The Panther Post
August 18, 2023
Happy First Week of School
It was a great first week welcoming our students back into the building. Thank you all for helping to make the transition back to school an easy one for all of our students.
We are so excited to welcome volunteers back into the building this year. Teachers will be sharing more information with you at Parent Information Night regarding specific class volunteer opportunities. We will begin allowing visitors and volunteers into the building in October. This will allow our staff adequate time to get procedures, routines, and rules established with our students. Thank you for your support and understanding!
Important Dates
August 23
School Picture Day
August 24
Madison Parent Information Night Grades 5:30-7:00 (1st-5th ONLY)
September 4
Labor Day (No School)
School Fee Information
As part of Indiana Legislature’s biennial budget passed during the Spring 2023 session, HEA 1001-2023 eliminated textbook and curriculum costs at public schools grades K-12. Curriculum costs are described as books; hardware that will be consumed, accessed, or used by a single student during a semester or school year; computer software; and digital content.
For more information, visit the PHM Website page here: https://www.phmschools.org/district-info/fee-information
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
Parents that think they may qualify for free or reduced lunches need to apply ASAP at www.schoolcafe.com.
Please be mindful that the student cafeteria cannot accept debit/credit cards. Below are two links to guide you with payment options:
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 should have received 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, Emergency Contacts, Health Information, Immunization confirmation, and many more are housed in Skyward. Please take time the first week of school to login and complete/update these online forms. If you need assistance with Family Access, please email familyaccess@phm.k12.in.us.
Picture Day - Wednesday, August 23rd
Parent Information Night
- 1st Grade 5:30 PM
- 2nd Grade 5:30 PM
- 3rd Grade 6:10 PM
- 4th Grade 6:10 PM
- 5th Grade 6:10 PM
If you are unable to attend this event, please contact your child's teacher. Thank you for your partnership!
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
Transportation Information
There are several documents below that will also help navigate transportation (bus or car rider). Please review our Pick Up and Drop Off procedures for Madison.
Here is other important information regarding Transportation for this school year:
1. Car rider tags were distributed today. Please place it in the window of the vehicle used for drop off/pick up.
2. Please communicate with your child's teacher what your student's mode of transportation home will be ie. Car Rider, Bus Rider, Kids Club. This will be your primary mode of transportation meaning this is the way your child will go home the majority of the time. You will need to send a note to your teacher or the office if you would like to have your student go home a different way on a given day. All transportation changes must be made by 1:00pm.
3. Students are allowed to go with other students on their bus or as a car rider. However, a note is needed from both sets of parents/guardians. A copy will be given to the bus driver.
4. Barring a true emergency, there will be NO TRANSPORTATION changes taken after 1:30pm each day.
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.
PTO Officers
President: Mary Schori
Vice President: Ellen Beehler
Secretary: Abby Lusk
Treasurer: Betsy Bartholomew
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