Cherokee Middle School reported on Apr. 14 that its efforts to build community and improve student engagement have led to significant increases in students’ sense of belonging, attendance rates, and academic performance.
The school has focused on fostering a positive environment where students feel connected. This approach matters because research links a strong sense of belonging with better academic outcomes and fewer behavioral issues. Cherokee’s data show the percentage of students who feel they belong at school rose from 65% in the 2022-23 school year to 84% in 2024-25.
Principal Roberto Moreno said during a recent pep rally, “It’s so exciting — everything we do here is to build community within our school.” Staff attribute these improvements to several initiatives: the reestablishment of the Black Student Union, new events like the Science Expo, incentives for attendance and achievement such as raffles for bikes or scooters, and advisory lessons aimed at building relationships. Student Engagement Coordinator Ebony Rose said, “We’ve reestablished a Black Student Union that has amazing attendance, we’re trying new things like our Science Expo and we have incentives for students who show up and do well in school.”
A key part of Cherokee’s strategy is a discipline system based on reflection rather than punishment. Behavior Education Assistant Latasha Jackson described it as “a warning system — after too many warnings you have to leave class and come see me in our reflection room,” where students discuss their behavior before returning to class. Sixth grade math teacher Elianny Raquel Herrera explained that this time is not meant as punishment but an opportunity for students “to sit down, really think about what happened” and repair relationships with teachers.
In addition to discipline reforms, staff use incentives like “Cougar Cash,” monthly raffles for good attendance, spirit wear giveaways, pizza parties for high grades, and trips off campus. Culture and Climate Coach Laura Kalscheur said these efforts are supported by large student support teams working closely with each grade level throughout middle school years.
As a result of these changes, Cherokee saw one of the largest gains across Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD) schools: a ten-point increase in students meeting the district’s 90% attendance threshold during the 2024-25 year. Forward exam results also improved—English Language Arts proficiency increased by six percent overall (and fourteen percent among Black students), while math proficiency rose seven percent overall (and six percent among Black students).
These successes take place within MMSD’s broader commitment to supporting student well-being through health initiatives according to its official website. The Board maintains fifty-three schools—including elementary through alternative programs—and serves more than twenty-six thousand students according to district information. MMSD prioritizes equity, inclusion, excellence in education as outlined by district leadership, under an elected seven-member board serving Madison residents according to official sources.
Instructional coach Kara Purviance said that after focusing first on behavior management with new systems over recent years,“the focus is more on instruction and rigor.” She added that staff will continue evaluating strategies into summer months.
Rose summed up staff motivation: “Seeing our students grow… seeing them come to school consistently… how much would you pay to have a job like that? But I don’t have to sacrifice anything—it’s what I get every day I’m at Cherokee.”
