MMSD High Schools to Host Transition Nights for Rising Freshmen

MADISON, Wis.—The Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD) will host a series of transition nights in January for current eighth-grade students and their families as they prepare to enter high school in the 2026–27 school year.

Held at each of the district’s four comprehensive high schools, these events offer incoming freshmen and their families an opportunity to learn more about academic programs, extracurricular activities and student supports available at each school. Families will also have the chance to meet teachers and staff, ask questions, connect with other rising freshmen and become familiar with the buildings where students will spend the next four years of their academic journey.

“High school is a pivotal time in a student’s life, and we want families to feel welcomed and supported from the very beginning,” said Dr. Carlettra Stanford, assistant superintendent of schools and learning. “These nights help students see themselves as part of a school community and understand the many ways they can grow, contribute and succeed.”

Each event will include information on coursework, clubs, athletics and student services, along with opportunities to engage directly with school staff and administrators.

“Transition nights are an important step in helping students and families feel informed, confident and connected as they move into high school,” said Mary Jankovich, executive director of college, career and community readiness. “They provide a space to explore opportunities, build relationships and begin imagining the paths students can take toward graduation and beyond.”

Event details are as follows:

• East High School
  Preppin’ to Be a Purgolder Night
  6–8 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026
  2222 E. Washington Ave., Madison, WI 53704
  
• Vel Phillips Memorial High School
  Vel Phillips Memorial Night
  6–7:30 p.m., Monday, Jan. 12, 2026
  201 S. Gammon Rd., Madison, WI 53717
  
• West High School
  Welcome to West High School
  7–8:30 p.m., Monday, Jan. 12, 2026
  30 Ash St., Madison, WI 53726
  
• Robert M. La Follette High School
  Future La Follette Lancer Night
  6–8 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2026
  702 Pflaum Rd., Madison, WI 53716

Families are encouraged to attend the event for the high school their student will enter next year. Additional information is available on the MMSD website.

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About the Madison Metropolitan School District

The Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD) is the second-largest school district in Wisconsin, serving more than 25,000 students across 52 schools. The district’s vision is that every school will be a thriving school that prepares every student to graduate ready for college, career and community. With more than 6,000 teachers and staff, MMSD is committed to ensuring the district’s goals and core values are held at the center of its efforts, so students can learn, belong and thrive. For more information, visit mmsd.org.

Oak Bank Welcomes Aeron Polodna as Mortgage Loan Specialist

Fitchburg, WI – Oak Bank, a locally owned community bank committed to exceptional client service and community giving, is pleased to announce the addition of Aeron Polodna as its new Mortgage Loan Specialist.

In this key role, Aeron will execute both secondary market and in-house residential loans, contributing to all stages of the lending process. Aeron’s extensive background uniquely positions her to lead processing efforts, deliver excellent client service, and strengthen relationships with internal and external partners.

Aeron brings more than 15 years of experience specializing in consumer and mortgage lending. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Wisconsin–La Crosse, further grounding her professional expertise with a strong academic foundation.

Aeron shared , “I’m grateful for the opportunity to continue supporting borrowers while working alongside a team that truly values community impact. I look forward to contributing to Oak Bank’s mission and making a positive difference for our clients.”

Living on Madison’s west side with her husband, Patrick, and their Westie mix, Dot, Aeron volunteers as a chef with Lasagna Love, preparing and delivering home-cooked meals to neighbors in need. When she’s not assisting clients or cooking up a batch of lasagna, Aeron enjoys traveling, baking, and catching up on her favorite true-crime podcasts.

Melissa Torres, Vice President – Loan Operations, looks forward to the expertise, energy, and community spirit she brings to the organization noting, “Aeron’s depth of experience and passion for helping others make her an outstanding addition to our team. We are thrilled to welcome her to Oak
Bank.”

About Oak Bank
Oak Bank has been deeply rooted in the Fitchburg community and Madison area for over 25 years, meeting the financial needs of homeowners and businesses by offering top-notch service, quick answers, and creative solutions, all while supporting over 135 local nonprofits each year. Visit oak.bank to learn more.

Application open for Dupaco Foundation renewable college scholarships

DUBUQUE, Iowa – High school seniors pursuing post-secondary education this fall are invited to apply for renewable college scholarships from the Dupaco Foundation.

Twenty scholarships will be awarded:

• Ten $4,000 scholarships will be awarded to high school seniors planning to attend a four-year college or university. Each scholarship will be distributed in annual increments of $1,000 over four years.
• Ten $2,000 scholarships will be awarded to high school seniors planning to attend a community college or trade school. Each scholarship will be distributed in annual increments of $1,000 over two years. An extension option of up to $2,000 is available for students who transfer to a four-year college or university.

The Dupaco Foundation believes education is a powerful tool for creating pathways to future success. As technology and the economy evolve, many individuals risk being left behind without the skills needed for stable, good-paying jobs – especially those from underserved communities. Scholarships help close that gap by expanding access to training, education and certifications that connect people to in-demand careers.

“Education opens doors to opportunity. By investing in students today, we’re helping build the workforce and communities of tomorrow,” said Joe Hearn, Board Secretary for the Dupaco Foundation.

For complete scholarship details and to apply, visit dupaco.com/scholarship. The application deadline is 11:59 p.m. (CT) Wednesday, February 25, 2026. For questions, please contact scholarship@dupaco.com.

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ABOUT DUPACO FOUNDATION:
Dupaco R.W. Hoefer Foundation, also known as Dupaco Foundation, (the “Foundation”) is a tax-exempt private foundation described in Internal Revenue Code Section 501(c)(3). The Foundation is a separate legal entity from Dupaco Community Credit Union (the “Credit Union”) and is governed by its own Board of Directors and officers. The Foundation was established in 2011 to honor the retirement of 47-year employee and long-time Dupaco Community Credit Union President and CEO, Robert W. “Bob” Hoefer. The Foundation is designed to carry on the Bob Hoefer tradition of providing personal financial assistance and coaching to help hardworking and financially prudent people recover from unforeseen life events and to increase their opportunities for financial stability. Learn more at www.dupaco.com/foundation.

Complete WisDOT’s Intercity Passenger Rail Survey

The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) has engaged with HDR Engineering, Inc. to develop and distribute a survey to Wisconsin economic development organizations to better understand transportation needs regarding intercity passenger rail service, that is train travel between cities, for yourselves as well as your members and constituents. You can access the survey via this link.

This survey will be open from December 19-January 9. We encourage you to forward on this survey link to others at your organization to provide WisDOT with the broadest possible input as this information will help WisDOT with any future intercity passenger rail planning and ensure that the voices of stakeholders are included.

If you have any questions or issues for either survey, please email Joe Haferman at joseph.haferman@hdrinc.com.

First-time homebuyers get a boost: Dupaco offers FHLB Home$tart grants

Madison, Wisconsin—Dupaco Credit Union is partnering with the Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) of Des Moines to help first-time homebuyers take the leap into homeownership through the Home$tart program. This initiative provides up to $15,000 in assistance, applied as a credit toward down payment and closing costs for eligible buyers beginning their homeownership journey. 

First-time buyers represent a significant share of Dupaco’s mortgage lending: In 2025, over 54% of the financial cooperatives’ primary residence mortgages were made to first-time homebuyers. According to National Association of REALTORS, between July 2024 and June 2025 first-time homebuyers made up just 21% of all U.S. home purchases. This is the lowest share since NAR began tracking in 1981. Programs like Home$tart are critical to helping more families achieve the dream of owning a home. 

“At Dupaco, we believe homeownership should be within reach for everyone,” said Brian Henneger, VP, Mortgage Lending at Dupaco. “The Home$tart program allows us to provide meaningful financial assistance and personalized guidance, so first-time buyers can feel confident and supported throughout the process.” 

Affordable housing and homeownership are cornerstones of strong communities. Through innovative mortgage programs and personalized guidance, Dupaco helps first-time buyers take the leap into homeownership. This commitment goes beyond financing. It’s about removing barriers, creating pathways to generational wealth and building long-term stability for members and the communities they call home. 

For more information about the Home$tart program and to apply, visit dupaco.com/firsthome. 

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ABOUT DUPACO COMMUNITY CREDIT UNION  

Dupaco Community Credit Union is a not-for-profit, member-owned financial cooperative headquartered in Dubuque, Iowa. It is dedicated to the financial well-being of its members, and specializes in personalized financial counseling, money advice and education. It offers savings, loans, investments, insurance and wealth management products for individuals and businesses. Dupaco serves residents in 118 counties throughout Iowa, northwest Illinois and southwest Wisconsin. Founded in 1948 by ten Dubuque Packing Company employees, membership has grown to more than 178,000 with assets exceeding $3.5 billion. It has over 600 employees and 23 branch office locations. It is a Forbes Best-in-State Credit Union, Forbes America’s Best Small Employer, and a Des Moines Register Top Workplace. Learn more at www.dupaco.com. 

ABOUT FEDERAL HOME LOAN BANK OF DES MOINES 
The Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines is deeply committed to strengthening communities, serving 13 states and three U.S Pacific territories as a member-owned cooperative. We work together with over 1,200 member institutions to support affordable housing, economic development and community improvement. FHLB Des Moines is one of 11 regional Banks that make up the Federal Home Loan Bank System. Members include community and commercial banks, credit unions, insurance companies, thrifts and community development financial institutions. FHLB Des Moines is wholly owned by its members and receives no taxpayer funding. For additional information about FHLB Des Moines, please visit www.fhlbdm.com.