Sun Prairie Area School District Viewbook 2023

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WHAT'S INSIDE

OUR VISION

Recognized as a high performing district of choice that reflects the cultures of our diverse community.

OUR MISSION

Inspire and prepare every child, every day, by providing relevant, engaging, and innovative learning experiences in and out of the classroom.

EVERY CHILD, EVERY DAY

At the Sun Prairie Area School District, we stand by all of our students, staff, and families. The Sun Prairie Area School District celebrates and values our diverse community. We support and are inclusive of all students, staff, families, and community members of all races, ethnicities, faiths, national origins, immigration statuses, political viewpoints, abilities, sexual orientations, and gender identities. We stand by our students with disabilities and their families. We will continue to staunchly protect the rights of people of all abilities. All children will be safe and loved in our schools. Every Child, Every Day.

Welcome to the Sun Prairie Area School District, a place of opportunities, excellence, and access like nowhere else. Every single day our students are encouraged to explore their interests and passions, challenge themselves academically and personally, and get involved in our comprehensive extracurricular activities, fine arts, and athletics. As a result of the breadth of the opportunities and programming offered by our incredible staff, we have earned a place in the nation as one of the most innovative and progressive school districts. Though there are too many opportunities to name completely, a sampling of our programming includes Advanced Placement Computer Science, Career and Technical Education offerings, Mandarin Chinese, Agriculture Business, Sustainability coursework, and more. We also offer a Youth Apprenticeship program, work closely with Madison College, have a nationally recognized AVID program that is working to close the achievement gap, and more. Every one of our fifteen schools advances amazing opportunities for students at all grade levels, and our talented and dedicated staff focus on each individual learner. Our learners and staff are some of the most diverse in the state of Wisconsin, and we value that and are committed to continuously finding ways to better create equitable outcomes for all students. This is the Sun Prairie Experience. This is what we do. This is who we are. And we could not be more proud of just that.

Sincerely,

Dr. Brad Saron, Superintendent

Sun Prairie is a robust, thriving, and fast-growing community. Its proximity to the University of Wisconsin-Madison, the state capital, the interstate system, Chicago, and Milwaukee has contributed to the growth of this community and made it a highly desirable destination to live and attend school.

The city provides residents with an excellent blend of affordability and high quality of life. The community is supportive of education, passing multiple building referendums over the past decade, including the most recent capital referendum of $164 million and operational referendum of $5 million annually to build a second comprehensive high school, reconfigure one of our middle schools, relocate our alternative learning academy, build a new multipurpose stadium, fund construction and capital maintenance projects, increase teacher salaries, and fund annual operating expenses associated with the new high school.

ABOUT US ABOUT SUN PRAIRIE

Sun Prairie Area School District Named One of the HEALTHIEST WORKPLACES IN AMERICA!

The Sun Prairie Area School District was recognized with a Platinum Award by the Wellness Council of America (WELCOA) for prioritizing the health and wellness of its employees and their families. This year, the Wellness Department worked on increasing engagement and utilization of the District’s Employee Wellness Clinic, an SSM Health clinic that offers free or low-cost appointments and over 20 services to employees and their families. It also expanded its “Weekly Wellness Opportunities,” which include workout classes, discussions focusing on mental health and healthy living, mindfulness and meditation sessions, guest speaker presentations, clubs, and special events for staff.

DID YOU KNOW? 100% OF PATIENTS STATED THEY WOULD LIKELY RETURN TO THE DISTRICT EMPLOYEE WELLNESS CLINIC.

The Sun Prairie Area School District is one of the fastest-growing public school districts in Wisconsin, currently serving over 8,400 students in grades 4K-12. Our 1,300 amazing staff members educate and support our diverse student body by providing them with relevant and innovative learning experiences in and out of the classroom.

Developing Our Instructional Framework

A design team met throughout the 2021–2022 school year to design our District’s instructional framework, which is an interrelated set of systems and expectations that guide curriculum, instruction, assessment, and learning climate. It combines the distinct expectations for student learning with specific strategies and practices to guide teaching and assessment. It includes equitable multi-level systems of support, data-driven instruction, instructional expectations, professional development, lesson design, and teacher collaboration in professional learning communities. Each system is influenced by the other systems.

THE SPASD HAS AN EXPLICIT FOCUS ON STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT, STUDENT PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT, ACADEMIC GROWTH, GAP CLOSING, AND POSTSECONDARY READINESS FOR EVERY CHILD, EVERY DAY.

BY THE NUMBERS

The District served 262,560 free breakfasts and 625,900 free lunches to students

Our students are supported by 6 & 7 513 Board members student Board members

Free and Reduced Meals 26.8% 2021–2022 30.2% 2019–2020 28.4% 2020–2021

different languages or dialects are spoken by our students.

2,271,648 square feet of facilities

students participate in our 4K program at 9 partner sites and 2 school sites.

4,519 students ride the bus daily

2022–2027

STRATEGIC FRAMEWORK

OUR COMMITMENT TO EQUITY AND EXCELLENCE THROUGH CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT

CULTURE OF EDUCATIONAL EXCELLENCE

STUDENT EXPERIENCES GOAL

Educational experiences in Sun Prairie will be rigorous and aligned to standards. Exceptional experiences include student goal setting, active student participation in their learning, and multiple opportunities and means to demonstrate their learning.

STUDENT LEARNING ENVIRONMENT GOAL

The educational environment establishes the conditions where every child feels welcome and able to succeed. In order to create the necessary conditions for learning, educators create spaces where the classroom community accepts and supports the development of all students as people, where learning partnerships thrive between students and adults, and where there is an established culture of care.

CULTURE OF ENGAGEMENT & INCLUSION

COMMUNITY OF EXCEPTIONAL & DIVERSE EDUCATORS & STAFF GOAL

Strive to proactively recruit, retain, and engage diverse and exceptional talent.

COMMUNICATION & COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT GOAL

Excel in how we collaborate and communicate with all careholders, and build relationships that promote positive outcomes for students.

CULTURE OF OPERATIONAL EXCELLENCE

FINANCE GOAL

Prioritize the investment of our resources to support educational experiences in and out of the classroom, the physical environment for students and staff, and the teams serving our organizational mission.

FACILITIES GOAL

Prioritize the investment of our resources to support educational experiences in and out of the classroom, the physical environment for students and staff, and the teams serving our organizational mission.

After receiving community input, a committee of administrators, staff, and community memes helped the District create a new Strategic Plan. The new framework centers on Educational Excellence, Engagement and Inclusion, and Operational Excellence.

"I AM INCREDIBLY GRATEFUL TO WORK IN A DISTRICT STRIVING TO CLOSE THE OPPORTUNITY GAP WITH A RELENTLESS FOCUS ON RACIAL EQUITY IN A SYSTEMIC WAY. WE'RE CONSTANTLY WORKING TO IMPROVE OUR OUTCOMES TO REALIZE OUR MISSION OF EVERY CHILD, EVERY DAY."

—Cynthia Bell-Jimenez, Meadow View Principal

OUR COMMITMENT TO EQUITY

All aspects of District operations, from the School Board to the Strategic Plan, from our site excellence to our community partnerships, represent our plan to support students who struggle to reach their full potential, students who deserve the very best from all of us because they are leaders for our future, and students who have been marginalized and lack access and opportunities to fully thrive as scholars in our public school system. Simply stated, our SPASD Equity Framework helps us get to “Every” in Every Child, Every Day.

AVID: Preparing First-Generation College Students

AVID is a college readiness system designed to increase schoolwide learning and improve academic performance for students. Currently in the Sun Prairie Area School District, AVID is offered in 7th through 12th grades. AVID targets students in the academic middle who have the desire to go to college and the willingness to work hard.

In the 2020–2021 school year, 100% of AVID graduates were accepted to college. Over $4,000,000 was offered in scholarships funds to our students.

MEET AN AVID ALUMNUS

Yasin Bah | Class of 2020

FUTURE ATTORNEY

“The interpersonal skills, perseverance, and organizational skills have helped me when I needed it most. Starting off college and entering adulthood during a global pandemic was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done, but the growth mindset I developed in AVID is the main reason why I am where I am today.”

Adapted Sports League

Our Adapted Sports League aims to increase accessibility and equity in high school athletics. Students in grades 9–12 with IEPs or 504s have the opportunity to competitively participate in soccer, hockey, and wiffle ball. The program is spearheaded by District Adapted Physical Education teachers who adapt and modify activities so all students can participate.

Department of Systemic Equity & Inclusion

The Department of Systemic Equity and Inclusion (DSEI) is responsible for cocreating and assisting in executing short- and long-range equity goals and strategies supporting the District’s strategic plan, mission, vision, and equity framework while promoting a climate of equity and inclusion for all. The DSEI collaborates with department leaders to review and revise institutional and operational policies, practices, structures, and programs. The DSEI also fosters a climate of equity and acceptance that respects, values, and responds to the diversity of students, staff, parents, and the community.

“Read Your Heart Out” Events

“Read Your Heart Out” is a special way to celebrate Black and African American students’ culture through the love of reading, while also bringing the community together. Events take place at three of our elementary schools. Community members volunteer to read in classrooms, sharing culturally relevant materials that feature Black and African American main characters and Black and African American authors and/or illustrators.

OUR SUPERIOR STAFF

WE HAVE OVER 1,300 STAFF MEMBERS SUPPORTING OUR STUDENTS

1,192 STAFF MEMBERS

702 EDUCATORS

143 SPECIAL EDUCATION ASSISTANTS

22 SCHOOL COUNSELORS

19 SPEECH & LANGUAGE PATHOLOGISTS

17 SOCIAL WORKERS

16 BILINGUAL INSTRUCTIONAL ASSISTANTS

SCHOOL HEALTH

13 of our educators have their National Board Certification for Teachers.

64% of our staff have worked in the District for 5+ years.

58% of our educators have a master’s degree or above.

“THE PEOPLE HERE ARE THOUGHTFUL AND SUPPORTIVE. THERE IS MEANING AND PURPOSE BEHIND WHAT WE DO. THE FOCUS ON A GROWTH MINDSET AND LEARNING IS SOMETHING THAT SETS SUN PRAIRIE APART FROM OTHER PLACES.”

—Staff Member

OUR FANTASTIC FACILITIES STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

“MY SUN PRAIRIE EXPERIENCE HAS PREPARED ME FOR THE REAL WORLD IN SO MANY DIFFERENT WAYS. THROUGHOUT MY EXPERIENCE, I HAVE BEEN ABLE TO USE MY VOICE ON A VARIETY OF TOPICS AND SEE MEASURABLE OUTCOMES FOR MYSELF AND OTHERS.”

—Quinn Williams Future Physician

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

“THROUGHOUT MY SUN PRAIRIE EXPERIENCE, I HAVE HAD THE CHANCE TO USE MY VOICE. WHEN MY CLASSMATES AND I WANTED CHANGE, WE WERE GIVEN A PLATFORM TO SPEAK.”

—Jillian Patton Future Pediatric Nurse Practitioner

SUN PRAIRIE SCHOOLS ARE

OUR GRADUATES ARE COLLEGE READY

LAST YEAR, OUR GRADUATES WERE ACCEPTED INTO 107 DIFFERENT COLLEGES OR UNIVERSITIES ACROSS THE COUNTRY.

Over 800 students are engaged in advanced learning. 2,492 of our students took at least one language course.

“I AM VERY THANKFUL FOR THE EXPERIENCES I HAD DURING MY TIME IN THE SUN PRAIRIE AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT. THE CLUBS AND ACTIVITIES I PARTICIPATED IN INTRODUCED ME TO MY BEST FRIENDS, ALLOWED ME TO MAKE STRONG CONNECTIONS WITHIN THE COMMUNITY, AND ENHANCED MY LEARNING EXPERIENCE.”

—Dani Thompson Future Physician

NUMBER OF SCHOOLS, PER STATE, OUR STUDENTS ATTENDED IN THE 2021–2022 SCHOOL YEAR 10+ SCHOOLS | 5–9 SCHOOLS | 3–4 SCHOOLS | 1–2 SCHOOLS

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

OUR GRADUATES ARE CAREER READY

Youth Apprenticeship Program

The Sun Prairie and the Wisconsin Youth Apprenticeship programs give students the opportunity to learn valuable, real-life skills by working with mentors in the industry. Students are paid and offered valuable work experience. State-issued certificates are awarded for participation in the Wisconsin Youth Apprenticeship Programs. Students can work in the following fields:

AUTOMOTIVE/DIESEL

BANKING

CONSTRUCTION

ENGINEERING

FINANCE/ACCOUNTING

HOSPITALITY

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

INSURANCE

MANUFACTURING

MARKETING

NURSING

VETERINARY

SCIENCE

—Bella

Future Social Scientist

Our students have the opportunity to participate in Madison College’s Fire Academy Program for FREE! Upon successful completion of this program, students receive college credit and their EMT and firefighter certifications.

“I THINK I HIT THE JACKPOT GOING TO SCHOOL IN THE SUN PRAIRIE AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT THE LAST TEN YEARS. THE INVESTMENT THE COMMUNITY HAS PUT INTO THE EDUCATION SYSTEM IS UNLIKE ANY OTHER.”

Wineke

OUR SCHOOLS ARE INNOVATIVE

1:1 Device Initiative

Every student in grades K–12 receives a laptop, Chromebook, or iPad. We are committed to providing our students with the digital tools they need to become literate in 21 st-century skills.

Digital Citizenship is required training for students to learn and understand how our electronic devices work and how to use them responsibly, safely, and ethically.

Our teachers have the ability to adapt their classroom and delivery to fit individual students’ needs to maximize learning and growth.

SUN PRAIRIE SCHOOLS ARE

OUR SCHOOLS ARE ENGAGING

Through our multitude of diverse programs, our students are able to explore their passions and develop new skills to carry with them beyond their time in school, all while building connections with their peers and with faculty members. Academic and career planning is woven throughout our students’ educational experience to get them college and career ready.

We offer classes that appeal to our students’ wide range of interests.

ADVANCED PLACEMENT COURSES

ART & MUSIC COURSES

CAREER & TECHNICAL EDUCATION COURSES

DUAL-CREDIT OPTIONS

LANGUAGE COURSES

OUR AMAZING ATHLETICS

70 DIFFERENT SPORTS TEAMS

3.34 AVERAGE GPA FOR ATHLETES & CLUB PARTICIPANTS

OUR AWESOME ACTIVITIES

71 TOTAL CLUBS OFFERED AT THE HIGH SCHOOLS

63% OF HIGH SCHOOL LEVEL STUDENTS PARTICIPATE IN ONE OR MORE CLUB

OUR ROBUST 4-YEAR-OLD KINDERGARTEN PROGRAM

Our District offers a free and robust 4K program to Sun Prairie families. This voluntary early learning program is available to all four-year-olds in Sun Prairie. The SP4K program is guided by curriculum and early learning standards and provides a play-based environment that supports student growth in a variety of age-appropriate and developmental skill areas. In addition, 4K students practice routines and learning behaviors that will support their transition to kindergarten.

MEET ELIZABETH KNUDTEN 4K PROGRAM COORDINATOR

WHAT MAKES OUR 4K PROGRAM STAND APART FROM OTHERS?

Our 4K program is a wonderful collaboration between our community partner sites, our elementary schools, and our School District. We have eleven locations throughout our community, including daycare sites, preschools, and three elementary schools. This collaboration enables families to choose the location that best meets their unique needs.

IS THE CURRICULUM THE SAME AT DIFFERENT LOCATIONS?

All teachers follow the same play-based philosophy and use age-appropriate teaching methods to prepare our youngest scholars for success in kindergarten and beyond.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF YOUR JOB?

I love getting to work with families, parents and caregivers, and young children as they begin their educational journey. As we welcome families, parents and caregivers, and students into the school system, our job is to begin building the bridge between home and school. This relationship is vital to the success of every student. The stronger we make this connection, the more successful these young scholars will be.

OUR SUPERIOR SUMMER SCHOOL

We support thousands of students each summer in our robust Summer School program. This provides our youngest learners (4K) with an introduction to what school will be like in kindergarten and our oldest students (grades 9–12) with credit-earning classes. Students have the opportunity to strengthen their skills in core content areas and also choose from a variety of enrichment classes. Some of the courses include math, reading, physical education, art, music, tech ed, strength and conditioning, agriculture, theater, and more. Teachers are encouraged to use the outdoors as much as possible for “learning laboratories.”

OUR CONNECTIONS

COMMUNITY SCHOOLS

Community Schools are public schools in the hub of their neighborhoods, uniting educators, community partners, and families to provide all students with top quality academics, enrichment, health and social services, and opportunities to learn and thrive. Our District uses Community Schools as a strategy to improve academic achievement for all students, to reduce student chronic absenteeism, and to increase family connectedness to our schools and community.

Some of the programs offered are school-based food pantries, 100 Scholars Saturday School, and English Language courses for adults in conjunction with the Literacy Network and more.

SUN PRAIRIE SCHOOLS ARE

OUR MISSION IS TO PREPARE OUR STUDENTS, IN AND OUT OF THE CLASSROOM, WITH SKILLS THEY CAN CARRY WITH THEM BEYOND GRADUATION IN PREPARATION FOR THEIR FUTURE ENDEAVORS.

WE OFFER:

World Language Classes including: Spanish, German, French, and Mandarin Chinese Youth Apprenticeship Opportunities

Industry-Level Certification Programs

Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) Program

College and Career Fairs

DECA, FFA, FBLA, Skills USA, HOSA, and many more clubs

Reality Rocks

Travel Abroad

ACCEL Program

OUR PARTNERSHIP WITH MADISON COLLEGE

We have a partnership with Madison College, sending students interested in STEM to the Truax Campus full-time for free. This program targets students who would be the first in their family to go to college.

28 students participated in this program during the 2020–2021 school year!

AT THE SUN PRAIRIE AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT, WE STAND BY OUR STUDENTS, STAFF,

The mission of the Sun Prairie Area School District is to inspire and prepare every child, every day, by providing relevant, engaging, and innovative learning experiences in and out of the classroom.

The SPASD celebrates and values our diverse community. We support and are inclusive of all students, sta , families, and community members of all races, ethnicities, faiths, national origins, home language(s), socio-economic statuses, immigration statuses, political viewpoints, abilities, sexual orientations, and gender identities. In order to realize our mission, we are committed to changing the foundational inequities that we acknowledge exist in our system and unequivocally state as follows:

We stand by our Black and Brown students, sta , and families of color. We will continue to speak and swiftly act against statements of bigotry, social injustice, discrimination, racism, and hate that may plague members of our community. We are committed to the development and implementation of strategies and best practices that dismantle racism, bigotry, and ethnic oppression within all aspects of our schools and School District.

We stand by our immigrant students and families. All are welcome and safe in our schools regardless of immigration status.

We stand by our students with disabilities and their families. We will continue to staunchly protect the rights of people of all abilities and to create educational environments where all educators collaborate for high educational outcomes for all students.

We stand by our LGBTQIA+ students and sta . We take seriously our responsibility to provide safe, nondiscriminatory, and inclusive environments for people of all orientations and identities as they reflect our diverse community around us.

We stand by our lower socio-economic status students and their families. We will do all we can to meet the nutritional, physical, and emotional needs of all students regardless of their economic status.