Student Services | Madison Country Day School

About Student Services

Our student services goal is integrated within the IB mission of developing caring young people who help create a peaceful world based in respect for themselves and others. In coordination with teachers, parents and the greater community, we will provide a comprehensive program addressing the academic and personal/social development of all MCDS community members.

Our student services mission is to enable academic, social, physical, and emotional success by stressing promotion of mental health and safety through individual counseling, education, and service.

Meet the Student Services Team

MCDS has expanded and more formally organized the Student Services team as part of our efforts to allow for differentiated learning and to support the social-emotional and physical well-being of students. This team is excited to work together to support our faculty and students!

Director of Student Services & Head of Early Childhood: Dr. Megan Thornburgh
Dean of Students: Kathleen Franzen
School Counselor: Ashley Papac
LS Social Emotional Learning Specialist: Leah Faherty
HS Social Emotional Learning Specialist: Drew Ciancia
Reading and Library Specialist: Allison Geisler
Math Enrichment and Support Specialist: Beth Sims
Kindergarten Teaching Associate: Erin Drewes
Pre-K Educational Assistant: Danna Derkson
LS EA: Rattanjit Sachdeva
All School EA: Karen Weatherwax
Heath Office: Dominick LaPorte

Megan Thornburgh

Head of Early Childhood Education
Director of Student Services

BA, University of Wisconsin-Madison
MA, Edgewood College
EdD, National University

What We Do:

Environment

Identify health and safety concerns in the school community and promote a safe and nurturing school environment.

Counseling / Mental Health

Provide health counseling, assess mental health needs, provide interventions, refer students to appropriate school staff or community agencies, and provide follow-up once treatment is prescribed.

Parent / Community Involvement

Promote community participation in assuring a healthy school and serve as a liaison to the Parent Guild in helping to provide social emotional learning (SEL) experiences to the parent and greater MCDS community.

Staff Wellness

Provide health education and counseling, and promote healthy activities and environment for school staff.

Health Services

Provide health screening, education, and support.

Mental Health Plan

Provide mental health services for students, faculty, and staff.

Social Emotional Learning

MCDS provides weekly Social Emotional Learning (SEL) Lessons to Pre-K through 4th grade, as well as various SEL supports to middle school and high school. SEL provides a foundation for safe and positive learning, and enhances a student's ability to succeed inside and outside the classroom. Lessons promote understanding and awareness of the 5 key skills: self awareness, self management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision making.

Individualized Learning Plans & Access and Accommodation Plans

Part of student support may include the creation of an Individualized Learning Plan (ILP) or an Access and Accommodation Plan (AAP). These plans help teachers and school staff to meet the learning needs of a student with a diagnosed condition (eg: ADHD, Anxiety, Diabetes). These plans are put into place in concert with parents, teachers and medical professionals.

OUR MISSION

Madison Country Day School is an independent, college-preparatory, Pre-K to Grade 12, International Baccalaureate World School whose mission is to:

Inspire each student to discover their extraordinary capacity to learn and thrive in an evolving world by cultivating a challenging environment and a supportive community.