The Middleton-Cross Plains Area School District’s future-preparedness framework, a Cardinal’s Journey, provides a comprehensive guide for student success.
Each month during the school year, 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.
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 February was the communication foundation, which highlights students who are able to express ideas clearly and effectively.
Five students were recognized at the Feb. 23 Board meeting for demonstrating strong communication skills: Madeline Saidy and Reese Moon from West Middleton Elementary School, Ainsley Theisen from Kromrey Middle School, Genesis Sotero Cayaxon from Sauk Trail Elementary School, and Noah Lucchesi from Middleton High School. An additional nominee, Miracle Aniekwenagbu from Middleton High School, will be honored at a future Board meeting.
Superintendent Dr. Dana Monogue shared highlights from each student’s nomination, and Board of Education President Bob Hesselbein presented each honoree with a certificate and medal in celebration of their achievement.
West Middleton Elementary third-graders Madeline Saidy and Reese Moon were nominated by teacher Alicia Rice.
In her nomination form, Rice shared: “Madeline and Reese truly embody the Communication foundation. Madeline, a third-grade student with profound hearing loss, is new to West Middleton this year and new to formal schooling in the United States. Entering an unfamiliar school environment without the ability to hear could be overwhelming, yet she was welcomed warmly by her classmates.
“Reese has gone above and beyond to build a meaningful friendship with Madeline. As Madeline learns sign language, Reese has dedicated herself to learning it as well so they can communicate effectively. Each day they practice new signs together, celebrating the joy that comes when they understand one another. Reese has even shared that she hopes to become a sign language interpreter one day. Their friendship, rooted in determination and compassion, beautifully demonstrates the power of communication.”
Kromrey Middle School eighth-grader Ainsley Theisen was nominated twice by counselor Kasey McKinney and by teachers Maria Pittner, Brian Stubbe, Jean Holman, and Tim Davis.
In her nomination form, McKinney shared: “Ainsley’s communication skills exceed those of a typical middle schooler. She takes initiative to reach out to staff about planned absences or conflicts, asks for help in a timely manner, and is willing to speak up when she notices something is not right. She approaches situations with kindness, gives grace to others, and works to talk things through and problem solve.”
In a joint nomination, her Block R core teachers shared: “Ainsley is friendly and willing to strike up a conversation with anyone. She is a leader in classroom discussions and builds positive, upbeat, and caring relationships with both peers and adults. We are continually impressed with the leadership she demonstrates through her communication skills.”
Sauk Trail Elementary School first-grader Genesis Sotero Cayaxon was nominated by Claudia Bakken.
In her nomination form, Bakken shared: “Genesis is a first-grade student in the Two-Way Immersion program who has made remarkable growth in communication. When she began kindergarten, she communicated very little using either her AAC device or spoken words. This year, she has truly blossomed. Genesis now confidently uses both her AAC device and her spoken voice to communicate in English and Spanish. She actively participates in class, raises her hand to share, and is developing her reading skills by blending sounds to form words. Her growth and confidence are something we are incredibly proud of.”
Middleton High School senior Noah Lucchesi and junior Miracle Aniekwenagbu were nominated by Mike Kusch.
In his nomination form, Kusch shared: “Noah and Miracle are members of the MHS MENS –, Men Empowering Nonviolent Strength – Club. During Human Rights Week, they partnered with Domestic Abuse Intervention Services to present on important topics such as healthy relationships, healthy masculinity, and preventing domestic and partner violence. These are complex and challenging issues, especially for young men to address publicly. Noah and Miracle helped design the presentation and delivered it with confidence, engaging the audience and promoting meaningful dialogue within the school community.”
Students recognized for the communication foundation follow earlier recognitions for the accountability, self-aware, curious and community-oriented mindsets. In March, students who demonstrate the collaboration foundation will be honored.