"MMSD Superintendent greets students at school reopening: 'Here for the students'"
As students in the Madison Metropolitan School District prepare to return to class, the focus remains on ensuring a safe, welcoming, and connected environment for all.
Dr. Joe Gothard, the current superintendent of the district, has taken the helm with a commitment to student well-being. Gothard, a former student at Elvehjem Elementary School, began his educational journey within the district and later spent the better half of a decade serving as superintendent of St. Paul Public Schools.
Gothard made a point of greeting students from the sidewalk of Elvehjem Elementary School on Tuesday, emphasizing the importance of connection and resources for students who may be feeling sad, unsure, or afraid. He reiterated the belief that teachers are the best frontline for students, and encouraged parents, teachers, and school staff to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities following the recent school shooting at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis.
The district's principals and building teams are working tirelessly to implement safety measures, with all schools using a keyless system for classroom door hardware. Guests, visitors, and district staff are required to sign in before entering any school premises. In case of safety concerns, the district provides multiple avenues for reporting, including texting SUSO at 738477 or calling 1-800-MY-SUSO-1.
Each school within the district has a student support team with trained professionals on hand, ready to address individual student needs. The district's full safety protocol system can be found online for those who wish to review it.
With the return of students on Tuesday for grades 4K, K, 6, and 9, and all grades reporting back on Wednesday, the focus is on creating a safe and supportive learning environment. Dr. Gothard expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to work for the Madison Metropolitan School District and the community, and expressed a heavy heart for any school community that experiences such tragedies.
As the district moves forward, the emphasis remains on meeting the needs of each individual student and ensuring a safe, welcoming, and connected learning environment for all.
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