would allow or not allow your student’s directory data to be released. Directory data means the pupil records, which include the pupil’s name, address, telephone listing, date and place of birth, participation in officially recognized activities and sports, weight and height of members of athletic teams, dates of attendance, photographs, degrees and awards received, and the name of the school most recently attended

StudentDirectory

The PTA uses this directory at the middle and high school levels It is a shared resource for families to contact each other. If a family does not want their information included, it will not be available to others

DistrictWebsite/SocialMedia

When checking no, this means your student will not appear on any District website and/or social media site.

When checking yes, this means your student can appear on our District website and/or social media sites, including Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, LinkedIn, etc

StudentDirectoryData

Student directory data is considered public information and may be released to persons and the media unless otherwise notified in writing by the parent/legal guardian within 14 days of registration (Wis. Stats. 118.125).

Yearbook

When checking no, this means your student will not appear in the school yearbook.

When checking yes, this means your student can appear in the school yearbook

DistrictMediaProductions

When checking no, this means your student will not appear in any District media productions

When checking yes, this means your student can appear on any District media productions, including postcards, magazines, video productions, news media, and social media. Please note that some of these materials can be shared with the entire community

For example, our Community Connection magazine is sent to over 20,000 households in our area.

For clarification, when checking yes to the District Website/Social Media, this means our team can only use photos and videos of your student for the District website and social media, not for a wider audience.

OutsideDirectory

When checking no, this means your student’s information will not be shared with anyone outside the District. Previous requests have included organizations such as Camp Invention, Middleton Cardinal Youth Football, and the Middleton-Cross Plains Times-Tribune.

When checking yes, this means your student’s information can be shared outside the District.

ElectronicJobBoards-HighSchoolStudents

When checking no, this means your student’s information will not be released for electronic job boards

When checking yes, this means your student’s information will be released for electronic job boards.

MilitaryRelease-HighSchoolStudents

When checking no, this means your student’s information will not be released to the military or higher education sources

When checking yes, this means your student’s information will be released to the military or higher education sources.

CommunicationTools

Email

You can expect to receive email messages via Parent Portal (school message@mcpasdnotify.org) or Thrillshare (no-reply@mcpasd.org).

VoiceCall

You will receive a call from your student’s school or the District in the case of student absence, emergency, low lunch balance, or school closures due to inclement weather. You can expect calls from 608-829-9000.

Text

In an emergency, families will receive a phone call and a text message. All families will be automatically enrolled to receive texts and calls using the contact information from their Parent Portal profile. If you would like to update your contact information, please do so via the Parent Portal website/app. You can expect to receive texts from 98900

Peachjar is an online flyer board. Here you can find flyers from the District, your student’s school, and the community. This is a great way to ensure that parents never miss a school flyer and for the community to spread awareness of an event or activity. If you are a parent/guardian, you are automatically enrolled in weekly Peachjar emails unless you chose to unsubscribe.

Please note that at the beginning of each school year, the Communications Department will send a test alert to ensure all families are receiving emergency messages via email, text and phone calls.

Social Media

We love sharing great stories about our students and staff! We also use our social media platforms to share reminders about upcoming events, school closures, and other important information Did you know we also have a Facebook page available in Spanish? Check out Distrito Escolar del Área de Middleton-Cross Plains and follow us!

District Website

Print Publications

Our print publications play a crucial role in keeping the entire community well-informed. Every year, we distribute two important magazines: the Community Connection magazine, which highlights key events and achievements from the past year, and the back-to-school magazine, which provides valuable information to help students and parents/guardians prepare for the upcoming academic year.

Our website is your one-stop shop for information! If you missed an important Districtwide message, be sure to check out our Messenger Archive under Information and Public Relations in the main menu. Here, you will find an up-to-date list of all communications sent to families

MCPASDApp

The MCPASD app is a great resource for families on the go Y receive reminders and emergency messages, view your studen menu, check out articles and posts, and more! Remember to o notifications!

STUDENTSERVICES

The MCPASD Student Services team includes psychologists, social workers, counselors, nurses, and health assistants

Our school-based Student Services Team works in partnership with teachers, administrators, families, and community agencies to support our students. They support student learning and ensure that all students develop the knowledge and skills needed to achieve their personal best They do this by increasing student access to instruction and reducing barriers to learning.

Student Services may provide support in school with health services, attendance, and community resources, as well as mental health, social-emotional, and behavioral services. If at any time you feel that your student would benefit from support from our Student Services Team, please do not hesitate to contact their school.

StudentServices

For a full list of resources and contact information for student and family support, visit the Student Services web page.

Chris

cmand@mcpasd.k12.wi.us

SchoolCounselors

School counselors are trained and licensed educators equipped with the skills, knowledge, and expertise to support and develop students’ academic, career, and social-emotional development Prevention and intervention are integral to a school counselor’s role as they define, manage, deliver, and assess a comprehensive program that incorporates leadership, advocacy, collaboration, and systemic change.

SchoolPsychologists

SchoolSocialWorkers

School social workers use a wide range of evidence-based strategies to ensure that students are in the classroom physically and mentally ready to learn. School social workers understand how to engage families and community organizations to create better student outcomes (e.g., increased academic achievement, safety, attendance, and social-emotional behavioral functioning) School districts usually focus their school social work services on students who are struggling due to barriers to learning that may exist within the students or their environments

School psychologists apply expertise in mental health, learning, and behavior to help students succeed academically, socially, behaviorally, and emotionally. School psychologists partner with families, teachers, school administrators, and other professionals to create safe, healthy, and supportive learning environments that strengthen connections between home, school, and the community.

Elementary Education Curriculum&Standards

Dr. Mary Beth Paulisse

Director of Elementary Education 608-829-9025

mpaulisse@mcpasd.k12.wi.us

SecondaryEducation Curriculum&Standards

Learn more

The Teaching and Learning team cultivates and sustains the conditions for District-wide systems that ensure the success of every student through equitable learning environments, collaborative cultures of belonging, and high-quality, engaging instructional practices

Teaching & Learning Team Leadership Actions

Through the use of data and ongoing collaboration, the Teaching and Learning Team: designs and supports a District professional development system cultivates school leadership capacity that ensures continuous improvement in all schools facilitates ongoing review and revision of literacy and content standards, curriculum, and instructional materials leads educators in implementing rigorous and evidence-based instruction in emotionally, intellectually, and physically safe environments that are culturally and linguistically responsive and aligned with the MCPASD Strategy Map

Dr. Jan Chynoweth

Director of Secondary Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment 608-829-9058

jchynoweth@mcpasd.k12.wi.us

Cynthia Malcheski

Director of Special Education 608-829-9021

cmalcheski@mcpasd.k12.wi.us

Dr. Silvia Romero Johnson

Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning 608-829-9022

sromerojohnson@mcpasd.k12.wi.us

Chris Mand Director of Student Services 608-829-9054

cmand@mcpasd.k12.wi.us

Director of Multilingual Services

608-829-9060

msersch-morstad@mcpasd.k12.wi.us

Assessment&Achievement

The Department of Public Instruction produces report cards for all publicly funded schools and districts as part of the state accountability system. These report cards provide data on various indicators, such as student achievement, growth, closing gaps, on-track and post-secondary success, chronic absenteeism, and dropout rates

SpecialEducation

MultilingualServices

The Multilingual Services Team collaborates with students, families, and colleagues to discover and build on the genius of every multilingual student so that they can achieve their academic and linguistic goals, graduate with sociocultural competency, and thrive throughout their years in our District and beyond.

The District provides excellent services for students with disabilities in the following areas: emotional disturbance, learning disability, speech or language disorder, cognitive disability, visual impairment, hearing impairment, orthopedic impairment, other health impairment, autism, and traumatic brain injury. If you have concerns about your student’s development, contact the school principal and ask to have your student screened for possible special education needs.

StudentandFamilyEngagement Specialists(SAFES)

We pride ourselves on our dedicated and hardworking staff, who ensure that our students and families feel supported. One key group within our District is our team of Student and Family Engagement Specialists (SAFES). Six SAFES are strategically placed across the District two at Middleton High School, two at Glacier Creek Middle School, and two at Kromrey Middle School. To better assist our culturally diverse community, each of our schools houses a bilingual SAFES

Our SAFES Team is tasked with many responsibilities, ranging from supporting students outside of class to running clubs and organizations, such as the Black Student Union and the Latinx Student Union. Additionally, the SAFES Team keeps our families informed by communicating important information and forming trusting relationships with them to ensure continuous dialogue.

Wesley Dominguez Delgado

Kromrey Middle School

wdominguezdelgado@mcpasd.k12.wi.us

Bryelle Coleman

Kromrey Middle School

bcoleman@mcpasd.k12.wi.us

ahansbro@mcpasd.k12.wi.us

Alejandra Adame Barcenas

Glacier Creek Middle School

aadamebarcenas@mcpasd.k12.wi.us

Middleton High School

amyers@mcpasd.k12.wi.us

Middleton High School

ltaveras-genao@mcpasd.k12.wi.us

Aisha Myers
Alvah Hansbro Glacier Creek Middle School
Laura Taveras-Genao

MULTILINGUALSUPPORT

Solange“Soly”Rodriguez|MultilingualSupportSpecialist

Beyond offering Spanish translation and interpretation services for our District, Soly extends her support to families who speak other languages as well. Soly ensures that everyone has access to the necessary tools and resources for their success

AxelGonzalez|FrontDesk/AdministrativeAssistant, Information&PublicRelations

Axel is located at the welcome desk at the District Services Center (DSC) In addition to being fluent in both English and Spanish, he is available to provide assistance through the District phone line and to help guests who visit the DSC.

AriArandaRodriguez|LanguageSupportSpecialist

Ari provides Spanish translation and interpretation services for our middle and high-school-level schools as well as our District Services Center. She often helps facilitate communication between our educators and District families and is responsible for our Spanish District Facebook page

VOLUNTEERINGINOURSCHOOLS

Soly Rodriguez srodriguez@mcpasd.k12.wi.us 608-829-9029

Axel Gonzalez agonzalez1@mcpasd.k12.wi.us 608-829-9000 Pleasecompletethefollowingstepstobecomean

1.

Contact your student’s school office. High school families, please contact your student’s teacher

After speaking with a staff member, submit a background check request Please note that not all volunteer opportunities require a completed background check Please check with the school first 2 Allow two to three weeks for processing before you can begin to volunteer. 3.

Ari Aranda Rodriguez aarandarodriguez@mcpasd.k12.wi.us 608-829-9056

Once your background check has been completed, it is valid for five years. Review all of this information by visiting the Volunteering In Our Schools tab on any school website menu.

PARENTPORTAL

The Parent Portal is the one-stop shop for families to review important information regarding their students, including grades, bus route assignments, absence requests, emergency contact information, and more.

Once a student is registered, families will receive a confirmation email to set up their Parent Portal account. Please note that it can take two to three business days to receive the email when school is in session. During the summer, it can take until mid-August.

If you have questions regarding your Parent Portal account, please email portal@mcpasd.k12.wi.us.

Step 1

Click the icon of your student in the upper righthand corner

Step 2

From the drop-down menu, choose the student you wish to view

Step 3

Repeat the process as needed.

HOW TO REQUEST A STUDENT ABSENCE

Step 1

Open Parent Portal Click on the “Menu” tab and select “More.”

Step 2

Select “Absence Request.” Then select which student you are requesting the absence for You may select more than one student. Complete the prompts below, including the reason for leaving and absence type

Step 3

Select the date(s) of the absence and provide a brief description. (e g , dentist appointment, family vacation) Once you have completed the form, click “Submit.”

VIEW YOUR STUDENT’S BUS ROUTE

Step 1

Log into your Parent Portal account Then click on the “Menu” tab on the left-hand side, and select “More.” Then select the “Transportation” tab.

Step 2

On the Transportation page, you can now view the following information about your student’s bus routes: Bus Number

Pick-Up/Drop-Off Times

Pick-Up/ Drop-Off Locations

UPDATE YOUR CONTACT INFORMATION

Step 1

Select the person icon in the upper right-hand corner. Then select “Settings.”

Step 2 Select “Contact Preferences.”

Step 3 Update your phone number and preferred language.

Step 4

Select your preferred method or methods for receiving phone messages

As a reminder, our District is now using Thrillshare to send out urgent communication to families Phone calls will be made from 608-829-9000, and text messages will be sent from 98900 Additionally, emails will be sent from the address noreply@mcpasd.org.

It is important to keep your phone numbers and emails updated on Parent Portal because Thrillshare syncs the data into the system every night

Create an account

How to Create an Account

STEP 1 Visit www.mypaymentsplus.com and select “Register Now.”

STEP 3

Enter your first name, last name, and email address Create a password that is at least seven characters and includes at least one number. Double-check that your information is accurate before continuing to the next step.

STEP 2

Choose your state and then find your school district in the drop-down menu

STEP 5

Add your student to your new account. If you do not know their ID number, you may skip this step and come back later.

STEP 4

Select the option that represents you best: parent or guardian, student, staff member, or guest. Then click “Next.”

STEP 6

Once you have added your student to the account, click “Done.”

HowtoMakeaPayment

STEP 1

Begin by logging in to your MyPaymentsPlus account. On the parent home page, you will see “Cafeteria A ” d d ’ h d h lick “Add to Cart.”

STEP 2

Then click the “Checkout” button From here, review the shopping cart and click “Proceed to Checkout ”

STEP 3

Select a payment method or add a payment method by clicking “Pay with another method.” Next, click “Pay for Order.” After your payment is processed, you will be directed to a page with an option for an emailed receipt.

HowtoMakeaCluborFieldTripPayment

STEP 1

Begin by logging in to your MyPaymentsPlus account. On the home page, select “Events & Activities.” You will see a list of available activities for your student.

Select the field trip or activity you would like to pay for, and then click “Add to Cart.”

On the checkout page, you will see your payment summary.

STEP 2

Select a payment method or add a payment method by clicking “Pay with another method.”

Then click “Pay For Order ”

Once your payment is processed, you will be directed to a page with an option for an emailed receipt

Select the “Checkout” button at the top of the page, and then click “Proceed to Checkout ”

If there is a closure, the District will promptly communicate with families before 6:30 a.m. through text, phone call, and email.

Additionally, this information is relayed to all local news channels.

Learn more

InclementWeather& EmergencyMessaging

Reunification Process

If an emergency requires students and staff to evacuate the school, they will be brought to a secure site away from the school

Families will then be notified with information as to where they can gather to begin the reunification process.

It is important to remember the three main steps for the reunification process:

Stay Put (work

or

home)

Please do not go to your student’s school. All students will be evacuated to a secure site.

Stay Informed

The District will share all important alerts with families as they become available. They will also provide updates via social media and the District website

Be Ready

When it is safe for students, staff, and families, the District will communicate information about where to meet for the reunification process. Be prepared to show a form of identification when you arrive.

Learn more

FormsofEmergencyContact

In the event of an emergency, we will send out messages and alerts via text, phone call, and email. Please be sure to keep your contact information up to date in the Parent Portal. If you have questions about your account, please contact portal@mcpasd.k12.wi.us.

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