Updated March 5, 2010
Create a world of possibilities. Give to the MCDS Annual Fund.
WEEK AT A GLANCE - for the week of March 8
- Auction Donations Due - Monday
- LS Variety Show Tryouts - Tuesday & Wednesday, 3:45 p.m.
- 1st & 2nd Grade Field Trip - Wednesday
- MS/HS Orchestra & Chamber Recital - Thursday, 2:30 p.m.
- Pre-K & Kindergarten Music Program - Friday, 8:30 a.m. (see details below)
- Milio's Day - Friday
- Auction RSVPs Due - Friday
IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER!
- Parent Guild Meeting - March 16
- Stepping Stones Auction & Celebration - March 20
Get the March Calendar Here.
Get the 2009-2010 School Year Calendar Here.
Get the 2010-2011 School Year Calendar Here.
Get the 2009-2010 A-E Calendar Here.
| AUCTION UPDATES! |
New
In the Pink
Please turn in your hot pink envelope with any payments for raffle tickets sold or purchased to date (along with the ticket stubs) so we can update our 50-50 prize total next Wednesday. Be sure to take another envelope for future sales or purchases, and contact Barb Spurlin if you need more tickets. Tickets will also be available for purchase at the Auction & Celebration on March 20. Remember—every ticket sold or purchased helps our school and students!
New
Donation Deadline
If you're planning to make a family donation, or have auction donations you've solicited from area businesses, please drop off the donation form or email the information to Mary Dykstra by next Monday, March 8. We'll be posting the draft catalogue on our website later next week, plus making it available to guests attending the coffee after the Pre-K and Kindergarten music program next Friday, and we'd like to include as many donations as possible.
New
Child Care Available
Watch your email early next week for details on the child care that will be available at school the night of the auction. Our 8th grade students have planned a variety of activities for the evening and will be accepting monetary donations for their trip to Washington, D.C. We'll have an adult supervisor on hand at all times, with baby-sitting services available to school-age children. Contact Caitlin Stade if you have questions.
New
Flower Power!
Have you seen the beautiful flowers that are part of the auction preview in the Lower School lobby? You can purchase these flowers for $15 each or 3 for $40, either at the auction or by contacting Mary Dykstra. The flowers will be part of our Flower Power auction decorations in a wide range of groovy colors! Each flower sold will give our school "purchasing power" to buy books and other materials for our school and classrooms. Special thanks to MCDS parents Kayte Cunningham and Jodi Shehadi for creating these beautiful blooms and giving MCDS some real Flower Power!
New
Check Your Potting Shed
Please look to see if you have any 6" terra-cotta flower pots we could use for the auction; check out the display in the Lower School lobby for an example of the size needed. Please contact Kayte Cunningham to see if pots are still needed before dropping them off at the LS front desk.
New
Auction Preview
Here are a few of the fabulous auction donations received last week:
- Duck Blind Picnic Table for 8, good for any 2010 Madison Mallards regular season home game, and the opportunity to throw out the ceremonial first pitch on the date selected.
- Pair of AirTran Airways coach tickets, valid for travel in the continental U.S.
- One-of-a-kind private tour of the State Capitol led by State Representative Gary Hebl.
We'll be posting faculty and staff donations on the Lower School lobby bulletin board next week, along with a sampling of items and services in other auction categories. So check out the display for a sneak peek of auction items and start thinking about what you would like to take home on March 20!
Reminder
Send Your Evite on to Family and Friends!
Please forward the Stepping Stones Auction & Celebration evite to MCDS grandparents, other family members, and friends you think might be interested in joining you at the event on March 20. We're hoping for a terrific turnout and a bidding bonanza! MCDS parents can RSVP using the link above or from the evite we sent out last week. Tickets are $30 per person; please RSVP and drop off or mail in your check by Friday, March 12, or submit payment via PayPal when you RSVP.
Reminder
Auction Info on MCDS Website
Click Here to check out our new Stepping Stones Auction & Celebration pages on the MCDS website. Kudos to MCDS parent Kayte Cunningham for the "groovy" artwork she designed to highlight this year's Flower Power theme!
| NEW THIS WEEK! |
New
Enrollment Contracts
If you haven't already done so, please return your enrollment contract and $1000 per student deposit as soon possible. It's important for us to know who is returning next fall to determine how many open spots are available in each class. If you have questions or would like to discuss your plans for next year, please contact Admissions Director Jen Klug.
New
Vision Screening for Lower School
The Waunakee-Westport Lions Club will be doing vision screening for MCDS students in grades Pre-K through 4 on March 16 and 18. See Lower School Updates below for more details.
New
Used Eyeglasses Wanted!
The school will be collecting used eyeglasses in the Lower School lobby through Thursday, March 18. The collection is in conjunction with the free vision screening of the Lower School students that the local Lions Club t is doing that week. The Lions Club generously donates its time and resources doing this screening in area schools and recycles the glasses collected to those in need.
New
Box Top Tally
Another successful Box Tops deadline has passed, and the box tops are on their way to General Mills. We brought in more than 4,000 Box Tops this deadline, which translates to around $460 for MCDS! Last October's tally was around $600, so that's over $1000 so far this year! The classroom winners this round are Mr. Anderson's Middle School advisory with over 400 Box Tops (yes, they won in the fall too!) and Mrs. Van Deelen's 3rd grade class with over 800 Box Tops. The winning classrooms will have a non-uniform day next Friday, March 12. Thanks to all our Box Top clippers, who are making a difference one dime at a time! Our last Box Tops deadline is May 14.
| REMINDERS FOR ALL FAMILIES |
Reminder
Ad-ed Value!
The Music Department is selling advertising space in the program for our upcoming musical, The Music Man. Parents and others in the MCDS community can buy a 1/4-page ad for $5, 1/2 page for $10, or full page for $15. If you're interested in purchasing ad space, please contact Kimberly Felker by Friday, April 9. Thanks for your support of the MCDS theater program!
Reminder
Kohl's Kids Who Care Scholarship Program
The Kohl's Kids Who Care Scholarship Program recognizes and rewards young volunteers who've helped make their communities a better place. Nominees are divided into two age groups: ages 6-12 and 13-18. More than 2,100 nominees will be awarded more than $410,000 in scholarships and prizes. Click Here for more information. Nominations will be accepted until March 15, 2010.
Reminder
Financial Aid
If you'll be applying for financial aid in 2010-11 and have not already completed an application, please fill out the online or paper form and submit it to SSS as soon as possible. If you have questions, please contact Admissions Director Jen Klug.
Reminder
Do Not Park
For the safety of our students and families, please make sure you do not park in the bus zones located in front of the Lower and Middle/High School buildings during drop-off and pickup times.
Reminder
Summer Camp
We've posted information about this year's summer camp on the MCDS website. Click Here for dates, fees, class descriptions, and a registration form. Register by April 1 and receive a $15 per child discount! Contact camp director Jana Martin if you have any questions.
| LOWER SCHOOL UPDATES |
New
Vision Screening
The Waunakee-Westport Lions Club will be doing vision screening for MCDS students in grades Pre-K through 4. Pre-K, K, and 1st grade students will be screened with a camera that takes a picture of the eyes and can spot various eye problems like amblyopia, astigmatism, nearsightedness, and others. This screening will take place on Tuesday, March 16. The 2nd through 4th graders will be tested with an eye chart on Thursday, March 18. Consent forms for this screening (sent home via backpack delivery) should be returned to the Lower School front desk as soon as possible.
New
Fourth Grade Instrument Demonstrations
In preparation for the 2010-2011 academic school year, our MS/HS Music Department recently completed demonstrations of musical instruments for all 4th grade students during their regular music classes. These demonstrations aim to inform students of the many diverse instruments and musical ensembles that MCDS offers to both middle and high school students. Click Here for more information.
Reminder
Pre-K and Kindergarten Program
Mark your calendars! On Friday, March 12, the Pre-K and Kindergarten classes will proudly present a program entitled Journeys. We look forward to seeing you in the Lower School music room directly after Friday Assembly, at approximately 8:30 a.m. Pre-K and Kindergarten students have a non-uniform day and should dress nicely in “going to a fancy restaurant” clothing, keeping in mind that they will be going outside for recess later in the day.
The Parent Guild will be hosting a coffee immediately following the program for parents, grandparents, and other guests in attendance. Guests will have a chance to get acquainted after sharing hugs and congratulation with our young performers as they head back to class.
Reminder
Piano Recitals
Piano recitals for 2nd–4th grade students will be held in the Middle School music room on Monday, March 22. Students should wear their dress uniforms and bring their piano music on this day. Times are as follows:
-
2nd grade: 9:30 a.m.
-
3rd grade: 10:45 a.m.
-
4th grade: 8:30 a.m.
Reminder
Spring Extracurricular Classes
Click Here for the latest letter from Shelley Petzold, coordinator of Lower School extracurricular offerings, and click below for class information and the latest registration forms:
Reminder
That's Entertainment!
Plans are in the works for this year's Lower School Variety Show, which will be held on Friday, April 23. This event is designed to give students who have skills and talents not ordinarily showcased at concerts and recitals an opportunity to shine. Tryouts will be held in Mrs. Ott's classroom after school on Tuesday, March 9 and Wednesday, March 10; look for sign-up sheets on the LS music room door.
| MIDDLE & HIGH SCHOOL UPDATES |
Reminder
After-School Classes
Click Here for the latest letter from Shelley Petzold regarding after-school classes open to MCDS Middle and High School students, and click below for current registration forms and class-specific info.
Reminder
High School Merit Scholarships
Each year, our school offers students in grades eight through eleven an opportunity to apply for a High School Merit Scholarship. Similar to the Quest Awards given at the end of each trimester, merit scholarships are awarded to students demonstrating academic excellence, personal responsibility, independence, personal integrity, and citizenship. All students in grades eight through eleven are encouraged to apply and can pick up an application from Jen Klug, Director of Admissions and Marketing. Applications and supporting documents should be returned to Jen by April 16, 2010. If you have questions, please contact Kathleen Franzen or Jen Klug.
| PARENT GUILD REMINDERS |
- Please save the date for the next Parent Guild meeting on Tuesday, March 16, at 8 a.m. in the Lower School lobby.
- Minutes from the January Parent Guild meeting are posted in the Parent Guild section of the MCDS website.
- The Parent Guild continues to collect used books (both youth and adult titles), DVDs, and CDs, which will be sold at the next Books and Bagels. Look for donation boxes in the Lower School lobby near the Used Uniform drop box and in the Middle/High School lobby behind the desk. Thanks so much for your support!
| QUICK CLICKS |
Math Overview
Click Here for an overview of the Singapore math program and Here for tips on how to help your child succeed in mathematics.
Online Tour
To watch our online school tour, please click Here.
Hear from our Students
To read what our students have to say about the MCDS experience, click Here. Their messages are powerful reminders of what makes our school so special!
MCDS in the News
- Click Here to read the Waunakee Tribune article highlighting the students' conservation efforts.
- Click Here to read a letter to the Wisconsin State Journal, written by students in the Sharing Our Humanity class.
- Click Here for the Wisconsin State Journal article on the MCDS Japanese exchange and the students’ experiences.
- Read about the Food for Thought banquet at MCDS in this Wisconsin State Journal article.
Snow/Inclement Weather Closing Procedures
Click Here to review MCDS snow/inclement weather closing procedures.
Sweet Sophie's Menu
Click Here for the Sweet Sophie's menu for the third trimester. NEW!
Family Guide to School Life
Click Here to access the Family Guide to School Life at MCDS.
Health Forms
Financial Aid Form and Info
Click Here for the SSS by NAIS financial aid application and related information.
Uniforms
Check out our illustrated guide to MCDS formal and regular uniforms by division or click Here for detailed info on the MCDS uniform policy.
Middle & High School Online Calendars
Click Here to access the MS/HS online calendars and learn more about their use.
| WISH LIST |
Reminders
- The Music Department is looking for donations of gently used (i.e., working) iPods for classroom use. Please contact Heather Stewart if you have equipment to donate.
-
The Science Department is looking for donations of a skateboard and two basketballs (standard men's or women's size) for use in educational activities. Please contact Jake Eaton.
| FUNDRAISING OPPORTUNITIES |
Reminders
Scrip
The Scrip table is usually open for business on Monday and Friday mornings, but days vary during three- or four-day school weeks. Participating in the MCDS Scrip program is a great way to offset your family’s Building Use Fee. Click Here for an updated Scrip order form, and click Here for general information on the MCDS Scrip program.
Box Tops Bring Top Dollars
Please keep clipping box tops, as we'll be collecting them again this school year. With Box Tops for Education, each eligible box top is worth 10 cents for our school.
- Click Here for more information on the Box Tops for Education program.
- If you have questions or would like to help, contact Deborah Grunwald.
Going Green for the Green
Click Here for info from MCDS parent JoseMaria Donoso, chairperson of our Ink Cartridge Recycling Program. This Parent Guild fundraiser helps our students at the same time it helps the environment. Simply drop off your empty printer cartridges in the bin located near the Lower School reception desk. Cartridge World of Middleton will donate $1 to MCDS for each ink cartridge and $2 for each toner. For more information, click on the links below:
MCDS Coffee
All four of our private label brews are available for tasting and purchase on Monday mornings in the Lower School lobby. (Chocolate is available as well.) Drop off your order in the box in the LS or MS/HS lobby. Orders will be placed when 20 bags are needed, about every two weeks, and will be available for pickup at the LS desk or will be backpacked home. Thanks for your support of this program that benefits the MCDS Annual Fund!
Download an order form Here or grab one in the LS lobby.
| BULLETIN BOARD |
New
Pack 329 Cub Scout News
Cub Scouts should wear their Cub Scout uniform to school on the days of scheduled den meetings. Any boy who is interested in joining scouts is welcome to attend a meeting at any time to see what scouting is like. Contact Cubmaster Art Wagner if you are interested in Pack 329's activities.
- Wolves Meeting: Second grade boys will meet on Monday, March 8, from 3:30-4:30 p.m. at MCDS. Please meet your leader in the Lower School lobby. You'll make a duck house which will be installed later in the week. Watch your email for details on the duck house installation.
- Webelos 2s: Fifth grade boys will be practicing our song for our crossover. Please reply to Mrs. Everitt if you can come after school either Wednesday, March 10 or Thursday, March 11 to practice the crossover song.
- Bears/Webelo 1s: Third and fourth grade boys will meet at the Maple Bluff Fire Station on Sunday, March 14, from 2-4 p.m. to work on Readyman badges. Please bring your homework per Mrs. Wagner's email, and you will be able to complete your pin that Sunday. This is a dress uniform event. We will not be meeting on Wednesday, March 10. (updated 3/8/10)
- Pack Meeting Crossover: Thursday, March 18, from 6:30-8:00 p.m. at Emerson Elementary School. Come share in the crossover of our Webelos 2s to Boy Scouts. Troop 155's Order of the Arrow honor team will come to help our Webelos cross over the bridge into Troop 29. (updated 3/8/10)
- Spring Popcorn Sales Begin: Our spring popcorn sales begin on Saturday, March 20. This is a great opportunity for your cub as 100% of the profits go directly to each cub's account to pay for their summer camp adventures.
New
Pedals, Pipes, and Pizza
Piano students ages 11 to 16 are invited to participate in Pedals, Pipes, and Pizza sponsored by the Madison Chapter of the American Guild of Organists. Students can sign up for free to visit three different churches and see, hear, and try their pipe organs. The event will take place on Saturday, March 20, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Reminder
CCBC Book Sale on UW Campus
On Saturday, March 6, the Cooperative Children’s Book Center (CCBC) is holding its annual spring book sale on the fourth floor of Helen C. White Hall on the UW-Madison campus. Hardcover trade, formula nonfiction, paperback reprints, and more will be sold for $4 (hardcover), and $2 (softcover) each.
Reminder
Leopold Discovery Day
Families are invited to the Leopold Discovery Day at the Aldo Leopold Nature Center in Monona on Saturday, March 6, from 1 to 3 p.m. Explore the winter landscape and enjoy exciting Leopold family tales told by Aldo Leopold's granddaughter. For more information, click Here.
Reminder
Drumming for Hope Event
African Youth Outreach will bring the fifth annual Drumming for Hope celebration to the Goodman Community Center on Sunday, March 14. Drumming for Hope will feature drum and dance performances, with entertainment starting at 3:15 p.m. For more information about the event, click Here.