News From The Nest🦅
Madison Elementary Parent Newsletter August 2023
Back to School!
Arrival & Dismissal!
Don't forget, we have a new bell schedule! To help streamline our district bus routes and make them more effecient, our new start time will be 8:35am. All students should be dropped of at the main entrance to line up at their classroom cones. Administrators will meet students outside as early as 8:20 to supervise as they wait for their teachers. Please note, students will not be able to access the building prior to 8:35, so please plan accordingly. In the event of inclement weather, students will line up at cones inside, but not before 8:20am! In the interest of safety, please avoid dropping students off before 8:20, as there will be no supervision prior to that time! All tardy students must check in with the office before reporting to class.
Regular dismissal will now be at 3:25pm, and on half-days students will be dismissed at 12:00pm. 1st and 4th graders will exit out the main entrance, 3rd and 5th graders will exit at door 12, and 2nd graders will exit at door 10. Students will not be released to cars that are not in designated pick-up spots: at the curb in the pick-up lane (main entrance), or an actual parking spot (doors 10 & 12). Use the button below to access a full diagram and explanation of our parking lot rules and reminders. Please pack your patience as we all get used to our processes and procedures, and remember these guidelines are designed to keep your students safe, so thanks in advance for your compliance!
Mark Your Calendars! Important Dates & Upcoming Events
August 25-LITTLE EAGLES' DAY! 1:00-3:00
August 28-1st Day of School! Half Day for Students-Dismissal at 12:00pm!
August 29-Half Day for Students!
August 30-1st Full Day of School-Dismissal at 3:25
September 1- No School for Labor Day
September 4- No School for Labor Day
Please note, Monday and Tuesday are both half-days with dismissal is at 12:00! Wednesday and Thursday are full days with dismissal at 3:25! There is no school on Friday or Monday in honor of Labor Day. School will resume with a full day on Tuesday, September 5th!
Transportation
MDPS is looking forward to the opportunity to transport your child in a safe and efficient manner this year. We provide transportation for all elementary students who live within the district or in Pontiac. If your child is in need of transportation use the link below to submit your request. Once your request has been submitted, please allow at least 24-48 hours for your child to be routed and you will be contacted by the transportation director with specific details regarding pick-up/drop-off. All parents with students enrolled through "schools of choice" are responsible for providing their own transportation. If you have any questions regarding transprtation, please contact Cat Vyse at 248-548-1800 x 1207 or 248-953-7423.
Learning Tree School-Age Child Care
If your child is in need of before or after-school care, our Learning Tree program will be available at the Early Childhood Center for a small nominal fee. All MES Learning Tree students will be bused from ECC to MES in the morning, and then taken back to ECC after school as well. Registration packets are available in the main office. If you have any questions, please contact Lisa DiGuilio or Michelle Scott at 248-399-7800.
Let's Keep In Touch!
As we partner together this school year, consistent communication will be essential. There are three main methods we will use to inform, alert, or remind you of incidents and emergencies, upcoming events, good news and any other information pertinent to your child's educational experience. Getting these messages to you may be time sensitive and extremely important so please be sure to update your contact information with the main office any time a change has been made.
Phone/Email
If any staff member needs to speak with you directly regarding your student specifically, we will reach out via phone or email. If you need to contact us, the number to the main office is 248-542-3414, follow the prompts and Mrs. Andrews will be happy to assist you. If it is an urgent matter requiring immediate attention, you may contact me directly via email at felecia.hemingway@madisondistrict.org or at 248-953-0298 which is my work cell.
Class Dojo
Please make sure you are connected to Dojo through your child’s teacher. This is one of the most efficient ways for me to message the entire student body quickly. I may post updates or reminders of upcoming events, as well as impromptu messages in case of emergencies. Teachers will also be communicating about their classrooms through Dojo, so make sure you’re not only connected, but that you are checking your messages and stories regularly.
School Messenger
Emergency Card Packets
During the first week of school, your child will be bringing home a packet of paperwork to be completed and returned to school as soon as possible. The first document is an emergency contact card. Please complete this form in its entirety. It is imperative that we have multiple means of contacting you or someone you trust to be responsible for your child in case of an emergency. If any of the information you provide at this time changes at any time in the future, please make sure you contact the main office to make the necessary adjustments so we always have accurate and up-to-date information on file.
If your student is in 3rd-5th grade, you will also find a "Chromebook Acceptable Use Form". This will need to be signed and returned in order for your student to receive their Chromebook for the school year. Other important documents included are a: student behavior compact, walking field trip permission slip, photo release form, and concussion sheet. Please read through each item carefully, then sign and return them as soon as possible to complete your child's files.
Nut-Restricted Environment!
When preparing lunches and/or snacks for your children, please be mindful of our nut-restriction policy. We have students with severe allergies that can be dangerously harmful if they come in contact with products that contain nuts, so for their safety, please read ALL labels carefully to ensure that you don't send ANYTHING with nuts or made in a facility that processes products made with nuts to school. This includes birthday treats and snacks. Anything brought to school with the intent to share with others MUST be inspected by the office prior to distribution, and MUST contain an original label detailing all ingredients. If there is no label, it can not be served! Therefore, all homemade treats are prohibited! This is the only way to ensure the safety of all students, so we appreciate your diligence in adhering to these guidelines. Use the button below to access our full nut-restriction policy.
PTO Needs Y-O-U!
At the end of last year, we were blessed with a small group of parents who were willing to take on the task of rebuilding and rebranding our Parent-Teacher Organization. They have laid the groundwork and would now like to encourage others to collaborate and assist. Please join them at their first general body meeting of the year to find out how you can help, or even offer some ideas of your own!
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!
Looking For a Football or Cheer Team to Join?
Last year I had a few parents approach me to inquire about sports teams at the elementary level. Unfortunately, we do not have any elementary teams at this time. However, there is an available opportunity nearby. Although the Warren Jets Football/Cheer organization is not directly affiliated with our school, they have an agreement to use our facility for their games and practices. They practice at our MHS football field at 6:00 each evening, and will be accepting registrations for both football and cheer until mid-September. They have teams that span ages from 6-13. Contact Ebony Fitzgerald at 313-671-5118 for more detailed information.
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