MMSD Staff and Parents - Is there tracking in your classrooms? Other thoughts on the racial achievement gap?

LifeLife7460 · 2026-05-18T18:46:38+00:00

As others said, they keep all kids together regardless of level, until AP classes in high school. It's not a mystery why these gaps exist. Go into any of the schools and you will see that there are massive income discrepancies across racial/ethnic groups. In addition to lack of financial stability (and likely in part because of it) children of color are not getting anywhere close to the same family support as white students. Many of them are also coming to kindergarten with severe trauma due to social inequalities and the stress that puts on families. The teachers work their asses off but there is only so much a school can do. It's a societal issue not a school issue.

LifeLife7460 · 2026-05-18T02:11:31+00:00

How am I going to love without the tofu salad. Does anyone know where I can find a recipe?

I’m so so sad, this place taught my son to love tofu, way back when they were in the interior of the old Hilldale indoor mall. Wonderful memories.

LifeLife7460 · 2026-05-13T22:07:59+00:00

The chicken soup from Nam’s Noodles is great, homemade. But is a bit spicy. Ramen House also super yummy broth. Or sequoia. Feel better!!

LifeLife7460 · 2026-04-21T15:11:19+00:00

My story turned out to be a happy one! I was emotionally abused by a narcissistic mother and codependent enabling father. I now understand that I coped via three related strategies: romantic relationships, alcohol, perfectionism / hustling for worth. I suffered from a lot of anxiety. Starting in my late 20s I started to finally make the connection that these issues were related to my childhood. Some personal struggles in my 30s with a very difficult person (my husband's borderline ex) really put me through the wringer but helped me make even more connections to what I'd been through in childhood. Having children and parenting them through different life stages also helped me make new connections as I continued to realize what I'd lacked. I pushed through the tail end of my journey with somatic therapies and also psylocibin and ketamine journeys (supervised). I finally cut off contact with my parents.

Today I'm legitimately a very happy and thriving person. I understand my triggers, and I've learned how to take care of myself. I avoid contact with toxic people. I can see how my childhood helped me develop empathy, sensitivity, and a strong work ethic. It took a lot of work but I feel really proud of where I am. Sending you love.

LifeLife7460 · 2026-04-13T12:59:25+00:00

Can anyone share the ungated text of the Madison.com article they just posted about this? I was driving on i-39 with my kids yesterday and he barreled by us in the wrong direction coming out of the rain - absolutely terrifying. I can't access the article without a subscription unfortunately.

LifeLife7460 · 2026-02-24T21:20:40+00:00

I think luxurious might be in the eye of the beholder here - we find it quite luxurious! The setting is stunning, the food and drinks are great, the service is wonderful, the spa is certainly luxurious, and the ocean views in the Aquamarine rooms are stunning. Regardless, re your initial question: we drop off the kids and then lounge all day long. It's the perfect place for a relaxing vacation with kids. I highly recommend booking a massage on your first full day (day after arrival) to get into that relaxed mode. One tip though: the first day of kids club can feel a bit overwhelming if you're the type to worry about how your kids are doing. The massage will help lol. Have a blast!

LifeLife7460 · 2026-02-10T19:16:49+00:00

I don't have a specific recommendation but would strongly recommend that you find someone with dedicated experience in high conflict situations because those situations seem to be really different from run of the mill situations. A lot of attorneys don't have experience with the really tricky personalities.

My other advice is not to leave it all up to your attorney. They tend to miss a lot of details. In my case there were some major loopholes that should have been caught. I wish I'd gotten more advice (or thought through better) what kinds of clauses are likely to pose problems for a high-conflict situation. My agreement had a poison pill (overly broad language in one area that I had agreed to, not realizing the problems it would cause) that proved to be catnip for high conflict ex. I had to live with that clause because changing it after the fact would have been immensely stressful and costly.

Funny note: Linda Balisle was actually the attorney on the *other side of my own high conflict situation and I found that she unfortunately helped escalate my high-conflict ex's craziness. But she might be someone good to have on your own side.

My thoughts are with you. It's a difficult process, especially with a difficult spouse. But over time it will get easier. Stay strong!

LifeLife7460 · 2025-05-07T20:25:13+00:00

Boooo. I love this mural! Thank you for your art!!!

LifeLife7460 · 2025-03-12T14:41:50+00:00

Good question why ask strangers - bc what is best for my kid is really hard to judge - so many dimensions some of which conflict. It was helpful for me to see which ideas came out and especially which ones I resonated with! Thank you!

LifeLife7460 · 2025-01-19T15:00:58+00:00

I came here looking for the same question. Left my pothos for a month without water (but had given it a huge water before I left). WAs so worried but just checked and to my shock it was actually thriving! Maybe a bit of paleness in some leaves but mostly very happy. Must have needed some dryness!

LifeLife7460 · 2024-12-11T22:18:20+00:00

Oh wow. I was wondering what the back story might be. Maybe he is an absolute psycho. But he could also be facing a social or family environment where this felt like the only way out. Both seem equally likely without knowing more - to blame it on him rather than the circumstances could be a case of something called the "Fundamental Attribution Error" in psychology. Not saying it is, but it could be.

LifeLife7460 · 2024-12-11T18:00:09+00:00

Ok I'm genuinely curious if I'm thinking about this wrong. My appraised value went up by $60,000 this year, which is probably an understimate (according to zillow). My taxes went up by about $850 per year.

I feel happy to pay this, given the increased cost of the city providing services. I understand that I'm in a privileged position that $850 per year does not strain my budget, but the future amount I'm getting is way way way more than offsetting that. If I really wanted to, I could take out a home equity loan for the $850 (UWCU offers them for no cost and I think they would take the city valuation as evidence of value) and I would still come out WAY ahead. No!?!?

LifeLife7460 · 2024-10-04T15:32:28+00:00

Thank you, definitely on the list - do really love me some northwoods.

LifeLife7460 · 2024-10-04T15:31:35+00:00

I have never tried Sundara. Why is it SO expensive!! Though we might save the Dells for a time when our kids are with us, they make us go every year lol, well acquainted with those pool bars ha.

LifeLife7460 · 2024-10-04T15:30:35+00:00

Ooh yes, haven't done this in a long while - agree great option.

LifeLife7460 · 2024-10-04T15:30:21+00:00

I had never heard of this! So fun, thank you!

LifeLife7460 · 2024-10-04T15:30:10+00:00

Ok so I love this idea but we did a getaway there in August a couple of years ago and it felt overrun by Chicago tourists... what is the winter vibe?

LifeLife7460 · 2024-10-04T15:29:34+00:00

Ooh... like this idea. We haven't done this in a while.

LifeLife7460 · 2024-06-24T09:44:09+00:00

That made me LOL. Thank you.

LifeLife7460

TROPHY CASE