Climate and Culture Newsletter
November 25th - December 6th
What is your favorite Thanksgiving dish?
Upcoming Events ๐บ
November 18-26 - MHS Food Drive (see flyer below)
November 27-29 - Thanksgiving Break
#MDPSRocks
Hearts Across the Globe
MHS Student-Athlete Awards
Congratulations to the Madison High School student-athletes that received a Macomb Area Conference (MAC) Bronze recognition.
Maranda Brown (Volleyball) - First Team All League
Serenity Williams (Volleyball) - All League Honorable Mention
Damia Harvey (Volleyball) - All League Honorable Mention
Jeremiah Patman (Football) - First Team All League
Kenneth Vinson Jr. (Football) - First Team All League
Nehemiah Patman (Football) - First Team All League
These student-athletes have shown incredible talent, dedication, and sportsmanship throughout the season. We are so proud of their hard work and commitment, and this recognition is well-deserved.
Staff Spotlight/Shout Outs ๐
Brenna Potter
Brenna was given a high compliment from her substitute when she was out of the building. Her plans were amazing and it was very appreciated that she included where the sub could eat lunch and find a refrigerator/microwave should they need one. On top of these wonderful plans Brenna has gone above and beyond to make sure her students are recognized and their art work celebrated. It is wonderful to hear students so excited to have her for art!
~ Kelcie Cain
Andrea Watkins
I'd like to shout out ANDREA WATKINS!! Andrea is an amazing addition to our school and district, we are so lucky to have her full time now! She is SO knowledgeable with technology, helping us all with our new programs and answering all types of questions with such kindness. Andrea has set up an awesome STEM lab at the elementary, and even offers to co teach! Andrea has also led some great PD's recently, the most recent at our Curriculum Task Force to show us AI technologies. I appreciate Andrea's knowledge and her personable/fun attitude. She has made using technology fun and exciting, without it becoming overwhelming! We are so lucky to have her!
~ Lindsey Turnwald
PJ Elam & Amy Carr
Iโd like to give a shout out to PJ and Amy, WMS cafeteria staff members. They are always smiling and positive. They take their time to get to know the students and are always checking in on the staff. We are so lucky to have them at Wilkinson!
~Laura Shultz
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
December
Holiday Traditions Around the World
December is a month filled with celebrations that showcase the rich tapestry of global cultures. Here are just a few traditions observed this time of year:
Hanukkah (December 25โJanuary 2): Also known as the Festival of Lights, Hanukkah is celebrated in the Jewish community with lighting the menorah, sharing traditional foods, and spending time with family.
Las Posadas (December 16โ24): A Mexican tradition that reenacts Mary and Josephโs journey to Bethlehem, featuring community gatherings, music, and festive piรฑatas.
Kwanzaa (December 26โJanuary 1): This African American celebration honors African heritage and culture with seven principles, including unity and self-determination.
Christmas (December 25): Observed by many Christian communities, Christmas celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ and is marked by acts of giving, special meals, and gathering with loved ones.
DEI Inclusive Holiday Practices
Letโs ensure that our celebrations and spaces reflect the diversity of our community. Here are a few suggestions:
Decor: Incorporate inclusive and non-denominational decorations.
Events: Host a multicultural potluck or encourage team members to share stories or symbols from their traditions.
Awareness: Respect that not everyone celebrates the same holidays or observes them in the same way.
December Awareness
December is a time to recognize and celebrate awareness themes that promote understanding and inclusion. Key awareness topics this month include:
Universal Human Rights Month: A time to honor and advocate for the fundamental rights and freedoms that belong to every individual.
World AIDS Day (December 1): A global day to unite in the fight against HIV, support those living with the virus, and commemorate lives lost to AIDS-related illnesses.
International Day of Persons with Disabilities (December 3): This day promotes awareness and inclusion for individuals with disabilities, emphasizing equal opportunities and accessibility.
Madison Heights Community Coalition See The Good Campaign
The #SeeTheGoodMH campaign aims to unite the Madison Heights community, promote positivity, and raise awareness of MHCC. We'll create a more connected and supportive community by celebrating community heroes, kindness, and gratitude. https://www.facebook.com/MadisonHeightsCC
Madison Heights Community Events
MDPS Job Openings
INTERNAL/EXTERNAL POSTINGS
Math Enrichment Teacher @ MES
Head Custodian @ ECC
Paraprofessional - Adult Transition Program @ WMS
Secretary @ Administration Office
Special Education Teacher @ MES
INTERNAL POSTINGS
Cheer Coach @ MHS
NEWSLETTERS - Previous Climate and Culture Newsletters can be accessed on the district webpage under Staff Links > Staff Resources or click on the title above.
Education Excellence $2,500 Grant
The SET SEG Foundation is once again partnering with the Michigan Association of School Boards to honor Michigan public school programs with the Education Excellence Awards. Ten educational programs within Michigan public schools and/or ISDs will be awarded the grant to continue their positive influence on their students and community.
Deadline is December 9, 2024. Click HERE to apply.
๐ Exceptional Educator Recognition
Giroux Pappas Trial Attorneys recognizes an Exceptional Educator each month and donates $1,000 to their classroom, program, or school.
"We see educators giving back everyday and want to honor their immense contribution to our community. In our schools, extra-curricular activities and churches, there are people really making a difference in our childrenโs lives. We would like your help in recognizing some of these Exceptional Educators."
Click HERE for additional information.
Click HERE to nominate an Exceptional Educator.
Funny, Random, & Weird Holidays
November 28 - Red Planet Day
November 30 - Computer Security Day
December 2 - Fritters Day
December 4 - Wear Brown Shoes Day
December 6 - Microwave Oven Day
December 8 - Pretend to Be a Time Traveler Day
Did you know... ๐ก
Did you know Dorothy's shoes were silver?
๐ December Birthdays ๐
Katherine Patrico - November 28
Erik Dean - November 29
Donata Essa - November 29
Erika Curtis - December 2
Tracy Thompson - December 4
Kelsey Detoledo - December 8
Theresa Seid - December 9
John Oddo - December 10
Roberta Libstaff - December 11
Justin Reed - December 11
Bethany Marks - December 16
Devon Tocco - December 18
Asenath Jones-Richmond - December 19
Lauren Arickx - December 21
December Employment Anniversaries
Madeline Davis - December 11 (1 year)
Michelle Scott - December 12 (5 years)
Briana Carter - December 13 (2 years)
Rasha Essa - December 16 (5 years)
Jessica Crowell - December 18 (1 year)
Click HERE to access the MDPS 2024-2025 Calendar.
๐ก Reminders
Staff Shout-Outs ๐ or Spotlights ๐
If you would like to include a Staff Shout-Out or Staff Spotlight in the next newsletter (12/6), email the information to Pam Vermiglio at pam.vermiglio@madisondistrict.org. If possible, please include a picture.
Self-Care
The first three people that email me their favorite holiday movie will get a smoothie from Trop, my treat.
CARE Worklife Solutions is our Employee Assistance Program provider. They are staffed with experienced counselors to help with a variety of issues including:
- Short-term counseling for you and your immediate family members
- Child care, elder care, family worries, grief and loss
- Grief and loss
- Referrals to providers, specialists and resources to meet specific work, life or caregiving needs
- Password access website resources and support
Please click HERE for more information.
Pam Vermiglio, Assistant Superintendent
Email: pam.vermiglio@madisondistrict.org
Website: www.madisondistrict.org
Office Phone: 248-399-7800 ext. 3407