Omega School and Literacy Network to Merge in 2025

By Camila Cruz, age 17

Two long-standing education organizations in Madison recently announced a merger, with hopes of expanding their education reach across the community.

Literacy Network and Omega School will officially merge in 2025. The goal of the collaboration is for students to have more access to a variety of education programs. Omega School works with youth and young adults to help them earn a high school diploma. Literacy Network offers tutoring opportunities for adults.

In January of 2025, Omega School will change its name to Omega School of Literacy Network. The merger will help deliver opportunities for students who struggle in traditional classrooms. Future students will be able to build essential skills like literacy and have the choice of earning their high school diploma in either English or Spanish. Students will also be able to transition from foundational programs offered by Literacy Network to more advanced courses at Omega School. [Read More]

What Is an Alder?

by Daniel Li, age 16

The role of an alderman varies significantly depending on the governmental context. Historically, in Anglo-Saxon England, aldermen were high-ranking officials who often presided over shires. The term "alderman" originates from the Old English "ealdorman," meaning "elder man" or "older man."

In the United States, the term "alderman" is less common compared to titles like "councilman" or "council member," but at their core, they are equivalent. However, some municipalities still use the term. Chicago’s City Council, for instance, comprises 50 elected aldermen, each representing a district or ward. These aldermen serve under the city's mayor and are responsible for representing their constituents' interests at the city or county level. Similar to congressmen, aldermen are elected by district residents and strive to advocate for their community's needs. In some instances, a district may have multiple aldermen.

In Madison, the city is divided into 20 districts, each represented by one alderman. These districts are carefully drawn to ensure balanced representation across the city, considering population and community interests. Madison's alders serve on the Common Council, working alongside the mayor to address citywide issues and local concerns within their districts. [Read More]

What is the United States Constitution?

by Jules Da Costa, age 16

The United States Constitution is a document that outlines the structure of the U.S. government and the values of the nation. Furthermore, the first three words of this document – “We The People” – emphasize a core value of serving citizens and asserting the powers of the government.

The Constitution was drafted in 1787 by delegates from the original 13 states, including James Madison, Hamilton, and John Jay. It replaced the Articles of Confederation, which were essentially America’s first constitution. The Articles of Confederation were outdated and didn’t give enforcement powers to the government. Due to this, Alexander Hamilton called a convention to revise the Articles of Confederation, however, they ended up deciding to redesign the government.

The Constitution has a preamble, or introduction, and seven articles that describe how the government works. The first three articles establish the legislative, executive, and judicial branches of government and what they do. The articles do not allow any one branch to be too powerful, and so a system of checks and balances is implemented. Articles four through seven explain how the states interact with the federal government, establish the Constitution as “the supreme law of the land,” and outline how the amendment and ratification processes work. [Read More]

Understanding the First Amendment: The Foundation of American Rights

by Will DeFour, age 14

The First Amendment is one of the barriers between American society as it is today, and a more authoritarian government similar to those that lock up journalists, set curfews, and prevent citizens from speaking out against their leaders.

Freedom of speech tops the Bill of Rights, which is a document containing ten amendments with similar freedoms, such as the right to a speedy trial, no cruel or unusual punishment, and the right to keep and bear arms. They were amendments to the Constitution of the United States, a document detailing how the government can write laws, declare wars, and the checks and balances within it.

The First Amendment protects many forms of expression. These five freedoms are freedom of speech, the right to practice–or not to practice–any religion, the ability of the people to write petitions to the government to incite change, freedom of the press, and the right to assemble in a nonviolent manner. [Read More]

Archeologists Make Historic Discoveries in Lake Mendota

by Dani Garduño, age 13

Lake Mendota is known for mysterious secrets and historic discoveries, and archaeologists now say that one of its oldest secrets may have just been revealed. Recently, researchers have identified nine more dugout canoes on the lake's bottom, including one estimated to be around 4,500 years old, making it the oldest known dugout canoe found in the Great Lakes region.

Archaeologists from the Wisconsin Historical Society discovered these nine additional canoes near Shorewood Hills with the help of radiocarbon dating and wood analysis. One canoe fragment, estimated to be 4,500 years old, dates back to around 2500 B.C., a time when hunters and gatherers lived in seasonal communities. This makes it the oldest dugout canoe found in the Great Lakes region.

While this ancient canoe is an important discovery, it is only one of many canoes that have been found in Lake Mendota. The canoes were categorized by archaeologists based on the types of wood used to construct them. The materials included elm, ash, cottonwood, white oak, and red oak—woods commonly used by the ancestors of the Ho-Chunk Nation and other Native peoples. The Wisconsin Historical Society continues to collaborate with the Ho-Chunk Nation to learn more about these historic watercraft and the people who built them. [Read More]

What Is a Governor?

by Owen Ayite-Atayi, age 17

A governor oversees and carries out laws that are needed in their state. Governors don't get to write state laws, but they have other people in power to help with their decisions.

To become a governor in the state of Wisconsin, the minimum age requirement is 18, but this varies among other states. There are many powers when it comes to becoming a governor, such as legislative role, appointment powers, and clemency power. If a governor were to vacate their office, the lieutenant governor would take over. Every state except Oregon can impeach its governor.

Many governors, including Wisconsin governors, have the authority to pick state court judges. There are two important rules for governors in their relationship with state Legislatures. They are able to propose legislation and set policy priorities. And they are also entitled to announce and call legislative sessions. [Read More]

Why Writing by Hand Is Better for Memory and Learning

by Camila Cruz, age 16

There’s been evidence for years that it’s better to take notes by handwriting than typing. New research is finally giving us an answer as to why.

Handwriting uses more regions of your brain and builds connections between physical and visual parts of the brain. That makes it easier to learn and pay attention, according to a recent study in Frontiers in Psychology by Audrey van de Meer and Ruud van der Weel at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology.

The two researchers dove into the intricate workings of the brain during note-taking by using helmets with sensors to monitor students' brains. The research builds on a study from 2014, which hinted at the lower effort of typing notes on a computer as compared to handwritten notes. Van de Meer and van der Weel found that handwriting produces higher levels of electrical activity across interconnected brain regions responsible for sensory processing, movement, memory, and vision. On the other hand, typing led to minimal activity in these areas. [Read More]

What Should You Do if You See a Coyote?

by Max Moreno, age 12

Coyotes live all over Wisconsin, but these dog-like animals are potentially dangerous. Knowing how to handle an encounter with a coyote can help you be safer outdoors.

Coyotes can grow up to 52 inches long and can weigh up to 42 pounds. Coyotes range in color from a dark gray to a dull yellow. They are usually mistaken for a medium-sized dog with a long drooped nose and a bushy tail. Coyotes can give birth to up to seven pups at a time and live in a hole three to four feet underground. Coyotes usually go hunting in March and May because this is when their pups are born. They usually hunt small rodents, rabbits, birds, insects, and other animals.

Coyotes are commonly seen during fall and winter. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has three main tips for encounters and avoiding coyotes. The first tip is to not feed coyotes. Furthermore, having pet food or bird feeders could attract animals that coyotes eat. The second tip is to never leave your pets outdoors unattended. Coyotes are stealthy and can easily snatch up small animals. Finally, the third tip is to make loud noises or throw things in the direction of coyotes if they are on your property or near your home. [Read More]

FAFSA Problems Cause Big Drop in Financial Aid Applications

by Camila Cruz, age 16

Delays and changes to the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) earlier this year led to far fewer students applying for money meant to help pay for higher education. The problem is exacerbated for students of color and students from low-income households.

According to a report from the nonprofit Wisconsin Policy Forum, only a third of seniors attending public high schools in Wisconsin had applied for financial aid by the end of April. This is 14% fewer than last year.

“We see that in Wisconsin and nationwide, the populations where (FAFSA) numbers have dropped the most are those who are coming from high poverty schools, are first-generation students or students of color … In Wisconsin, we are down about 5,800 submissions, just from where we were a year ago,” said Carole Trone, who leads the Fair Opportunity Project, a nonprofit that helps students fill out their FAFSAs. [Read More]

Progress and Challenges for the Lower Yahara River Trail Extension

by Moore Vang, age 15

Dane County park officials have been working on a boardwalk that includes North America’s longest inland pedestrian boardwalk bridge for non-motorized transportation for more than 25 years. Some progress has been made, but the project still battles challenges.

The trail between Madison and Stoughton has been on pause since the summer of 2017, when the first section of construction, from Madison to McFarland was finished. There is a major issue with connecting the two existing sections of the path. The consequence of this is that bikers now have to go along the busy Highway AB for nearly two miles until they can get back on route.

The second section of the Lower Yahara River Trail began construction in 2022 and finished in early July 2024 and goes between Fish Camp County Park and Lake Kegonsa State Park. The trail is 1.6 miles long and is a blend of a boardwalk and paved trail, which crosses over Door Creek. It is connected to the Village of McFarland, which includes the two-mile on-road route. [Read More]

St. Louis Zoo Welcomes Red Wolf Cubs, Bolstering Endangered Population

by Sofia Zapata, age 15

Red wolves have been listed as an endangered species since 1967. This species is considered the only large carnivore that is exclusively native to the U.S. It is estimated that fewer than 300 red wolves exist in captivity, with fewer than 25 remaining in the wild. In the past year, four healthy red wolf pups were born at the St. Louis Zoo.

There have been no wild sightings of red wolves in Missouri for more than 70 years. Red wolves are the world's most endangered wolf species, as their population has been drastically reduced by predator control programs and habitat degradation. In 1980, the species was declared extinct in the wild.

Red wolves are highly adaptable and can live in a variety of habitats, as long as there is sufficient food, water, and cover. They typically prey on small mammals, white-tailed deer, and raccoons. Red wolves are capable of traveling up to 20 miles a day in search of food. They have broad heads and tall, pointed ears. They stand about 26 inches tall, are approximately four feet long, and weigh between 45 and 80 pounds. Red wolves are generally wary of humans and tend to avoid human interaction. They live in close-knit packs of five to eight wolves. [Read More]

Illegal Trade Is threatening Wild Cheetah Populations

by Chelsea Zheng, age 12

Cheetahs are an endangered species that face threats from humans. These beautiful creatures are often captured and sold in the illegal pet trade market. Scientists estimate there are only about 6,600 left in the world.

Cheetahs are exported from regions in eastern Africa, including Ethiopia, Kenya, and the Somali regions. Normally, they live in a range of habitats that include thick shrubs, grassland, dry forests, and the Sahara Desert. Female cheetahs can live up to 14 years while males can live up to ten years.

The cheetah has five different subspecies. Their bodies are slim but muscular. Relatively to other big cat species, cheetahs have long legs and their heads are rounded and small. Along with their flexible spine, deep chest, and grippy feet, cheetahs have a long tail used for balance. [Read More]

International Wood Sculpture Festival Honors the Legacy of Harry Whitehorse

By Elim Eyobed, age 13

A festival in honor of Harry Whitehorse, a late Ho-Chunk sculptor from Wisconsin, brought people from all over the world to our backyard. A group of Simpson Street Free Press reporters attended the event and watched some of the world's best woodcarvers create their masterpieces in real time.

The Harry Whitehorse International Wood Sculpture Festival was a week-long event showcasing woodcarving styles from various cultures. The festival took place at San Damiano Park in Monona, from June 14-22.

A semicircle of tents greeted guests arriving at the festival. The tents, which were designed based on traditional Ho-Chunk homes that used to be on the property, housed the artists in residence. In front of their respective work stations stood each artist’s national flag. [Read More]

New Golf Complex Proposed in Monona

By Ayelen Flores Ruiz, age 14

Topgolf, a sports entertainment company, has revealed plans to build a driving range and golf center in Monona. It will be located just off the Beltline on West Broadway. The site is between WPS Health Solutions and South Towne Mall.

Topgolf is a Dallas-based company which has over 90 golf complexes across the U.S. and locations in 10 other countries. There are two located in the suburbs of Chicago and another near Minneapolis. There is also a planned golf complex in West Des Moines, Iowa. That facility will open this fall.

Finding a location was not easy. The company has been looking in the Madison market for five years. In Monona, the company plans a project worth $30 million that would replace five current buildings. The location was discussed with the city plan commission in June. The company's real estate development director Todd Waldo said, “We feel that we have found the right spot.” [Read More]

Deadly Parasite Found in Northern Wisconsin Trout Streams

by Daniel Garduno, age 12

In northern Wisconsin streams, where salmon and trout abound, there is a new and dangerous parasite. Myxobolus cerebralis can be harmful to these fish and perhaps more. The appearance of this parasite has led to new research in Wisconsin.

Myxobolus is an organism found in trout and salmon, is a parasite that is capable of damaging the cartilage and the nervous system of the fish. This results in fish swimming aimlessly around lakes, streams, and rivers. Fish with the parasite have difficulty feeding or avoiding predators. Usually this makes them easy prey, giving them an even lower chance of survival.

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) recommends that fishermen clean their fishing gear, equipment, and boats when leaving one body of water for another. They renewed these guidelines after the parasite was discovered in northern Wisconsin’s Elton Creek. [Read More]

A Fascinating Visit to Mazomanie's Historic Museum

by Siheon Park, age 11

On a recent warm sunny day, reporters from Simpson Street Free Press departed South Towne Mall in Madison and headed toward Mazomanie, Wisconsin. We were heading to western Dane County. We had heard and read about the history museum located in this small town and wanted to see it for ourselves.

We arrived around 10:30 in the morning. Even the outside of the building was interesting. It looked very old, like there was history inside, and it made us curious to go inside.

We were greeted by Judi Curtis, a longtime volunteer and part of the brain trust that maintains this very special place. Judi had us sign in and we exchanged business cards. As we were doing that, we were also looking around at all the fascinating objects and exhibits. We were anxious to explore and learn more. [Read More]

Wisconsin State Fair Celebrates a Fun and Agricultural History

by Atisse Robbins, age 13

The Wisconsin State Fair is an amusement park that dates back to 1851. It was first held in Janesville, Wisconsin, along the Rock River.

The State Agricultural Society sponsored the state fair to showcase the state's advances in agricultural machinery and products. The main focus of the first state fair was agriculture, and it would continue for a decade with games like arc plowing and rides. At that time, the cost of admission was only a dime. Additionally, at that time, the fair was the largest reported gathering in Wisconsin, with as many as 18,000 people in attendance.

To attract more people, additional entertainment was installed at the fair, including farm machinery, produce displays, competitions, and shows. Over time, the state fair started to become more famous. One year, during the first Holstein cattle judging, Milwaukee's mayor closed all stores and schools so people could visit the state fair. Another big attraction to the state fair was their cream puff. This cream puff was not any ordinary dessert – this one was 7.5 inches tall, 38 inches wide, and 120 pounds. [Read More]

The Driftless Historium: A Journey Through Time in Mt. Horeb, Wisconsin

by Dayanara Flores Gonzalez, age 16

There is a museum in Mt. Horeb, Wisconsin that’s well worth a visit. The Driftless Historium and Mt. Horeb Historical Society are only a short drive from Madison, but inside the facility are objects and exhibits that teach history and spark the imagination.

It’s been a while since student reporters from Simpson Street have been to this fantastic museum. But we’ve seen the photos of prior visits and read the reviews from former students. So, we were excited to hit the road and visit Mt. Horeb and the Driftless Historium. Of course, we also wanted more photos of trolls. But that’s a different part of the story. [Read More]

Birds and Humans: A Sweet Collaboration in Honey Hunting

by Sedona Afeworki. age 15

While humans and animals have existed together for thousands of years, cooperation between humans and animals has only been observed in rare occasions and studies now attempt to understand why.

One cooperative relationship that has been documented is the connection between honey hunters in Africa and a small bird called the greater honeyguide. This bird leads honey hunters to beehives located in hard to reach or hidden places of branches or hollow trees. Hunters then proceed to use a bee smoker and other tools to harvest the honey. To thank the birds, the honey hunters give them beeswax as a prize. While this collaboration is beneficial for both humans and the wild honeyguides, honey hunting with these birds is a disappearing practice and only seen by a few ethnic groups in East Africa.

For many years, scientists have been intrigued by this relationship between humans and honeyguides, and recent studies show that the connection is more intricate than previously thought. In fact, honeyguides are capable of learning and reacting to specific sound signals used by different hunting communities and groups. Furthermore, humans have developed a sound system to communicate with the birds. [Read More]

Theater Review: “What the Constitution Means to Me”

By Camila Cruz, age 16

Forward Theater’s production of “What the Constitution Means to Me,” directed by Jen Uphoff Gray, captures audiences with its unique approach to considering the United States Constitution.

Leading actress Colleen Madden of American Players Theater portrays playwright and protagonist Heidi Schreck in this autobiographical play. Madden opens the play by introducing herself as Heidi Schreck and explaining her connection to the Constitution. As a high schooler, Schreck competed in constitutional speech and debate contests, for which she earned college scholarships. At age 15, Schreck loved the Constitution and its study, and she felt deeply inspired by this “living document.”

The first part of the play revolves around 50-year-old Schreck “recreating” one of her high school competitions. She acts like her polite and invigorated 15-year-old self. But she also pauses her reenactment to comment on how her understanding of amendments and clauses has deepened through time and experience. [Read More]

Wisconsin Senator Joe McCarthy Used Fear and Intimidation to Hunt Communists and Subvert Civil Liberties

by Sandy Flores-Ruiz, age 15

Joseph McCarthy was one of the most controversial politicians in American history. He served as a Republican Senator from Wisconsin, from when he was first elected in 1947 until his death in 1957. He is known for declaring that communist spies and sympathizers had penetrated the U.S. federal government and for launching anti-communist investigations that polarized the country.

The events that took place after World War II convinced many Americans that the “Red menace” was real. For example, in 1949, the Soviet Union detonated its first atomic bomb. In the same year, communists declared victory in the Chinese Civil War. And in 1950, Soviet-backed forces in North Korea invaded their pro-Western neighbors in the South starting the bitter Korean War. The United States quickly joined the fight on the side of the South Koreans. [Read More]

Nellie Bly Trailblazed a New Kind of Investigative Journalism

by Cataleya Garcia Fox, age 11

Elizabeth Jane Cochran, also known as Nellie Bly, was a journalist and record-setter who traveled around the world.

She was born in Cochran’s Mills, Pennsylvania, on May 5, 1864. Bly grew up with her older brothers and parents, who loved her very much. Unfortunately, her father passed away when she was six. Her family needed money, which led her to work more often. Bly truly wanted to teach but had to drop out of school to provide for her family.

When Bly was 16, she started reading an article in the Pittsburgh newspaper that described women as helpless and pathetic. The article shocked and offended her. She was not afraid to show that she had her rights. Thus, Bly wrote a letter to the editor expressing her thoughts and detailing how the article was offensive to women. The editor was impressed by Bly’s confidence; in fact, he wrote back, offering her a job. [Read More]

Remembering Lou Conter: The Last Survivor of the USS Arizona in Pearl Harbor

by Max Moreno, age 11

The devastating events of Pearl Harbor took the lives of many. After the tragic event, survivors of the attack recounted their experiences. Unfortunately, the last living survivor of the attack passed away in early April 2024, at the age of 102.

Lou Conter was born in Ojibwe, Wisconsin, on Sept. 13, 1921, and was a quartermaster in the Navy. He was standing on the main deck of the USS Arizona battleship when Japanese planes flew over and bombed the ship. The explosion lifted the ship 30 feet out of the water as one million pounds of gunpowder stored below the ship were set off. Everything was on fire. “Guys were running out of the fire trying to jump over the sides and oil all over the sea was burning,’’ Conter said. In his autobiography “The Lou Conter Story”, Counter describes how he joined other survivors in battle and aided those that were injured. The sailors only abandoned ships if the senior surviving officer was certain that everyone alive was rescued. The USS Arizona wreckage still lies where it sank with remains of more than 900 sailors and Marines inside.

After Pearl Harbor, Corner went to flight school where he flew patrol bombers looking for submarines and enemy targets. He flew 200 combat missions in the Pacific. In the 1950s he was made the Navy’s first SERE officer, which stands for survival, evasion, resistance and escape. He spent the next ten years training Navy pilots and crew to survive if they were ever captured as prisoners of war. After 28 years in the Navy, Conter retired. In 2019, when he was 98 years old, he said he liked going to ceremonies that honor the people who died in the attack. “It's always good to come back and pay respect to them and give them the top honors that they deserve,’’ he said. [Read More]

Marquette's Oso Ighodaro Named BIG EAST Scholar-Athlete

by Jules Da Costa, age 15

Marquette University basketball player Oso Ighodaro has recently been named the Big East conference’s scholar-athlete, a first in Marquette history.

Ighodaro will graduate with two degrees in four years. The Marquette senior earned a finance degree in three years and is working towards a Master of Business Administration (MBA), which he will complete in the summer. In these four years, he has managed to maintain a 3.54-grade point average. The conference’s Academic Affairs Committee voted to give Ighodaro the award and will grant him a $2,000 scholarship for graduate or professional studies.

Ighodaro also succeeded this season, earning all-Big East second-team honors. The 6-foot-11 forward averages 14.4 points and a team-leading 7.2 rebounds per game. Marquette head coach Shaka Smart said he is “incredibly proud” and that “it’s a well-deserved award.” Ighodaro said, “I think it’s cool to show that I can do my best at both.” [Read More]

Dane County Plans Solar Project at Former Landfill in Verona

by Owen Ayite-Atayi, age 16

Dane County is looking for help developing a solar energy project located near a former landfill in Verona. The site is on land owned by the county.

Dane County plans to install a solar array in the landfill near a site that includes a nursing home, food pantry, and a food service facility.

During the 1990s, natural gas methane from the landfill was used to generate large amounts of electricity. But today, the methane is declining prompting officials to find a better way to repurpose the area. [Read More]

Wisconsin Passes $125 Million Bill to Address PFAS Contamination

by Valeria Moreno Lopez, age 17

Dangerous artificial chemicals like PFAS have polluted Wisconsin’s waters and towns for decades. The Wisconsin State Assembly recently passed a $125 million bill to control and test for PFAS contamination in groundwater across the state, yet it could also exempt polluters from liability.

PFAS, short for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are synthetic chemicals in many industry and consumer items, including cookware and water-resistant products. These chemicals are difficult to remove from nature and do not fully decompose. They seep into groundwater and lakes, and ingesting them can lead to a weakened immune system, liver disease, and cancer.

The legislation would offer grants to local governments and private landowners, using $125 million from the state’s budget trust fund to remove PFAS in wells and water treatment plants. Under Wisconsin’s “Spills Law,” anyone who causes or owns a dangerous substance released into the environment must clean it up. However, Democrats say the PFAS bill protects polluters because, in some scenarios, taxpayers would have to clean up the mess. Furthermore, a legislative committee must approve the funding for the legislation before it can help Wisconsinites with contamination. [Read More]

Madison Students Revive Wisconsin History with Modern-Made Birch Bark Canoe

by Camila Cruz, age 16

Students are using modern technology to build a Native American birch bark canoe; in doing so, they're keeping a part of Wisconsin history alive. In a new class offered through a partnership with the local office of the Ho-Chunk Nation, Madison junior high and high school students built a plywood reconstruction of the boats used by Wisconsin tribes for centuries.

Gene Delcourt, a woodshop instructor, directed the class. He learned the skill from a German YouTuber and a master Ojibwe canoe maker. Delcourt previously studied the art of canoe making when he traveled to Lac du Flambeau in 2021 and learned from expert builder Wayne Valliere of the Lac du Flambeau Band of Lake Superior Chippewa. Delcourt had also built three canoes at a Monona alternative school.[Read More]

Edgewood College and Wisconsin National Guard Launch Accelerated Teacher Education Program

by Sandy Flores Ruiz, age 18

For almost a decade, our country has struggled with teacher shortages. In hopes of addressing the shortage, in August of 2023, Edgewood College launched the Accelerated Teacher Education Program. Edgewood College has recently expanded the program through a partnership with the Wisconsin National Guard.

The idea behind the Accelerated Teacher Education Program is to recruit and train new teachers. Through the new expansion, Guard members and their spouses can get master’s degrees and state teaching credentials at the reduced cost of $9,750, which is a nearly 50% reduction from the original price of tuition.

The online program can be completed in a year and allows participants to specialize in elementary, secondary, or cross-categorical education. There are eight-week course segments, allowing for five start dates throughout the year. Applicants can start courses as early as this summer. [Read More]

“Hold Me Accountable” – Joe Gothard’s Interview with Simpson Street Free Press

by Cris Cruz and Leila Fletcher

Following an introductory press conference at Thoreau Elementary School, new Madison school superintendent, Joe Gothard, sat down for an exclusive interview with Simpson Street Free Press.

Although superintendent contracts usually begin in July, Dr. Gothard pushed for an earlier start date. He will now start on May 20. Gothard told us he wants extra time to work with interim superintendent Lisa Kvistad and the Madison School Board.

“I know the board, but when you work with a board, you get to know the board differently. I want to establish the way we're going to work together. And already this week it's proven to be a good decision,” Gothard said. [Read More]

Joe Gothard Hosts Inaugural Press Conference

by SSFP Editors

Incoming Madison school superintendent, Joe Gothard, had not spoken to news outlets since his hiring was announced six weeks ago. That changed on Thursday with an in-person press conference at Thoreau Elementary School on the city’s southwest side.

Gothard, whose start date has been moved up to May 20th, answered questions from reporters and students for about an hour. While he has not started the new job yet, Gothard stressed his commitment to Madison.

“It's meaningful for me to return to Madison because Madison is a community that never gave up on me and believed in me at times when I didn't always believe in myself,” he said. “I'm forever grateful for the opportunities I had in our schools working as a staff member.” [Read More]

NCAA Faces Legal Battle Over Name, Image, and Likeness Regulations

by Jules Da Costa, age 15

The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) has been involved in legal battles regarding its name, image, and likeness (NIL) guidelines.

In the ongoing case Tennessee and Virginia v. NCAA, the states want to remove rules regulating players' compensation for their name, image, and likeness. The NCAA is the largest college sports governing body in the US. They earn billions from the revenue their player's NIL brings them. College athletes receive several benefits but are not being compensated for their NIL. The suit claims the NCAA has violated the antitrust laws by denying athletes the ability to earn total compensation. They seek an injunction to do away with the NCAA's NIL rules. Florida-based sports attorney Darren Heitner claims there has been misclassification of athletes and that they should be referred to as employees rather than student-athletes. This lawsuit brings the total number of antitrust lawsuits the NCAA is defending to at least five, three of which also seek employment status for college athletes.

In a statement, the NCAA claims that taking this legal action and suspending the NIL regulations would further encourage what they consider a "wild west atmosphere." The NCAA worries about uneven playing fields between neighboring states and student-athletes being vulnerable to exploitation without the proper safeguards. According to the statement, the association does want to protect NIL rules but is also open to expanding NIL rights and opportunities for its athletes. [Read More]

New Test Results Show Significant Declines in Math and Reading

by Devika Pal, age 17

Virtual learning has led to some of the lowest math and reading scores among elementary and middle school students in more than 30 years, according to new data from the U.S. Department of Education. The study showed online learning exacerbated pre-pandemic difficulties for students who were already struggling. Learning losses also disproportionately affected lower-income and minority students.

Educators say this is especially alarming because reading and math are the foundation for all other subjects and predictors of high school success. After 30 years of increasing scores, they plunged.

According to data collected by the education department from the 2022 National Assessment of Educational Progress, math, and reading scores for both 4th and 8th graders have dropped most significantly since 1990. In math, 38% of 8th graders tested below “basic” achievement levels, and 8th-grade reading scores also dropped. Fourth-grade reading had the lowest average score and math scores had their first-ever decline. Black and Hispanic kids had more significant drops than white students. Fourth-grade students who were eligible for free and reduced lunch struggled more than before compared to students who were not eligible. [Read More]

Wisconsin Students Could Return to School in August Under New DPI Proposal

by Jules Da Costa, age 15

The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction is proposing a policy shift that would allow schools to start before the traditional September 1st date. Current state regulations prevent public schools from starting classes before September 1st. The suggested rule change would modify existing legislation, enacted in 2002.

In recent years, more school districts have sought to start the academic year earlier. In 2023-24, over 100 districts asked to start the school year early. Just two years earlier, only 18 districts submitted such waiver requests.

Some exemptions already exist. School districts can start school early for things like construction projects, unexpected school closures, or transportation issues. The new exemptions proposed by DPI seek to help schools trying to improve attendance and student achievement. Schools offering special support in math and reading might also qualify for an exemption. DPI would also expand the exemption to districts looking to address mental health issues. [Read More]

New Breed of Supercomputer Aims for the Two Quintillion Mark

by Ayelen Flores Ruiz, age 13

There is a new type of supercomputer under construction known as an exascale supercomputer. Exascale refers to a supercomputer that can perform two quintillion operations in a second. This drastically compares with a phone which does 17 trillion operations and the human brain which does 228 trillion operations in a second. These computers can help rearrange human life.

One such new supercomputer has been built inside a data center in Aurora, Illinois, near Chicago. The computer, also called Aurora, is located in the Energy Department’s Argonne National Laboratory. Built by Intel and Hewlett Packard Enterprise, Aurora is the size of two tennis courts and weighs 600 tons. High-powered machines like Aurora will take months to be fully operational because technicians are always on the lookout for errors, improvements, and changes. Although this process will take a long time, Aurora should be fully operating in 2024.

Oak Ridge National Laboratory’s Frontier was the first working exascale computer and got the title of the world’s most powerful computer. Aurora is not fully operational, tests have shown it is the second-most powerful. Other supercomputers are being built around the world. For example, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory is building a $600 million exascale computer named El Capitan, which potentially could be more powerful than Aurora. Another exascale supercomputer called Dojo is being built by Tesla, which spent more than $1 billion. The United Kingdom and other places are trying to create their exclusive supercomputers. [Read More]

March Madness Is the Ultimate NCAA Basketball Showdown

By Owen Ayite-Atayi, age 16

March Madness is one of the most anticipated and most-watched sporting events there is. It is a high-stakes environment with a roaring atmosphere that keeps family, friends, and basketball fans on the edge of their seats.

For the uninitiated, March Madness is a college basketball tournament. It is sponsored by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and determines the national champion of college basketball.

The name “March Madness” comes from the annual Illinois High School tournament, the first that used the term “March Madness” to describe its annual championship event. Henry V. Porter, a coach and educator, established the phrase in a 1939 essay for the Illinois Interscholastic magazine. His article was called “March Madness”. [Read More]

Learn About Kendrick Lamar's Legacy in Rap Culture

by Zayn Khalid, age 14

Kendrick Lamar Duckworth, also known as Kendrick Lamar or K-Dots, has been on top of the hip-hop/rap podium for 14 years. Kendrick is known for his albums like “To Pimp a Butterfly” and “DAMN”, as well as his lyrical attention and creativity. Most of his music is politically charged and speaks about his upbringing involving gang culture.

Kendrick was born on June 17, 1987, in Compton, California. When he was young, he liked writing poems and stories. Kendrick grew up around a lot of gang culture in his hometown, which he openly writes about in his music. Later, at the age of 16, he started his rap career and went by the name of K-Dots. Kendrick then spread his mixtapes around and gained interest from music companies.

Kendrick’s mixtapes got so much attention that he ended up with a deal from Top Dawg Entertainment. He then released two mixtapes and started working with up-and-coming artists like Jay Rock, AB-Soul, and Schoolboy Q. Kendrick let go of his stage name, K-Dots, and began to use his name in 2010. His first album with Top Dawg Entertainment was “Section.80”, which was exclusively released on iTunes, but can now be found everywhere. Rap legend Dr. Dre took Kendrick under his wing and became his mentor in the music industry. Later, Dr. Dre signed Kendrick to his record label, Aftermath Entertainment, part of Universal Music Group. That put him alongside Eminem and 50 Cent and helped Kendrick take his career to the next level. [Read More]

Understanding the Impacts of Greenhouse Gas Emissions

by Will De Four, age 14

Earth is changing as the icecaps are shrinking, forests are diminishing, and extinction rates are over 100 times greater than in the past millennia. Almost all of these changes are being caused by human activity, and the most destructive is the production of greenhouse gases.

The amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the air today is almost twice as much as there was 1,000 years ago. This shift has not been gradual either, as the largest spike of CO2 has occurred over only the past 150 years. But what has caused this rapid increase, and how can it be stopped?

The sun is what keeps Earth warm, shining on the planet to keep it at a reasonable temperature. Greenhouse gasses are a kind of gate, where light can enter with ease, but is not strong enough to escape once it becomes heat. The gasses that do this can build up, causing the planet to warm drastically. When animals breathe, they take in oxygen and release CO2, while plants do the opposite. This creates a cycle that allows the CO2 to remain at an acceptable rate. When people drive to work, crank up their air conditioning, or produce goods in factories, large amounts of CO2 are added. Humanity has now added too much CO2 for the Earth to handle. [Read More]

Wisconsin Trade Exams Now Available in Spanish, Paving the Way for Inclusivity and Opportunity

by Sandy Flores Ruiz, age 17

Wisconsin Trade Credentialing Examinations are now offered in Spanish, as of July 11, 2023. This will allow native Spanish speakers to take all trade exams in Spanish, which will eliminate a language barrier to obtaining a credential, and help them achieve a higher earning job.

The Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services is investing in the expansion of the state’s workforce by creating changes like this, offering people the opportunity to be certified in a trade. The exam will help native Spanish speakers to get one of the state’s 240 professional credentials. Those include plumbing, contracting, electrical work and so much more. Many are excited about this new major advancement as it will allow more Hispanic people to be able to work in different fields.

However, people worry that this new advance will only benefit a few community members because of the following steps after the exam. In the state of Wisconsin, one in five Latinos do not speak English at all or do not speak it well. After entering those higher-level positions, many will struggle to succeed if the only language companies offer is English. Some question whether Wisconsin is creating false hope for people entering a workforce in which their native language is not spoken. [Read More]

New Research Leads to More Fentanyl Testing

by Camila Cruz, age 16

Fentanyl is the leading cause of death for Americans ages 18 to 44. However, due to outdated drug testing standards in emergency rooms, fentanyl overdoses are often missed or mistreated.

A nationwide study done by Epic and the University of Maryland-College Park shows that only about five out of 100 emergency departments do a screening test for synthetic drugs like fentanyl.

Just two milligrams of fentanyl, or the equivalent of about 10-15 grains of salt, is enough to be fatal. [Read More]

Concerns Rise as K-12 Test Scores Hit Record Lows

by Jules Da Costa, age 15

K-12 scores fell lower than ever in 2022 according to studies from the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP).

The decline in test scores had many causes, but one of the main ones was parental ignorance. Many parents didn’t know how far their child had fallen behind and therefore couldn’t do anything to help. Parents also blamed schools for not informing them of their child’s shortcomings or learning gaps. Studies also found that students who spent more time learning online fell behind further.

COVID-19 left millions of students working and learning from home. When the schools switched to online learning, students who had access to quieter spaces, tutors, and computers were far more likely to excel. Meanwhile, students who lacked resources fell further behind. For these reasons, between 2019 and 2021 math scores dropped by the largest percentages in NAEP’s history. [Read More]

Investigators Find Child Labor Violations in the Meatpacking Industry

by Hanna Eyobed, age 17

Meatpacking factories are violating labor laws and exposing children to dangerous chemicals, federal labor investigators found. Kids as young as 13 have faced dangerous exposure to chemicals used to clean biohazardous substances in Nebraska, Missouri, Minnesota, and Wisconsin.

In Wisconsin alone, 50 illegally employed minors were hired under the supervision of the Packers Sanitation Service Inc. (PSSI). Upon investigation by the Labor Department, the PSSI was placed under review by a federal judge. The Labor Department also found 31 underage workers in three plants owned by the companies JBS and Turkey Valley Farms in Nebraska and Minnesota. Other underage employees have been identified in Arkansas. A 13-year-old who used to clean the JBS plant every night in Grand Island, Nebraska suffered a serious chemical burn from what was used to clean the plant. Other teens working at the plant stated that “everyone there knew '' that they were minors, according to investigators. The Labor Department has been comparing school records with employee rosters to find underage workers.

It’s part of a larger investigation of PSSI’s more than 700 locations and other meat-packing companies in the Midwest. “This case should serve as a stark reminder for all employers that the U.S. Department of Labor will not tolerate violations of the law, especially those that put vulnerable children at risk,” said Michael Lazzeri, regional administrator of the U.S. Department of Labor, Wage and Hour Division. [Read More]

The Android vs. iPhone Divide Among Teens and Young Adults

by Kelly Vazquez, age 18

There is a heated debate, primarily between teenagers and young adults, regarding the choice of mobile phones. In these debates, Androids are, more often than not, put down despite being the most commonly used worldwide.

Kira, a 15-year-old, reveals that she owns an iPhone because it's the popular choice among her friends, and she doesn't want to feel left out. Kira's experience with peer pressure to own an iPhone is not unique. According to Melissa Jones, a former teacher from Indiana, it's not just the type of phone that matters to students; it's also how "up-to-date" the phone is perceived to be.

Peer pressure to keep up with the newest phone trends is not only noticed in school but also on online platforms such as TikTok. Content creators participate in these debates, suggesting in videos that individuals still using Androids in 2023 are outdated. When presented with arguments such as the better battery and camera in Androids, content creators, like Abdoul Chamberlain, refused to change to an Android. Others have shared their experiences of being teased by peers for using Androids in high school through videos. [Read More]

Wisconsin Rejects $1 Billion Dupont Settlement, Seeks Higher Compensation Over PFAS Contamination

By Will DeFour, age 13

The average person consumes approximately half a gallon of water daily, but this water isn't pure, as filtration systems sometimes allow pollutants to pass through. One particularly infamous group of pollutants, known as "forever chemicals," poses significant threats to both the environment and human health.

These persistent pollutants are called per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), an issue Simpson Street Free Press has been diligently covering for the past several years. They earned the name "forever chemicals" due to their indestructible resistance to biodegradation. PFAS are byproducts created during the manufacture of various products, including sticky notes, nonstick pans, packaging materials, carpets, and firefighting foam. These chemicals find their way into water sources such as the Mississippi River and local areas like Starkweather Creek, here in Madison. Even at extremely low concentrations, as low as 0.004 parts per trillion, PFAS can cause severe health problems, including low birth weight, kidney failure, and cancer.

Addressing these critical issues requires a reduction in PFAS contamination. Although the US Environmental Protection Agency and State Department of Natural Resources have attempted to establish regulations for these chemicals across the Midwest, their efforts have proven insufficient to halt the contamination. Consequently, over 20 states have denounced a proposed $10.5 billion settlement from a major PFAS producer, 3M. [Read More]

Unlocking Opportunities with a Madison Library Card

by Ayelen Flores Ruiz, age 13

The city of Madison is home to nine public libraries, as well as a mobile library, the Dream Bus. While the Madison Public Library system still lends out books, movies, CDs, and even video games, it has grown to offer a variety of additional opportunities and resources to Madisonians. The key to accessing these opportunities within Madison libraries and the South Central Library System: is a library card.

There are multiple ways to sign up for a library card. For example, sign-up can be done online or at any Madison Public Library location. You will need an ID and proof of your current address. The first card is free and then you can request free replacement cards.

The Madison Public Library website has a list of 30 things a cardholder can do with their card, such as checking out movies, books, computers, DVDs, ebooks, current newspapers, magazines, and many more interesting things. Students and other individuals can reserve a study room to work on homework or school projects. The rooms were made for people to use as a tool to meet with friends or group work members and study. [Read More]

Study at Stanford University Shows Steep Economic Costs from COVID Learning Loss

by Yoanna Hoskins, age 17

When the world shut down due to the pandemic, resources were ultimately lost, disrupting learning at all levels. However, K-12 students were the most affected by this learning loss, a study at Stanford University concludes.

Dr. Eric Hanushek, a Stanford economist, estimated that the learning loss might force the impacted K-12 students to earn $70,000 per student less than usual during their careers. Based on the results of eighth graders' national math test scores between 2019 and 2022, there was a 9% increase in failure to perform basic math skills. Furthermore, the scores created the greatest drop ever recorded to this date. Also, these scores translate to a learning loss of 0.6 to 0.8 years of school. If the estimate is correct, students educated during the pandemic will earn 5.6% less during their careers than those educated before the pandemic, adding up to more than $28 trillion lost throughout this century.

This study has coincided with studies conducted by researchers at universities like Dartmouth and Harvard which forecasted a drop of 1.6% in lifetime earnings for students in K-12 schools. Additionally, these studies uncovered that learning loss would ultimately result in lower graduation rates and higher arrests. [Read More]

Locks and Dams on the Mississippi River Need Fixing

by Alan Cruz, age 19

The Mississippi River is a lifeline for the American economy and global food supply, with around 175 million tons of freight transported on its waters every year. However, the century-old locks and dams that guide the barges along the river are well past their expected lifespan. Uncertainties about who should pay for maintenance and repairs only add to the resulting slower transit times and fears of a major breakdown in the future.

The upper Mississippi River has been a challenge to navigate for decades. Shallow waters often made it possible for people to walk across, hindering commercial traffic. To address this, a project was approved by Congress in 1930 to create a system of 29 locks and dams, stretching from Minneapolis to Granite City, Illinois. Water locks are navigational structures that regulate water levels in a river or canal to allow boats and barges to move between different water levels. These locks allow the Army Corps of Engineers to control the water levels in different sections, ensuring a minimum depth of nine feet for barges to pass through.

Today, towboats on the river push an average of 15 barges at once. However, when they reach the 600-foot-long locks, they simply don't fit, and splitting up the barges takes twice as long. Mike Steenhoek, the executive director of the Soy Transportation Coalition, describes the system as a garden hose connected to a fire hydrant. With farmers producing more corn and soybeans than ever before, delays have only worsened. [Read More]

Wisconsin Begins PFAS Testing this Fall

by Sandy Flores Ruíz, age 16

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, also known as PFAS, are a family of synthetic chemicals. They are used in everyday household products, such clothes, carpets, nonstick cookware, packaging, and firefighting foam due to their ability to repel water and stains. The PFAS family of approximately 5,000 chemicals are known as “forever chemicals” because they last for a long period of time in the environment and human body. Research suggests that these chemicals can cause various types of cancers, decrease birth weights, damage the immune and reproductive systems, impact hormone regulation, and alter thyroid hormones.

Since 2019, the DNR has been working to develop standards for two of the better known PFAS chemicals, PFOA and PFOS, to determine safe levels of these two chemicals in public water systems. Beginning this fall, Wisconsin communities will be required to test their water to ensure that the PFOA and PFOS do not exceed limits set by the State of Wisconsin. [Read More]

New Study Shows Pay Gap Between Men and Women even After College

by Devika Pal, age 17

Anisa Maredia carried an ambition of pursuing a career in dentistry but witnessed gender discrimination in the field. As a participant in hiring workers, she recalls interviewers inquiring about the marital status of female candidates. Maredia also called out the stark difference in pay salaries between males and females.

A 2015 Wall Street Journal report revealed a noticeable disparity in pay between men and women. Across some 2,000 universities, using 1.7 million graduates, the analysis found that men’s median pay surpassed females by 10%. This study shows that despite having similar credentials, the pay gap begins as soon as new graduates are out of college and are in the hiring process. [Read More]