2025 Schools Make Madison Summit: A Community United for Student Success

On April 30, 2025, the Madison Public Schools Foundation proudly hosted the 3rd Annual Schools Make Madison Summit at Thermo Fisher Scientific in Fitchburg. This year’s event brought together educators, civic leaders, business partners, and community advocates to focus on two deeply interconnected priorities: student attendance and literacy.

More than 150 stakeholders gathered to explore how a student’s sense of belonging and academic success are shaped by consistent school attendance and strong reading skills—and how our collective efforts can drive meaningful change in both areas.

Student Talent Set the Stage

Setting the tone for the day were inspiring student performances:

The LFC Rock Band from Vel Phillips Memorial High School performed outside as guests arrived, featuring Rafaelkarlos Manjarrez, Kyler Hansen, Shalom Harriman, Will Erlenborn, and Nabil Massoud.
Daniel Quainoo, a cellist from Vel Phillips Memorial, gave a moving solo performance indoors before the program began.

A Powerful Start

The morning opened with remarks from Mary Romolino, Chair of the Foundation’s Board of Directors, who underscored the increasing expectations placed on public schools—and the vital role partnerships play in meeting those demands.

“Our public schools are asked to do more than ever before—and they’re proud to meet that challenge. But they can’t do it alone,” said Romolino. “That’s why this Summit exists—to bring together our community in shared purpose.”

We were especially honored to welcome a surprise guest: Governor Tony Evers who shared his commitment to ensuring our kids, educators, and schools have the resources they need, including a $3.1 billion state investment in public education.

Attendance Panel: Building Connection, Reducing Barriers

The first discussion panel, moderated by Tom Qualls, the Foundation’s Community Engagement Director, explored strategies for improving student attendance by fostering strong school connections and removing systemic barriers.

Panelists included:

Laura Glaub, MMSD Lead Attendance Social Worker
Alex Thompson, Principal, Sherman Middle School
César Sanchez, MMSD Coordinator for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Sarita Foster, MMSD Community Schools Manager

Through personal stories and practical examples, panelists highlighted the importance of flexible, relationship-based supports—many made possible by Foundation resources like school endowments and Adopt-a-School partnerships. A key takeaway: When students feel seen, safe, and supported, they’re more likely to show up—and stay engaged.

Alex Thompson, Principal of Sherman Middle School, underscored the broader impact:

“The strength of our community is truly in how we take care of the kids that are in it. The work we put in today is an investment in their future—so that the grand vision we have for our community can truly be realized.”

Literacy Panel: A Model in Action at Thoreau Elementary

The second panel, moderated by Mary Bartzen, the Foundation’s Community Partnerships Director, spotlighted Thoreau Elementary School and its Adopt-a-School Partners as a model of effective, layered support for student literacy.

Panelists:

Emily Jensen, Thoreau Principal
Kelly McCann, Literacy Interventionist
Becca Parker, School Social Worker
Kathy Kamp, Westminster Presbyterian Church (Adopt-a-School partner)
Kristi Heim, American Printing Company (Adopt-a-School partner)

Together, they painted a compelling picture of what a comprehensive, community-supported approach to literacy looks like in action.

Kelly McCann described the Summer Reading Program she has led for 11 years, made possible through Westminster Presbyterian Church’s Adopt-a-School partnership and the Foundation’s Forever Literacy Thoreau Endowment Fund. The program doesn’t just provide books—it builds bridges between home and school, fosters a love of reading, and strengthens community ties by meeting families where they are.

Adding another dimension of support, Kristi Heim of American Printing Company shared how APC has brought creativity and consistency to its Adopt-a-School involvement. From assembling reading kits to sponsoring literacy events and providing volunteers, APC’s support reinforces the importance of literacy both at school and at home. Their ongoing engagement exemplifies how local businesses can be powerful allies in helping students become confident, capable readers.

The session closed with Bartzen celebrating the many Adopt-a-School partnerships and donor-supported funds fueling literacy across MMSD—from volunteer reading visits to book giveaways and culturally relevant libraries.

A Spelling Bee with Heart (and Humor)

One of the most memorable moments of the day came from Benjamin Tekin, a 7th grader from O’Keeffe Middle School and winner of the Madison All-City Spelling Bee.

In a charming on-stage interview, Benjamin talked about his passion for reading (even getting in trouble for reading too much at home!) and emphasized the need for free school meals, linking hunger to student focus and literacy outcomes. He then led a lighthearted lightning-round spelling bee with volunteer audience members that had the room laughing and cheering.

Celebrating 20 Years of Partnership & Focus on the Future

A special highlight of the program was the recognition of Group Health Cooperative of South Central Wisconsin (GHC-SCW), the Foundation’s very first Adopt-a-School partner. This year marks 20 years of continuous, exemplary support, making GHC-SCW a shining example of how sustained partnership can shape stronger schools and healthier communities. Their long-standing commitment to Madison’s students continues to inspire others to step up and stay engaged.

Superintendent Dr. Joe Gothard also addressed the audience, sharing the district’s renewed focus on student achievement, equity, and deepening community connection. He reminded attendees that “it doesn’t have to be days just like this—we can come together always,” reinforcing the power of consistent involvement. “This is what great communities do,” he said, calling on everyone in the room to be a part of something bigger, together.

What We Didn’t Get to Share: A Powerful Look at the Teacher Support Network

One presentation we didn’t have time to share—due to the Governor’s appearance—is this special video celebrating five years of impact through our Teacher Support Network. The program was created to ease the burden on educators by covering the costs that fall outside traditional school budgets. From classroom supplies to winter gear, it ensures MMSD teachers have what they need—so they don’t have to reach into their own pockets to support their students.

Watch the video featuring MPSF Community Engagement Director Tom Qualls and Gary Molz of EZ Office Products:

Madisonians, We Make Our Schools

Foundation President Melinda Heinritz closed the program with a powerful reminder that supporting public education isn’t just a job for teachers or administrators—it’s a shared responsibility.

“As I thought about our two topics today—literacy and attendance—I was reminded of a line I read years ago: ‘All of us, living side by side, were separated by barriers without entrances or exits.’”

She invited the audience to imagine being in a room with no windows or doors, no way to help one another—and asked, “Do some of our students feel this way?”

Drawing from her own love of books and the encouragement she received as a young reader, Melinda emphasized that literacy and attendance are fundamental to removing barriers and forging paths to opportunity. And that every Madisonian has a role to play in helping all students reach their potential, commenting:

“Most of you know our tagline—Schools Make Madison. But what we hope you’ll carry with you today is this: Madisonians, we make our schools.”

Now’s the time to take that next step.

Whether it’s:

Filling out an advocacy postcard to help our schools secure the funding they need,
Volunteering at a Mad for Reading event,
Or making a gift to sustain the Foundation’s work, including those focused on literacy and attendance initiatives—

Every action matters. Together, we can unlock doors, build bridges, and create amazing futures for every student in our community.

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