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The African American History Challenge Bowl is in its 29th year of operation. The educational program is designed to enhance the appreciation and study of African American history and culture. The 2024 AAHC Competition, for both high school and middle school students, involved the Madison Metropolitan School District, the Verona Area School District, the Middleton-Cross Plains Area School District, and the Sun Prairie Area School District. Our secondary sites were provided the resources to prepare scholars for the African American History Challenge Bowl under the leadership of their coaches. On March 8th, 4 of our secondary schools participated in the local African American History Challenge organized by 100 Black Men of Madison. Sun Prairie West and Prairie View advanced and went on to compete at the Regional Level on March 15th at Verona High School, where winners would move on to compete at the National Level. While we did not have a team move on to the National Level, we are seeing great progress and enthusiasm from the students involved and look forward to competing in the 2024-2025 school year. 17 students participated, of which 70% were students who identify as Black/African American, 6% Asian, 6% White, and 18% 2+ races.

The Democracy Project provided students from SPEHS and PPA the opportunity to participate in “A Day at the Capitol” at the Wisconsin State Capitol as a component of the Democracy Project on April 23, 2024. The Democracy Project is designed to build a foundation for the survival of Democracy today and in the future. The nonpartisan function of the program is to equip the youth of the community with the knowledge, exposure, and experiences necessary that members of "ALL" populations clearly understand their rights, responsibilities, and the electoral process. The host office for the event was State Representative Samba Baldeh of the 48th Assembly District. Students were also able to meet and learn from other state representatives.

We are thrilled to extend a warm welcome to our newest members of the DSC Multilingual Education Team. Their expertise and dedication will enrich our community and strengthen our connections with multilingual families.

Firstly, please welcome Freddy Machado Maradiaga as our Lead District Translator & Interpreter (Spanish/English). Freddy's role as the District Lead Translator and Interpreter is paramount in ensuring effective communication with our Spanish-speaking families. His responsibilities include translating district-level communications, providing invaluable professional development and support to our Bilingual Assistants, and strategically strengthening the capacity of our district to communicate with all Spanish-speaking families.

Next, we welcome Dania Cannon and Jennifer Yang, our Bilingual Family Liaisons. Dania and Jennifer are essential links between the district and multilingual family stakeholders, fostering seamless interaction, cultural mediation, and unwavering support. Dania, who has already transitioned to us full-time from her role at Patrick Marsh, will be focusing on Spanish-speaking families. At the same time, Jennifer, who joins us from a background in early elementary education, will cater to our Hmong-speaking families.

The Sun Prairie School District hosted its first-ever Hmong Heritage Family Fun Night in April! This remarkable event welcomed over 150 guests to Prairie View Middle School to celebrate the Hmong culture. Attendees enjoyed traditional Hmong cuisine, engaging activities, and joyful Hmong music. Leading up to the event, SPASD integrated various Hmong learning resources in schools, including posters of influential Hmong leaders, TED talks by Kao Kalia Yang, and Hmong arts and crafts. We also added to all SPASD Elementary Libraries The Rock In My Throat by Kao Kalia Yang, a Hmong children's book. Thank you to all the families who attended and celebrated with us. We are eager for next year's Hmong Heritage Month, which will coincide with the 50th anniversary of the arrival of the Hmong people in the United States!

Congratulations to the following students!

Daphne Hewitt, sponsored by Jeff & Mary Taylor

Ida Janneh, sponsored by Wilde East Towne Honda (Andrea Zawalich)

Mariama Camara, sponsored byTeddy's Place Child Care (Sharlot Bogart)

Aero Glenn, sponsored by Hausmann Group (Craig Butler)

Bilen Alebachew, sponsored by the BEP (Seth Degnan, Kicks Unlimited)

Esteban Amaya Bedoya, sponsored by the BEP (Deanna Popke, Bank of Sun Prairie)

Our afterschool programs work closely with community partners to support partnerships that promote academic, wellness, and enrichment activities that take a holistic approach to education. We value our community partners’ commitment to helping our students achieve their full potential. We know that strong community partnerships are particularly vital to quality afterschool programming because they expand each school's capacity to provide compelling enrichment options and additional academic support beyond the bell at our community schools in Sun Prairie.

For instance, Prairie Music & Arts is partnering with all four of our elementary schools this semester. They are teaching hip hop dance to our Westside Wildcats. A special shout out to the Sun Prairie Education Foundation for funding this program.

During Spring Break, elementary and middle school students participated in a free Boxing Clinic at JJ's Boxing & Wrestling. They engaged in fun exercises and activities that promoted physical fitness and good sportsmanship. Thanks so much for your coaching and support, JJ. And thanks to the volunteer coaches that assisted, too. Good times were had by all.

Prairie Lanes hosted a free Bowling Clinic for elementary and middle schoolers. Thanks to Coach Breunig and his high school bowling team - our young bowlers had a blast learning new skills. Strikes, spares, and endless fun on the lanes.

Our 100 Scholars Saturday School program is an incredible partnership between 100 Black Men of Madison and Northside and Creekside Elementary Schools. This program is a lovely example of a program that offers expanded and enriched learning opportunities for students; one of the key practices of the Community Schools framework.

At the center of our work is the goal that all students flourish in thriving school communities. One of the key practices to achieve that goal is collaborative leadership, shared power and voice. This was so beautifully displayed at Patrick Marsh Monday when their Panther News team welcomed the C. H. Bird 5th-graders who are on the Bird News Network to collaborate with them. The 8th-graders were incredibly welcoming, kind leaders who shared their power and voice with the visiting 5th-graders. Panther News- thank you for helping our these future Panthers flourish and thrive. They had such a good time and learned so much.

Culture of belonging, safety and care is a key practice every Community School invests a lot of time and energy in. It is a non-negotiable value that every one feels seen, heard and valued. Northside Elementary hosted an amazing Hmong fashion show that celebrates the beautiful Hmong community at their school!

Prairie Phoenix Academy hosted their 2nd annual Mental Health & Wellness Bazaar earlier this month. Thank you to everyone that came out to take in the outstanding information wellness businesses and organizations showcased. We hope to see you all next year.

We appreciate all vendors that made this event possible. Big Thank you to the Sun Prairie Wellness Coalition for their partnership and bringing great resources into this space as well.

Be on the lookout for next year’s information on this event. You don’t want to miss it. We will continue to bring awareness to the community to destigmatize mental health and wellness. MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS!

Chris Sadler
Human Resources Director

Isabel Simonetti

Employee Relations Manager

humanresources@sunprairieschools.org