
Principal's Weekly Update
September 28th, 2024
Dear Parent(s)/ Guardian(s):
As promised, Madison came to life during after school hours this week as the start of late buses allowed for our clubs and activities to begin in earnest (and in rooms 102, 122, 232, etc.-- you get the picture). You can see some of the clubs in action in the photos below. We look to promote club participation as much as possible- we generate some survey data always at mid year and then again at the end of the year. In a typical year, somewhere between 70-75% of students report that they have participated in at least 1 club or activity. It is always our goal to boost that percentage as high as it can go.
This week also offered our 6th graders their first chance to enjoy the courtyard during lunch. Two photos below capture their experience, to include the big "final photo" at the bottom. It's actually not the final photo this week, as a bonus big photo breaks down the ways in which we will promote reading as part of our "Teentober" celebration.
For me, this was also the first week of goal setting meetings with teachers (Mr. Coppola is a little ahead of me and started the week before). Our teachers look very carefully at student performance data from the previous year and carefully craft goals to address any areas of relative weakness. As one example of this, our 8th grade ELA teachers will be focusing on building student skills in supporting claims/arguments in writing with relevant and convincing evidence. Our teachers communicate the importance of these goals to their students, and they look to chart progress throughout the year.
Congratulations to the Girls’ Cross Country Team for winning their first meet on Thursday against Flood Middle School (Stratford) and Hillcrest. The entire team ran well, showing off its depth, and were led by Leary Wiegand, Giselle Cesaire, and Madison Dombrowski. The Boys’ finished in second place and were led by Jake Astles. The team will have its first home meet this upcoming Wednesday, 10/2 after school.
Rosh Hashanah, the celebration of the Jewish New Year, begins at sundown on Wednesday. There is no school on Thursday, 10/3. We will remind our teachers of the Trumbull BOE policy which states that “No homework shall be assigned on religious holidays that are also school holidays”. I wish for a joyful celebration for all who observe this religious holiday.
Announcements:
⭐AI Squad⭐
Are you curious about the future of technology? Do you want to be a part of shaping how AI is used at our school? Then the AI Squad is for you! Students should see their grade level Google Classroom for more information. Applications are due by Friday, October 4th. Questions? Email Mrs. Durand at mdurand@trumbullps.org
Attention all 8th Grade Artists - We are looking for talented artists to design the cover for the Career Night packet on October 17th. Come to the counseling office and see Ms. Exantus or Mrs. Dancho for details.
The Trumbull High School Open House for 8th graders will take place on 10/23, beginning at 6pm. Clink this link for more information: Trumbull High School’s Open House
TEENTOBER is coming! Madison will be hosting events to promote reading and the library throughout the month of October. On Wednesday, October 2nd you can come to the Learning Commons during ELB to take book selfies! Friday, October 4th the Read & Roar Book Club will meet in the Learning Commons during lunch.
For soccer enthusiasts: Click on Trumbull Youth Night for information on a Youth Soccer Clinic hosted by the THS girls soccer team.
Reminders:
Yearbooks are on sale for $38. Parents and guardians may go to jostens.com to purchase.
Chromebook Insurance – Last Call!
There is still time to purchase! Enrollment and payment for the 1:1 Device Insurance Program will be processed via the Infinite Campus Parent Portal. To purchase the insurance login to your Parent Portal, select School Store on the left menu > Select the school for your child > Technology Fees > 1 to 1 Device Insurance Grades 5-8, 2024-2025. Parents must elect the insurance no later than September 30th (Monday). If you experience any issues with the payment page, you may contact the Digital Learning Office at mmirmina@trumbullps.org. If you do not have access to a parent portal please contact your child school office.
Clubs & Activities:
The Harry Potter Club will have its first meeting this year on Monday, 9/30. Come join the fun in Room 102.
The Jazz Band list has been posted outside the band room hallway…check the list if you haven’t already! The first rehearsal for Jazz band is Wednesday 10/2 from 3:20-4:15.
Do you like building model airplanes or cars? Then the Model Club is for you. We will have our first meeting on Monday, 9/30 in room 203. See Mr. Cappello with any questions.
The first meeting of Puzzle Club will be on Monday, 9/30 in room 219. We have dozens of puzzles to choose from, or bring your own puzzle to share. Bring a friend, and join us for some fun and relaxation.
KARE Club, Madison’s community service club will meet Monday, 9/30 in room 232. New members are welcome to join us!
Long letter this week--and that's even before we officially flip the calendar to October, a month which will feature a Pep Rally, our KARE Talent Show, 8th grade Career Night, our PTA sponsored "Fun a Thon", our participation in the "Pink Pledge" and a Fall Out Dance. Never a dull moment at Madison--that is actually a very sincere wish we have for our students. Here's hoping that your weekend is anything but dull as well.
Take care,
Peter Sullivan