In this episode, we are joined by two school principals, Sarah Larson of Elvehjem Elementary and Jaclyn Smith of Gompers Elementary as they discuss how they’re implementing LETRS (Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling) instructional routines and activities in their schools. Tune in to learn about their journey as anti-racist, instructional school leaders who are positioning their staff and students to reach freedom through high levels of reading achievement.   ----------------------------------- Credits: Intro/Outro music by MicroSchool students Cheviest and Montevious. To request a written transcript of this episode, please email mmsdnews@madison.k12.wi.us.

MMSD Voices

Equity in Early Literacy Instruction, Episode 3

Join us as we discuss the significance of LETRS (Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling) training for MMSD educators, a professional development opportunity we are providing our school leaders to meet the literacy needs of our diverse young scholars featuring a lively conversation with Central Office Curriculum and Instruction leaders Kaylee Jackson and Dr. Caroline Racine-Gilles. ---------- Intro/Outro music by MicroSchool students Cheviest and Montevious. To request a written transcript of this episode, please email mmsdnews@madison.k12.wi.us.

Equity in Early Literacy Instruction, Episode 2

MMSD is prioritizing equity in early literacy to ensure all of our students are literate and can read according to grade level. We know that literacy instruction is not one-size-fits-all, which is why our district leaders and educators are working closely with our community education partners and MMSD families to meet the literacy needs of all of our diverse young scholars. In this podcast episode, Lisa Kvistad, MMSD’s Assistant Superintendent for Teaching and Learning interviews Dr. Gabi Bell Jimenez, MMSD Interim Director of Humanities and Literacy. We’re also honored to welcome our first community partner to the early literacy podcast, Dr. Gloria Ladson-Billings, President of the National Academy of Education and former Kellner Family Distinguished Professor of Urban Education in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Mrs. Ladson-Billings also served as the Assistant Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs at UW. An esteemed author and intellectual, Dr. Ladson-Billings is known for her work in the fields of culturally relevant pedagogy and critical race theory.  Join us as we discuss the current literacy conversation across the state and the importance of this work for the future of MMSD. To request a written transcript of this episode, please email mmsdnews@madison.k12.wi.us. Credits: Intro/Outro music by MicroSchool students Cheviest and Montevious.

Equity in Early Literacy Instruction

Have you heard about the New York Times Magazine’s 1619 Project? It’s a compilation of research, readings, podcasts, videos and visual storytelling that examine the many ways the legacy of slavery continues to shape and define life in America. This episode features Camara Stovall, a current MMSD educator who is bringing this history to the classroom and Saundra Brown, a retired MMSD educator who is educating members of the Madison community on America’s untold history. ------ Intro/Outro music by MicroSchool students Cheviest and Montevious.   To request a written transcript of this episode, please email mmsdnews@madison.k12.wi.us.

Teaching America’s Untold History in the Classroom and Community

Our monthly podcast series for current literacy topics is underway! This episode features staff from the Department of Public Instruction and addresses why high-quality materials are an important piece in providing equitable access and instruction to all students across the district.  We'll cover the awarded grant funds from MMSD and how we are engaged in a process for the K-5 reading materials adoption. Join us as we discuss the current literacy conversation across the state and the importance of this work for the future of MMSD.    To request a written transcript of this episode, please email mmsdnews@madison.k12.wi.us.

High Quality Materials as an Equity Strategy

This week on the MMSD Voices podcast we talked to an elementary school educator and a Madison Teachers, Inc. union leader inspired and enthusiastic about our district’s involvement in the national initiative, Black Lives Matter at School Week of Action, coming to our schools in February during Black History Month. This is a collective effort from many MMSD teachers and district support staff to purposefully teach lessons and spark classroom conversations centered around racial justice and ethnic studies. Listen in and learn what students, teachers and families can expect during this focused week of inspiration and student empowerment.  Credits: Intro/Outro music by MicroSchool students Cheviest and Montevious. To request a written transcript of this episode, please email mmsdnews@madison.k12.wi.us 

Black Lives Matter At School Week of Action

Project SOAR (Student Opportunities, Access and Readiness) is a program where volunteer mentors from the 100 Black Men of Madison organization give their time to help middle and high school aged African American male students navigate through school and through life by helping them gain a positive self-perception, develop skills to influence others, build a support network and identify SMART career goals. This mentoring program has been ongoing in our school district for three years in four middle schools. In this episode, hear from mentors Manny Scarbrough and James Morgan about their work at Whitehorse Middle School.   *** Credits: Intro/Outro music by MicroSchool students Cheviest and Montevious. *** To request a written transcript of this episode, please email mmsdnews@madison.k12.wi.us.

Project SOAR: What They See Is What They Will Be

Cracking the Code at Mendota Community School

Madison West High School alum Evan Halpop sits down with three retiring teachers – his kindergarten teacher Shari Lunde, West Latin teacher Gale Stone, and special education teacher Nancy Banaszak Lambert – to hear their memories, insights, and reflections from their time teaching in Madison schools.  Of special significance to Evan is these teachers' regard for students like him – students with disabilities who, in his words, "need a little push to get out into the world."   #specialeducation #autism #specialneeds #sped  #spedteacher #slp #specialeducationteacher #teacher #autismawareness  #specialed  #asd #autismawarenessmonth #learningdisabilities #autismteacher #autismclassroom #autismspeaks  *** Credits: Intro/Outro music by MicroSchool students Cheviest and Montevious. *** To request a written transcript of this episode, please email mmsdnews@madison.k12.wi.us.

Reflections from teachers retiring from Madison public schools

Did you know that the Madison Metropolitan School District has a planetarium? Nestled inside James Madison Memorial High School on the far west side of Madison is a multimedia theater simulation of our day and night sky. Offering monthly public programs on various topics that are out of this world, it's truly an experience you'll remember and cherish. If you haven’t come to see us yet, make sure to "planet!" Check out madisonplanetarium.org for more details and for tickets to our next show!    *** Credits:  Intro/Outro music by MicroSchool students Cheviest and Montevious. *** To request a written transcript of this episode, please email mmsdnews@madison.k12.wi.us.

"I like the way the Earth rotates. It really makes my day."

Project Soapbox, a public speaking competition facilitated by Mikva Challenge, calls young people to speak out on issues that affect them and their communities. In this episode, you'll hear the top ten finalists' speeches from the March 14 competition at the Overture Center. Congratulations to our winners: 2nd Place - Jonah Gulisano 1st Place - Claire Neblett Student Voice Award - Aria Bowman Aria will have the opportunity to participate in the national competition in Washington DC. The top 10 finalists also won two tickets each to a performance of their choice at the Overture Center. *** Credits: Intro/Outro music by MicroSchool students Cheviest and Montevious. *** To request a written transcript of this episode, please email mmsdnews@madison.k12.wi.us.

Project Soapbox: The Final Round

Project Soapbox, a public speaking competition facilitated by Mikva Challenge, calls young people to speak out on issues that affect them and their communities. We went out to the Overture Center on March 14 to get a closer look at the competition and hear the students' speeches. Included in this episode are interviews with students LaNia Byrd, Cece Maravilla, and last year's winner Lilyana Sims; staff members Marty Moe and Creed Hanson; and judge Lynne Banks. We are proud of all of our amazing middle and high school students who participated!  *** Credits: Intro/Outro music by MicroSchool students Cheviest and Montevious. *** To request a written transcript of this episode, please email mmsdnews@madison.k12.wi.us.

Project Soapbox: The Experience

 Welcome to the MMSD Voices podcast, where we go into our public school community in Madison, Wisconsin, and hear directly from the voices of our students, staff, and families.   In this episode Tony Rodriguez chats with MMSD LGBTQ+ Lead, Sherie Hohs, about the Foundations of Leadership Course.   We hope you enjoy the episode.   Credits: Intro/Outro music by MicroSchool students Cheviest and Montevious.   To request a written transcript of this episode, please email mmsdnews@madison.k12.wi.us.  

Foundations of Leadership: Sherie Hohs

Have you ever wondered what it's like being a high school counselor? Our communications team sat down with Madison West High School Counselor Jabalja Gussine in celebration of National School Counseling Week to discuss a day in the life of a high school counselor. Here we talk about the challenges and joys of the job as well as the impact of being a Black role model for our students. *** Credits: Intro/Outro music by MicroSchool students Cheviest and Montevious. *** To request a written transcript of this episode, please email mmsdnews@madison.k12.wi.us.

Your Success Is In Your Hands

Dad of three, electronics engineering guru, travel enthusiast, Memorial High School graduate and Cherokee Heights Middle School Counselor Nehemirah Barrett talks with us as we celebrate both Black History Month and National School Counseling Week.   Mr Barrett takes joy in building relationships with kids and helping them learn from their mistakes. "You can make as many mistakes as you want. You can always get up and move past them. I honestly think that how I was raised, losing a mother and a father at that age, I was able to push through that and live under these crazy circumstances... you can do anything you want to do." *** To request a written transcript of this episode, please email mmsdnews@madison.k12.wi.us.    

"I'm here as a reminder that students can achieve anything"

Welcome to the MMSD Voices podcast, where we go into our public school community in Madison, Wisconsin, and hear directly from the voices of our students, staff, and families. The Madison Metropolitan School District is the second largest school district in Wisconsin and serves over 27,000 students in 50 schools. We are committed to ensuring a sense of belonging, elevating the voices of our students and families (particularly those most marginalized), and practicing anti-racist behaviors focused on racial and social justice.

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MMSD Voices

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