Van Hise Elementary School

Nature is in bloom just like our awesome Hedgies! Van Hise scholars have been searching for the longest dandelion stems as we approach the end of the school year. Students collect them and then we estimate and measure. Together, they found the longest so far...29 inches! It is pinned to the board behind them. The shorter stem is 23 inches.

Reminder: There will be no school on Monday, May 25 in observance of Memorial Day.
Check out the full school calendar here: https://www.madison.k12.wi.us/about/calendar-of-events/2025-2026-school-year-calendar

🎨 The word is out! 🎨
Last week VHE got a visit from a very special guest -
Local artist and muralist extraordinaire,
Emily Balsley!!!

We can finally announce the BIG NEWS:
This month, Emily will be painting a mural in the Van Hise hallway. Students have been working hard to submit ideas to Emily that are inspired by the phrase, “at Van Hise, we all belong”. Next step, Emily will whip up an awesome design and paint it here on site. Thanks to everyone that has helped make this collaboration a reality. We are VERY excited!
Stay tuned!

⏰ Missed a session this week? There’s still time to join us!

The Madison Metropolitan School District still has several upcoming Building for the Future input sessions over the next few weeks—and we’d love to hear from you.�

Whether you attend in person or virtually, this is your chance to:
�✔️ Learn about the district’s future planning
�✔️ Review draft scenarios
�✔️ Share your perspective

📍 Sessions continue at locations like Kennedy Elementary School, Warner Park Community Recreation Center, and more.

🍽️ Bonus: In-person events include dinner—come early to connect with others!

👉 Find a session that works for you and join us! https://ow.ly/MWe250YSWFU

Author Visit Shoutout: Baptiste Paul!

The energy at Van Hise was absolutely buzzing last month! We were thrilled to host author Baptiste Paul for our Mad for Reading event—it was a true highlight for our entire school community and a memory our students won’t soon forget. Find books by Baptiste Paul at your Van Hise Library, local public libraries, or anywhere books are sold, especially with our community partner, Mystery to Me.

Happy Teacher Appreciation Week!
Our educators at the Madison Metropolitan School District help make our district a strong, connected community — one where students are encouraged to dream big and supported every step of the way.

Thank You to our Teachers for inspiring students to explore their passions, discover their potential and thrive in a place where they feel truly supported and valued.

We appreciate you today and every day!

�🗓️ Upcoming Community Input Sessions – Join Us!

The Madison Metropolitan School District is hosting a series of Building for the Future input sessions across the community.

📍 In-Person Sessions Include:�
• May 4 – Robert M. La Follette High School�
• May 5 – East High School�
• May 6 – West High School�
• May 7 – Vel Phillips Memorial High School�…and more through May 21!

💻 Virtual sessions are also available during midday hours.

At each session, you can:�
• Learn about MMSD’s long-range planning�
• Review draft boundary scenarios�
• Ask questions and share your input

✨ Interpretation and childcare available at select sessions (see website for details)

👉 Check out the full schedule and RSVP on our website: https://ow.ly/78iK50YSWts

Happy School Principal Appreciation Day!

Today, we celebrate the incredible leaders who guide our schools with heart, vision and unwavering dedication. Across the Madison Metropolitan School District, 52 principals and numerous assistant principals work every day to create safe, inclusive and inspiring spaces where students and staff can thrive.

They truly embody our values of People, Purpose and Pride, leading with care, clarity and a deep commitment to every school community.

Thank you for your leadership and the countless ways you support our students, staff and families.

📣 Building for the Future: Join the Conversation!

The Madison Metropolitan School District invites families, students, staff and community members to upcoming input sessions to help shape the future of our schools.
Your voice matters. As we plan for future enrollment and school boundaries, we want to hear from you.

✔️ Learn about the work underway
�✔️ Explore enrollment trends and future planning
�✔️ Review draft scenarios
�✔️ Share your feedback
🗓️ Multiple in-person and virtual sessions available
�🍽️ Dinner provided at in-person events (arrive early!)

👉 Visit our website to view the full schedule and RSVP: https://ow.ly/A1oP50YSQcq

🚨 Weather Update – Friday, April 17, 2026 - All afterschool activities cancelled

To ensure the safety of our students and staff due to anticipated storms, all afterschool activities are cancelled today. This includes MSCR programming, building permits, athletic events and practices.

We’re sharing this decision as early as possible to give families time to plan, based on the best information available right now.

For more details on how weather-related decisions are made, visit: mmsd.org/weather