Author Archives: Karen Vieth
Upham Woods puts Learning where your Heart is
Ask a former Sennett Student what their most memorable experience was in middle school and they will undoubtedly give you two words – Upham Woods. Their enthusiasm is genuine. Lifelong memories are created from the time they take that final … Continue reading
Experience, Collaboration, and Advocacy: Vote Dean Loumos on April 2nd
Dean Loumos is the best candidate for Madison School Board Seat 3. This is a unique time for our schools. Budget cuts over the past 20 years continue to take their toll and affect services to our students. Teachers have … Continue reading
Two Dimes, a Rural Route, and Postal Alchemy
I can’t ruminate on the United States Postal Service (USPS) without also conjuring up happy childhood memories. Having grown up in a small rural town in Wisconsin, the postman was more than a familiar face; he was friendly and generous. My … Continue reading
Awake, Engaged, Inspired
For the first ten years of my teaching career, I thought teaching and voting were enough. I was doing what I loved and I was fulfilling my civic duty. I will never forget the day that all of this changed. It … Continue reading
Vouchers Threaten our Schools, our Community
On February 11th, 2011, teachers across this state received startling news. The Wisconsin State Journal headline on this date read, “Walker to propose stripping collective bargaining rights from state workers.” Just a little more than two years later, daily headlines … Continue reading
Half the Sky: Turning Oppression into Opportunity for Women Worldwide
As we mark the 40 year anniversary of Roe versus Wade, I am reminded of how easy it is to become hyper-focused on our own slice of the globe. Yet, while turning the pages of Half the Sky, I am awakened … Continue reading
My New Year’s Wish, a school for every child and a community for every school
My first snow day of the season began with a phone call just before midnight. Having an adult-child in the house frequently means answering the phone in my sleep. This night, it meant putting on my snow boots, shoveling out … Continue reading
Emerging as a Candidate (and hoping for your support)
On Christmas day, I anxiously retrieved the envelope waiting for me in my mailbox. My hands trembled with excitement as I immediately sent out my electronic tentacles in search of encouragement. A fellow teacher coached me through the opening of … Continue reading
Relationships are Fundamental at Sennett Middle School
Friday afternoon, I was bustling around my classroom rushing to get everything ready to go so that I could meet up with my friends to celebrate my birthday over dinner and a play. Anxiously, I glanced up at the clock … Continue reading
I’m Not “Waiting for Superman.” Why is MMSD?
In 2010, an anti-public education documentary made its debut. Waiting for Superman features Geoffrey Canada, a controversial education “reformer” who promotes anti-union sentiment and charter schools as a solution to the struggles that face our public education system. The documentary largely … Continue reading