Principal's Weekly Update
November 17th, 2023
Dear Parent(s)/ Guardian(s):
Thanksgiving came a little earlier for some of our students. On Friday some of the students in Mrs. Barry’s, Mrs. Peterson’s and Mrs. Steinberg’s classes were joined by their parents to enjoy a “Friendsgiving” feast in our cafeteria. They were assisted by Mrs. Zalewski, Mrs. Barton and Mrs. Lucuk. Below you can see a picture of everyone diving in to enjoy a wide selection of foods, which included muffins, macaroni and cheese and “Kara’s Quiches”.
Those students were not the only ones to enjoy some food– recently, our 8th grade French class students celebrated National French Week. They chose a French dessert recipe, assumed the role of a well-known chef and made delectable treats which they enjoyed one day in our cafeteria. Those French students also had the opportunity to attend a concert in French by LeFloFranco, an international star and winner of the “Manie Musicale” Competition. This concert took place at the SCSU’s Lyman Center for the Performing Arts. Pictures of that event have been previously posted on our Madison website
Some of our 7th graders had their turn to experiment with Makerspace activities in the Learning Commons this past week. You can see two of our "technological tinkerers" in the insert photo above. We are very grateful that Ms. Dwyer is providing these opportunities for our students. Our 6th grade students will next have the chance to explore our Makerspace.
On Wednesday our students attended grade level “Digital Citizenship" assemblies during ELB. With twin themes of “We can thrive in a digital world” and "We define who we are”, the program reviewed Chromebook expectations and introduced the notion of a “Digital Footprint”. Students were advised to “Stick to academic websites and usage– this is a device for school-based learning.” They were also told how liking, reposting, air dropping or otherwise sharing mean comments can contribute to cyberbullying. To underscore the need to preserve online safety, students learned that “strangers can track you in minutes on social media”. Presenters Paul Coppola, Corey Dwyer and Michaela Durand highlighted all of the positive uses of technology while cautioning students about all of these important considerations.
We learned some exciting news during Wednesday's PTA meeting. The Madison PTA has been named a National Grant winner, specifically as a "Wellness Fairs and Walmart Grant Recipient". Madison is one of only 5 schools in Connecticut to receive a national grant. This $1,250 grant will be applied to the costs of a Wellness Fair which we will hold in the spring. We are grateful for the above and beyond effort which went into the application for this grant, and for the benefits which this will have for our Madison students.
Rehearsals for our Winter Music Concerts have begun in earnest (or, more specifically, in the auditorium). You can now hear the sounds of holiday music if you happen to stroll by the auditorium during these rehearsals. The Music Concert Schedule is as follows:
Tuesday 12/5: 7th & 8th Grade Chorus
Tuesday 12/12: Orchestra & 6th Grade Band
Thursday 12/14: 7th & 8th Grade Band/ Jazz Band
You can also find details below about the annual district "String Fling", which brings together strings players from all levels across the district.
Clubs/ Activities:
The Cartoon Club will meet in Room 102 on Monday, November 20th.
The next Sports Club activity is Basketball. Signups are underway in all PE classes. The permission slip deadline is Wednesday, November 22nd.
Reminders:
Attention 8th graders- Our High School visits have concluded and now it is time to get your applications in if you are applying to any of these programs. If you have questions, please email or stop by to see Mrs. Cranston this week. Be mindful of deadlines!
All 8th Grade NJHS Members: Please take note of the following two dates:
Completed Trimester 1 Service Logs are due on Monday, November 27, by 2:30 PM.
There will be a mandatory NJHS meeting after school on Thursday, November 30. Attendance will be taken.
The PTA Reflections Contest has announced the theme for this year’s contest: “I am Hopeful Because…” Artists can begin thinking about a dance, short film, poem, story, song, picture, and visual art piece for entry. Here is a GOOGLE FOLDER with guidelines and a submission form. Please contact trumbullmmspta@gmail.com with any questions.
Yearbooks are on SALE! Purchase your 2023-2024 Yearbook TODAY for only $38. The longer you wait, the more expensive it will be! Click this link to order!
8th Graders are asked to submit Baby Photos for the Yearbook by Thursday, December 21st. Please follow THESE DIRECTIONS.
We have a "Half week" ahead-- two full days plus a "Legal Day" on Wednesday, with dismissal at 12:05. I wish you all safe travels if you are heading out of state for Thanksgiving, and I sincerely hope that you enjoy some quality time with family, and that whoever is preparing your Thanksgiving dinner remembers to whip up all of your favorite side dishes.
Take care,
Peter Sullivan
FriendsGiving
Students and parents enjoy a pre-holiday spread in the cafeteria, mindful of the importance of both friends and family.