Welcome from our New Head of School
Hello Friends!
I am incredibly honored and humbled to be joining the Wingra Community. When I visited the school for the first time in April of 2022, I instantly fell in love! The school is so full of joy and collaboration. I’m excited to partner with faculty, staff, parents, and students to continue to foster an inclusive community at Wingra. I share in this school community’s commitment to caring for the students each and every day while providing them with a world-class learning environment. Thank you, and I look forward to seeing you all soon.
Torsie Judkins
Head of School
We pledge to work to end systemic racism not only in our local Madison community, but in our school community as well. (Full statement below.)
Contact Information
718 Gilmore Street
Madison, WI 53711
Phone: (608) 238-2525
Email: info@wingraschool.org
Our History
Wingra is an independent progressive school for children ages five to fourteen located on a hillside across from the University of Wisconsin Arboretum, centrally-located in Madison. We’re on the Madison Metro bus line, which is our connection to the Overture Center, the downtown library, the State Capitol, the University of Wisconsin campus, and much more.
There’s a charm to our building, a history. Wingra School lives in the former Dudgeon School building, on Monroe Street. At its founding in 1972, Wingra School set out to re-imagine education for children in our changing world.
The grass-covered lower yard and upper outdoor performance stage and indigenous playscape are Madison City parks that provide children with green space, trees, ball diamonds, swing sets, climbing structures, and wide-open spaces. The hill in the lower yard is great for sledding in winter!
In 1970 and 1971, five women, all with considerable knowledge in the fields of education and child development, set out to create a learning environment for children that followed many of the same philosophies as the “open classroom” or British primary model. It was a time when many educators questioned the effectiveness and benefits to children of the traditional, highly adult-centered practices in American education.
The open, informal, or British primary model was heavily influenced by the work of educator John Dewey and developmental psychologist Jean Piaget and was characterized by the following:
• Multi-age or “family” groupings of children
• “Learning centers” to move through during an openly structured school day
• Recognition that children are active constructors of their own knowledge
• Teaching as facilitating, guiding, and setting the stage for children’s discovery
• Learning as a highly individualized process, strongly bound to social connections and community responsibilities
Wingra’s founders’ original intent was not to create a new school but to demonstrate to the Madison school district a more child-centered, mixed-age approach in the hopes that they would implement it within the public schools. They tirelessly lobbied the school board, convincing them along the way to send several teachers to England to explore the open classroom.
Ultimately, the district proposed a three-year experiment starting with five-year-olds and adding an age group each year. This arrangement did not satisfy Wingra’s founders, in part because the true benefit of the family groupings would not be enjoyed until the third year. After thanking the district for its support and consideration, the founders opened Wingra School in 1972 in the Dudgeon building with 45 students in two classrooms. The school’s first teachers were Sam Jackson, JoAnn Schoell, and Jackie Hass.
Wingra expanded as interest in the school grew and younger students matured. In the mid-seventies, a class for 9 to 11 year olds was added. In 1983, Wingra started a program for the middle school years, ages 11 to 14.
Serving students from kindergarten through eighth grade presented new challenges and opportunities. The informal model, traditionally used with younger students and in early childhood settings, was reinterpreted to meet the needs of early adolescents. The classrooms for older students have become a high-quality alternative to large middle school settings.
Over the decades, Wingra has established connections with organizations that serve independent schools, including the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS), the Progressive Education Network (PEN), and the National Coalition of Alternative Community Schools. Wingra is accredited by the Independent Schools Association of the Central States (ISACS).
Job Openings at Wingra
Wingra School is an independent school for ages five to fourteen centrally-located in Madison, Wisconsin, or Dejope, within the ancestral and contemporary sacred homeland of the Ho-Chunk People. We are currently searching for a Director of Community Advancement . We recognize the inherent strengths that come from different viewpoints, backgrounds, cultures, and experiences. As an organization, we are committed to examining our unconscious biases, working toward a just, equitable, and peaceful world.
Wingra School, in service of social justice, strives for equity and fosters responsibility, advocacy, and compassion. As a historically white organization, we recognize the existence of institutional racism that has excluded Black, Indigenous, and other people of color from positions of power, and contributed to their discrimination, persecution, genocide, incarceration, and execution. We recognize that we live in an unjust society and are seeking people to be part of our transformation to uphold a core tenet of Wingra School’s progressive mission since its inception: to educate and to work for a more perfect union.
The Position:
We seek a Director of Community Advancement guided by principles of equity, inclusion, democratic processes, and anti-racist practices. The candidate is an excellent communicator who can work independently and as part of a team, is resourceful, responsive, organized, and able to navigate the independent school development terrain.
The Director of Community Advancement is responsible for the planning and organizing of Wingra’s fundraising efforts including the annual fund, special events, major gifts, alumni connections, and planned giving programs. As well as the above duties, the Director is the primary link to our capital campaign consultant team and helps solicit prospects during the impending public phase of the campaign.
Job Responsibilities Include:
- Support all development activities, including research, solicitation, annual fund, major gift, planned giving, and capital campaign initiatives
- Meet consultants and prospective donors on a continual basis to establish effective communications
- Support alumni engagement and outreach activities
- Lead development and production of special events, including fundraisers and stewardship programs
- Lead grant seeking including research and reporting requirements
- Participation in and leadership of development-related committee meetings
- Management of fundraising database and tracking systems
Qualifications:
- Knowledge of strategic development processes and procedures
- Exceptional verbal, written, and organizational skills
- Enthusiasm for work in philanthropy and non-profit organizations
- A minimum of two years of fundraising experience; experience with verbal and written solicitation preferred
- Ability to think strategically, analytically, and critically with regards to annual giving program
- Proven relationship-builder and motivator
- Collaborative and creative partner with honed critical thinking skills
- Possesses personal qualities of trustworthiness, openness, accessibility, kindness, flexibility, and a sense of humor
- Competency with Google suite. Knowledge of Little Green Light software (or similar CRM database) is a plus. Working knowledge of online giving and email marketing systems is a plus
The Wingra Community–staff, families, Board, and others–have collectively compiled the following priorities for a Wingra employee:
- Ability to approach an issue through multiple lenses and with integrity
- Skill and understanding in the area of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Justice
- Knowledge of, experience with, passion for, and a value system rooted in progressive and responsive education
- High level of emotional intelligence
- Commitment to social justice
Opportunities and Challenges:
- Working with a Board of Trustees that is majority BIPOC
- Advancing seeded initiatives for a school garden and a food program as a precursor for environmental justice and Indigenous land practices
- Engaging with community organizations to ensure that we are actively part of the solution to inequality both locally and beyond
- Navigating a new tuition model based on family ability to pay
- Supporting culturally sustaining pedagogies across the curriculum
Wingra School Mission Statement:
- In service of learning, we practice responsive and progressive education, and strive for equity.
- In service of the whole person, we embrace unique gifts, experiences, and relationships.
- In service of social justice, we foster responsibility, advocacy, and compassion.
- In service of democracy, we nurture individual and collective growth.
- In service of the world, we cultivate curiosity, creativity, and innovation.
We value and respect all types of diversity and strongly encourage applicants from traditionally marginalized groups to apply. We prohibit discrimination and provide equal employment opportunity without regard to, and not limited to, ethnicity, religion, race, national origin, abilities, gender identity, age or genetic information.
Application Information:
Please submit an updated resume and cover letter to: april@wingraschool.org
Job Type: Full-time, 12 months
Pay: $65k+ as commensurate with experience
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Ability to commute/relocate:
- Madison, WI 53711: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work
Education:
- Bachelor’s (Preferred) or equivalent experience/education
Work Location: One location : 100% in person
Teacher, Nest Program (Kindergarten and 1st Grade)—100% FTE
Ongoing Recruitment
Wingra School is searching for a social justice educator who will work with children ages 5 to 7 years. Ideal candidates are guided by principles of progressive education, equity, democratic processes, and anti-racist teaching practices. They have a strong passion for child development and have experience with integrated curriculum and authentic assessment. They are knowledgeable in current events and have experience with or a willingness to teach complex public issues. Candidates must be an excellent teacher who is creative, resourceful, responsive, organized, and able to navigate the educational terrain with humor, flexibility, and grace.
Our teaching staff is comprised of passionate educators who recognize the innate potential that lies within every child. We encourage students to approach learning with an open, inquisitive, and critical mind and to go beyond the “facts” toward understanding the “why” and “how”. At Wingra, children are deeply known by a supportive circle of adults as well as multi-age peers. Our community is one where students are accepted as their true selves, comfortable to explore, and confident to challenge themselves to try new things; a community where curriculum is flexibly designed to meet the students’ unique needs, interests, and abilities; a community where students feel ownership of their educational journey and where their innate motivation to learn is sparked to life and fanned into a strong flame.
Wingra School, in service of social justice, strives for equity and fosters responsibility, advocacy, and compassion. We recognize the existence of institutional racism that has excluded Black, Indigenous, and other people of color from positions of power, and contributed to their discrimination, persecution, incarceration, and execution. We recognize that we live in an unjust society. We know that racial injustice has existed since before our country was formed. We recognize that we have played a role in the systems of inequality and we are working to make changes to upend that. We are seeking educators to be part of our transformation and uphold a core tenet of Wingra School’s progressive mission since its inception: to educate and to work for a more perfect union.
Requirements
Passion for teaching and commitment to the equitable education of children
Commitment to anti-racist education and teaching practices
Ability to work collaboratively within a team and to communicate effectively with parents
Bachelor’s degree
Elementary school classroom teaching experience
Preferences
Understanding of progressive philosophy and teaching methods
Experience in teaching an integrated curriculum
Experience in addressing equity and diversity issues
Teaching License
Salary Information
Position runs from August 19,2024 to June 13, 2025
100% Annual salary range = $40,000 and up, depending on teaching experience
To Apply
Please send a cover letter, resume, and statement of educational philosophy to: April Kigeya, Chief Financial Officer, at april@wingraschool.org .
Wingra School is an independent K-8 school located in the heart of Madison, Wisconsin. We value and respect all types of diversity and strongly encourage applicants from traditionally marginalized groups to apply. We prohibit discrimination and provide equal employment opportunity without regard to, and not limited to, ethnicity, religion, race, national origin, abilities, gender identity, age or genetic information. We recognize the inherent strengths that come from different viewpoints, backgrounds, cultures, and experiences. As an organization, we have a commitment to examining our unconscious biases and want to work toward a just, equitable, and peaceful world.
Teacher, Pond Program (Second & Third Grade)—100% FTE
Ongoing Recruitment
Wingra School is searching for a social justice educator who will work with children ages 7-9 years. Ideal candidates are guided by principles of progressive education, equity, democratic processes, and anti-racist teaching practices. They have a strong passion for child development and have experience with integrated curriculum and authentic assessment. They are knowledgeable in current events and have experience with or a willingness to teach complex public issues. Candidates must be an excellent teacher who is creative, resourceful, responsive, organized, and able to navigate the educational terrain with humor, flexibility, and grace.
Our teaching staff is comprised of passionate educators who recognize the innate potential that lies within every child. We encourage students to approach learning with an open, inquisitive, and critical mind and to go beyond the “facts” toward understanding the “why” and “how”. At Wingra, children are deeply known by a supportive circle of adults as well as multi-age peers. Our community is one where students are accepted as their true selves, comfortable to explore, and confident to challenge themselves to try new things; a community where curriculum is flexibly designed to meet the students’ unique needs, interests, and abilities; a community where students feel ownership of their educational journey and where their innate motivation to learn is sparked to life and fanned into a strong flame.
Wingra School, in service of social justice, strives for equity and fosters responsibility, advocacy, and compassion. We recognize the existence of institutional racism that has excluded Black, Indigenous, and other people of color from positions of power, and contributed to their discrimination, persecution, incarceration, and execution. We recognize that we live in an unjust society. We know that racial injustice has existed since before our country was formed. We recognize that we have played a role in the systems of inequality and we are working to make changes to upend that. We are seeking educators to be part of our transformation and uphold a core tenet of Wingra School’s progressive mission since its inception: to educate and to work for a more perfect union.
Requirements
Passion for teaching and commitment to the equitable education of children
Commitment to anti-racist education and teaching practices
Ability to work collaboratively within a team and to communicate effectively with parents
Bachelor’s degree
Elementary school classroom teaching experience
Preferences
Understanding of progressive philosophy and teaching methods
Experience in teaching an integrated curriculum
Experience in addressing equity and diversity issues
Teaching License
Salary Information
Position runs from August 19,2024 to June 13, 2025
100% Annual salary range = $40,000 and up, depending on teaching experience
To Apply
Please send a cover letter, resume, and statement of educational philosophy to: April Kigeya, Chief Financial Officer, at april@wingraschool.org .
Wingra School is an independent K-8 school located in the heart of Madison, Wisconsin. We value and respect all types of diversity and strongly encourage applicants from traditionally marginalized groups to apply. We prohibit discrimination and provide equal employment opportunity without regard to, and not limited to, ethnicity, religion, race, national origin, abilities, gender identity, age or genetic information. We recognize the inherent strengths that come from different viewpoints, backgrounds, cultures, and experiences. As an organization, we have a commitment to examining our unconscious biases and want to work toward a just, equitable, and peaceful world.
Teacher, Lake Program (Second & Third Grade)—100% FTE
Ongoing Recruitment
Wingra School is searching for a social justice educator who will work with children ages 9-11 years. Ideal candidates are guided by principles of progressive education, equity, democratic processes, and anti-racist teaching practices. They have a strong passion for child development and have experience with integrated curriculum and authentic assessment. They are knowledgeable in current events and have experience with or a willingness to teach complex public issues. Candidates must be an excellent teacher who is creative, resourceful, responsive, organized, and able to navigate the educational terrain with humor, flexibility, and grace.
Our teaching staff is comprised of passionate educators who recognize the innate potential that lies within every child. We encourage students to approach learning with an open, inquisitive, and critical mind and to go beyond the “facts” toward understanding the “why” and “how”. At Wingra, children are deeply known by a supportive circle of adults as well as multi-age peers. Our community is one where students are accepted as their true selves, comfortable to explore, and confident to challenge themselves to try new things; a community where curriculum is flexibly designed to meet the students’ unique needs, interests, and abilities; a community where students feel ownership of their educational journey and where their innate motivation to learn is sparked to life and fanned into a strong flame.
Wingra School, in service of social justice, strives for equity and fosters responsibility, advocacy, and compassion. We recognize the existence of institutional racism that has excluded Black, Indigenous, and other people of color from positions of power, and contributed to their discrimination, persecution, incarceration, and execution. We recognize that we live in an unjust society. We know that racial injustice has existed since before our country was formed. We recognize that we have played a role in the systems of inequality and we are working to make changes to upend that. We are seeking educators to be part of our transformation and uphold a core tenet of Wingra School’s progressive mission since its inception: to educate and to work for a more perfect union.
Requirements
Passion for teaching and commitment to the equitable education of children
Commitment to anti-racist education and teaching practices
Ability to work collaboratively within a team and to communicate effectively with parents
Bachelor’s degree
Elementary school classroom teaching experience
Preferences
Understanding of progressive philosophy and teaching methods
Experience in teaching an integrated curriculum
Experience in addressing equity and diversity issues
Teaching License
Salary Information
Position runs from August 19,2024 to June 13, 2025
100% Annual salary range = $40,000 and up, depending on teaching experience
To Apply
Please send a cover letter, resume, and statement of educational philosophy to: April Kigeya, Chief Financial Officer, at april@wingraschool.org .
Wingra School is an independent K-8 school located in the heart of Madison, Wisconsin. We value and respect all types of diversity and strongly encourage applicants from traditionally marginalized groups to apply. We prohibit discrimination and provide equal employment opportunity without regard to, and not limited to, ethnicity, religion, race, national origin, abilities, gender identity, age or genetic information. We recognize the inherent strengths that come from different viewpoints, backgrounds, cultures, and experiences. As an organization, we have a commitment to examining our unconscious biases and want to work toward a just, equitable, and peaceful world.
Teacher, Sky Program (Sixth, Seventh & Eighth Grade)—100% FTE
Ongoing Recruitment
Wingra School is searching for a social justice educator who will work with children ages 11-14 years. Ideal candidates are guided by principles of progressive education, equity, democratic processes, and anti-racist teaching practices. They have a strong passion for child development and have experience with integrated curriculum and authentic assessment. They are knowledgeable in current events and have experience with or a willingness to teach complex public issues. Candidates must be an excellent teacher who is creative, resourceful, responsive, organized, and able to navigate the educational terrain with humor, flexibility, and grace.
Our teaching staff is comprised of passionate educators who recognize the innate potential that lies within every child. We encourage students to approach learning with an open, inquisitive, and critical mind and to go beyond the “facts” toward understanding the “why” and “how”. At Wingra, children are deeply known by a supportive circle of adults as well as multi-age peers. Our community is one where students are accepted as their true selves, comfortable to explore, and confident to challenge themselves to try new things; a community where curriculum is flexibly designed to meet the students’ unique needs, interests, and abilities; a community where students feel ownership of their educational journey and where their innate motivation to learn is sparked to life and fanned into a strong flame.
Wingra School, in service of social justice, strives for equity and fosters responsibility, advocacy, and compassion. We recognize the existence of institutional racism that has excluded Black, Indigenous, and other people of color from positions of power, and contributed to their discrimination, persecution, incarceration, and execution. We recognize that we live in an unjust society. We know that racial injustice has existed since before our country was formed. We recognize that we have played a role in the systems of inequality and we are working to make changes to upend that. We are seeking educators to be part of our transformation and uphold a core tenet of Wingra School’s progressive mission since its inception: to educate and to work for a more perfect union.
Requirements
Passion for teaching and commitment to the equitable education of children
Commitment to anti-racist education and teaching practices
Ability to work collaboratively within a team and to communicate effectively with parents
Bachelor’s degree
Elementary school classroom teaching experience
Preferences
Understanding of progressive philosophy and teaching methods
Experience in teaching an integrated curriculum
Experience in addressing equity and diversity issues
Teaching License
Salary Information
Position runs from August 19,2024 to June 13, 2025
100% Annual salary range = $40,000 and up, depending on teaching experience
To Apply
Please send a cover letter, resume, and statement of educational philosophy to: April Kigeya, Chief Financial Officer, at april@wingraschool.org .
Wingra School is an independent K-8 school located in the heart of Madison, Wisconsin. We value and respect all types of diversity and strongly encourage applicants from traditionally marginalized groups to apply. We prohibit discrimination and provide equal employment opportunity without regard to, and not limited to, ethnicity, religion, race, national origin, abilities, gender identity, age or genetic information. We recognize the inherent strengths that come from different viewpoints, backgrounds, cultures, and experiences. As an organization, we have a commitment to examining our unconscious biases and want to work toward a just, equitable, and peaceful world.
Current posting
Wingra School is looking for Substitute Teachers to work with children ages 5 to 14 years. Teachers will strive to bring out the best in students while working with engaging, interactive curriculum based on a deep understanding of child development and a passion for the learning process. Work with multi-age groups of primary students (ages 5-7), intermediate students (ages 7-9 and 9-11) and adolescent students (ages 11-14) in all subject areas. Must be an excellent teacher who is resourceful, enthusiastic, organized and able to navigate the educational terrain with flexibility and grace.
Requirements:
- Passion for teaching and commitment to the education of children
- Ability to work collaboratively within a team
- Friendly demeanor, sense of humor, and flexibility
- Dependable and responsible
- Prior experience in an educational setting
To apply:
Please send a cover letter, resume, and three letters of reference to: Torsie Judkins, Head of School, at torsie@wingraschool.org
Pay: $25 p/h commensurate with experience
Wingra School is an independent school for ages five to fourteen centrally-located in Madison, Wisconsin. We value and respect all types of diversity and strongly encourage applicants from traditionally marginalized groups to apply. We prohibit discrimination and provide equal employment opportunity without regard to, and not limited to, ethnicity, religion, race, national origin, abilities, gender identity, age or genetic information. We recognize the inherent strengths that come from different viewpoints, backgrounds, cultures, and experiences. As an organization, we have a commitment to examining our unconscious biases and want to work toward a just, equitable, and peaceful world.
Mission Statement
In service of learning, we practice responsive and progressive education, and strive for equity. In service of the whole person, we embrace unique gifts, experiences, and relationships. In service of social justice, we foster responsibility, advocacy, and compassion. In service of democracy, we nurture individual and collective growth. In service of the world, we cultivate curiosity, creativity, and innovation.
Wingra School is committed to attracting staff of varied backgrounds and to developing inclusive classroom communities that draw strength from a positive recognition of diversity. We value diversity in our community with regard to gender, race, color, creed, religion, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, and ability.
Administrative & Building Staff
Teaching Staff
Board of Trustees
Wingra School is a nonprofit organization governed by a Board of Trustees composed of parents, staff members, and community volunteers. The board provides support for all aspects of the school through fundraising, policy development, maintenance of the organizational structure, and participation in financial and long-range planning.
The board is self-perpetuating; new members are chosen by current board members to bring in needed strengths and talents. Staff members are nominated by the staff. It is important that potential board members are committed to Wingra’s mission and ownership and are able to “think big” in terms of systems, not details. Interested parties can find the self-nomination form here.
A Note from David Hoffert, President of the Board of Trustees
I am honored to serve as the next President of the Board of Trustees for Wingra School. As a proud alumnus of Wingra (1991-99), I have long credited the school with much of my success in life; it made me a person who naturally sought to learn because I genuinely enjoyed learning, and that alone delivered me very far indeed. I am excited to be part of the team that works to ensure today’s children have a similar opportunity.
I am also excited to be able to work to *expand* the population of children who can benefit from a Wingra education and worldview. While our new individualized tuition model lays the groundwork for us to significantly increase the socioeconomic diversity of the Wingra student body, the work surrounding the vision of making Wingra a welcoming and thriving community for all is just beginning. Wingra must also work to actively recruit and retain a racially diverse student and staff community and to create a deep sense of belonging for everyone who enters the building each day. I see this work, along with ensuring the long-term financial sustainability of the new tuition model, as critical areas of focus for the Board in the coming years.
Wingra is more than just a school; it is truly a community. That same ethos applies to the Board of Trustees: we are people willing to get our hands dirty (in the case of the Building and Grounds committee, literally) and do the work because we are passionate about Wingra’s mission and impact. We always seek more kindred spirits to join us in this work. If you or anyone you know might be interested in getting involved with the Wingra Board, please get in touch with me. In the meantime, I look forward to getting to know you throughout the school year.
Board Statement-
Black lives matter. We denounce police brutality and call for a transformational redesign of local law enforcement, including removal of law enforcement from schools and replacement with counselors. We support the rights of all to advocate for themselves and others and confirm our commitment to stand behind our black youth as they advocate for creation of a world that is more just. We commit to using our time, treasure, and talent in support of local organizations, such as Urban Triage, Freedom Inc, and Madison for Black Lives, that are dedicated to lifting and amplifying young black voices. We pledge to work to end systemic racism not only in our local community, but in our school community, as well.
We, the white Trustees, commit to take the following actions:
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To continue to educate ourselves and each other on the insidious nature of our own racism. We must understand how our internalized racism affects our interactions with black people. We must learn our own history: how systemic racism was developed and continues to be upheld by white people, in order to be effective in the dismantling the process.
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To call each other out when we resort–whether consciously or unconsciously–to a position where we center our white thoughts and white actions without regard for the impact on black voices.
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To commit to creating a leadership pipeline for black Trustees to attain positions of power within the board. It isn’t enough to bring black voices onto the Board and we recognize that getting out of the way is essential to creating fundamental change.
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To de-center our own whiteness and our own white experience which is unique to us as those in the dominant white culture. We will sit with our own discomfort as we make mistakes and not seek closure or reassurance from our black colleagues. We recognize that it is not up to them to make us feel better.
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To work every day to lead the transformation of Wingra School to an anti-racist organization. Our history as a majority white institution means that there is much to be done and we pledge to use our white privilege to support the creation of a community based in equality and justice.
Vaunce Ashby, ExOfficio, Co-chair Buildings & Grounds Committee
Stephan Gilchrist, Treasurer, Chair Financial Committee
David Hoffert, President
Julie Loehrl, Vice President-Secretary, Co-chair Buildings & Grounds Committee
Sarah Melton, Chair Governance Committee
Kailea Saplan
Scott Scholtens
Christina Stonoha
Parent Service & Participation
Within the Wingra community, partnerships and relationships are fostered through shared experiences among our students and their families. We want to know the important people in children’s lives and invite active participation in our school community for parents, extended family, and caregivers. We encourage active engagement in children’s education to help ground them and help them flourish. Through school-wide and classroom volunteer opportunities, our parent organization, and special events, there is a way for everyone to be involved.
At Wingra School, we have always depended on parent volunteers to help with school events and activities. Working on the premise that many hands make light work, we ask all parents to sign up for specific roles, activities, and events of interest. Early each summer, parents are asked to share their preferred service opportunities for the coming year through a Parent Service Form. In the fall, we let parents know how they can help the school, based on their expressed preferences.
The WFA brings together parents and caregivers to create opportunities to connect and learn from each other, build relationships, and support Wingra’s events and programs to strengthen our community.
Community Conversations • Family Game Night • Family Poetry Night • Clothing & Book Resales Sales • Teacher Appreciation • And More!
There are many ways to participate in the WFA with varying levels of commitment.
Parents have many opportunities to volunteer in their child’s classroom. That could include being a guest speaker or sharing an area of expertise, driving for a class field trip, providing classroom snacks as assigned, supporting teachers and students in the classroom, or tasks at home.
Community Connections
Preservice Teachers
Wingra School was founded as a private institution for the public good. One way we continue to realize this commitment is by hosting student and practicum teachers from local universities and colleges into our classrooms. We are fortunate to work with many educators, early in their careers, each semester.
Wingra Service Learning (WSL)
Wingra pursues service projects to connect with and support organizations within Madison. Service-Learning, as defined by Community Works Institute, is an educational strategy that combines academic and social goals to meet community needs. Collaboration occurs through compelling sense of purpose, engagement, and reciprocity among all partners.
Visiting Tours
A visitor to our school has much to learn about our intentional educational community. We host tours for current and future educators, university professors, and others interested in seeing firsthand how we cultivate an atmosphere of activity, learning, and freedom. One can feel it the moment the door is opened! We also strive to be a model for healthy ecological practices and invite neighbors and businesses to tour our building and witness how we give care to the environment.
New Morning Nursery School
New Morning Nursery School has much in common with Wingra School in its nurturing, child-centered approach. The school was formed as a non-profit cooperative by parents in 1972 and is located on a second floor wing at Wingra.