February 2021

MIDDLETON–Middleton High School juniors Elaina Jones and Molly Warholic said that they decided to open Next Chapter Academic Tutoring (NCAT) when they began to see an increasing need in the community.

“The school’s been doing a good job during COVID-19, but virtual learning poses a big challenge in our community,” said Jones, and said NCAT encourages teachers to become involved.

NCAT is a free service that relies on high school student as volunteers and offers tutoring for students in K-4. Warholic said, “We have 88 students interested tutors and 77 students interested kids.”

The service offers both one on one and small group sessions as well as a crafts area at their storefront location, 2532 Allen Blvd. The women said the spot has multiple rooms to help in social distancing and the majority of sessions are individual. Before they opened their doors in January, they began online tutoring in December. 

MIDDLETON–The Middleton Cross Plains Area School District (MCPASD) Board of Education reviewed the latest updates to the district’s in-person blended instruction as the next grade level of students is phased in. While elementary students began Feb. 1, middle school students had their first day back on the day of the board meeting Feb. 22. High school students are set to begin Mar. 11. 

Superintendent Dana Monogue said the blended instruction model at the elementary level has been going great since it started. While 20 students reported testing positive for COVID-19 there are no cases reported that are associated with MCPASD as of Feb. 23.

Virtual instruction is also going well for families that are choosing not to return to in-person instruction, Monogue said. She noted families will not be able change models after high school students begin on March 11.

The strangest season in Middleton’s boys basketball history ended on Feb. 16.

The Cardinals fell to Verona, 62-56, in a WIAA Division 1 regional quarterfinal held at Baraboo High School.

Despite the loss, though, Middleton coach Kevin Bavery was extremely grateful his team had a chance to compete during this year of COVID-19 — something that looked like a longshot two months ago.

“I think what we did was incredible and I honestly couldn't be prouder of the effort and the attitude that this group brought,” said Bavery, whose team finished the shortened season 4-7 overall. “We thought we might struggle with chemistry a bit as that is always a process that takes time, but our sense from day one was that these guys were simply happy to be in a gym and see some faces that they hadn't seen in a while. Our absolute No. 1 goal we decided upon after given the return to play permission was 'safe and meaningful', and I believe we accomplished that.”

They are starting six months later than a normal year.

Most competitions will be dual meets spread across two days. And there won’t be any invitationals this season.

Despite the changes, though, Middleton’s girls swimming team is simply thrilled to be competing. The Cardinals will be at Oshkosh West Saturday for their first meet of the new season and believe they have the makings for another strong year.

“The girls were so excited to have an opportunity to swim this spring,” Cardinals coach Lauren Cabalka said. “Naturally there is some apprehension and feelings of uncertainty since we are not used to swimming in the middle of winter or under these unique circumstances, but the general mood is one of gratitude and excitement. 

“When the newest PHMDC guidelines were released, we were able to create a training environment that is very similar to what we would typically put together, giving us that feeling of normalcy.”