East High School

I had the opportunity to shadow Assistant Principal Maggie Zywicki for the Foundation for Madison Public Schools Adopt a Principal Event.

Behavior Education Assistant Chris Davis was one of the first people I spoke to at Madison East. As a towering 6’7” Behavior Educational Assistant, Chris had quite the following. Behavior Education Assistants like Chris Davis are just one of the features that make Madison East Special.

As I walked through East, I saw several AVID signs and was informed that East is an AVID Demonstration School. I also learned that all ninth graders keep an assignment binder and learn the AVID Curriculum. 

I had worked up quite a thirst during my tour so,  I headed to the Coffee Cart. As a MMSD board member and a Disability advocate, I am always interested in how the special education programs are run. At East they attempt to mainstream most students but self contained classrooms do exist. 

One program I was particularly impressed with was the Coffee Cart. The coffee cart is run by students with special needs as part of their math curriculum. Students learn to sell goods, track inventory, and sell food to students and staff.

The student I spoke to was very pleasant but stated to Assistant Principal Maggie Zywicki that she didn’t want to work in food service full time when she is done with school. Principal Zywick  stated that was fine and that the student and her case manager should come in to discuss future work opportunities . Few Principals are aware of transition planning for the disabled and I was impressed by this.  

One of my favorite things about East High School is its history of activism regarding social justice.  From antigun rally’s to walkouts East High School Students are excellent ambassadors for social change. One such activist is student Lydia Hester who helped lead the antigun walkout at East. I’m always impressed when students are aware of the role they play in creating social change and Lydia is no exception.

My day as assistant principal ended with a team meeting and a luncheon. I truly enjoyed my time at East, and I look forward to returning.