SDMA October Update

SDMA October Update
Posted on 10/03/2023

Dear SDMA Families and Staff,

With the calendar now flipped to October, the first month of the 2023-2024 school year is already "in the books". Thank you for a great start to the year, which was highlighted by a terrific homecoming week and many student success stories that are included in the September Highlight on Youth Report.

In addition to highlighting student success in the SDMA, here is some more information and several website resources for families and staff to consider:

  • Parent/Teacher Conferences- will be held at the elementary level on October 5 & 10; at the middle school level on October 10 & 19; and at the high school level on October 26 & November 2. Please look for invitations from your child's school and take advantage of this opportunity to check in with your child's teachers. Parents do not need to wait until parent/teacher conferences to contact teachers with any concerns.
  • District Calendar- please note that there will be no school in the SDMA on Friday, October 13 and Monday, October 16.
  • Staffing- the SDMA is currently looking for a full-time health room assistant at MMS, as well as substitute health assistants and substitute custodians. Please contact HR Director Samantha Hoyt ([email protected]) for more information.
  • SDMA Social Media- stay up-to-date by following the district's social media accounts. In addition to the district's Twitter feed (@SDMAOnline) being posted on the district website, families can also follow Menomonie Area Schools on Facebook.
  • Dunn County Historical Society- our community partners at the Dunn County Historical Society are offering some neat programs that might interest students in the SDMA. In addition to the MAKE IT! series that is offered on Thursday evenings, the museum is hosting a Rocket Rendezvous on Saturday, October 7. Please contact the Dunn County Historical Society for more information.
  • SDMA Self-Evaluation- in accordance with state regulations, the SDMA is currently completing a Self-Evaluation of the Status of Pupil Nondiscrimination and Equality of Educational Opportunities. If you are interested in providing feedback or want to learn more about this process, please contact Tonia Kowieski, SDMA Director of Student Services, at 715-233-3217 or [email protected].
  • SDMA Budget- the fall is a very busy time for finalizing the district budget. More information will be shared in a separate message, but as discussed at this year's annual meeting, the SDMA is approaching a funding crossroads that will require the district to obtain additional revenue or make significant budget cuts in the future. Please be on the lookout for a community survey that will be mailed out during the week of October 16.

Thank you again for a great first month of the 2023-2024 school year!

Joe Zydowsky