News From The Nest🦅
Madison Elementary Parent Newsletter March 2024
Spring is Just Around the Corner....Happy March!
As we turn the calendar page to March, we are stepping into a month filled with the promise of new beginnings, growth, and many exciting celebrations and experiences here at MES! March marks a special time of transition and transformation. With the beginning of spring just around the corner, we're thrilled with the expectation of warmer weather, longer days, more sunshine and the reemergence of greenery all around us! It's also the month where we celebrate reading, music and the many achievements of women throughout history, so be on the lookout for upcoming special events and activities!
What's Happening in March?
📅 Save The Date!
March 1-National Reading Month, Music Month & Woman's History Month Begins
March 4-11 MES Book Fair
March 5- JEDI Club; Garden Club
March 7-Student Council
March 8-Half Day for Students-End of Trimester 2
March 11-15 Vision Screening for 1st, 3rd, & 5th Graders
March 12- Garden Club
March 13-Spring Picture Day!
March 14-Half Day for Students-Parent-Teacher Conferences
March 17-St. Patrick's Day
March 19-Choir Concert at Fine Arts Festival @ MHS; JEDI Club
March 20-Literacy Day @ MES
March 22-April 1st-NO SCHOOL-SPRING BREAK!
April 2-School Resumes
Parent-Teacher Conferences & Report Cards
Let's Celebrate With a Good Book!
This month is dedicated to promoting literacy and fostering a culture of reading both at school and at home. Research consistently shows that regular reading not only enhances academic performance but also stimulates imagination, builds vocabulary, and cultivates empathy and understanding. Therefore, we're committed to providing our students with enriching experiences that ignite their passion for books and stories. Throughout March, your child will have the opportunity to engage in a variety of exciting activities and events designed to inspire their love for reading like "One School, One Book", the book fair, guest readers, assemblies and so much more! We believe that a strong partnership between home and school is essential in nurturing a lifelong love for reading in our children. Therefore, we encourage you to join us in celebrating March Reading Month by incorporating reading into your daily routine at home. Whether it's sharing bedtime stories, visiting the local library, or discussing books over dinner, every moment spent reading together strengthens your child's literacy skills and cultivates a deeper appreciation for the written word.
One School, One Book-Simon B. Rhymin'!
To celebrate that March is both reading month and music month, we are super excited to all participate in reading the same book, Simon B. Rhymin'! Every family should have received one copy of the book and stickers, along with an explanation note and a bookmark to log your reading over the next few weeks. We hope you can make some time to read because every student who returns their completed bookmark by Friday, April 5th, will earn a voucher for a free ticket to enjoy a baseball game at Jimmy John's Field! Parents and family members will receive discounted ticket options for helping their child meet their reading goal. More specific information and game details will be shared with everyone who returns their bookmark by April 5th! Happy reading!
The Book Fair is Back!
The Scholastic Book Fair has arrived at our school and will run from Monday, March 4th-Tuesday, March 12th to ensure that all students have an opportunity to shop! Each class has been given a scheduled time to visit so contact your child's teacher to find out when they should be prepared to shop and purchase books!
Music Is in the Air!
In addition to celebrating reading, March is also National Music Month so on Tuesday, March 19th, our district will be hosting a Fine Arts Festival at 6:30 in Madison High School Auditorium. Our 4th and 5th grade choir will be participating, along with the middle school and high school bands. There will also be a showcase of visual artwork by students throughout the district on display. Come celebrate the joy of music with us!
Women's History Month
March is also National Women’s History Month which is a month-long celebration of women’s contributions to our country and culture that have often been overlooked. The actual celebration of grew out of a week-long acknowledgement of these various contributions to our culture, history and society organized by the school district of Sonoma, California, in 1978. Six years later, the National Women’s History Project successfully petitioned Congress to expand the event to last for the entire month. In honor and recognition of Women’s History Month, at MES we will be sharing stories of amazing women leaders throughout history that highlight their diligence and dedication to making our world a better place!
Spring Picture Day!
Spring Picture Day is coming on Wednesday, March 13th! Lifetouch School Photography will take our school photos again this year. You can place your order on mylifetouch.com before Picture Day, using the Picture Day ID: EVTBCKM4K
For more information about Picture Day visit: https://schools.lifetouch.com/for-your-families/
Jump Rope for Heart!
Sign-up to join our team!
Spring After-School Activities
YMCA Run Clubs
Starting soon, MES will again have Girls On the Run and STRIDE teams that offer students in grades 3-5 (NO EXCEPTIONS!) an opportunity to build teamwork and communication skills through fun team challenges, all while discussing topics that kids face today. Through these interactive games and activities, students will explore important life topics, while participating in fitness and basic movement activities that will help them build stamina and confidence. This is a commitment! There are physical aspects to every session, so only join if you are willing to give 100% effort to being an active participant! Both teams will meet on Wednesdays and Thursdays after school from 3:30-4:45. Students must be picked up at 4:45 to attend. All sessions will begin with practice on Wednesday, March 13th, and end with with a 5K Celebration Run on Sunday, May 19th at Lake St. Clair Metropark. All participants should wear comfortable clothes and shoes, and bring a water bottle to stay hydrated. Healthy snacks will be provided, but your student is welcome to bring one of their own.
Thanks to local sponsors and donors (along with our school fundraisers and PTO support), students can participate for just $20. Payment plans are available if needed. WHEN YOU GO THROUGH THE REGISTRATION, IT WILL CHANGE THE $165 AMOUNT TO $20 BEFORE COMPLETION. If you have any complications with registering, call (248) 547-0030. More information specific to each team, along with the link to register can be found below. Click on the corresponding picture or button to register your student for the desired team.
Girls on the Run!
STRIDE for Boys!
STRIDE has a similar structure to GOTR, providing lessons for boys in grades 3-5 that foster skills in character development that are woven into a curriculum that integrates fun activities and running. Participants will have the chance to share their thoughts and opinions about various life topics in a safe, encouraging environment that helps them develop character, while building endurance to compete in the 5K. The boys are encouraged to exhibit excellence in character in all aspects of their lives, make healthy choices, and build confidence.
Garden Club!
Spring will be here before we know it, so we're looking for students who want to help MES get in full bloom! Mr. Fleming, Ms. Collins and Ms. Lisa (from 4-H) have started meeting with our Garden Club, but are still accepting for new members. All grades are welcome to apply and it is free. You don't have to have a green thumb, just a willing heart! Garden Club will meet after school from 3:30-4:15 on the following Tuesdays: 3/5, 3/12, 4/9, 4/16, 4/30, 5/7, 5/21, 5/28, 6/4. Transportation will not be provided. Click on the picture or button below to register your student!
You can register your child at www.4honline.com
It will ask you to create a free account (family). You'll put your child's name and then create an emergency contact list.
"Future Stars" Dance Club
At the beginning of the year, we started our first afterschool dance class and I'm so glad we did! Our participants had their first live performance and did an awesome job! There are learning various genres of dance, as well as comradery and teamwork. If your student is a 4th or 5th grader who is interested in dancing with the newly named "Future Stars", they meet on every Wednesday afterschool from 3:30-4:30. Click on the picture or use the button below to access the form to sign-up.
Congratulations to Our March Students of the Month!
JaLaya Pitts- 4th Grade, Mrs. Rodgers
JaLaya Pitts is our class' student of the month. She brings sunshine to any gloomy day with her infectious smile. She is always happy when she arrives at school and greets us with a smile and a big hug. JaLaya is always willing to help and is a great friend to others. She has made wonderful academic progress this year and loves going to class with her other 4th grade peers! Way to go JaLaya! We are so proud of you, keep up the good work!
Eric Vick-1st Grade, Mrs. White
Eric Vick was chosen as March's Student of the Month as well as February's Exceptional Eagle for demonstrating kindness! Eric has come a long way this year. He has done a great job of learning to share with friends, using his words to communicate, instead of his body, and sitting and doing his work in class. He will willingly wave, and give hugs and kisses to those he cares about. His academics, social skills and persistence demonstrate excellence for all here at MES. Thank you, Eric for being you! We are super proud so keep up the good work, Eric!
Special Shout-Out to Our Employee of the Month!
Christina Hurt-Technology Teacher
Although she is fairly new to Madison, Mrs. Hurt has been a teacher for over 23 years! She began her career in Technology Education in her home state of Tennessee. Then at age 27, she moved to Michigan and continued teaching Technology Education, while also pursuing a Master's degree in Instructional Technology as well as an additional NP endorsement for Educational Technology. She is a mother of 2 wonderful children, and a wife to her great husband, William. She has three rescue cats named Bella, Demsey, and Cutie Pie, whom she cherishes dearly as well. One of her favorite things to do is sit on her front porch and read, which she is looking forward to doing more of as the weather continues to warm up.
Christina was nominated by her colleagues for her warm smile and pleasant demeanor, along with her consistent willingness to help and assist whenever needed. She is always willing to adjust her schedule, cover classes, and step in as tech support when I.T. is not available. She volunteered to single-handedly resurrect our media center and now runs a weekly check-out for students during her prep. She attends technology PDs to stay current on best practices, and continues to learn how to best meet the needs of our students, designing and assigning projects that will increase experiences and exposure to help them become successful within our technological society. She also tutors afterschool, to help improve academic performance in addition to technology skills. She can always be counted on to listen, comfort, advise, and support everyone in our school family! We are fortunate and blessed to have Christina on our team! Congrats Mrs. Hurt!
Help Us Welcome New Faces to MES!
Haley Gregory-Parapro, Mrs. Vendetti's Class
Ryan Coleman-Parapro, Mrs. White's Class
Michelle Munoz-Parapro, Mrs. White's Class
💜💛💜Capturing Kids' Hearts💜💛💜
We Showed Kindness in February!
At the end of each month, we celebrate selected students who have consistently exemplified the CKH character trait focus for that particular month. Our focus characteristic for February was "kindness". Click the link below to help us celebrate the students who were recognized for their willingness and ability to express care and compassion for others.
This Month's New Focus is Courage!
Courage is the ability and strength to face something that may be difficult or challenging. Courage is not the absence of fear, but rather perseverance in the presence of fear and the willingness to stand up for what is right or to try something new even though it may be uncomfortable or uncertain.
Why focus on Courage?
- Courage encourages engagement. Courage helps students raise their hand, participate, try new things, and voice their opinions.
- Courage builds self-confidence. Courage is the choice to act. By doing something, students increase their belief in themselves and their ability to do difficult or challenging things.
- Courage can help reframe a negative. When something does not go as planned or a student gets upset about a mistake or failure, courage can help reframe the event in a positive light.
A Look Ahead...Future School Events!
Science Night Ticket Sales are Starting Soon!
Mark your calendars to save the date for Science Night, and be on the lookout for this flyer to come home soon! The back of the flyer will have an order form to return, along with the cost of the tickets to reserve a spot for your family! The district will be offering an "early bird" prepay discount, which will save you 20%! The discount will only be available until the end of March, so get your tickets early so you don't miss out!
General Reminders!
Arrival Updates!
During arrival, many parents enter the building to drop off students and escort them to their designated lines or classrooms. However, for safety reasons, we must implement a change. We can no longer permit parents to enter the building while school is in session, as this may expose other students to unfamiliar individuals. It is imperative that every parent entering the building during school hours has a cleared background check on file and signs in at the office, including during arrival.
Our students have diligently practiced our arrival procedures for several months and are now capable of independently going to their designated spots. If assistance is required, our staff is readily available to help. Therefore, we kindly ask parents to hug, kiss, and/or say goodbye to their children at the entrance, refraining from entering the building.
In the event of special circumstances necessitating parental assistance, please ensure arrangements are made with the teacher beforehand, and that your background check has been approved. For those needing an updated background check, please contact Mrs. Andrews in the front office.
We appreciate your cooperation in ensuring the safety of all our students.
Background Checks Expired!
As we move into the second half of the school year, previous background checks have now expired. If you are interested in chaperoning field trips, volunteering in the classroom in any capacity, or even entering the hallways or classrooms while school is in session, you must have a valid background check on file here at the school. Use the picture or button below to access the form that must be completed and turned in to the main office along with a copy of your ID. Please plan accordingly to allow for at least 7-10 business days for the return of your results. Thanks you for helping us keep our students safe!
Don't Forget!
Please be mindful that dismissal is at 3:25 daily! Our staff is often involved in afterschool activities, meetings and other commitments that prevent them from being able to supervise students at the end of the day. With construction and bad weather, traffic can be heavy around this time, so please allow yourself adequate travel time so you can be here to greet your child when they exit the building. If you are in need of before or after school care, the Learning Tree school-age child care program is available at the Early Childhood Center for a small nominal fee. Students are bused to and from Learning Tree to MES. For more information contact Lisa DiGuilio at 248-543-5465 or click the link below to register. If there will be a change in your child's transportation home, please contact the main office by 2:00 so we have ample time to communicate changes with the teacher.
Parent Resources
We are pleased to offer a free and confidential website for Madison families called ParentGuidance.org. This site was developed by licensed therapists to provide trusted and specialized courses, professional support, and a safe community for parents, to learn how to support your child. Parents can also get answers to mental health questions, regarding specifics such as anxiety, depression, self-worth, grief and loss, suicide ideation, self-harm, bullying, family strife and other mental health concerns. One popular course you may want to explore is “Parenting with a Purpose.” There are over 50 e-courses, free to families, led by licensed therapists as well as an "ask-a-therapist" section on the website. The courses within ParentGuidance.org will provide you with tools to form stronger bonds with your children.
In addition to the free website, our district is offering Parent Coaching to all families within the
district. Parent Coaching is a confidential service provided to parents and families. If you or your
family is in need of extra support, go to ParentGuidance.org, select “Parent Coaching” and select "Register for Coaching" to get started or use the QR code on the flyer above. A coach can meet with you as often as weekly for a 30-minute session to discuss your concerns or needs. You will also be able to message your coach if other concerns arise before your next scheduled meeting. For more information about the coaching process, click the links below:
Click the button below or look for the ParentGuidance.org logo on our homepage to access this free service available to all families within our district.
Want Some MES Gear to Show Your School Pride?
Join our MES Spirit Wear Store! The store has tons of product and design options for you to choose from, allowing you to customize the perfect spirit wear made just for you! Your purchase can also help us raise money for our school, so it's a win-win for everyone! Click the button below to join, so you can pick out what you'd like to purchase right away, and/or be kept up to date on new products, sales and special promotions to buy from the site at another time. Don't miss a chance to show everyone you meet what MES Eagle Pride looks like!
Remember...
We're all on the same team with the same goals! Let's continue to work together for your student's success! Thanks for sharing them with us!
Madison Elementary School
Felecia Hemingway, Principal
Tung Tran, Assistant Principal
Email: felecia.hemingway@madisondistrict.org
Website: https://es.madisondistrict.org/
Location: 27107 Hales Street, Madison Heights, MI, USA
Phone: 248-542-3414