IMMS Family Flier

Dear IMMS Families,

It’s been an exciting and engaging stretch of learning here at Indian Mound Middle School!

Our first 6th Grade Money Unit Market, held on April 23, was a huge success. Students had the opportunity to apply their learning in a real-world setting, and it was great to see their creativity, collaboration, and financial decision-making on display.

We also welcomed some of our incoming 6th grade families for next year. These future students and their families had the chance to visit IMMS and receive tours led by our outstanding WEB leaders. It was wonderful to showcase our school community and the leadership of our students.

Real World Day took place on Friday, and our students had a blast exploring a variety of career opportunities. Experiences like this help connect classroom learning to future possibilities and inspire students to think about their paths ahead.

As we look forward, Staff Appreciation Week is May 4–8. This is a great time to recognize the incredible work of our teachers and staff. We encourage families to take a moment to give a shout-out or share a note of thanks. HERE is where you can give a shout out.

Thank you for your continued support of our school community.

Thank you for your continued partnership—we’re looking forward to a strong finish to the school year!

With appreciation,
IMMS Administration

Jamie Thomas
Principal, Indian Mound Middle School

Brett Jondle, Associate Principal

• PTO Chalk the Walk - May 3rd 3-5 pm. Flyer below.
• Give a Spartan Shout Out to IMMS Staff for Staff Appreciation Week
• Save the Date: 8th grade Recognition and Dance June 8, 2026

• April 28: Regional Math Meet 8:15 - 1:15

  April 30: Regional Math Meet 8:15 - 1:00
• May 5: 7th/8th Band Concert 7:00 @ PAC
• May 7: Monthly Celebration Assembly
• May 8: No School/Staff Development Day
• May 11-14: Fastbridge Testing
• May 12: Choir Concert
• May 13: Student Council Field Trip
• May 18: 8th - 12th Orchestra Concert 7:30 @ PAC
• May 21: 5th-7th Grade Orchestra Concert 7 @ PAC

• May 21: 7th Grade Community Day

• May 21: Club Unified Field Trip 3:45-5:00

• May 25: No School - Memorial Day

• May 26: 6th Grade Phy Ed Track Meet - volunteer sign up coming soon

• May 27: 7th Grade Phy Ed Track Meet - volunteer sign up coming soon

• May 28: 8th Grade Phy Ed Track Meet - volunteer sign up coming soon

• May 28: 6th Grade Band Concert 7:00 @ PAC

• June 8: Monthly Celebration Assembly

• June 8: 8th Grade Recognition/Dance

• June 9: Last day of School. 6th Grade Market Finale. 7th Grade Carnival.
• June 9: 8th Grade Field Trip & 1:00 pm dismissal

• 25-26 IMMS Sports: LINK

Forward Exam Dates

• 4/15 and 4/16 Math (all students)

We know some families ask teachers to write in the Dr. Suess book "Oh The Places You'll Go" at the end of the school year to save for graduation. Our teachers love to take part in this tradition but are asking that if you are requesting them to write a note in the book for your child, could you please get the book to the teachers ASAP. Sometimes, the requests come in the last few days of school and it is often difficult for our staff to give them the attention they deserve. Thanks so much!

• 8th Grade Recognition Wednesday, June 8th 2026 : MORE DETAILS TO COME

• Students arrive at High School B gym at 5:30 pm

• Recognition Ceremony: 6:00-7:00 pm (High School gym A)

• Dance: 7:00-8:30 pm (students must be picked up promptly at 8:30 pm)

• Last Day of School Tuesday, June 9th 2026

• Field Trip during the day (more to come)

There has been a long standing tradition that our eighth-grade students have the opportunity to leave earlier than the sixth and seventh graders on the last day of school. This year, the 8th grade students will be dismissed at 1:00 pm on Tuesday, June 9 2026, upon the return of their field trip, unless the student’s parent/guardian wants them to stay at school until regular dismissal at 3:30 pm. Our bus times will remain at the typical time for all students. If eighth graders do leave upon return from the field trip at 1:00 pm, they will be expected to be picked up from school or leave school grounds at that time.

The 7th grade team is excited to kick off our Spring Community Day with a food drive supporting the McFarland Food Pantry, running April 20–May 15! Sponsored by IMMS Student Council, this drive will collect items for three themed meal kits. While all donations are appreciated, we’re focusing on items for the meal kits—suggested items are available on our Amazon Wish List or at local grocery stores.

It’s also a friendly competition between ARRE groups: 6th grade will collect items for movie night kits, 7th grade for pasta kits, and taco kits for 8th grade.

Stay tuned for more ways our 7th grade scholars will be giving back to the community in upcoming newsletters!

😀PTO is looking for support: “Did you know every May the PTO elects new leadership to serve for the upcoming school-year? Did you know no experience is required? The PTO is looking for support with leading meetings, coordinating events, managing financials, and communicating with the community. If any of these roles interest you, or you just want to participate in supporting education, children, and the community, please reach out to mcfarlandptoprez@gmail.com or come to our final meeting on May 13 at 6:30PM at the Municipal Center. We’d love to talk with you!”

😀Bringing back child based play: As was shared previously, a group of community members is exploring the creation of a McFarland community group of parents and community members inspired by The Anxious Generation and related research. This work centers on supporting healthier childhoods by restoring play and independence in the real world, while delaying and adding thoughtful protections around smartphones and social media.

If you are interested in staying connected, participating in conversations or meet-ups, or simply learning more, please share your name and contact information below. Sign up here to stay connected: LINK

Daily Schedule

Daily Announcements

Day A/Day B Schedule

Student Services Support Contacts

McFarland School District Website

McFarland School District App

McFarland Youth Center Website

IMMS Athletics Calendar

IMMS Co-Curricular Clubs and Activities

Below, you will find the "Hubs" (aka Task-List) for each grade level and Related Arts. You can click on the "Hub" to get information on what your scholar is doing in class, assignments, and assessments. As always, please use Infinite Campus to look up progress grades and turned in assignments.

Here are some helpful tips and videos that may be useful:

• How to log-in to Infinite Campus (38 second video) or HelpDoc

• How to check your scholar’s missing assignments (2 min. video) or HelpDoc

• What are Conduct and Effort Scores? (2.5 min. video)

• How to check your scholar’s Conduct and Effort Scores (3 min. video) or HelpDoc

• IMMS Standards Based Grading Presentation

• Be on Time! School starts at 8:20am. Students who arrive after 8:20am (without a medical note/appointment note, etc.) will be marked as tardy. After five tardies in one quarter, a check in meeting with the student, as well as contact home will occur to partner on ways to get the student to school on time.
• Off and Away! Cell phones and headphones must be off and away starting at 8:15am.
• Caffeinated Drinks: students may not consume caffeinated drinks while at school.
• Respect the Bubble: An area of focus this year is to teach and re-teach the importance of having students keep their hands, feet, and objects to themself. If you see this behavior, please continue to reinforce the "Respect the Bubble" expectation

Last week the Health Services conducted vision screenings on all 8th grade students for vision difficulties. Parents/Guardians of students who did not pass will be emailed a vision referral. Please review the information provided in the email and let the health office know if you have any questions. If you need assistance or resources obtaining vision exam/glasses please view our Vision Care Resources listed on the McFarland School District Health Service Website or reach out to Gabby Courseault, School Nurse CourseG@mcfsd.org for information.

Take a look at these awesome SUMMER Opportunities for our students!!

Join us at the next MSEC Meeting on May 13!

Thank you to the 487 parents/guardians who participated in our annual survey this spring. Your feedback plays a vital role in shaping our district’s future. These results help us set priorities, align resources with our strategic plan, and continuously improve. Our leadership teams review the data and share findings with the school board.

📈 Overall Highlights

Survey scores increased across nearly all areas and remain high compared to both the survey scale and similar districts. Results show strong progress in student behavior, bullying prevention, and communication, and reinforce that our current system improvements are making a difference.

🌟 Key Strengths

High Satisfaction Levels:
Over 80% of families agreed or strongly agreed with positive statements across all areas.

Index Score Growth:
4 of 5 key indices increased (informed, included, educational excellence, and experience), with all scoring above a 4 out of 5 and ranking in the 84th–87th percentile compared to similar districts.

Strong Recommendation Score:
Families rated their likelihood to recommend our schools at an average of 8.31, which is an increase of 2% and in the 83rd percentile compared to similar districts.

🏫 Category Highlights

Facilities
99% say schools are clean and well-kept

Climate & Safety
95% say their child feels safe at school
95% say their child is treated with dignity and respect
93% feel welcome in their child’s school
89% say schools have a healthy culture (increase of 1.0%)

Parent Involvement
91% know how to support their child’s learning (86th percentile)
89% say schools provide opportunities for involvement (increase of 1%, 89th percentile)
90% feel comfortable reaching out to staff
88% feel they have opportunities to provide feedback (+2%, 93rd percentile)

Discipline
94% say discipline is fair

Student Support
93% say their child gets help when needed (94th percentile)

Communication
90% feel well-informed about their child’s progress (96th percentile)
92% say communication is timely and transparent (92nd percentile)
89% rate communication as “Great” (45%) or “Good” (44%) (95th percentile)

Learning
93% are satisfied with what their child learned this year (increase of 1%, 91st percentile)
92% say materials reflect their family’s cultural/racial background (94th percentile)
91% say the school has high expectations for their child

District Direction
93% agree district leadership is doing what it takes to be successful (increase of 2%, 89th percentile)
90% agree the school board is doing what it takes to be successful (increase of 2%, 88th percentile)

Additional Feedback
~120 comments praised caring, high-quality staff
~95 comments highlighted a positive, safe, and inclusive school culture
~80 comments noted strong communication and accessibility

🔍 Areas for Growth & Next Steps

Bullying & Behavior
83% are satisfied with anti-bullying efforts (90th percentile)
~90 comments called for more consistent and effective responses to behavior and bullying

Student comparison:

89% of students reported being treated with respect (increase of 3%, 97th percentile)
82% feel comfortable reporting bullying (increase of 2%, 98th percentile)

➡️ We are continuing to implement and refine our district behavior response and bullying prevention plans, while increasing communication with families about these efforts and we can work together

Streamlined Communication
~74 comments requested clearer, more streamlined communication across platforms
➡️ We are focusing on making communication more concise, coordinated, and reducing redundancy.

📺 Want to Learn More?
Check out the April 21 School Board Meeting video or read the full report here.

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Summary from the 4/20/26 School Board Meeting:

In addition to their regular duties of approving minutes, staffing, and expenses, here are some highlights from the meeting:

• Aaron Tarnutzer presented the results of the recent parent/guardian satisfaction survey results.

• Megan Chatman provided a legislative update.

• Megan Chatman and Aaron Tarnutzer gave an update from the recent Business and Education Partnership meeting.

• Meredith Hughey and Meghan Fessler shared a report from the recent Greater Dane County School Governance Consortium Meeting.

• Aaron Tarnutzer shared information from the recent Wisconsin Virtual Academies retreat.

• The Board discussed the results of the annual Board development tool.

• Jeff Mahoney provided a budget and staffing update and reviewed the school nutrition budget.

• Yanni McRae took the Oath of Office for School Board Member

• Action items that were acted upon included:

• Consideration and Possible Action to Amend the Previously Approved Name of the Performing Arts Center to include “McFarland"

• Approval of second reading and adoption of policies

• Approval of Early College Credit and Start College Now applications.

• Madison Ballet Special Projects Ballet Storytime - Events through April 27

• McFarland Girls Scouts - Make New Friends Event - May 3

• Boys’ Spartan Spikers Spring Volleyball Clinic Series - May 4-20

• McFarland Senior Outreach Services Premiere Gala - May 6

• Madison Mallards K-8 McFarland Schools Appreciation Day - June 11

• Tri 4 Schools 2026 Event Series May-August

• MG Youth Lacrosse - Registration Open

• Oregon Youth Lacrosse - Registration Open

• Greater Madison Writing Project Youth Summer Sessions - Early Bird May 1

• Summer Learning Opportunities

• Madison Ballet - Summer Session

• Free Medical Clinic - Verona Area High School - August 1-2

• E.D. Locke Library 500 Books Before Middle School Program

• E.D. Locke Library K-2 Magic Tree House Book Club - 2nd Tuesdays

• E.D. Locke Library 3-5 Graphic Novel Book Club - Third Tuesdays

• E.D. Locke Library Teen Snack & Chat - Mondays

• E.D. Locke Library Teen UnBook Club - First Thursdays

• E.D. Locke Library VolunTeen Program - Fourth Tuesdays

• Free Triple P Positive Parenting Online Program for WI Families

The McFarland School District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, creed, pregnancy, marital status, parental status, sexual orientation, sex, (including gender status, change of sex or gender identity), or physical, mental, emotional, or learning disability (Protected Classes) in any of its student program and activities.