Bear Facts
Madison Elementary news for the week of Sept. 28
Madison Elementary School
Email: billingsm@usd231.com
Website: https://www.usd231.com/o/madison
Location: 800 W Madison St, Gardner, KS, United States
Phone: (913) 856-0400
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MadisonElementaryBears/
Twitter: @MDEBears
Mission
Vision
Core Values
Thursday, October 1 - Read Aloud with Dr. Wachel and Dr. Wachel sleeps on the Madison Roof
Friday, October 2 - Paw Pals Day (see information below)
Friday, October 2 - Red Friday (Wear Red or Chiefs Attire)
Lunch Menu
Monday - (A) Breaded Chicken Sandwich (B) Yogurt and Muffin Snack Pack
Tuesday - (A) All Beef Hot Dog (B) Peppy Bavarian Snack Pack
Wednesday - (A) Cheeseburger (B) Yogurt and Muffin
Thursday - (A) Chicken Nuggets (B) Turkey and Cheese SubFriday - (A) Cheese Pizza Wedge (B) Yogurt and Muffin Snack Pack
Specials Schedule
Please note, that our early childhood classes will have their specials on the same day of the week since they attend four days a week. Third grade will be use a 5-day letter rotation since there are 5 sections (A, B, C, D, E). For a specific class schedule, please refer to the classroom information provided by the classroom teacher.
Monday - Specials Day #1 (grades K, 1, 2, 4), C (3rd-grade only)
Tuesday - Specials Day #2 (grades K, 1, 2, 4), D (3rd-grade only)
Wednesday - Specials Day #3 (grades K, 1, 2, 4), E (3rd-grade only)
Thursday - Specials Day #4 (grades K, 1, 2, 4), A (3rd-grade only)
Friday - Specials Day #1 (grades K, 1, 2, 4), B (3rd-grade only)
News from Dr. Wachel
Our first few weeks of school have been a great success! Our students and families are working really hard to establish routines and procedures to make school happen each and every day, whether you are an in-person or remote learner. I can’t thank you enough for your patience and kindness during this transition, especially to those who have had technology issues. We know it can be frustrating and you have been so patient as our staff has worked through as many as we can.
Speaking of working through issues, I would like to publicly thank our AMAZING office staff for their work the past few weeks! Jenny Daniels and Melissa Billings have been absolute rock stars answering phones, explaining schedules, handing out supplies, and handling a multitude of other “as needed” items. Their willingness to help and patience with us all reminds me why we all work in schools…to make a positive difference for kids.
I would also like to thank our TERRIFIC custodial team who works tirelessly to keep our building clean, safe, and healthy. Gary Morris, Ryan Dailey, and Debbie Ferris have all adjusted to the new cleaning protocols to make sure touchpoints are cleaned regularly and classrooms are disinfected and cleaned daily.
I would also like to thank our WONDERFUL teaching staff. From our specials teachers who are traveling teachers this year to our classroom teachers who have developed a sense of community, belonging, and togetherness to our specialists who have supported our readers and mathematicians from the first week to our special services teachers who have provided levels of support and care to our building aides to our paraeducators who provide countless levels of support and assistance to our Bears, I am continually amazed by and blessed to be working with a group of passionate, dedicated educators who have worked to create learning experiences where students are safe, healthy, engaged, supported, and challenged!
I would also like to thank our FANTASTIC families for your continued support. Thank you for your help with our safety protocols and procedures. Thank you for entrusting your students to us on a daily basis, whether remote or in-person. Thank you for being a part of our learning community.
I know that this is probably happening in all of our schools right now, but I have to brag about the love and care that I get to witness each and every day at Madison Elementary. It’s happening all over our building, and I’m so proud of our team.
Family and Teacher Virtual Conferences
Here's how it works in 3 easy steps:
1) Click the link labeled by grade with your child's teacher.
2) Review the options listed and choose the spot you like.
3) Sign up! It's Easy - you will NOT need to register an account or keep a password on SignUp.com.
Our goal is 100% attendance for our conferences so we thank you in advance for signing up for a time to discuss the progress of your child.
Virtual Homework Support
VIRTUAL HOMEWORK SUPPORT (VHS) allows Gardner Edgerton students access to teacher support outside the classroom.
MONDAY - THURSDAY
4:00 PM - 7:00 PM (ELEMENTARY)
4:00 PM - 8:00 PM (MS/HS)
If you experience difficulties logging in, please send an email with your name and grade to geycp@usd231.com.
Paw Pals Day
In order for this event to be a fun and enjoyable experience for everyone, we have two expectations. Our expectations for the suckers include: the sucker is to be in your mouth or in the trash (we don't want any sucker sticks to find its way to the floor, desks, or walls) and if the sucker is being played with, the student's pass will be removed for the day.
Thank you for your continued support of our Paw Pals fund at Madison!
Dr. Wachel On the Roof
Counselor and Social Worker Corner
Hi families,
We are rooting for you!
Here are some resources we created to support you and your student:
Virtual Calm Corner for students to use to calm and center
I NEED TO TALK Form for students which will alert Mrs. Hodson and Mrs. Clegg to contact your student and allows them to share feelings and concerns
FAMILY CHECK-IN form for parents/ guardians to complete if there are physical, emotional, mental health or academic needs you would like support and resources for.
Here is a great initiative from Johnson County Mental Health:
National Family Day is coming on Monday, September 28. Family Day celebrates simple, everyday things parents do to connect with their kids. Family time may look a little different right now, but it’s no less important for your children’s long-term health.
The simple, little things you do with your kids make a big difference. The earlier you start connecting with your kids, the better. Having intentional time together creates strong, healthy relationships that can prevent future drug use and provide protective factors for mental health.
We’ve pulled together a lot of creative ideas for how you can spend quality time together this year that you can find at https://jocogov.org/deptpage/mental-health/family-day-resources. Whether it’s an intentional meal together, an outing or an activity, it’s our hope that you will join us in celebrating Family Day on September 28 and every day.
Every family is unique. Show us how your family spends time together by posting a photo or video on social media using #MyFamilySelfie.
Jackie Hodson, school social worker
office: 913.856.0409
Deb Clegg, school counselor
office: 913.856.3313
Madison Site Council
Monday, October 12 @ 4:30 pm
Monday, December 14 @ 4:30 pm
Monday, February 8 @ 4:30 pm
Monday, April 12 @ 4:30 pm
If you have any questions, please contact Dr. Wachel.
Read Alouds
Birthday Treats (repeat)
Mark your calendars for the First Virtual Family Trivia Night
Madison PTA
Interested in the Madison PTA Happenings? Stay in the know!
We invite everyone to join the Madison PTA Facebook page. By searching Madison Elementary PTA Gardner, KS under Pages, you will be able to join the group and receive updated PTA information.
If you are interested in joining the PTA, please see the membership form.