After voters approved both AASD referendum questions in the fall of 2022, design work started immediately for projects at our four middle schools, Einstein, Kaleidoscope Academy, James Madison, and Wilson, with construction kicking off in the fall of 2023.

These projects will enhance STEM spaces, modernize existing facilities, and prep the buildings to accommodate our 6th-grade students. The transition of 6th grade to our middle schools was also part of the referendum. The district is actively involving 5th and 6th-grade students and families in the transition process, and we know our students, staff, and families are excited about this change.

We’re arranging various activities and information sessions to facilitate this transition, such as Middle School Family Orientation Nights and a "Moving to the Middle" orientation in August. Middle school staff also visited elementary classrooms to discuss courses, co-curriculars, and scheduling options last spring. Establishing a supportive environment for 6th-8th graders that fosters academic success and a sense of belonging is paramount. With collaboration between schools and families, we anticipate a seamless transition and thriving students.

EINSTEIN

Einstein Middle School projects include a new cafeteria seating area and a two-story classroom addition. The existing Technical Education Center was remodeled into a STEM room to accommodate the new STEM curriculum. Staff and students began using these new facilities in the fall of 2023.

We are excited to have approximately 33 new staff as well as 282 sixth graders this school year. In addition to improving our physical space, we are looking forward to watching students grow for three years in the following areas: enhanced curriculum with a wider range of subjects and specialized teachers; interacting with and observing older peers, which will help our 6th graders develop social skills and maturity; and having a variety of opportunities to participate in intramurals, clubs, and activities that give back to our Einstein Community. - Dave Mueller, Einstein Middle School Principal

KALEIDOSCOPE

Kaleidoscope Academy is undergoing two separate additions to the existing building, along with a remodeled STEM area. This includes a single-story classroom addition and a new auxiliary gymnasium. The main office will also be relocated to enhance building security.

We are extremely excited to welcome our students back into newly renovated spaces and classrooms that will only enhance our charter school´s vision and mission of project-based learning with an emphasis on the arts. Students will enjoy dancing in our new dance studio, designing apps and robotics in our renovated STEM space, creating 2D, 3D, and digital art in our new art rooms, and improving their physical health in our new fitness center. The addition and renovations allow us to expand our elective choices and options for students, and the new classrooms allow for larger spaces for collaboration and project-based learning.  - Alex Molitor, Kaleidoscope Academy Principal

JAMES MADISON

On the north side of James Madison Middle School, a single-story addition adjacent to Calumet Street will include new accessible fitness and orchestra areas and two classrooms. On the southeast side, a two-story classroom addition is being built. The existing STEM rooms are also undergoing remodeling.

The new 6-8 configuration, will provide our older students with valuable leadership opportunities and allow us to invest more time in nurturing the growth of our younger students. This additional year will enable us to build stronger relationships and also enhance our effectiveness as educators as we will have three years of students/data/ trends in our building to learn from. - Poyee Xiong, Principal, James Madison Middle School

WILSON

Wilson Middle School’s projects include a large two-story addition with new classrooms and an auxiliary gymnasium. The existing STEM areas will be redeveloped and the main office will be relocated to improve building security and accessibility for the public.

As new life has been given to our nearly century-old school, our students will be able to build their future on the foundation of Wilson Middle School’s historic past. Academically, students will be provided with a more developmentally appropriate environment to foster deeper learning. Socially, students will have the opportunity to build stronger relationships, develop independence, and explore their sense of belonging within a larger peer group. Ultimately, staff will have more time to establish relationships with students providing crucial support during this developmental stage. - Kristin Ruhsam, Principal, Wilson Middle School