News From The Nest🦅

February is the month officially dedicated to LOVE, and we can already feel the positive energy and warmth filling our classrooms! Our teachers and students are busy exploring the meaning of kindness and compassion, thinking of creative ways to spread love, and celebrating friendship throughout our school community. This month is filled with special days that remind us to be intentionally kind, to respect the thoughts and feelings of others, and to create meaningful connections in our daily interactions. In addition to celebrating Black History Month, we’ll also honor Valentine’s Day and Random Acts of Kindness Day—all perfect opportunities to highlight the importance of empathy, appreciation, and community. I can’t wait to see all the extra love flowing through our building—and hopefully spilling over into your homes! Be sure to check ParentSquare for updates, and ask your students about the exciting classroom activities and events planned. Let’s make this month extra special as we sprinkle our days with fun, reflection, and celebration of one another all month long!

As we continue to navigate the winter months, please make sure your students are properly dressed for the decreasing temperatures and snowy weather! Classes will line up outside at arrival, and go outside for recess as long as the temperature is above 20 degrees with no precipitation. If your student is in need of winter items such as hats, gloves, coats, and/or boots, please contact the main office so we can help provide you with resources to acquire these necessities. When severe weather is predicted, remember to check Parent Square or our school website for any alerts on school closures and other important announcements.

Additionally, the weather has been especially wet this winter, so we have almost depleted our entire stock of extra clothes for students who have fallen in mud or puddles during recess, specifically for our little ones. Please consider sending an extra pair of pants and socks in your students' backpack so they don't run the risk of having to sit in soiled or soggy clothes after time outside. Your partnership and involvement are essential in ensuring a successful and positive school experience for your child. Thanks for being a part of the team!

February 1-Black History Month Begins

February 3-MDPS Board Meeting 6:00pm @ MHS (Note: New Start Time!)

February 12-Winter Count Day!

February 10-14-WIDA Assessment

February 10-14-"You Can Count On ME!" Spirit Week (See details below!)

February 14-Valentine's Day

February 17-21-Mid-Winter Break-NO SCHOOL FOR STAFF & STUDENTS!

February 17-"Random Acts of Kindness" Day

February 26-Family Formal Dance 5:30 @ Club Venetian

Next week we'll be celebrating Count Day, the 100th Day of School, and Valentine's Day with a fun-filled Spirit Week!

❤️❤️Show your LOVE for MES by participating on each day listed below!❤️❤️

Greetings Madison District Families,

As we embark upon the second half of the 2024-2025 school year, I would like to emphasize the crucial importance of ensuring your child's DAILY attendance. Every day in school presents a valuable opportunity for learning, and when a student is absent, they miss out on essential educational experiences. According to Attendance Works (attendanceworks.org):

"Missing 10 percent of the school, or about 18 days in most school districts, negatively affects a student’s academic performance. When students improve their attendance rates, they enhance their academic prospects and increase their chances for graduating."

Let's work together to empower our students by ensuring they are punctual and present every day.

Thank you for your continued support in fostering a positive and enriching learning environment.

Patricia Perry

PROUD Superintendent of Madison District Public Schools

Attendance is essential everyday of the school year, but it especially important on "Count Day"! On Wednesday, February 12th, the State of Michigan will again assess the number of students present in our school and use that to determine the amount of funding we'll receive for the remainder of the school year. Please help support our district by making sure your student is present on this important day, as this funding is necessary to provide services and resources to ensure that every student has a positive educational experience here at MES. (And there may be a special prize for everyone who shows up that day!😊)

Here at MES, we are looking forward to celebrating and recognizing Black History Month. This month is a powerful testament to the resilience, courage, creativity, and unwavering spirit of African American communities throughout history. The roots of Black History Month stem from the visionary efforts of Dr. Carter G. Woodson, a pioneering scholar and advocate for African American history. Dr. Woodson, alongside other trailblazers, initiated Negro History Week in 1926. This week served as a catalyst for acknowledging and celebrating the significant contributions of African Americans to our nation's cultural makeup. Over time, this week evolved into Black History Month, officially recognized in 1976 as a time to honor and celebrate the legacy of African American/Black people and communities.

As we recognize Black History Month throughout Madison, we will explore and showcase aspects of Black history and culture, beyond stereotypes and mainstream narratives. We will celebrate everyday contributions of African American individuals within our schools, neighborhoods and local communities. We will incorporate lessons, materials and resources that resonate with students' backgrounds and experiences, and foster an increased sense of belonging. We encourage you to discuss ideas and learn along with your student about the various ways the African American/black community has positively impacted our country with their talents, experiences and perspectives for many years.

Back by popular demand!

Our Family Formal Dance will take place next Thursday (February 13th) from 5:30-7:30 at Club Venetian Banquet Hall (29310 John R. Rd) We're going to get dressed to impress and dance the night away with our MES families! Thanks so much to everyone who has already purchased a ticket! If you haven't yet, no worries, you still have time! Ticket sales will end this Friday and will not be sold at the door! Can't wait to see you there!

February 14th is Valentine's Day! We anticipate many classes will be celebrating with goodies brought from home to share with friends, so it is important that we remind you

when purchasing treats, please be mindful of our school's nut restriction policy. To make sure all students are safe, all treats must be cleared by the front office before distributing to the class.

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 is not only for Valentine's Day, but includes birthday treats and daily 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.

Our 5th graders are selling "Flower Grams" to raise money for 5th Grade Camp! They cost $2 each and come with a personalized message from the sender. Orders will be collected throughout next week and flower grams will be delivered next Friday on Valentine's Day. Students can obtain the message templates (order forms) from their classroom teacher or the main office. Please consider supporting our 5th graders by sending some unexpected love to someone you care about!

We are excited to kick off The Great Kindness Challenge (GKC) when we return from Winter Break! Since National Random Acts of Kindness Day falls on February 17 while we’re off, we will begin the challenge once school resumes.

GKC is a global movement that encourages students to spread kindness by completing as many acts of kindness as possible using a special checklist of fun and meaningful activities. The goal is to inspire lifelong compassion while creating a positive and inclusive school environment.

Students will receive a Kindness Checklist to guide their participation, and teachers will incorporate kindness-themed activities into the classroom. We encourage families to support and celebrate kindness at home as well!

Let’s work together to make the world a kinder place—one act at a time! 💕✨

As we move into the second half of the school year, previous background checks have now expired. If you are interested in chaperoning field trips, volunteering in the classroom in any capacity, or even entering the hallways or classrooms while school is in session, you must have a valid background check on file here at the school. Use the picture or button below to access the form that must be completed and turned in to the main office along with a copy of your ID. Please plan accordingly to allow for at least 7-10 business days for the return of your results. Thanks you for helping us keep our students safe!

As we move through this season with drastic changes in temperature, we often see an increase in illnesses among students. To help keep everyone healthy and safe, we wanted to remind you of our sick and return policy. Please take a moment to review the graphic below for guidelines on when to keep your child home and when they can safely return to school.

Thank you for helping us create a healthy learning environment for all!

Please be mindful that dismissal is at 3:25 daily! Our staff is often involved in afterschool activities, meetings and other commitments that prevent them from being able to supervise students at the end of the day. With construction and bad weather, traffic can be heavy around this time, so please allow yourself adequate travel time so you can be here to greet your child when they exit the building. If you are in need of before or after school care, the Learning Tree school-age child care program is available at the Early Childhood Center for a small nominal fee. Students are bused to and from Learning Tree to MES. For more information contact Lisa DiGuilio at 248-543-5465 or click the link below to register. If there will be a change in your child's transportation home, please contact the main office by 2:00 so we have ample time to communicate changes with the teacher.

We are pleased to offer a free and confidential website for Madison families called ParentGuidance.org. This site was developed by licensed therapists to provide trusted and specialized courses, professional support, and a safe community for parents, to learn how to support your child. Parents can also get answers to mental health questions, regarding specifics such as anxiety, depression, self-worth, grief and loss, suicide ideation, self-harm, bullying, family strife and other mental health concerns. One popular course you may want to explore is “Parenting with a Purpose.” There are over 50 e-courses, free to families, led by licensed therapists as well as an "ask-a-therapist" section on the website. The courses within ParentGuidance.org will provide you with tools to form stronger bonds with your children.

In addition to the free website, our district is offering Parent Coaching to all families within the

district. Parent Coaching is a confidential service provided to parents and families. If you or your

family is in need of extra support, go to ParentGuidance.org, select “Parent Coaching” and select "Register for Coaching" to get started or use the QR code on the flyer above. A coach can meet with you as often as weekly for a 30-minute session to discuss your concerns or needs. You will also be able to message your coach if other concerns arise before your next scheduled meeting. For more information about the coaching process, click the links below:

● Coaching for Parents

●How Does Coaching Work

Click the button below or look for the ParentGuidance.org logo on our homepage to access this free service available to all families within our district.

Michael Pham from Ms. Rogers’ class is a wonderful student and role model to his classmates. Michael comes in everyday and cheerfully greets his teachers. He is helpful and kind to his classmates and peers. Michael likes to build things and share his treasures with our class. We are so glad to have Michael in class and as a friend! Keep up the great work!!

Lucas Grande from Mrs. Venditti’s class has been chosen as Student of the Month for his outstanding dedication, kindness, and hard work. He consistently demonstrate a positive attitude, respect for others, and a strong commitment to learning. His enthusiasm in the classroom, willingness to help classmates, and determination to do his best make him a role model for his peers. We are proud to recognize Lucas for his achievements and contributions to our school community. Keep up the great work!

From the age of eight, Katherine knew she wanted to be a teacher. With the encouragement of her parents, she pursued her dream and has now been a classroom teacher for 13 years, spending the last eight years in our district. Her passion for education and dedication to her students make her a valued member of the Madison Elementary team. Outside the classroom, Katherine enjoys playing coed softball, exploring Detroit History Tours, and spending time with family. She especially cherishes moments with her two young nieces, whose growing interest in school fills her with pride.

This year, Katherine has faced numerous personal challenges, including family health concerns, her own health struggles, and the heartbreaking loss of her beloved dog. Despite these hardships, she has remained a pillar of strength, showing up every day with a warm smile and unwavering commitment to her students. She goes above and beyond to create a nurturing and supportive classroom environment, recognizing acts of kindness and fostering a culture of encouragement.

Beyond her classroom, Katherine is a true team player. She serves on the Literacy Committee, offers a helping hand to colleagues, and always finds ways to support the school community. Whether it’s pre-sorting papers for meetings or simply providing a positive and respectful presence, she uplifts those around her.

Colleagues describe Katherine as dedicated, hardworking, and inspiring—a teacher whose passion for education shines through in everything she does. Her perseverance, professionalism, and kindness make her an outstanding choice for this recognition.

Congratulations, Katherine, and thank you for your incredible contributions to Madison Elementary!

Madison Elementary is thrilled to welcome back Mike Janigian as our new math enrichment teacher! A dedicated educator with 25 years of service in Madison District Public Schools, Mike has taught 18 years at Wilkinson and is now in his 7th year at the elementary level. Though he most recently taught middle school math, he began his career in elementary education, making his return a full-circle moment for our district. His passion for teaching math, inspiring students, and making learning fun is unmatched. Outside the classroom, he loves traveling and spending time with his family. We are so fortunate that his love for MDPS brought him back from retirement—welcome back, Mr. Janigian!

We are also lucky to have Toryn Berger join our school family as a special education paraprofessional in Mrs. Venditti's class! With a strong background in working with children, Toryn was actively involved in the ABA peer program throughout school and is passionate about individualized learning for every student. A black belt in Karate, Toryn brings discipline, dedication, and patience to the classroom, along with a love for music, writing, fitness, and cooking. His creativity and commitment to making a difference will be a wonderful addition to our team.

Madison Elementary is excited to welcome Cindy Orman as the newest member of our district clerical team! With a wealth of experience spanning BellSouth, law enforcement, and multiple school districts, Cindy brings a strong background in organization and service. A pastor’s wife with a deep love for children—even the stinkers!—she is passionate about working in an educational environment. Cindy will be splitting her time between MES and the board office, spending a couple of days each week supporting our staff and students. Her enthusiasm, gratitude, and optimism shine through in everything she does, and we are thrilled to have her as part of the MDPS family. Welcome, Cindy!

I want to take a moment to give a huge shout-out to Kaitlyn Robinson, a 5th grader in Ms. VanNess' class! Last month, Katie and her cheer team, Champion Force, competed and took 1st place—making her a STATE CHAMPION! 🎉 Her dedication and hard work truly paid off, and we couldn’t be prouder of her incredible achievement.

Not only is Katie a talented cheerleader, but she also shines on the softball field, proving that her athleticism knows no limits. It’s always amazing to see our students excelling in their passions outside the classroom!

If your student participates in any extracurricular activities—sports, music, dance, theater, or any other showcase of their talents—please let me know! I would love the opportunity to support them in their element beyond the classroom and celebrate their accomplishments with our MES family.

At the end of each month, we celebrate selected students who have consistently exemplified the CKH character trait focus for that particular month. Our focus characteristic for January was "respect". Click the link below to help us celebrate the students who were recognized for their willingness and ability to act professionally and thoughtfully with themselves and others.

Kindness is the ability and willingness to express care and compassion for others. Kindness is a choice to use our time, talent, and resources to better the lives of others and the world through genuine acts of love, compassion, generosity, and service.

Why focus on Kindness?

• Kindness boosts positive emotions. Acts of kindness create neural pathways that enhance feelings of well-being and the natural flow of feel-good endorphins and neurotransmitters.
• Kindness is self-replicating. When we perform an act of kindness, it is likely to encourage others to act in a similar way.
• Kindness reduces stress and anxiety. Kindness promotes positive relationships with other people. Anything that helps you to build bonds with other people helps decrease anxiety.

Exciting News! Eye Exams for MDPS Students! 👓🎉

Madison District Public Schools is thrilled to partner with Mitten Mobile Optometry to bring on-site eye exams directly to our students! Ensuring clear vision is key to academic success, and we’re making it easier than ever for your child to receive professional eye care—very similar to the mobile dentists who visit each year, students will now be able to receive an eye exam right at school!

📅 When? During the week of March 3rd (Exact dates & details will be shared the week before.)
📍 Where? At your child's school!
📝 How to Sign Up? Print and complete the following forms and return them to your child's school by February 25, 2025:

• Consent Form
• Intake Form
• Private Pay Documents (if applicable)

📌 Need a Copy? If you are unable to print the forms, they are available for pickup in your child's main office.

💳 Insurance Accepted! A list of accepted insurance plans is attached.

Don’t miss this amazing opportunity to support your child’s health and learning! 👀

Just in time for March is Reading Month, we are excited to launch the Book Blast literacy initiative again this year! The goal of this event is to put as many new, age-appropriate books as possible into the hands of our students, helping to build their home libraries and foster a love for reading.

Students will receive a "treasure map" that outlines how they can earn books for their bookshelves at home while also winning exciting prizes for their classroom. This is a fantastic opportunity to encourage reading and celebrate literacy in a fun and rewarding way!

Be on the lookout after winter break for more details on how we can work together to make this year’s Book Blast a huge success! 📖✨

Next month, we have a lot of exciting activities planned to celebrate literacy, including a special reading challenge designed to encourage families to read together every night!

As part of One School, One Book, each student will receive a book, providing the perfect opportunity for families to read and engage together. This initiative not only fosters a love for reading but also strengthens the connection between home and school learning.

Our superintendent is deeply committed to promoting literacy throughout the entire family, so be on the lookout for more details about this challenge! She will be offering prizes and incentives to families who make reading a daily habit and prioritize literacy at home.

Let’s make reading a fun and meaningful experience for our students and show them the power of a great book! 📖✨

We’re excited to share an incredible opportunity for our students—Cranbrook’s Summer STEM Camp! This program offers engaging STEM learning experiences, integrated with activities from the Cranbrook Institute of Science, providing students with valuable exposure to educational equipment and career awareness.

The camp is designed for:

• Session 1 (Entering 1st & 2nd Grade in fall 2025/2026): Session 1 Registration
• Session 2 (Entering 3rd & 4th Grade in fall 2025/2026): Session 2 Registration

Camp Dates: June 23-27, 2025
Time: 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM (Before Care: 7:30-9:00 AM, After Care: 3:00-5:30 PM)
Location: Cranbrook Institute of Science, 39221 Woodward Ave, Bloomfield Hills, MI
Cost: $50 registration per child (scholarships available)
Registration Password: Oakland2025

This camp fills up quickly, so don’t wait to sign up! See the flyer below for contact info and other specific details! If you have any questions or need assistance, feel free to reach out to me directly as well. We highly recommend this program for any student interested in exploring STEM in a fun and hands-on environment!

We are all on the same team, working toward the same goals! Thank you for trusting us with your students and allowing us to be a part of their educational journey. We look forward to continuing this partnership, consistently celebrating their growth and working together for their success!

Where EVERY day is a GREAT day to be an EAGLE!

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