Welcome to Ninth Grade
Below you will find resources to guide you through the transition to high school.
Rising 9th Grader Orientation
"Preppin' To Be A Purgolder"
This event was held on Tuesday, January 4th, 2022 via zoom and included a virtual presentation (slides and recording, password: +7QJ22^u) providing current 8th grade students and families with information about high school graduation requirements, 9th grade required courses, elective course options, academic supports, clubs, activities, athletics and other opportunities East offers! Check out these student made videos with advice for Rising 9th Graders from current Purgolder students and what current Purgolders like about going to East High School!
8th-9th Grade Transition Information From Middle Schools
O'Keeffe Middle School (December 2021)
Black Hawk Middle School (December 2021)
Sherman Middle School (December 2021)
First Day Orientation
The first day of school at East High School is reserved for 9th grade students only. This will be a day of acclimation with activities to support 9th graders getting to know the building and High School. The day will consist of a building tour, getting to know East activities, and a shortened class schedule so students can find their classes. Students will receive their locker assignments on this day as well.
SAMPLE FIRST DAY ORIENTATION SCHEDULE & INFORMATION FROM 2021
Neighborhoods
East High School is structured with “Small Learning Community Neighborhoods.” These Neighborhoods (Olbrich, Tenney, Warner, and Yahara) do not correlate with where families physically reside, but are assigned randomly. Within each neighborhood, students are supported by an Assistant Principal, Administrative Assistant, Counselor, Social Worker, Psychologist, Dean of Students, and Nurse and ideally these connections will stay the same during a students’ four years at East. East’s Neighborhood structure offers opportunities for student-to-student and student-to-staff relationships leading to students’ becoming personally involved in and taking responsibility for their own education. The result of students’ feeling a part of the school’s academics and activities is increased chances for success both in and out of the classroom. A full list of all staff by neighborhood can be found here.
Class of 2026 students and families will be emailed their Neighborhood assignments and a Neighborhood Welcome Message in August.
Neighborhood Welcome Messages 2021
An Introduction To 9th Grade At East High School
View the slides and information shared at the May 12th, 2021 Spring Virtual Family Night about sports, clubs and organizations at East High School.
Watch last year's recorded virtual presentation and recording of electives Q&A session from January 7th, 2021 about East High School for current 8th grade families led by current East staff and students.
Program Options
- Course Catalog
- Course Registration and Scheduling
- MMSD High School Options For 8th Grade Families To Consider Overview Video
- MMSD High School Options For 8th Grade Families To Consider Overview Presentation Slides
- MMSD High School Options For 8th Grade Families To Consider Overview Handout
Personalized Pathways
- East High's Personalized Pathways Website
- Personalized Pathways Presentation (with audio) (en español) - This slide show has audio options for each slide and will give you more information about our Pathways program.
- Personalized Pathways Application (deadline is January 14, 2022)
- Contact: Annie Potter
AVID
- Virtual Information Session: Tuesday, January 18th, 2022 from 6:00-7:00pm via Zoom
- East High's AVID Website
- AVID Presentation (with Audio) (en espanol) - This slide show has audio options for each slide and will give you more information about our AVID program.
- AVID Application (deadline is January 27, 2022)
- Staff Recommendation Form
- Contact: Kate Brien
Dual Language Immersion (DLI)
- Virtual Information Session: Wednesday, January 26th, 2022 from 6:00-7:00pm via Zoom (Presentation Slides)
- MMSD's Dual Language Immersion Website
- Dual Language Interest Form
- Contact: Meghan Willauer
CONTACT
Questions about the transition from 8th to 9th grade? Contact East's 9th Grade On Track Coordinator, Tom Kanies, at tkanies@madison.k12.wi.us or 608-204-1683.
Para preguntas en español, se puede comunicar con la Sra. Silvia Gomez al 608-204-1624 o sgomezdesori@madison.k12.wi.us, o la consejera escolar bilingüe, Robin Murphy-Sinha, al 608-561-7370 (llamadas o textos) o rlmurphy@madison.k12.wi.us.
CONNECT WITH EAST
Purgolder Press (weekly)
Peppy's Periodical (monthly)
Tower Media (student news site)
East Calendar
#PurgolderPride