Madison West was founded in 1930, and its current principal is Karen Boran with Michael Jones serving as Dean of Students. While at West I decided to focus my blog on their award winning Forensics (Public Speaking) team.

Lapham School was founded in 1939 and is one of the oldest elementary schools In Madison.  Lapham is located on the eastside of Madison.  Lapham Elementary School has been, and continues to be an eastside landmark.

After my visit to Lapham School, I went to visit Capital High School which shares a building with Lapham School.  The first person I met was Principal Karyn Stocks Glover who showed me around Capitol High School.

I had the opportunity to shadow Assistant Principal Maggie Zywicki for the Foundation for Madison Public Schools Adopt a Principal Event.

Behavior Education Assistant Chris Davis was one of the first people I spoke to at Madison East. As a towering 6’7” Behavior Educational Assistant, Chris had quite the following. Behavior Education Assistants like Chris Davis are just one of the features that make Madison East Special.

As I walked through East, I saw several AVID signs and was informed that East is an AVID Demonstration School. I also learned that all ninth graders keep an assignment binder and learn the AVID Curriculum. 

When I first entered Shabazz, I found a lively school with the walls covered in quotes and inspirational sayings. The use of quotes is such a wonderful way to increase creativity among students and staff.

I was introduced to Aric Solderbloom the principal of Shabazz. I was impressed by Aric’s passion for education and the love he has for his students. Aric discussed the past challenges of Shabazz and how the school has effectively rebranded themselves changing the view of Shabazz from a credit recovery school to a school that is focused on making sure every student is college, career, and community ready. 

Having visited Muir Elementary and their fabulous accessible playground last spring, I was excited for my current visit. Muir has been led by Principal Andrea Kreft for nine years and she has done an excellent job. 

I started my afternoon at Crestwood Elementary school with high expectations, and I was not disappointed.  I always wanted to visit a forest within the city limits, and to my surprise, I got to visit one at Crestwood Elementary school.  Crestwood Elementary School is located at the edge of the MMSD school forest, giving students a wonderful opportunity to learn about ecology, botany, and wildlife.

Allis was a wonderful choice for my first school visit on my tour.  The school is a welcoming and bright environment and they have managed to turn an aging school into a thriving building. Principal Sara Cutler is in her sixth year at Allis and her second year as principal.

Frank Allis has one of the largest 4K programs in the MMSD district with both morning and afternoon 4K sessions. Ideally they wish to expand their 4K program into one all day 4K section with 4 half day sessions. I find this idea intriguing and worth further study.

Here is where you can follow along as I travel to all 50 schools in the Madison Metropolitan School District.  As a member of the MMSD School Board, I believe it is vital to hear from teachers, support staff, administrators, students, and parents from all parts of the district.  

For each stop on my tour, I'll be posting pictures, and highlighting positive things about each and every school.  If there is something special about your school, please let me know ahead of time here.  You can also arrange a time to speak with me here.  

I look forward to sharing this journey with all of you.