Glacier Middle School expands extracurricular clubs to boost student engagement

The Middleton-Cross Plains Area School District held a school board meeting on March 17, 2025, where several key topics were discussed, focusing on student engagement, extracurricular activities, and feedback on recent schedule changes.

One of the main highlights was the positive correlation between student participation in extracurricular activities and academic performance. It was noted that 65% of students are currently involved in clubs, with efforts underway to increase this number. Over the past seven years, the district has added 25 new clubs, including a recently established crocheting club for fifth graders, which has seen high interest. The administration emphasized the importance of student-driven initiatives in creating new clubs, allowing students to propose ideas and take ownership of their interests.

Transportation for students participating in after-school activities was also addressed. The district has implemented a late bus service to ensure that all students, particularly those from marginalized backgrounds, have access to transportation. This initiative aims to remove barriers that may prevent students from engaging in extracurricular activities.

Feedback from staff regarding recent schedule changes has been largely positive, particularly concerning the additional minutes allocated to core classes. Adjustments to encore classes have also been made to accommodate these changes, with ongoing discussions about optimizing the schedule further.

The meeting concluded with a recognition of the district's efforts to foster a supportive environment for both students and staff, highlighting the importance of community involvement and the continuous improvement of educational programs. The administration expressed gratitude for the staff's dedication and the evident progress in student success.