Students Take the Lead on 'Better World Day'

Last week, students across the Madison Metropolitan School District rolled up their sleeves to celebrate Better World Day, a national event that turns classroom learning into real-world action.

Celebrated throughout the week, Better World Day is organized by EL Education, a nonprofit organization rooted in the science of reading. MMSD works with EL Education to provide diverse K-8 English-Language Arts (ELA) curriculum materials, hands-on, research-based instructional practices and professional development for educators. Through this partnership, MMSD students are supported in becoming leaders of their own learning–and of their communities.

Whether exploring pollinators, leading environmental workshops, or creating videos about kindness, MMSD students showed how powerful learning can be when it’s connected to meaningful work.

“At MMSD, we believe students thrive when they are empowered to take action,” Superintendent Joe Gothard said. “Better World Day is a powerful example of our students making learning come alive—and making a difference in their communities.”

Here’s a glimpse of what happened across our schools:

• Orchard Ridge Elementary & Toki Middle: Paired classrooms worked together on shared service-learning projects, wrapping up with community-based activities.
• Crestwood Elementary: Second graders teamed up with the Friends of Owen Conservation Park to learn about pollinators and prepare for habitat restoration work later this spring.
• Spring Harbor Middle: Students hosted a full-day environmental conference with student-led sessions, outdoor adventures, and service projects.
• Elvehjem Elementary: Students showcased their learning through art, videos, and a community cookbook, all tied to their school’s “Habits of Character.”
• Thoreau Elementary: Second graders hosted a “Pollinator Palooza,” complete with a march, a gallery walk, and free seeds for families.
• Leopold Elementary: Families came together for a literacy night where students shared classroom projects and led community support efforts.
• Mendota Elementary: Students brightened up their school grounds with a new rock garden and landscaping work.
• Black Hawk Middle: The day kicked off with service projects focused on well-being and ended with fun, staff-led workshops that promoted a healthy school culture.
• Marquette Elementary: Students designed stickers featuring their own public service announcements, combining creativity with civic action.

We’re proud to celebrate our students’ leadership and compassion. Better World Day is just one way MMSD supports learning that’s active, real and rooted in community.