January 2024 Madison Memo
January 2024
Principal's Message
Happy New Year!
A new year is a great time to make a fresh start. Setting and achieving goals is an excellent way for students to learn responsibility. Possible New Year's resolutions for elementary children are:
- I will read 30 minutes each night.
- I will practice math facts each night.
- I will go to bed on time each night.
- I will give one compliment each day.
- I will do random acts of kindness.
- I will be more organized.
- I will get outdoors more.
- I will decrease screen time.
Our word of the month for January is "Perseverance" which is defined as "the ability to work through situations even when there are obstacles or challenges in the way." When you can't figure out a problem, then try to solve it another way until you get it right - that's perseverance!
The Madison staff is committed to keep working to make 2024 a great year for your child!
Your principal,
Dorothy M. Olsen
Citizen of the Month
Ellis Wilkerson - KD, Leo Carter - KH, McKayla Connolly - KJ, Yelena Dzyuba - KK
Elliot Hawj - 1F, Lucas Lor - 1K, Niharika Rawat - 1P
George Auginash - 2A, Hattie Schwagel - 2C, Lucas Hruby - 2J
Doa Halimi - 3D, Muhammad Siddiq - 3G, Luis Flores - 3I
Jens Hiti - 4P, Makayla Crowe - 4S, Nathan Khang - 4W
Kayden Grafnitz - 5B, Novack Vang - 5H, Jasmine Podolyanchuk - 5L
Calendar
December 25 - January 2: No School, Holiday & Winter Break
January 8-12: Winter Transportation Week
January 11: PTO Meeting, Madison Library, 6:30 PM, in person and via Zoom
January 25: Multicultural Night, 6:00-8:00 PM
Character Strong = Purposefull People
In January, we will be focusing on Perseverance. One way to think about Perseverance is “pushing yourself through challenges and obstacles," or continued effort to do or achieve something, even when it is difficult or takes time. Please visit the Character Strong website for more information on what Character Strong is and how educators use it to create effective learning environments.
Application Deadlines for Magnet or Specialty Middle Schools
Anoka-Hennepin offers a specialty and a magnet school at the middle school level that are designed to provide families with additional choices at no cost and as an opportunity to explore interest areas in depth. Deadlines are approaching to enroll at the specialty or magnet schools.
Magnet school - Anoka Middle School for the Arts
- Offered to students districtwide.
- Transportation is provided.
- The application window is open for the 2024-25 school year and closes December 31, 2023.
Specialty school - Jackson Middle School - A Specialty School for Math and Science
- Students may enroll at the specialty schools using an in-district transfer process.
- Families are responsible for providing transportation.
- Applications are accepted between December 1, 2023 and January 15, 2024 for priority consideration.
Both schools offer in-person tours upon request.
Above & Beyond Awards Nominations Accepted through January 22
If you know an Anoka-Hennepin staff member who goes above and beyond normal job expectations to ensure that students receive a high-quality education in a safe and nurturing environment, you are strongly encouraged to nominate them for the Above & Beyond Awards.
The Above & Beyond Awards recognizes and honors Anoka-Hennepin staff who consistently go that extra mile so students can be successful.
Volunteering at Madison
Join us as a Madison volunteer in the new year! It’s easy to get involved and truly makes a difference. Sign up now to be notified of volunteer opportunities as they arise.
Do you like interacting with kids? Can you spare one hour a week? Become a K-Skillbuilders volunteer! K-Skillbuilders is a program that helps Kindergarten students develop and practice basic reading, writing and math skills. Volunteers work one-on-one with students on a weekly basis to reinforce skills through a variety of activities, such as reading aloud, tracing the alphabet and sorting numbers and letters. Please reach out for more information.
We have many ongoing volunteer opportunities that you can get involved in, including lunch help, Every Meal distribution, Staple Club, field trip chaperones, workroom help, PTO and Watch D.O.G.S. If you are interested, please let me know or take a look at our current sign-ups.
Have a wonderful winter break and a happy New Year!
Emily Massey / Volunteer Services Coordinator (VSC)
emily.massey@ahschools.us, 763-506-3340
PTO
The PTO wishes everyone a happy holiday season and a big thank you to those who have helped or attended a meeting. We look forward to seeing you at our next meeting on Thursday, January 11 at 6:30 PM in the Madison Library or via Zoom.
Important Numbers and Links
Attendance
Any time your child will be absent from or late to school, please report the absence by 9:15 AM.
Reporting options:
- Call the Attendance Line at 763-506-3306
- Use a web browser (view the instructions)
- Use the ParentVUE app, which is free and can be downloaded to your mobile device.
Please provide the reason for the absence. If due to illness, please give the specific symptoms, such as fever, congestion, etc. If no contact is made, the student absence will be considered unexcused. Please note, if your child is experiencing a fever, diarrhea, or vomiting, the district policy states that the student may not return to school until 24 hours after the last episode.
PTO
- Join the Madison PTO group on Facebook for the latest updates and reminders!
- Everyone is welcome to attend our monthly meetings! In person in the Madison Library or via Zoom.
Volunteer at Madison
- To start the process, please complete the Volunteer Application Form and the Criminal Record History Release Form.
- You will be contacted once the paperwork is processed. Please note some volunteer activities require additional processing, which can take up to two weeks.
- We appreciate that you share your time and talents with us. Thank you.
- Please contact Emily Massey, Volunteer Services Coordinator (VSC), if you need assistance or have questions.
Contact Information
Main Office: 763-506-3300
Absence Line: 763-506-3306
Fax: 763-506-3303
Website: www.ahschools.us/madison
Facebook: www.facebook.com/AHMadison Elementary
Additional Resources
This e-newsletter is published by Madison Elementary School. Questions, comments or concerns about the school e-newsletter? Contact us.