EMMY AWARD WINS IN CHICAGO FOR FILMMAKER JASON RAJASINGHE AND RAD PRODUCTIONS USA

RAD Productions USA and filmmaker Jason Rajasinghe both won an Emmy this year at the 67th annual Chicago / Midwest Emmys in Chicago this past weekend. The awards honor outstanding achievements in regional media and broadcasting. The Chicago / Midwest Chapter is one of the largest and most senior local chapters in the country, and is chartered by the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS), based in New York City.

RAD Productions USA received its first Emmy win in the category of Outstanding Achievement for Commercial – Single Spot for Gamber Johnson’s Brand Film, while Jason brought home his first Directing win in the category of Outstanding Crafts Achievement for Directing for the same.

Jason Rajasinghe notes, ‘This category is meaningful to me because Directing is about trust — trust with my team, my Clients, and trusting in what God created me to do. This award is a celebration of that trust and collaboration, and I’m deeply grateful. I’m looking forward to bringing this home to WI, where it’s my mission to use these experiences to help educate the youth and grow the industry.’

RAD Productions USA states, ‘We are thrilled to bring home our first Emmy Award in recognition of our work and the team’s talent. It is an honor to represent Wisconsin and to be recognized amongst the best in the Chicago / Midwest region’.

Darrell Martin, Director of Marketing for Gamber Johnson states, ‘I had a grand vision for how I wanted to share the story of Gamber-Johnson — to showcase who we are to our customers while capturing the raw adrenaline and energy of the industries we serve. I knew that if executed correctly, this commercial would grab the attention of the masses and elevate the GJ brand to the next level. I knew they could bring my vision to life effortlessly — and here we are today, with two Emmy Awards to prove that the vision paid off.’

RAD Productions will be heading into production for a documentary series in December, anticipated for international release.

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RAD Productions USA LLC incorporated in 2022; is a creative video production agency known for its guerrilla filmmaking and prides itself on its storytelling abilities by business partners Jason & Hope Rajasinghe and Annika Senanayake.
www.radproductionsusa.com

iFilm Sri Lanka is Rajasinghe and Senanayake’s Sri Lankan creative production entity synonymous for its storytelling. www.ifilmsrilanka.com

Student Talent Set to Take Center Stage in MMSD High School Fall Productions

MADISON, Wis.—Over the coming weeks, student-performers across the Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD) will be stepping into the spotlight as all four comprehensive high schools present their annual fall theatrical productions.

Each school’s cast and crew have spent months preparing their shows, which range from classic works of Greek tragedy to contemporary adaptations and timeless comedies.

• Robert M. La Follette High School (702 Pflaum Rd.) will present “Antigone” by Sophocles (translated by Anne Carson), a Greek tragedy that explores loyalty, justice and moral conviction as a young woman defies authority to honor her family. Shows run from Friday, Nov. 7 through Sunday, Nov. 9; tickets are available at lafollette.ludus.com.
  
• Vel Phillips Memorial High School (201 S. Gammon Rd.) will stage “Out of the Frying Pan” by Francis Swann, a fast-paced comedy about six young actors sharing an apartment in New York City and the chaos that follows when their landlord discovers their plans to stage a play in the living room. Shows are Friday, Nov. 14 and Saturday, Nov. 15; tickets are available at memorial.ludus.com.
  
• West High School (30 Ash St.) will perform “As You Like It” by William Shakespeare, which follows a spirited heroine who flees to the Forest of Arden, where love, disguise and wit intertwine. Shows are Friday, Nov. 14; Saturday, Nov. 15; Friday, Nov. 21 and Saturday, Nov. 22. Tickets are available at gofan.co/app/school/WI19194?activity=Performing%20Arts.
  
• East High School (2222 E. Washington Ave.) will put on “The Odyssey” by Homer (adapted by Mary Zimmerman), the epic story of Odysseus’s perilous journey home through mythic adventures and themes of perseverance and identity. Shows run from Thursday, Dec. 11 through Saturday, Dec. 13; tickets are available at madisoneast.ludus.com.

Research shows that students who participate in the arts often demonstrate stronger academic performance, higher attendance rates and increased engagement in school. Studies of large cohorts of middle- and high-school students found that those with high arts involvement outperformed their peers on multiple academic and attitude measures. 

“Theatre helps students collaborate, solve problems, be creative , develop resilience and adaptability and build confidence and communication skills,” said Dan Davidson, MMSD’s director of fine arts. “Our students and directors put in an incredible amount of effort, and it’s really inspiring to see.”

Davidson said the fall plays also highlight the essential role of arts education in developing well-rounded students. “The arts connect us to one another,” he said. “When our students tell stories on stage, they help us see and understand the world in new ways.”

All performances will be held in each school’s auditorium, several of which were renovated as part of the 2020 facilities referendum. Community members are encouraged to attend and experience the creativity, collaboration and dedication of MMSD’s student-artists.

For a full listing of arts-related programming happening across the district, please visit the Arts Events and Information page of 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.

Bergstrom Automotive Earns Prestigious Great Place to Work® Certification

(Neenah, WI – November 5, 2025) – Bergstrom Automotive is proud to announce it has earned the Great Place to Work® Certification, joining a global community of exceptional workplaces. This milestone reflects Bergstrom’s ongoing commitment to fostering an outstanding workplace where employees feel valued, supported, and empowered. The certification recognizes organizations that prioritize employee satisfaction, fairness, and a positive, thriving workplace culture.

The Great Place to Work Certification is built on insights gathered directly from employees through a fully anonymous survey, giving an authentic view of the workplace culture. This rigorous, research-backed process not only validates a company’s commitment to its team but also helps attract top talent, strengthen employee engagement, and showcase a culture where people thrive.

“We have a terrific team who care about our guests and each other,” said John F. Bergstrom, Executive Chairman, Bergstrom Automotive. “Together, we all focus on creating an environment where we all enjoy coming to work and we win by focusing on serving our guests to the highest of levels.”

According to Great Place to Work research, employees at Certified™ workplaces are 4.5 times more likely to report having a great boss, 93% more likely to look forward to coming to work, and twice as likely to feel treated fairly in terms of compensation and promotions.

About Bergstrom Automotive

Bergstrom Automotive, headquartered in Neenah, Wisconsin, is one of the top automotive retailers in the U.S. and the largest in Wisconsin. The company employs over 2,500 teammates statewide and proudly represents 34 automotive brands across 60 facilities. Guided by a commitment to outstanding guest service, Bergstrom sells and services Acura, Alfa Romeo, Audi, BMW, Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Dodge, FIAT, Ford, Genesis, GMC, Honda, Hyundai, Infiniti, Jaguar, Jeep, Land Rover, Lexus, Lincoln, Maserati, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Porsche, Ram, Sprinter, Subaru, Toyota, Volkswagen, and Volvo.

About Great Place To Work®

As the global authority on workplace culture, Great Place To Work® brings 30 years of groundbreaking research and data to help every place become a great place to work for all. Their proprietary platform and For All™ Model helps companies evaluate the experience of every employee, with exemplary workplaces becoming Great Place To Work Certified™ or receiving recognition on a coveted Best Workplaces™ List.

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Pemberton Personal Injury Law Firm Named 2025 Best Places to Work: Law Firms

Madison, WI – November 5, 2025 — Pemberton Personal Injury Law Firm is proud to announce its selection as one of the 2025 Best Places to Work: Law Firms, an honor recognizing firms that prioritize employee well-being, professional growth, and a culture of care.

With offices in Madison, Baraboo, and Eau Claire, Pemberton stands out for its unwavering commitment to creating a supportive, purpose-driven environment—where the same compassion extended to clients begins within the walls of the firm itself.

What It Means to Be a “Best Place to Work”

The annual Best Places to Work: Law Firms recognition, awarded by Best Companies Group, highlights law firms that excel in employee satisfaction, stability, benefits, flexibility, belonging, and professional development. For Pemberton, being recognized isn’t just about workplace perks—it’s about building a culture rooted in empathy, accountability, and community impact.

“Being named one of the Best Places to Work is especially meaningful to us because it reflects who we are at our core,” said Attorney Will Pemberton, Founder of Pemberton Personal Injury Law Firm. “We’ve always believed that when you take care of your people—your team, your clients, your community—everything else follows. This award isn’t just about what we do, but how we do it: together, with purpose and care.”

A Culture Built on Care

Pemberton’s workplace philosophy mirrors the same promise made to every client—the Pemberton Promise—to provide relentless advocacy with genuine compassion. Employees are encouraged to grow personally and professionally through mentorship, continued education, and community engagement. The firm frequently supports charitable events and local causes, from sponsoring children’s programs and school drives to organizing community outreach efforts like coat collections, random acts of kindness initiatives, and annual holiday events.

“Our culture is built around showing up for others,” added Pemberton. “Whether that’s helping a client rebuild their life after an accident or handing out backpacks at a local park—our purpose is the same: make a difference.”

A Legacy of Excellence

In addition to its workplace recognition, Pemberton Personal Injury Law Firm continues to earn accolades for its outstanding results and client care. The firm has received honors such as America’s Top 100 High Stakes Litigations, Best Truck Accident Lawyers in Madison (Expertise.com, 2022), and Lawyers of Distinction.

Attorney Will Pemberton himself holds a “Superb” rating on AVVO, a Preeminent Client Rating from Martindale-Hubbell, and has been named among the Top 100 Trial Lawyers and Top 5% of Attorneys in the U.S. on Super Lawyers for 10 consecutive years.

Driven by Results—and by Heart

Pemberton’s results speak to its dedication to clients and community alike, with notable
settlements including:

• $1,262,500 for life-threatening injuries in a car accident
• $250,000 for a motorcycle accident involving extensive surgeries
• $150,000 for a dog bite resulting in surgical bone repair
• $105,000 for a slip-and-fall in an icy workplace parking lot
• $1,000,000 for wrongful death in a fatal car accident

These victories represent more than just numbers—they reflect lives restored and justice
delivered, powered by a team that believes deeply in what they do.

About Pemberton Personal Injury Law Firm

Founded in 2006 by Attorney Will Pemberton, the firm was built on a simple principle: represent the people. From its first office in Baraboo to its newest location in Eau Claire, Pemberton has grown into one of Wisconsin’s most respected personal injury law firms, known for securing exceptional results while remaining deeply rooted in community values.

As a Best Place to Work, Pemberton continues to cultivate an environment where employees thrive, clients feel heard, and the community benefits from a firm that leads with integrity.

For those who have been injured or are seeking meaningful careers in law, Pemberton Personal
Injury Law Firm offers both compassion and opportunity.

Contact Information

• Pemberton Personal Injury Law Firm
• Baraboo Office: 315 Broadway St, Suite 100, Baraboo, WI 53913
• Madison Office: 5609 Medical Cir, Suite 4, Madison, WI 53719
• Eau Claire Office: 221 W Madison St, Suite 104, Eau Claire, WI 54703
• Phone: 608-FIGHT-4U | Website: pembertonpi.com

MMSD Takes Steps to Modernize Math Instruction

MADISON, Wis.—The Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD) is taking important steps to update its math curriculum and ensure all students receive a consistent, high-quality education in the subject.

District leaders and teachers have developed new math course pathways for four-year-old kindergarten (4K) through grade 12, and are set to begin selecting updated instructional materials for grades kindergarten through eight. The current materials have been in use for more than a decade and no longer reflect the latest standards or best practices for teaching and learning.

“By the time new materials are adopted, our current resources will have been in use for 11 years, which is beyond the typical curricular shelf life of seven years,” said Quinn Marx, director of K–8 math and science. “We are looking for a resource that is structured to embed equitable math teaching practices, including discourse routines that promote equity of voice and … a sense of agency for all students.”

The updated course pathways will help create greater alignment across all schools and ensure that every student, regardless of the school they attend, has opportunities to take higher-level math courses.

To support this work, MMSD has opened a Request for Proposals (RFP 4155) to review and select new K–8 math resources. The process will identify resources that meet state standards, promote understanding and fluency, and support the needs of all learners, including multilingual students and students with disabilities.

“Mindset matters, and how we engage in implementing any new materials is going to be critical to student success,” said Becky Kundert, senior executive director of curriculum and instruction. “We’ve learned a lot from our recent adoption of biliteracy and literacy curriculum [and] we have unpacking protocols and an internalization process that we use across all content areas. For this, we’ll leverage some of the practices that our staff already know well.”

New math materials are expected to be introduced in middle schools for the 2026–27 school year and in elementary schools for 2027–28, following an extensive review and evaluation process.

“This is a long-term investment in the future of math learning in Madison,” said Cindy Green, assistant superintendent of strategy and innovation. “We’re building systems that support teachers, empower students and make high-level math accessible for everyone.”

The Math Task Force, composed of teachers and district leaders, plans to make a recommendation to the Board of Education in February, with a formal vote on the new curriculum later that month.

For more information regarding mathematics instruction in the district, please visit 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.