In this episode, Director of Enrollment Fatima Bendada and Executive Director of Early Learning Culleen Whitthuhn take a closer look at the enrollment process at MMSD and the importance of a 4K education.

They break down how to enroll your student, highlight some essential forms families need to fill out and explore what makes MMSD's 4K program unique compared to other four-year-old programs.

Whether you're a parent preparing your child for their first year of school or their last year before graduation, this conversation offers a clear and practical guide to what you can expect during enrollment.

• The two-step enrollment process for new vs. returning families and how to handle address changes
• Families can access student schedules and transportation details on August 12st
• What parents need to know about required application disclosures, including the new MMSD Board Policy restricting personal device use during instructional time.
• What sets MMSD’s 4K apart — including DPI-licensed teachers, aligned early learning standards and a direct bridge to kindergarten.
• MMSD’s growth into full-day and 5-day 4K options

Completing school enrollment and engaging with 4K early is a foundational gateway that sets every student up for long-term academic success.

In this episode, MMSD Senior Executive Director of Curriculum and Instruction Becky Kundert and Teacher Leader of Literacy Implementation Karine Sloan discuss all things literacy in the Madison Metropolitan School District. They break down topics ranging from the science of reading, to the informed and collaborative process behind policy and curriculum development, to MMSD literacy resources, covering the history of MMSD's ever-relevant journey to positively serve student literacy needs.

This conversation emphasizes the value of understanding the fundamental "whys" behind student needs in school policy, as well as the necessity for continual transparency and collective effort by both educators and families in addressing student needs in an ever-changing landscape.

Whether you're a parent, educator, community member, or you simply value the development of literacy within schools, this episode provides a valuable look at the part we can all play in ensuring student literacy education thrives.

• The history of MMSD's literacy development
• Understanding the literacy curriculum building process
• Explaining the science of reading
• The influence of literacy legislation
• How educators and families can encourage literacy
• The importance of K-8 disciplinary literacy

Literacy development isn't static. It's an ever-evolving process that we must refine and continually work to understand as a district and community in order to best ensure our students are thriving and literate.

In this episode, MMSD Legislative Liaison, Victoria Stewart and Assistant Superintendent of Financial Services, Bob Soldner explore the importance of collaboration, communication, and community engagement in shaping positive outcomes for students. From building trust with families to creating meaningful partnerships throughout the community, they discuss how listening, learning and working together can help schools better serve every student.

The conversation highlights the value of transparency, shared responsibility and the collective effort required to create learning environments where students can thrive.

Whether you're a parent, educator, community member, or district stakeholder, this episode offers insight into the role each of us plays in supporting student success.

• The importance of family and community engagement
• Building trust through communication and transparency
• Creating partnerships that support students
• Listening to community voices and feedback
• Strengthening connections between schools and families
• Working together to improve student outcomes

Student success is a shared responsibility. When schools, families, and communities work together with a common purpose, students benefit from stronger support systems and greater opportunities to succeed.

School budgets can seem complicated, but their impact is felt in every classroom, program, and student experience.

In this episode, Superintendent Dr. Joe Gothard and Assistant Superintendent of Financial Services, Bob Soldner take a closer look at the budget process, discussing the challenges, opportunities and decisions that shape how resources are allocated. They break down key financial concepts, explain what drives budget priorities, and share insights into how strategic investments support students, staff and the broader community.

Whether you're a parent, educator, community member, or simply interested in how public dollars are used, this conversation offers a practical look at the decisions behind the numbers.

• Understanding the budget development process
• Key factors impacting school district finances
• Balancing needs, priorities, and available resources
• Long-term planning and fiscal responsibility
• How budget decisions affect students and families
• Looking ahead: future challenges and opportunities

A budget is more than a financial document — it's a reflection of an organization's priorities, values, and commitment to the people it serves.