MMSD Awarded Grant to Expand Urban Forestry and Outdoor Learning Opportunities

MADISON, Wis.—The Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD) has been awarded a $20,000 Green & Healthy Schoolyards grant from the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI) to expand tree canopy and enhance outdoor learning opportunities at Sherman Middle School/Malcolm Shabazz City High School and Mendota Elementary School.

“This funding allows us to deepen our commitment to creating healthy, engaging outdoor spaces for students,” MMSD Sustainability Manager Bryanna Krekeler said. “Expanding tree canopy not only benefits our school communities environmentally, it also provides opportunities for outdoor learning and hands-on exploration.”

Planning for each site will be coordinated with upcoming building updates to ensure new plantings grow alongside long-term improvements. The work also builds on MMSD’s recent efforts to preserve and relocate trees at referendum project sites, where partners and volunteers helped protect valued natural spaces during construction.

Growing the tree canopy supports meaningful outdoor learning by creating comfortable, shaded spaces where teachers can bring lessons outside and students can engage with the natural world. These improvements bond school communities, support student well-being and create outdoor areas that families can enjoy during community events and after-school activities.

At Mendota, the grant will strengthen work already underway to enhance learning experiences outdoors. 

“Outdoor learning is a powerful tool for helping students connect with the natural world and with one another,” said Lindsey Jones, principal of Mendota Elementary School. “This grant will help us expand spaces where students can explore, learn and feel grounded in their school environment.”

MMSD’s work to improve outdoor environments is part of the district’s broader sustainability commitment. In 2022, the Board of Education adopted a resolution to reduce districtwide greenhouse gas emissions to zero by 2045. This long-term effort includes investing in energy-efficient buildings, expanding green spaces, supporting outdoor learning and working toward healthier, more sustainable school communities for all students.

The grant, part of DPI’s Green & Healthy Schoolyards: Teaching In and About Urban Forests program, supports school districts in creating and enhancing urban forestry projects on school grounds. Funds will be used during the 2026–27 school year to plant additional trees and provide training for teachers and staff on incorporating outdoor education into their instruction. 

It does not require matching funds and aligns with MMSD’s continued focus on sustainability, environmental literacy and high-quality outdoor spaces across school campuses.

To learn more about the district’s approach to sustainability, 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.

Sennett Seventh-Grader to Compete with Team USA at 2025 Pan American Judo Championships

MADISON, Wis.—Iliyan Hoskins, a seventh-grader at the Madison Metropolitan School District’s (MMSD) Ray F. Sennett Middle School, has been selected to represent Team USA at the 2025 U13/U15 Pan American Judo Championships in Lima, Peru, on Dec. 5–6, 2025. 

He will compete in the male -47 kg (approx. 104 lbs) division after qualifying for the USA Judo Pan American U13 Championship Team on June 20, earning berths in both the -47kg and -52kg (approx. 115 lbs) weight classes.

Hoskins began practicing judo at age 4 and has developed into one of the country’s top young competitors. He trains at the European Judo Academy in Wheeling, Ill., under coach Gela Kelikhashvili, whose guidance has strengthened Hoskins’ technique and competitive preparation. Hoskins has earned nine national championship titles and was ranked the nation’s No. 1 junior athlete in 2022 under former coach Sensei Os Millan.

“Iliyan is an exceptional student and an exceptional athlete,” said Jessica Fleischmann, Sennett Middle School assistant principal. “His commitment, humility and drive make him a role model for students across our school. We are incredibly proud to have him represent Sennett, MMSD and the United States on the international stage.”

For Hoskins, competing for Team USA is the result of years of steady work and personal growth.

“My goal is to keep getting better and compete in international tournaments where I can represent my country,” Hoskins said. “I like pushing myself and seeing how far I can go. Judo teaches me discipline and respect. Winning feels amazing, but even when I don’t win, I learn something that makes me better.”

He added that he is proud to represent his school community as well as his team. “I hope younger athletes see that if you work hard and keep going, you can do big things,” he said.

Beyond his athletic accomplishments, Hoskins is recognized for his sportsmanship, leadership and steady presence at school, all qualities that reflect the values of judo and contribute positively to the Sennett community.

The Pan American Judo Championships bring together top youth athletes from across North, Central and South America for one of the highest levels of competition in the sport. Hoskins’ participation is a point of pride for Sennett Middle School and for MMSD, which supports students in pursuing excellence inside and outside the classroom.

For information about the after-school athletics opportunities available to MMSD middle-schoolers, please visit the Madison School & Community Recreation  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.

County Executive Melissa Agard to Host Community Listening Sessions on the 2026 Dane County Budget and Year Ahead

DANE COUNTY – Dane County Executive Melissa Agard will host a series of community listening sessions throughout Dane County in December and January to discuss the recently passed 2026 county budget and share updates on challenges and opportunities in the year ahead.

These listening sessions are an opportunity for residents, local leaders, and stakeholders to hear directly from County Executive Agard about key investments, ongoing fiscal pressures, and priorities for strengthening county services and community well-being. Attendees will also have the opportunity to ask questions.

Listening Session Schedule (note: each listening session will be 1 hour):

Thursday, December 11 | 5:00pm

Windsor Municipal Building

4430 Windsor Rd., Windsor

Tuesday, December 16 | 11:30am

Mazomanie Community Building

9 Brodhead St., Mazomanie

Wednesday, December 17 | 5:00pm

Deerfield Public Library

12 W. Nelson St., Deerfield

Thursday, December 18 | 12:30pm

Stoughton Public Library

304 S. Fourth St., Stoughton

Wednesday, January 21 | 7:00 pm

County Executive Agard will present at the Dane County Towns Association Meeting

Rutland Town Hall – 785 Center Rd, Stoughton, WI 53589

Members of the media and public are invited to attend any of the sessions.

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MMSD Opens Madison Promise Spring Semester Enrollment Window for High School Students

MADISON, Wis.—The Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD) has opened the spring semester enrollment window for Madison Promise, the district’s fully online learning program for high school students. 

Families interested in exploring a flexible, student-centered learning option are invited to apply beginning today. Students enrolled in Madison Promise can take a full schedule of MMSD courses taught by licensed teachers, with opportunities to personalize the pace and structure of their learning. 

The program is designed to support a wide range of student needs, including those who prefer online learning, those balancing responsibilities outside of school and those seeking a quieter or more self-directed academic setting.

“Madison Promise continues to be a strong option for students who thrive in an online environment,” said Mary Jankovich, executive director of college, career and community readiness. “Our educators work closely with each learner to build relationships, support their academic progress and ensure they have what they need to succeed.”

Launched in the 2021–22 school year, Madison Promise serves students in grades nine through 12 and offers a complete virtual learning environment grounded in five core principles: meaningful student engagement, strong relationship-building with dedicated teachers, high-quality professional development for educators, flexibility and a commitment to student voice and choice.

“Flexibility and belonging are at the heart of Madison Promise,” Jankovich said. “The online setting allows us to meet students where they are and support them in taking ownership of their learning in ways that fit their goals.”

The application window will remain open through Jan. 16, and space may be limited.

Families can learn more about curriculum, expectations and enrollment on the Madison Promise website. For additional information or support with the application process, families are encouraged to contact the district through Let’s Talk.

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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 Izzy Coughlin as Treasury Management Specialist

Fitchburg, WI – Oak Bank, Fitchburg’s trusted community bank since 2000, is pleased to announce the addition of Izzy Coughlin as its new Treasury Management Specialist. Izzy joins Oak Bank after refining her client service skills at a local community financial institution, bringing with her a passion for building strong relationships and supporting local businesses.

In her role as Treasury Management Specialist, Izzy will play a key part in Oak Bank’s commitment to delivering exceptional service to its clients while continuing to grow its Treasury Management division.

“Izzy brings a great blend of energy and client-first focus to our Treasury Management team,” said Linda Zimdars, Senior Vice President Business Banking. “Her passion for serving others and her strong community roots align perfectly with Oak Bank’s values. I’m confident she will build lasting relationships with our business clients and contribute greatly to their success.”

Izzy shared her enthusiasm for joining the Oak Bank team, saying, “I’m excited to be part of a community-focused organization that truly values its clients and team members. I look forward to helping our business clients find the right financial tools to support their growth and success.”

Izzy lives in Monticello with her husband and enjoys running her photography business in her free time. She also supports the Oregon FFA, where she previously served as Vice President during her time in high school.

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.