Students Get Active and Artistic Through MMSD’s Summer Arts Programming

MADISON, Wis.—This summer, the Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD) partnered with eight Madison-based arts organizations to incorporate expanded arts programming into its regular summer semester curriculum. Nearly 30 guest artists and 12 MMSD teachers led instruction in visual arts, dance, theater, and other disciplines across elementary and middle school sites throughout the district.

These arts classes were integrated into students’ daily schedules and offered in multiple 45-minute blocks, ensuring all learners had the opportunity to explore and engage with each artistic discipline offered at their site.

The program, an evolution of the former Summer Arts Academy, exposed students to a wide range of creative disciplines. Participating artists included Francis Medrano, founder and lead teacher of Black Power Dance, whose high-energy sessions blended Afro-Peruvian dance with personal fitness, and Sarah Rhoads, who guided students through a comprehensive theater program focused on both performance and behind-the-scenes technical skills.

The diverse arts experiences offered through the summer semester aimed to keep students physically and creatively active during the summer months, while also building bridges to Madison’s broader artistic community and fostering empathy through exposure to perspectives beyond their own.

The effort is part of MMSD’s broader commitment to equitable access to arts education for all students. By partnering with local organizations and hiring professional artists who reflect the diversity of the community, MMSD aimed to help students see themselves in the arts and introduce them to creative paths they may not have encountered during the traditional school year. Whether experimenting with fiber arts, designing stage lighting or learning new styles of movement, students were encouraged to explore their identities and expand their imaginations.

“These experiences build confidence and curiosity,” said Dan Davidson, MMSD’s director of arts education. “They help students develop new skills, but also new ways of seeing the world and themselves in it.”

“There are so many organizations out there that really contribute to our community and the artistic cultures that we have throughout the city,” Davidson added. “And this really brings that artistic experience alive within our traditional summer school setting each and every day.”

The participating teachers and guest artists emphasized the connective power of art through their classes. “It’s about telling stories and empathy and being able to relate to experiences,” said Rhoads. “I think theater can be best described as a window or a door. You’re either looking into someone’s experience or really living something that’s similar to your own. I think now more than ever, we really need to come together in bridging these experiences—especially at a young age.”

For more regarding arts-related events happening across MMSD, please visit the Arts Events and Information page of the district’s website.

###

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 Celebrates 25 Years of Growing Dane County

A Quarter-Century of Local Commitment, Trusted Relationships, and Community Impact

Madison, WI — In a financial world defined by automation and consolidation, Oak Bank in Fitchburg is proudly celebrating 25 years of doing business differently—by staying personal, local, and deeply connected to the Dane County community.

Since opening in 2000, Oak Bank has chosen to grow not by adding branches, but by building relationships. With a single location in Fitchburg, the bank has become a trusted financial partner for hundreds of local businesses and families—proving that success doesn’t require scale, but sincerity.

“It’s really not about the number of branches,” says executive chairman and founder Bob Gorsuch. “It’s about the people who stick around, develop strong relationships, and get involved in their communities.”

That belief has guided Oak Bank’s approach for 25 years. While many banks expanded regionally or merged into larger corporations, Oak Bank stayed rooted in Dane County. The result: a half-a-billion-dollar institution built on trust, accessibility, and personalized service.

“When you call us, you talk to a real person—someone who knows your name and your business,” says Oak Bank President & CEO Terry Taylor. “That’s not a tagline—it’s our culture. Oak Bank is powered by people who live here, care about this community, and show up for it every day. That’s what makes us different, and it’s what makes this 25-year milestone so meaningful.”

Oak Bank’s mission goes well beyond banking. Its team members are actively involved in local nonprofits, schools, libraries, and neighborhood initiatives. From sponsoring park programs to volunteering in community events, Oak Bank doesn’t just serve the area—it strengthens it.

“When we started, we saw so much potential in Fitchburg,” Gorsuch reflects. “We wanted to serve that area with a unique focus on relationships and problem-solving. And once we proved that model, we were able to serve clients throughout Dane County and beyond, with just one branch.”

Today, Oak Bank is a proud cornerstone of Dane County’s business community—a steady partner through change, a supporter of local growth, and a reflection of what’s possible when you put people first.

Stop by their lobby on August 14th for a sweet treat to celebrate their milestone and see for yourself.

About Oak Bank
Founded in 2000 and located in Fitchburg, Oak Bank is a full-service community bank serving individuals and businesses throughout Dane County. With a people-first philosophy and a commitment to personalized, relationship-based banking, Oak Bank has built a legacy of trust, integrity, and impact over 25 years. Visit www.oak.bank to learn more.

###

MMSD Summer Internship Program Gives Students Hands-On Experience in District Departments

MADISON, Wis.—Over the past several weeks, high school students in the Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD) stepped into professional roles across the district through MMSD’s Summer Internship Program, gaining first-hand experience in departments like communications, building services, athletics, library services and career and technical education.

From June 23 through July 31, interns worked part-time in departments housed at the Doyle Administration Building and throughout the district, while participating in professional development and career planning. The program provided students with paid, supervised work placements and the opportunity to explore career pathways aligned with their interests and strengths.

“This experience is about more than building résumés, it’s about helping students see themselves as professionals,” said Annie Johnston, MMSD’s work-based learning coordinator. “Our interns practiced communication, teamwork and initiative in real work environments. And most importantly, they left the summer with a clearer idea of what they want for their future, and how to get there.”

Interns met weekly for professional development sessions covering workplace readiness, networking and career goal-setting. At the end of the program, students presented what they had learned, including how the internship shaped their aspirations and built connections between classroom learning and job skills.

The internship program reflects MMSD’s commitment to providing students with real-world learning experiences that extend beyond the classroom. By embedding paid, career-connected opportunities into the school experience, the district is helping students link their interests to possible futures and take concrete steps toward their goals.

“Career-connected learning is essential to our vision for student success,” said Cindy Green, assistant superintendent of strategy and innovation. “By embedding opportunities like internships into the high school experience, we help students graduate not only with a diploma, but with a sense of purpose and a foundation for what comes next.”

In addition to the summer internship program, MMSD continues to expand experiential learning year-round through youth apprenticeships, job shadowing, and community-based opportunities. These efforts are part of a broader strategy to ensure every student is academically prepared and ready to thrive in college, career and community life.

To learn more about MMSD’s experiential learning programs, please visit the District’s website.

###

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 Alexis Schueler as Commercial Loan Specialist

Fitchburg, WI – Oak Bank is pleased to welcome Alexis Schueler as a Commercial Loan Specialist. In this role, Alexis will support the bank’s commercial lending activities by coordinating loan documentation, reviewing collateral, and ensuring regulatory compliance throughout the loan process. Her work will be integral to the loan operations team and reinforcing Oak Bank’s commitment to personalized, high-quality service for business clients.

Alexis brings valuable experience in loan processing, personal banking, and client services. Her background has equipped her with a strong understanding of lending workflows and a client focused mindset, which she now brings to the commercial side of banking. Alexis is excited to build on this foundation and grow her expertise in commercial loan operations.

“I was drawn to Oak Bank because of its reputation for both professional excellence and genuine community engagement,” Alexis shared. “I’m excited to work in a role where I can grow my expertise in commercial lending while contributing to a team that truly values collaboration and integrity.”

Melissa Torres, Vice President – Loan Operations, welcomes Alexis to the team noting, “Alexis’s attention to detail, drive to learn, and client-first mindset make her a perfect fit for our commercial loan team. We’re thrilled to have her on board, and we’re confident she’ll help strengthen the support we provide to our business clients.”

Alexis supports the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research. When she’s not at the bank, you might find her boating in the summer, snowboarding in the winter or playing the drums.

Please join us in giving a warm welcome to Alexis Schueler as she begins her journey with Oak Bank!

Oak Bank has been deeply rooted in the Fitchburg community and Madison area for 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 www.oak.bank to learn more.

###

Public input requested for various polymer overlays in Columbia, Dane and Jefferson counties

The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) is seeking public input on improvements along I-39/90/94, I-94 and US 151 bridges in Columbia, Dane and Jefferson counties. Construction is currently scheduled for 2029.

A presentation and materials detailing this project are available to view on the project website at https://wisconsindot.gov/Pages/projects/by-region/sw/overlay-regionwide/default.aspx.

The project will install polymer overlays and flood seals on eleven bridges in Columbia, Dane and Jefferson counties. These treatments are needed to extend the service life of the bridge decks. A 6-foot-wide raised sidewalk will be added to the Milwaukee Street bridge in Dane County. The eleven bridges include:

• Columbia County
  • US 151 southbound bridge over Maple Avenue
• Dane County
  • Four I-90/94 westbound bridges between County N and WIS 73
  • Milwaukee Street bridge over I-39/90/94 northbound
  • I-94 bridges over US 151
• Jefferson County
  • Three I-94 westbound bridges between WIS 26 and County F
  • I-94 eastbound bridge over Hillside Drive

I-39/90/94, I-94 and US 151 will remain open to traffic while being constructed under nighttime ramp and lane closures.

All persons interested in the project are encouraged to view the website and provide input by contacting project staff via email, postal mail, or phone. Your comments will assist WisDOT in developing a project that will serve the needs of the traveling public and community. Your input is welcome and appreciated throughout the design process. Questions and comments can be directed to WisDOT Project Manager Mark Sponem at mark.sponem@dot.wi.gov, (608) 245-2627, or mailed to the WisDOT Southwest Region, 2101 Wright Street, Madison, WI 53704.