MMSD Takes Steps to Save Trees at Referendum Project Sites

MADISON, Wis.—The Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD) has relocated a number of trees at its Phase 1 facilities referendum sites, preserving valued natural assets at Sherman Middle/Malcolm Shabazz City High and Samuel Gompers Elementary/Black Hawk Middle schools.

The work, which took place last week, was made possible through the volunteer efforts of Adam Alves, a Dane County forestry specialist and Madison College instructor. Alves donated both his time, on behalf of the Dane County Tree Canopy Collaborative, and equipment, including the use of a 44-inch tree spade, to carefully uproot and replant trees that would otherwise have been removed during construction. 

“Trees are part of a school’s identity and a community’s memory,” Alves said. “I’m grateful I could help MMSD preserve these ones, so they can continue to grow alongside the students and families who care about them.”

At Gompers/Black Hawk, three orchard trees were relocated to a hillside near the school’s new community garden. At Sherman/Shabazz, Alves worked to move many of the trees that form the early stages of the schools’ student-planted forest. These trees were relocated to the west side of the property to protect them from upcoming construction. The orchard at the site will remain in place and be protected throughout the project, and several mature oaks are also planned for preservation.

“MMSD is committed to protecting our natural spaces, and we heard clearly from families and neighbors how much these trees mean to them,” Bryanna Krekeler, MMSD sustainability manager, said. “Thanks to Adam’s expertise and generosity, we were able to save trees that hold history, meaning and educational value.”

The effort required significant planning and coordination, including scheduling around utilities and working with licensed archeologists because of an uncategorized burial site located at Sherman/Shabazz. Through this collaboration, a substantial number of trees were moved safely. Final totals will be confirmed after assessments are complete, though early estimates suggest between a dozen and two dozen trees were relocated across both sites.

The tree relocation project is part of MMSD’s Phase 1 facilities referendum work, which includes upgrades to learning environments, improved outdoor spaces and long-term planning centered on sustainability, safety and community needs.

This project also highlights the powerful role volunteers play in supporting schools. Community members regularly contribute their time and expertise in classrooms, outdoor spaces and programs across the district. MMSD encourages anyone interested in making a difference for students and school communities to explore the many ways they can get involved by becoming a district volunteer.

For more information regarding the 2024 referenda, please visit the MMSD website. For questions, please reach out via 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.

Drastic Radon Gas Reduction in Madison is Possible

The EPA recommends installing a radon mitigation system for any home testing above 4.0 pCi/L (picocuries per liter). But how high can radon gas levels reach?

The highest levels we’ve seen throughout our service history in south-central Wisconsin were in Madison. What were they? 144 pCi/L. The pre-mitigation test was performed by an independent radon testing company.

When radon gas levels are this high it’s hard to believe that a radon mitigation system can effectively reduce radon gas concentrations in a home under the EPA recommended action levels. However, if a radon mitigation system is designed properly, it is in fact possible. In the case of this homeowner, we were able to reduce their radon concentrations to 0.5 pCi/L, well below EPA thresholds. Amazing! And the best part is the homeowner has drastically reduced their ongoing risk for lung cancer.

Learn more about the radon reduction techniques we employ over at PureTech Home Services.

RMHC-Madison Celebrates Kindness Day, Inspires Community Support

Madison, WI – November 13, 2025 – Ronald McDonald House Charities of Madison (RMHC-Madison) welcomed their neighbors and community on Thursday, November 13, 2025, for a Kindness Day celebration at the Ronald McDonald House in Madison.

Guests enjoyed a morning of warmth, connection, and community spirit, including donuts donated by Duck Donuts, hot chocolate donated by Travelin’ Tom’s Coffee Truck, and the opportunity to learn more about the kindness the Ronald McDonald House volunteers and staff offer families every day.

“Kindness Day was a powerful reminder of how compassion can uplift those in thecommunity,” said Stephanie Hayden, CEO of RMHC-Madison. “Every act of kindness—whether shared with a stranger or a neighbor—has the power to lift spirits, sparkconnection, and remind us that no one faces hard times alone.”

As the year comes to a close, RMHC-Madison asks the community to keep spreading kindness – not just during the holidays, but all year long. Your support makes a lasting impact on families with sick or injured children. Whether you make a meal for families, drop off wish list items, collect pop tabs, or donate at rmhcmadison.org/donate2025, every act of kindness helps provide housing, meals, and a supportive community for those who need it most.

About Ronald McDonald House Charities of Madison (RMHC-Madison): Since 1993, Ronald McDonald House Charities of Madison has provided a continuum of care for those who live hours or even a plane ride from their child’s treatment. By offering housing, meals, and a supportive community, RMHC-Madison is Keeping Families Close during life’s most challenging moments.

MMSD Completes First Round of Safe and Secure Building Upgrades

MADISON, Wis.—The Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD) has completed, or is nearing completion on, the first round of its safe and secure entrance upgrades. These entrances help front office staff control and monitor who enters the building, helping to increase the district’s safety measures. 

Upgrades at Aldo Leopold, Charles Lindbergh, John Muir and Paul J. Olson elementary schools have been completed, with Midvale Elementary currently under construction and slated for completion by the end of November. Construction at Velma B. Hamilton Middle School is scheduled to be done over winter break.

“The safety of our students and staff is a top priority,” said Sedric Morris Sr., executive director of safety and security. “These upgrades help increase MMSD’s safety practices and contribute to overall building security.”

Each of the schools that were part of the community-supported 2020 facilities referendum received secure, dedicated welcome centers; those part of the 2024 facilities referendum will, as well.

“We are excited to move this work forward,” said Scott Chehak, senior executive director of building services. “We will now have better access and better control of visitor, student and staff entry, which increases everyone’s peace of mind.”

Work on safe and secure entrance upgrades is expected to continue into the 2026–27 school year. In addition to those mentioned above, 12 MMSD schools will get safe and secure upgrades, including Emerson, Dr. Virginia Henderson, Lapham, Lincoln, Lowell, Marquette, Mendota, Randall, Herbert Schenk, and Shorewood Hills elementary schools, and Georgia O’Keeffe and Annie Greencrow Whitehorse middle schools.

To learn more about MMSD’s safe and secure entrances, and the other measures that guide its approach to school security, please visit the District Safety Plan 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.

WisDOT Releases Draft Beltline Study Summary, Schedules Virtual Public Meeting

The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) is conducting a Planning and Environment Linkages (PEL) study to identify potential long‑term solutions to address safety, accessibility, operational, and infrastructure concerns on approximately 20 miles of US 12/14/18/151 (Beltline) extending from US 14 (city of Middleton) to County N (town of Cottage Grove) in Dane County. The Draft Beltline PEL Study Summary Report has recently been published on the study website. The PEL Summary Report provides an overview of the work completed and conclusions reached during the study, including:

• Study Goal and Objectives
• Strategy Package Development
• Preferred Strategy Package
• Potential future National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Study sections and timing

An online copy of the Draft Beltline PEL Study Summary Report can be viewed at the following link: https://bit.ly/BeltlinePELReports.

A paper copy is available for viewing at the WisDOT Southwest Region Office, 2101 Wright Street, Madison WI by appointment only. Please contact me to schedule an appointment.

In addition, WisDOT will hold a virtual public involvement meeting to present and gather feedback on the Beltline PEL Study Summary Report and the Preferred Strategy Package.

The meeting will take place:

Thursday, December 4, 2025(Virtual)

Starting at 5:30 p.m.

Follow the link to join the meeting: https://youtube.com/live/UNfde7akG5U

or join by telephone (audio only):

608-571-2209

Conference ID: 730 552 401#

The meeting will include a pre-recorded presentation with the opportunity to ask questions. Please note that the Beltline PEL Study is a long-term planning study and no construction projects are identified at this time.

The public plays an important role in the study process, and we encourage residents and anyone that travels the Beltline to participate in the meeting to learn about the study, the Preferred Strategy Package, and the Draft Beltline PEL Study Summary Report, and to provide insights and feedback. The input received from this meeting will help shape the future of the Beltline.

A meeting handout and exhibits are available on the public involvement page of the study website. Please visit the study website at www.bit.ly/BeltlinePEL. The presentation video will be uploaded following the meeting. If you have any questions, or if you are unable to attend the meeting and would like to find out more about the study, please feel free to contact Jeff Berens, Major Studies Project Manager, (608) 245-2656.