Madison Elementary’s main fundraiser is the Fun Run (also known as the Run-a-Thon). The two week program kicks off with a Pep Rally on September 10.

Families then will gather pledges for every lap your student runs at the Fun Run, which will be an indoor glow run on September 19. This year our goal is to raise $24,000 for Explore More Day and Multicultural Day (as well as other fun activities), and we need your help. We’ve asked the experts at Boosterthon to power our fundraiser to make it easier, more profitable and more fun. Pledging will open on 9/4.

Students also will experience an amazing character theme, MindSpark: Wild West! Booster’s most exciting theme yet combines S.T.E.A.M. skills (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math) with character building. While they're teaming up with the MindSpark kids to save Dr. Shock, our students will learn five character traits that will help strengthen themselves and our world.

Please help our school by collecting pledges from family and friends and entering them on FUNRUN.COM. Thank you so much for your support!

For more information, please contact Abby May (mayabby11@gmail.com).

It's time to order your Madison School spirit wear. Please use this link to place your order before September 7. Make sure you have your gear for Spirit Wear Fridays at school this year. Show off your Mountain Lion Pride.

Separation anxiety can be common at the beginning of the school year and after long breaks. It can lead to tears or even tantrums when trying to leave the house in the morning. Here are some helpful tips from kidshealth.org and your Madison School Social Worker.

Be strong

Seeing your child distressed often can be very stressful for parents. Give your child your full attention when saying goodbye. Comfort him or her without mirroring their feelings. For example, avoid phrases like “I’ll miss you,” or “I’m sad too, but you have to go”. Instead try, “you’ll be okay and safe and I will see you after school.” Do not try and reason with your child if he/she argues or is exhibiting refusal behaviors. Model calming strategies and remain calm and consistent in your response and reaction to your child’s feelings and behavior.

Practice separation

Have your child attend a babysitter’s or play-dates for increasing amounts of time. Stay away when away. Sometimes parents will wait in the hallway at school to make sure the child transitioned. At Madison we stress the importance of saying goodbye at the door with the rest of the students and parents. If your child sees you linger or in the building, it can actually increase their anxiety by forcing them to re-experience the separation.

Coping strategies

Practice and discuss a few key coping strategies your child can use when he or she feels sad. Practice counting, taking deep breaths, etc. Label your feelings and model and practice these strategies often at home and tell your child what you are doing. “I feel nervous right now so I am going to close my eyes and take a few deep breaths to calm down and feel better.”

Discourage avoidance or escape behaviors

It’s important to bring your child to school consistently so that he or she understands they cannot always be with you. This can be very difficult when a child is experiencing anxiety. Your child may insist they are sick and can’t go to school. Being consistent with your expectations communicates your belief that your child can handle their emotions by using coping strategies or getting help.

Use transitional objects

It can be helpful to send students to school with a small, non-distracting, reminder of home (e.g., picture in the lunchbox, special bead or charm in the pocket, words of encouragement, etc.).

Praise your child

When you pick up your child, tell them how proud you are of them!

If you are having significant trouble getting your child to school, you are not alone! Call the school office at 630-682-2095 and ask to speak with the School Social Worker, Lisa Parrilli, for more support.

General Mills is phasing out its clipped Box Tops, but some may still be found on products throughout the store. If you have Box Tops, send them into the LLC. If you've never been one to remember to clip and send in Box Tops but have a smart phone, just download the new Box Tops app, and scan your receipt to find participating products. The app will automatically credit Madison's earnings. Madison can earn ten cents for every General Mills box top scanned. The LLC has purchased many copies of award winning books. Let's continue the effort. Download the new app.

For more information, visit https://www.boxtops4education.com/en/How%20To%20Earn