SDMA January Update

SDMA January Update
Posted on 01/09/2026
Dear SDMA Families and Staff,

Welcome back to the 2025-26 school year in the SDMA!  I hope that everyone had a nice winter break, and we are happy to have our students and staff back in school this week.

Here are several reminders and important informational items to consider as we move toward the second half of this school year:
  • As noted on the 2025-26 district calendar, the first semester will end next week, and there are only two scheduled days off for students between now and spring break (Jan. 19 & Feb. 6). There is a lot of learning to be accomplished over the next several weeks, so it is very important that students attend school as much as possible.
  • Hopefully the winter weather will begin to cooperate a bit more, but students and staff should be on the lookout for the SDMA's remote learning day procedures in the event that more inclement weather comes our way.
  • As part of our new strategic plan, the district website is being redesigned to make it more helpful, engaging, and easier to use. We want your feedback on this project, so please complete this SDMA website survey and select the sample website design you prefer before the survey closes on January 12.
  •  It is sad to learn about recent turmoil in the Twin Cities, and other more localized concerns related to possible immigration enforcement activities closer to our community.  As noted in one of my previous School Crossings Columns, officials in the SDMA are aware of legal guidance and will do our best to support all SDMA students and families within the context of applicable laws. 
  •  In addition to the regular monthly school board meeting at 5:45 pm on January 12, the Board will also be having a special meeting at 5:00 pm that evening to review district finances and various trends that impact the district budget. The meetings will be held at the SDMA Administrative Service Center, and both meetings are open to the public.
Have a great week!

Joe Zydowsky
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Joseph E. Zydowsky, PhD
District Administrator
School District of the Menomonie Area
215 Pine Avenue NE
Menomonie, WI 54751
[email protected]
www.twitter.com/joezydowsky
Phone: (715) 232-1642