Community Schools Sites

Hello, my name is Andrew McKinney and I am the new Community Site Coordinator for CH Bird.  I served as a Youth Advocate for Sun Prairie high school the past year.

For years, I have observed the lack of understanding of the needs of under-served students and their families. I believe I can facilitate processes that will engage all parents and facilitate better communications between the district and the families it serves. Many of the problems a school district face are related to a lack of communication and understanding between the district and the people it serves. I believe that the school district, community partners and parents must work together to achieve our common goal of safely educating our children.

I currently serve as President of the Monona Grove school board. Most of my professional work experience has been at the mid- to-upper management levels. I have held professional positions such as: Program Manager, Case Manager, Resource Specialist, Assistant Director and Adjunct Instructor, primarily at institutions of higher education, K-12 and community-based agencies. I am a veteran who have served for 6 ½ years on active duty in the military (Army) during the Gulf War. I’m also a volunteer coach for various sports in Cottage Grove and I served on the Board of Directors for Dane County Credit Union. For entertainment, I work as an Emcee and Disc Jockey for many events. 

I’m looking forward in working with CH Bird, the staff, the parents, the community and the children. Thank you for your support!

CONTACT
Andrew McKinney  |  Site Coordinator
Email
608.834.6808

Coming soon...

Meet Lisa Goldsberry, our Community School Site Coordinator at Patrick Marsh. Lisa's journey began in Chicago where she worked as a Child Protective Case Manager for DCFS. She went on to earn her Master's in Counseling Psychology at Argosy University and then relocated to California where she worked as a part time Case Manager for DCFS and a full time Mental Health Clinician at an adolescent day treatment center. Lisa then moved to Florida to continue her work as a Case Manager for DCFS, Foster Home Licensing Specialist, and Mental Health Practitioner.

In June 2015, she, along with her son Bakari, relocated to Sun Prairie and that fall became a District Wide Substitute for the Sun Prairie Area School District. As such, Lisa held a variety of roles throughout the district before taking on the role of the Community School Site Coordinator at Patrick Marsh Middle School. Lisa is excited to do this work to help improve student outcomes, support and strengthen families, and build a healthier community by celebrating the growing diversity in our community and promoting equity.

CONTACT
Lisa Goldsberry  |  Site Coordinator
Email
608.834.7661

Coming soon...

"My name is Bobby Finn.  I grew up in Wheaton, Illinois. I am a life long Bears and Cubs fan. I have 2 sisters, one two years older and one two years younger. I moved to the Madison area about six years ago. I have been working with students in many different capacities for the last five years, including most recently working as the Youth Center Manager for the Sun Prairie YMCA.

When I’m not working. I enjoy sports and spending time with my family."

CONTACT
Bobby Finn  |  Site Coordinator
Email
608.834.6920

Prairie Phoenix Academy Programs
(held at Prairie Phoenix Academy, 160 South St, Sun Prairie)
next to Cardinal Heights Upper Middle School at 220 Kronke Dr. The main entrance to PPA is across the parking lot from Cardinal Heights, right next to the football field

Cardio Drumming taught by wellness coaches from Sunny Nutrition is held on Monday evenings from 6 - 6:45 pm in the multi purpose room.  There is no cost for this program, but pre-registration is suggested. Contact Sarah Smith at the contact info listed below to be added to the email list for the next session.

Adult Yoga taught by area yoga instructors will be held on Tuesday evenings from 5:30 - 6:30 pm in the multi purpose room.  There is no cost for this program, but pre-registration is suggested. Contact Sarah Smith at the contact info listed below to be added to the email list for registration.

Please note if school is not in session or closed due to bad weather,
programs will be cancelled that night as well.

Meet Stacy Darga, our Site Coordinator at Westside Elementary. Mrs. Darga is passionate about her school and feels so blessed to be part of such a great community. She and her husband, Rich, have three children, Tessa, Jake and Sam and all of them spent their elementary years at Westside Elementary. She has been with community schools since the initiative was first introduced in 2012 and was part of the team that brought the model to Westside Elementary and has kept the “train rolling down the track” throughout these past seven years. She feels that she was meant to be in this role and is blessed every day to do this work which leads to improved student learning, stronger families and a healthier community. Stop in and visit her and her amazing community school any time!

CONTACT
Stacy Darga  |  Site Coordinator
Email
608.834.7546

Westside Community School Programs
(held at Westside Elementary, 1320 Buena Vista Dr, Sun Prairie)

Little Cardinals Community Schools Playgroup is a free playgroup for children ages 3 or 4 years old who are not yet 4K eligible. This program is a partnership with the Sun Prairie Community Schools and the Sun Prairie Area School District Early Childhood Special Education Department. Our play will focus on early literacy, language, music and movement activities. Please click this link for the electronic registration: https://goo.gl/forms/RtqbzTwAMwbPm29N2
Session 3:  January 3rd - February 22
Session 4: February 25 - April 12
Session 5: April 22 - June 4
Please contact Melissa Berning at mnberni@sunprairieschools.org or Michelle Dargiewicz at mddargi@sunprairieschools.org of the Early Childhood Department with any questions.

GriefShare is a seminar and support group for people grieving the death of someone close. GriefShare’s DVD seminar series features counselors and experts on grief’s various facets discussing topics.  To learn more and register, please visit http://doorcreekchurch.org/careandsupport.  This group meets from 6:30 - 8:30 pm every Wednesday night beginning February 6 - May 15.

English classes will be offered on Thursdays from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. from February 21 thru April 11. Dinner and childcare provided (minimum child age: 2). Participants will choose the topics they want to study! For more information, please call 834-7546 or email stacy.darga@spcommunityschools.org. This program is in partnership with the Literacy Network.

Grow Strong Roots parent/caregiver classes provided by The Rooted Family will be held Thursday evenings 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. from February 21 thru March 28. Join us for one or all six of this free parent and caregiver series that focuses on improving family life and student gains. Free childcare is available (reserve your childcare spot by contacting Stacy at stacy.darga@spcommunityschools.org or 608-834-7546).

Our after school clubs continue to meet.  Check out or clubs and activities page.

First Friday Family Fun Nights - Plan to spend the first Friday of each month having a fun time with family and friends!  Event will run from 6 – 7:30 pm at Westside Elementary School. Please note: February's family fun night will be held the second Friday (February 8th).

For more information on any of the above programs contact:
Stacy Darga at stacy.darga@spcommunityschools.org or 608.834.7546
Please note if school is not in session or closed due to bad weather, programs will be
cancelled that night as well.