The Panther Post
November 3, 2023
#PHMExcellence
Meadow's Edge 4th grade teacher Josie Engdahl was selected for the 2023 Indiana Educator Fellowship for Creative Teachers (FCT), a prestigious program sponsored by the Indiana Arts Commission (IAC) and the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE). Miss Engdahl is one of just 20 educators from across the state chosen to participate in this innovative program. Along with teacher professional development, Miss Engdahl received funding to develop a creative arts residency in her classroom with the help of a guest teaching artist from the community, which she partnered with the South Bend Art Museum.
Thank-a-Teacher
Important Dates
November 7
Fall Election-NO SCHOOL
November 9
Veterans Day Program 1-2 for Veterans
November 14
PTO Meeting @ 6 PM
November 15-29
LaBraid Fundraiser
November 22-24
Thanksgiving Break-NO SCHOOL
Help Needed
Veterans Day is just around the corner. Madison would love to honor the brave men and women who have served and/or are currently serving to keep us safe. If you have a photo(s) of a family member or loved one please send them in with your child by Wednesday, November 8, 2023. We will be adding these to our Veterans Day display. Photos will be returned to your child’s teacher no later than November 13, 2023.
Please Include: Name, branch of military and student they are associated with if possible. If you have any questions please email rroberts2@phm.k12.in.us.
Thank you!
Miss Roberts & Panther Pack
Veteran's Day Performance
I am proud to announce that all 1st, 2nd and 3rd graders are invited to perform in this year’s Veterans Day Concert! Please save the date and see concert details below:
When: Thursday, November 9th (Veterans Day)
1:00-2:00 Performance during the school day where Veterans in our community are invited to attend. Refreshments will be provided.
6:00-7:00- Evening performance for Madison families
Where: Madison Gym
Who: All 1st, 2nd and 3rd Graders (If your child is unable to attend please let me know A.S.A.P)
Attire: Patriotic Clothing (Red, White, and Blue)
Pre-registration is available for this event. In order to make the check-in process at the school run faster click here to utilize SafeVisitor’s Online Pre-registration process.
Visitors and Volunteers
At Madison we are encouraging all of our visitors to preregister with Safe Visitor for EVERY school event. Pre-registration is available to make the check-in process at the school run faster. Click here to utilize SafeVisitor’s Online Pre-registration process.
What to expect when you arrive at the school:
- All visitors will now be required to present a valid photo ID, which may include a driver’s license, State issued photo ID, or passport every time you enter as a school visitor.
- All approved visitors will have a picture taken at each visit and receive a temporary badge that must be visibly worn at all times.
- All visitors must return to the main office and check-out at the front desk, returning their badge.
As always volunteers are needed and appreciated!
Penn Volleyball Rec League
Register today for the Independent Feeder Program! Penn Volleyball for grades 3rd-8th will host rec league volleyball teams through NIVA, the local volleyball club.
Tryouts are Sunday, Nov. 19. Games will be held on Sundays at local schools and each team will practice once a week. Click here for more information. If you have any questions, please contact Coach Kaitlyn Hickey at khickey@phm.k12.in.us.
Breakfast and Lunch
An important part of every student's day is lunch! Below are the times in which Madison students will eat:
Preschool & Kindergarten: 11:00 - 11:30
1st & 2nd: 11:30 - 12:00
3rd, 4th, and 5th: 12:00 - 12:30
We certainly encourage student guests for lunch throughout the school year; however, we do ask that you refrain from having lunch with your child until routines and school comfort levels are established. We welcome all guests beginning in October! Meal prices for the school year are listed below:
Student Breakfast - $1.35
Reduced price of $.30 for those who are eligible.
Student Lunch - $2.35
Reduced price of $.40 for those who are eligible
Adult Lunch - $4.50
Please be mindful that the student cafeteria cannot accept debit/credit cards. Below are two links to guide you with payment options:
https://www.phmschools.org/food-service-payment-options
https://www.phmschools.org/pay-meals-online
Parents that think they may qualify for free or reduced lunches need to apply ASAP at www.schoolcafe.com.
Reporting Student Absences
If your child will be absent for any reason, please notify our office as soon as possible! Our office staff records all absences beginning at 8:00 am and must phone any student's home who does not report to school without notice.
Another option is to go to your Skyward Family Access Account and follow these steps:
- Click on the Attendance Tile for the child who will be absent.
- Click on the Absence Requests Tab
- Click Add Absence Request on the right side of the screen
- Enter Start and End Date
- Check All Day if the absence will be the entire school day
- Attendance Reason - Choose from the drop down menu
- Comment - Add any information regarding the absence reason
- Click SAVE in the upper right hand corner
Skyward Information
This year we look forward to seeing more of our families in the building and working together to build positive relationships that support academic and overall growth. I will continue to communicate with you often, as well as your child's teacher. The ability to communicate immediately and efficiently with parents is a priority. Please ensure that you have an updated email address on file with us, through our Skyward student information system. I will be sending our school communication/newsletters through the Smore platform.
All families should be connected to Family Access in Skyward. Families that are new to PHM will receive an email from Skyward Family Access that will give you a username and you can establish a password. Forms such as Free/Reduced Lunch Applications, School Fees, Emergency Contacts, Consent To Publish, and many more are housed in Skyward. Please take time the first week of school to login and complete these online forms. If you need assistance with Family Access, please email familyaccess@phm.k12.in.us.
Outside Organizations
P-H-M no longer distributes paper flyers or other promotional items of outside organizations through our schools. Please do not print and send flyers to our schools for distribution.
Instead, we now post digital flyers on our Community Events & Activities section of P-H-M District website at this link: https://www.phmschools.org/community-events-activities (linked below, as well) There is also a link back to this page off all 15 school websites.
The principals promote this link to parents through their school newsletters, as do some of the PTOs.
Helpful Links
The Safe School Helpline® is a confidential way to report student concerns about threats, suicide, drugs, bullying or anything that threatens the safety of our schools. It's Available 24/7. Click to watch a video on how to get in touch with Administration anonymously 24/7/365.
Four Ways to Report to the Safe School Helpline®
Call: 1-800-418-6423 ext 359
Text: TIPS to 66746
Online: SafeSchoolHelpline.com
Mobile App: Download the FREE app from the GOOGLE PLAY STORE and the APPLE APP STORE
The app makes it easy to anonymously report a safety or mental health concern using your mobile device to text, call, or submit an online form.
A Note from PTO
Announcing this year's PTO Officers:
President: Mary Schori
Vice President: Ellen Beehler
Secretary: Abby Lusk
Treasurer: Betsy Bartholomew
More information coming soon !
Madison Elementary Contact Information
Email: lschirripa@phm.k12.in.us
Website: https://madison.phmschools.org/
Location: Madison Elementary School, Dogwood Road, Wakarusa, IN, USA
Phone: (574) 254-2816
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MadisonPanthersPHM