The Middleton-Cross Plains Area School District recently introduced its future-preparedness framework, A Cardinal’s Journey, as a comprehensive guide for student success. The framework outlines the knowledge, skills, and mindsets students need to navigate the complexities of life, learning, and leadership.
The Board of Education is recognizing students who demonstrate the four mindsets – curious, community-oriented, self-aware, and accountable – as well as the four foundations – communication, collaboration, critical thinking & problem solving, and adaptability – that are at the heart of A Cardinal’s Journey.
Each month 
of the school year, the Board will honor students who have been nominated by MCPASD teachers and staff for demonstrating a specific skill or mindset. Each month will focus on one mindset or foundation.
The curious mindset was the focus for October. Three MCPASD students were recognized for demonstrating this mindset at the Oct. 13 Board meeting: Middleton High School seniors Sincere Dantzler and Katya Maeder and Park Elementary School second grader Xander Cree.
“We are recognizing students who embody what it means to be curious learners who seek understanding, ask questions, and approach the world with a spirit of exploration,” Superintendent Dr. Dana Monogue said at the Oct. 13 Board meeting. “Your curiosity inspires those around you and reflects the very heart of our mission, preparing students today for the opportunities and challenges of tomorrow.”
Dantzler was nominated by Summer School and Community Outreach Coordinator Amy Schernecker and Middleton High School’s football coaches and training staff. His nomination focused on the strong connections he has made among Middleton High School students and staff since transferring from Ohio this summer.
“Sincere’s courage to follow through on his curiosity to meet new people and engage in the Cardinal community allowed for a strong start to his senior year here at Middleton High School – before the building doors even opened for classes to begin,” Schernecker said in Dantzler’s nomination form.
Maeder was nominated by Middleton High School Associate Principal Barry Holloway for her summer internship at UW-Madison’s Chaudhari Lab, which she earned as part of the highly selective ARISE program.
“The lab’s principal investigator, Dr. Snehal Chaudhari, shared that Katya was curious to learn about everyone’s projects, observed a variety of experiments, and participated enthusiastically in every lab meeting,” Holloway said in Maeder’s nomination form. “Katya’s curiosity and motivation have led her to remarkable achievements — and to an open invitation to continue her research work at UW–Madison after graduation.”
Park Elementary School Principal Brett Humphrey nominated Cree.
“Xander consistently shows a wonderful willingness to step outside his comfort zone and ask the big, important questions in our second-grade class,” Humphrey said in Cree’s nomination form. “His eagerness to explore new books, try new subjects, and share his exciting ideas truly fuels creativity for everyone around him.”
In addition, Park Elementary student Silas Marshall was nominated for demonstrating a curious mindset; he will be recognized at the Oct. 27 Board meeting. At the Nov. 17 Board meeting, students who demonstrate a community-oriented mindset will be recognized.
Join us in congratulating all three students on their accomplishments!