The Middleton-Cross Plains Area School District's future-preparedness framework, a Cardinal's Journey, provides a comprehensive guide for student success.
As part of this initiative, the Board of Education recognizes students who exemplify the four core mindsets — curious, community-oriented, self-aware, and accountable — as well as the four foundations — communication, collaboration, critical thinking and problem solving, and adaptability — that anchor a Cardinal's Journey.
Each month throughout the 2025-26 school year, students were nominated by MCPASD teachers and staff and honored by the Board for demonstrating one of these essential mindsets or skills. The focus for May was the adaptability mindset, which highlights students who are open to change, stay positive when things don’t go as planned, and find ways to grow through challenges. They adjust, learn, and continue to move forward with confidence.
Five students were recognized at the May 11 Board meeting for demonstrating strong adaptability: Park Elementary School student Charlotte Henry and Glacier Creek Middle School students Natalie Laschinger, Molly Marshall, Nolan Mikla, and Jordan Walker.
Superintendent Dr. Dana Monogue shared highlights from each student's nomination, recognizing the ways they model adaptability in their school communities. Board of Education President Bob Hesselbein also presented each honoree with a certificate and medal in celebration of their achievement.
Charlotte was nominated by third grade teacher Jodi Klare.
In Charlotte's nomination form, Klare shared: “Charlotte is a third grader who consistently models the Cardinal Mindsets and Foundations. Her growth mindset is what she should be most proud of. She works diligently at new and challenging tasks and never gives up. She sees mistakes as part of learning. Charlotte is flexible, collaborative, and brings out the best in group work by listening and helping others. She is patient, a strong communicator, and supports her peers in meaningful ways. Charlotte wants to become a teacher, and I believe she already is.”
Natalie was nominated by eighth grade teacher Whitney Baehr.
In Natalie's nomination form, Baehr shared: “Despite a basketball season-ending injury, Natalie remained incredibly positive and adaptable throughout her eighth-grade year. She stayed engaged by supporting her teammates from the sidelines and took proactive charge of her academics when she missed time for recovery. She continues to advocate for her needs in the classroom with impressive maturity. It has been inspiring to see her turn a difficult setback into an opportunity for growth.”
Molly was nominated three times, by music teachers Anne Vanderbloemen and Kristen Flak-Solom as well as school psychologist Katie Hartman.
In Molly's nomination form, Vanderbloemen shared: “Molly exemplifies adaptability. She plays both the tuba in band and the cello in orchestra and has handled being a ‘doubler’ with resourcefulness and a can-do attitude. She advocates for herself and is a valuable member of both groups.”
Additionally, Hartman shared: “Molly is a dedicated, thoughtful, and talented student who goes above and beyond. She demonstrates grit, determination, and adaptability, even through personal challenges. We are so proud of her.”
Flak-Solom also shared: “Molly has faced many challenges this year and continues to adapt with flexibility. She advocates for herself and strives for continual growth.”
Nolan was nominated by P.E. teacher Jennifer Broadley.
In Nolan's nomination form, Broadley shared: “Nolan comes to PE class with enthusiasm for movement no matter what it may be. He is willing to try just about anything. Nolan has a wonderful ability to be adaptable in almost any situation. It has been very rewarding watching Nolan grow physically, mentally, and socially through the last three years at Glacier. Keep up the great work, Nolan.”
Jordan was nominated by fifth grade teacher Jenn Hylbert.
In Jordan's nomination form, Hylbert shared: “Zachariah Walker, known as Jordan to his friends and teachers, has made amazing gains this year in fifth-grade math. As he entered fifth grade, he was recommended for reading and math intervention. To accommodate his needs, he adjusted his schedule, and he agreed. Through hard work with interventionists and his core teachers, he successfully exited math intervention. In the classroom, he remains adaptable, open to support, and willing to work with any student. His confidence has grown, and he participates more than ever. His willingness to accept help and support others is his superpower. Jordan has helped himself and has become a shining example to others.”
Students recognized for the adaptability foundation follow earlier recognitions for the curious, community-oriented, self-aware, and accountable mindsets, as well as the communication, collaboration, and critical thinking and problem solving foundations. Eight new groups of students will be honored on a monthly basis during the 2026-27 school year for exemplifying these mindsets and foundations.