School Crossings - Fall Update

Dear SDMA Families and Staff,

Congratulations on completing a terrific first quarter of the 2024-25 school year! There are many wonderful student accomplishments to celebrate.

In addition to the SDMA Highlight on Youth reports shared with the school board this fall (September, October, and November), other notable accomplishments from the beginning of the 2024-25 school year include:

1. Wonderful Veteran's Day programs were held this week throughout the SDMA.
2. The "Mad City Money" event provided MHS juniors the opportunity to experience a simulation of managing personal finances in the "real world".
3. SDMA students and staff did a great job with the MHS fall play, Radium Girls, and the MMS play, Looking Glass Land.
4. Many elementary classrooms visited the SDMA Environmental Site to take advantage of outdoor learning opportunities this fall.
5. The MHS boys and girls cross country teams both advanced to the WIAA State Tournament, and in addition to hosting the sectional cross country meet, Menomonie hosted the sectional swimming meet with 14 teams from around the state competing in the MHS pool.
6. Several music concerts were held in the SDMA, including the outdoor MHS band concert at Wilson Park.
7. 8th grade students were given the opportunity to explore careers with over 20 local businesses participating in the MMS Junior Achievement program.
8. Two nights of well attended parent-teacher conferences were held at each school in the SDMA during the month of October.
9. Despite some challenging weather, a number of Halloween activities were held to provide meaningful experiences for students while promoting school, family, and community partnerships. The "Trick or Can" activity included MHS students collecting food donations for Stepping Stones, while the "Trunk or Treat" activity provided students with special needs a safe and accessible way to enjoy Halloween.
10. A terrific homecoming week included a terrific parade, a high school dance, and was capped off with a big victory by the Mustangs football team.

As we approach the holiday season, please refer to the SDMA 2024-25 Calendar for a reminder of the upcoming Thanksgiving and Winter Breaks, and the district's scheduling website for a listing of upcoming concerts and winter sports activities.

With the weather beginning to cool down, it is also time to prepare for the possibility of inclement weather. In the event of bad weather, the SDMA will collaborate with Menomonie Transportation to determine if the buses can safely operate, but ultimately it is up to parents to decide whether or not to send their child(ren) to school. Depending on the circumstances, the district may opt to use remote learning days for some cancellations (especially for grades 6-12). Attached are the SDMA Remote Learning Day Protocols that have been updated for the 2024-25 school year.

Lastly, work was completed this fall to develop guidelines for parents and community members who might be interested in Volunteering in SDMA, and with over 41.54% of SDMA students currently qualifying for meal assistance, the district will be initiating a campaign to build up the SDMA School Nutrition Angel Fund. The SDMA Angel Fund helps to ensure that students will be well fed in our schools. Please see the attached letter, poster, and online donation link for more information about the SDMA Angel Fund.

It has already been a great and productive start to the 2024-25 school year in the School District of the Menomonie Area. Please do not hesitate to contact your child's school or the district office if you have any questions.

Sincerely,

Joe Zydowsky

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Joseph E. Zydowsky, PhD
District Administrator
School District of the Menomonie Area
215 Pine Avenue NE
Menomonie, WI 54751
[email protected]
www.twitter.com/joezydowsky
Phone: (715) 232-1642