February 2024 Madison Memo
February 2024
Principal's Message
Dear Madison Families,
Winter weather is a perfect time to warm up with a good book! The month of February is "I Love to Read Month" at Madison with many activities planned to celebrate reading. A Book Fair has been scheduled for February 15-22 and a fun family event to end the month has been planned for February 29 from 5:30-7:30 PM.
The second round of Parent-Teacher Conferences is scheduled for February 15, 20 and 22. We encourage you to support your child's education by attending conferences. You will be getting information on conference sign-up in the January 31 Wednesday packet.
Our word of the month is "Honesty" which is defined as "Living truthfully in your words, actions and thoughts. John Lennon from the Beatles said, "Being honest may not get you a lot of friends but it will always get you the right ones."
Stay warm, and enjoy this lovely month of February!
Your principal,
Dorothy M. Olsen
Citizen of the Month
These students display the core character values of Respect, Responsibility, Compassion, Integrity and Appreciation of Diversity. Teachers select one Citizenship winner from their classroom each month.
Lauren Fiecke - KD, Francesca Liang - KH, Emma Borchardt - KJ, Logan Hruby - KK
Samah Ahmed - 1F, Tyler Hang - 1K, Jackson Shoars - 1P
Cora Hammond - 2A, Olivia Sandstrom - 2C, Samsara Hawj - 2J
Lukas Claflin - 3D, Louis Larson - 3G, Kayden Godwin - 3I
Steven Van Arsdale - 4P, Axel Romero Quinones - 4S, Nam Xiong - 4W
Aiden Diep - 5B, Alexi Guillermo - 5H, Asma Adam - 5L
Calendar
February 8, Parent meeting with Dr. Wolverton, Madison Library, 6:00 PM
February 8, PTO meeting, Madison Library, 6:30 PM, in person and via Zoom
February 15, Parent-Teacher conferences, 3:30 PM - 8:20 PM
February 15-22, Book Fair, Madison Library
February 19, No school, President’s Day holiday
February 20, No school, staff development in the AM, conferences 2:30 - 8:20 PM
February 20, Parent-Teacher conferences, 2:30 PM - 8:20 PM
February 22, Parent-Teacher conferences, some teachers have available time, 3:30 PM - 8:20 PM
February 28, PTO Butterbraid delivery, pickup time pending
February 29, I Love to Read Family Event, 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Bus Safety Poster Contest Winners
Congratulations to these students for being their grade-level winners in the District Bus Safety Poster Contest.
First row, L to R:
Steve Awad - 1P, Logan Hruby - KK, Lucas Hruby - 2J
Back row, L to R:
Charlotte Carlson - 5B, Luke Dorsey - 3G, Declan Hruby - 4P
They will be awarded a $10 prize from the Transportation Department. The theme this year was, “Driving Safely Into the Future.”
Character Strong = Purposefull People
In February, we will be focusing on Honesty. One way to think about Honesty is “being truthful in what you say and do." Honesty is one of three traits we will focus on throughout the year that helps students Be Well.
Multicultural Night
Madison welcomed families and the community to celebrate the many cultures of our student population at Multicultural Night on January 25. The evening marked the 16th year of the event.
Multicultural Night incorporates grade level and student performances combined with community dance companies.
The event also welcomes families to attend dressed in clothes celebrating their culture.
Performances included:
- Students from grades 2, 3, 4 and 5.
- Ojibwe drum and dance - performed by a student and his family.
- Irish music performance by Rebecca Michaelson, our music teacher.
- Baile Folklorico - a folkloric dance in Mexico. The group Baile Folklorico Mexico Azteca has attended the event at Madison in each of the 16 years.
- Clog dancing - originated from the Appalachian area, performed by a student.
- Natyakala Dance School Performers - a student dance celebrating India’s rich cultural heritage.
- Hmong Qeej - students performed a dance with traditional Hmong instruments.
- Kuyayki Peru - MN - Cultural organization dedicated to educating and spreading awareness of Peruvian culture.
Parent-Teacher Conferences
Madison's Parent-Teacher Conferences SIGN UP is open. Parents may sign up through the end of day on Monday, February 12.
Conference Times:
Thursday, February 15 from 3:30 PM - 8:20 PM
Tuesday, February 20 from 2:30 PM - 8:20 PM
Some teachers have available time on Thursday, February 22, 3:30 PM - 8:20 PM
All conference time slots are available online at myconferencetime.com/madison
The site is user friendly and makes it easy to sign up for multiple conferences, if necessary. Please call the office at 763-506-3300, if you have questions. You may also call the office after February 12 for assistance in signing up for your conference/s.
Volunteering at Madison
A HUGE thank you to our Madison volunteers who have given over 1,200 hours of service so far this school year. Your impact is valued and appreciated!
Would you like to join us? It’s never too late to fill out your volunteer application and get
started. We’ve got just the spot for you!
Madison’s winter book fair is coming up from February 15-22 and we need your help. Students can only shop the book fair with volunteer support. Please take a look at the sign-up and help where you can.
Other ways to get involved include lunch help, Staple Club, field trip chaperones, Every Meal distribution, Watch D.O.G.S. (Dads of Great Students), PTO meetings and more. You can view all current volunteer opportunities to see what fits your interests and schedule.
Thank you for your continued support!
Emily Massey / Volunteer Services Coordinator (VSC)
emily.massey@ahschools.us, 763-506-3340
PTO
The PTO wants to remind everyone that Butterbraid orders are open now through February 12. Butterbraid deliveries will be on Wednesday, February 28.
Please note; order your 2023-2024 yearbook today! Yearbooks are $12.00 and can be ordered online through March 22. Yearbook distribution will take place at the end of the school year. A limited supply will be available to purchase for walk-up sales, so guarantee your child a yearbook by ordering online.
We look forward to seeing everyone at the next PTO meeting on Thursday, February 8 in the Madison Library at 6:30 PM or via Zoom. Anyone who is interested in helping out with our Spring Carnival or is interested in becoming a board member next year is encouraged to attend!
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.