Climate and Culture Newsletter

January 16 - 1/2 Day for High School Students (finals)

January 17 - 1/2 Day for ALL Students, End of Semester One

January 20 - MLK Day (no school)

January 23 - MES Family Game Night

Two of our amazing teachers have recently welcomed beautiful new additions to their families.

Amanda Kochanski (MES) welcomed Nolan Leo Kochanski on Friday, December 27th @ 1:09am. Nolan is a bundle of joy weighing 6 lbs, 9.5 oz and measuring 19 inches long.

Katie Venditti (MES) is now the proud parent of Dominic (Nico) Edward Venditti born on Thursday, January 2nd at 8:22am. Nico arrived healthy and happy weighing in at 9 lbs, 4 oz and measuring 21 inches long.

Please join us in congratulating both families during this exciting time! 💕 Welcome to the newest little members of the Madison family! 🍼✨

As we embark on this fresh chapter, let’s remind ourselves of the values that make our district a wonderful place to learn, grow, and work together.

🌟 Be Kind: Kindness is the foundation of a supportive and thriving community. Let’s make a conscious effort to show appreciation, lend a hand, and celebrate the efforts of those around us.

🌟 Build Each Other Up: Words have power. Choose words that inspire, uplift, and encourage. Avoid negativity or criticism that could dampen the morale of our team members. We are all on the same team with the same goal—to support our students and one another.

🌟 Have Grace: Mistakes and challenges are part of the journey. Let’s approach situations with patience, understanding, and a willingness to move forward positively. Extend the same grace to others that you would hope to receive.

🌟 Be the Difference: Each of us has the ability to create a ripple of positivity. Whether it’s a kind gesture, a thoughtful word, or a collaborative effort, let’s commit to making our district a place we’re all proud to be part of.

Thank you for bringing your unique strengths and dedication to our district. Together, we can make 2025 an incredible year for our students, families, and staff. Let’s get started!

The start of a new year is celebrated in many unique ways worldwide. Here are a few traditions to explore:

• Hogmanay (Scotland): Scotland’s New Year’s celebration includes traditions like “first-footing,” where the first person to enter a home after midnight brings gifts for good fortune.

• Lunar New Year (January 29): A major celebration in many East and Southeast Asian cultures, the Lunar New Year marks the beginning of the year in the lunar calendar, featuring festivities like family reunions, dragon dances, and the giving of red envelopes for good luck.

To start the year on a strong note, consider these ideas which foster meaningful connections

• Mentorship Programs: Join or establish a mentorship program to share knowledge, offer guidance, and build cross-departmental relationships.

• Storytelling Circles: Create opportunities for team members to share their personal and professional journeys, promoting empathy and understanding.

• Community Outreach: Participate in a volunteer project or service day to give back and strengthen our community ties.

This month is an opportunity to raise awareness about key topics and honor impactful observances, including:

• Martin Luther King Jr. Day (January 20): A federal holiday dedicated to the life and legacy of Dr. King, emphasizing the importance of justice, equity, and community service.

• Poverty Awareness Month: A time to focus on understanding and addressing the challenges of poverty, promoting solutions for economic equity.

• International Holocaust Remembrance Day (January 27): A day to honor the memory of the six million Jewish victims of the Holocaust and millions of others affected by Nazi persecution.

• National Blood Donor Month: A time to acknowledge those who donate blood or pledge to donate. It is a great time to schedule a donation as it is usually when blood is in short supply.

INTERNAL/EXTERNAL POSTINGS

Math Enrichment Teacher @ MES

Special Education Paraprofessional @ MES

Bus Driver

NEWSLETTERS - Previous Climate and Culture Newsletters can be accessed on the district webpage under Staff Links > Staff Resources or click on the title above.

January 11 - Learn Your Name in Morse Code Day

January 13 - Clean Off Your Desk Day

January 15 - Bagel & Lox Day

January 17 - Kid Inventors' Day

January 20 - Penguin Awareness Day

January 22 - Hot Sauce Day

January 24 - Compliment Day

Shelby Coury - January 2

Bridgiette Parnell - January 3

Hunter Dijanni - January 16

Saranda Emini - January 17

Megen Dickson - January 19

Lea Leavelle - January 22

Ivanna Sayajon - January 24

Sean Rice - January 26

Kristie Ramsay - January 28

Marjon Jones - January 29

Brittany Brochu - January 30

Brenna Potter - January 8 (1 year)

Katie Sackner - January 8 (1 year)

Joanne Klobucher - January 9 (38 years)

Kayla Bartlett - January 10 (3 years)

Donna Edelstein - January 17 (3 years)

Erika Curtis - January 17 (2 years)

Sarah Gaynor - January 28 (6 years)

Click HERE to access the MDPS 2024-2025 Calendar.

If you would like to include a Staff Shout-Out or Staff Spotlight in the next newsletter (1/24), email the information to Pam Vermiglio at pam.vermiglio@madisondistrict.org. If possible, please include a picture.

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.

Email: pam.vermiglio@madisondistrict.org
Website: www.madisondistrict.org
Office Phone: 248-399-7800 ext. 3407