By Nathan O’Shaughnessy
Shabazz City High School
Hello Northside Neighbors!
The students have returned. We had teachers here for Welcome Back during the last week of August. We were able to accomplish a whole lot of learning, teaming, collaborating and planning our Project-Based programming and field experiences. Thank you so much to Willy St. Co-op, Mishqui Peruvian Bistro, and Marigold Kitchen for helping to keep us all digestively sustained.
Tuesday, Sept. 1, was an orientation day for students new to Shabazz. The day was planned and implemented by a group of amazing “veteran” Shabazz scholars. It was a productive day of building relationships and getting acquainted with the building, the staff and our program. We welcomed all students back on Wednesday, Sept. 2.
Building progress
The new building is really coming along. It is amazing to see the progress week by week. Vogel Bros. staff gave us a walking tour of the inside and outside of the new building. The gym is impressive, and we are starting to see classrooms. After the stretch of hot weather, all agreed that we are looking forward to a little AC.
Calling all Shabazz alumni and former staff
We are in the process of building a database and contact list for Shabazz alumni and former staff. We aim to increase our connections, keep in contact with, and share latest stories and events with our former “Shabazzoids.” If you are a Shabazz alum or a former staff member, we encourage you to contact us at 608-204-2446 or email me at noshaughness@madison.k12.wi.us.
We will send you an information form to complete so we can add you to our contact lists. If you know of alumni or former staff, please pass this along. As we get closer to honoring the old building and celebrating the new, we will be planning a variety of events to engage our Shabazz community. Stay tuned!
Friends of Shabazz
We have a wonderful group of parents and community members who have started a nonprofit organization to support our programming here at Shabazz. These “Friends of Shabazz” seek to support our school through fundraising, community engagement, and volunteer support. Their mission is “to promote inclusive, project-based learning that empowers students and strengthens our community.”
They will be having their official launch party on Sunday, Nov. 8, from 11 am–3 pm at the High Noon Saloon, 701 E. Washington Ave. Their website is forthcoming, but you can find them on Facebook as “Friends of Shabazz City High School.”
