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 during the school year, students are nominated by MCPASD teachers and staff and honored by the Board for demonstrating one of these essential mindsets or skills. The focus for January was the accountability mindset, which highlights students who take responsibility for their actions, follow through on commitments, and demonstrate integrity in their learning and interactions.
Three students were recognized at the Jan. 26 Board meeting for demonstrating strong accountability: Park Elementary School third-grader Reed Martin and Clark Street Community School juniors Alexz Phillips and Ruby Writt.
Superintendent Dr. Dana Monogue shared highlights from each student’s nomination, recognizing the ways they model accountability in their school communities. Board of Education President Bob Hesselbein presented each honoree with a certificate and medal in celebration of their achievement.
Martin was nominated by third-grade teacher Preston Rodriguez.
In Martin’s nomination form, Rodriguez shared: “Reed is a very kind and thoughtful student. He takes care of business every day that he steps into the classroom. He follows directions very well and takes responsibility for his work and actions. Recently, Reed accidentally broke one of our classroom dry-erase boards. He was very upset about it, but I told him he had nothing to worry about because it was an accident and he is the last person I would worry about being careless. Even so, Reed felt compelled to make it right and returned the next day with a new board for our class. This shows how important it is to him to be accountable, even when he doesn’t have to be.”
Phillips was nominated by MCPASD Director of Technology Brian Miles.
In Phillips’ nomination form, Miles shared: “Alexz, a student at Clark Street Community School, was hired last summer as a Youth Apprentice for the Technology Services Department. Since joining the team, Alexz has demonstrated the ability to learn complicated technical concepts and procedures, has suggested improvements to department processes, and has become a leader of the Tech Services Youth Apprentice Team. Alexz also serves as a student technician at the 1:1 Help Desk. There, he goes above and beyond to support the High School Campus (both staff and students) with a high degree of care and attention to detail. He ensures everyone has the tech they need for teaching and learning. Alexz is an integral part of both our Technology Team and the High School Campus. Thank you for your accountability to the District and school community, Alexz!”
Writt was nominated by Clark Street Community School Principal Nicki Victor.
In Writt’s nomination form, Victor shared: “Ruby is the epitome of the word accountable. She has volunteered for all of our information nights, 8th-grade visits, out-of-state conferences, Get Moving Middleton, and is a member of the Clark Street Governance Board, as well as being a student leader. No matter what she volunteers for, you know she will always be there and willing to shine. While these are the things we see, Ruby also consistently contributes to her classes and other spaces within our school community.”
Students recognized for the accountability mindset follow earlier recognitions for the self-aware, curious and community-oriented mindsets. In February, students who demonstrate the communication foundation will be honored.
Additional nominees, Mason Depauw from Middleton High School and Honor Moten from Kromrey Middle School, will be honored at the Feb. 23 Board meeting.