Dear SDMA Families and Staff,

During the 2022-2023 school year, the school district will be highlighting some of the great work of students throughout the SDMA. These reports will be shared with families, staff, and the school board on a monthly basis. Now that the first month of the 2022-2023 school year is complete, it is my pleasure to share the school district's September Highlight on Youth Report. 

Also, now that it has not been necessary to send regular updates related to the pandemic, families and staff can expect a monthly update from me with information related to the school district.  For this month's update, please revisit this School Crossings column about the importance of attendance.  According to building principals, it appears that the number of days students have been missing school for non-illness reasons seems to be up from pre-pandemic levels.  With students scheduled for only 175 days of school during the school year, missing as little as two days each month can have a negative impact on a child's academic growth and development at school. Please talk with your child's principal if you have any questions about attendance policies or procedures.

Thank you all for a great first month of the 2022-2023 school year. Please check out Twitter (@SDMAOnline), Facebook (Menomonie Area Schools), or the school district website (www.sdmaonline.com) to stay up-to-date with everything happening in the School District of the Menomonie Area.

Yours truly,

Joe Zydowsky