News From The Nest🦅

Happy New Year! As our well-deserved break comes to an end, we hope your students were as excited as we were to return to school and embrace all that 2025 has in store! We hope you had time to rest, reflect, and rejuvenate, and are entering this new year with the excitement and momentum a fresh start can bring. However you spent your time away, we hope it was filled with joy, peace, and treasured moments with your loved ones.

As we embark on this new chapter together, we’re thrilled to welcome our students back, full of anticipation for the possibilities ahead. The past few months have brought many meaningful and fun experiences, and we are eager to continue providing opportunities for our students to learn, grow, and thrive as a school family. Here's to a bright and successful 2025 for us all!

As we navigate the winter months ahead, 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, look out for notifications from Parent Square and/or check our district website, for any updates on school closures and other important announcements. Your partnership and involvement are essential in ensuring a successful and positive school experience for your child.

January 1- HAPPY NEW YEAR!

January 6- School Resumes!

January 9-National Day of Mourning for Jimmy Carter

January 17- End of Semester 1: Half Day for Students-Dismissal @ 12:00pm!

January 20-MLK Day! No School for Staff & Students!

January 23-Family Game Night 5:30 @ MES

A Look Ahead...

February 13-Family Formal Dance

Please help us keep your students safe!

Extreme weather is expected over southeast Michigan and Thumb regions over the next several days, with heavy snow predicted along with strong winds and bitter, cold temperatures.

Electric wires may come down following a heavy snow – and then be covered by additional snowfall. Please ask your students to:

• Look up when they’re playing outside. If they see a wire coming down from a pole into the snow – they must stay at least 25 feet away, or the length of a school bus.

• Stay away from any fallen trees or branches – they could have brought down a wire. Downed wires can look like sticks, so don't pick up any sticks or branches. Yard debris pick up can wait until after the snow has melted.

• We’re also asking parents to stay outside with their children and be vigilant about identifying whether wires are down by looking up as well.

• Remember: Always keep at least 25 feet away from a downed power line and stay away from anything touching that wire, like a fence. Always assume a downed wire is live and dangerous.

• Parents, please report any downed line immediately by clicking on the link button below connecting to outage.dteenergy.com, the DTE app or by calling 800-477-4747. If it’s an emergency, dial 911.

Thank you in advance for your help with keeping our students and school community safe!

- DTE Energy

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.

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!

Many classes will begin taking our winter session of the NWEA standardized assessment in reading and math next week. Consult your child's teacher for the specific days they will be testing. Please make sure your child gets plenty of rest the night before the test, and on the morning of the test, get up in plenty of time, so he/she doesn't feel rushed. Do what you can to make your child feel comfortable, and try not to say things that will make him/her more nervous. Most importantly, reassure your child that no matter what happens on the test you will still love him/her, and encourage them to simply do their best.

Popcorn Sales will resume this Friday as long as we have enough volunteers to pop, bag and deliver the popcorn. Our students look forward to purchasing these small bags of yummy goodness, so if you are willing and available on Friday mornings, please click the button below and sign up to volunteer to help. Remember all volunteers must have a valid background check on file with the main office. Thanks in advance for your help!

We are still looking for new members to join forces with out Parent-Teacher Organization! Last year, a small group of dedicated parents stepped up to rebuild and rebrand our Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO), laying a strong foundation for its success. As our school community continues to grow, we are inviting and strongly encouraging others to join and collaborate with them to provide additional support and resources for our students and staff.

The PTO is especially in need of new leadership, as our most recent president has moved. In addition to leadership roles, we are also looking for thought partners who can bring fresh ideas and energy to the team.

If you're interested in helping, have questions, or want to share your ideas, please contact the main office or reach out to the PTO directly at madisonschoolspto@gmail.com. Together, we can make a meaningful impact for our school community!

If you're planning to send in holiday treats, please ensure they are nut-free and made in a facility that does not process nuts. This must be clearly indicated on the original packaging. For the safety of students with severe allergies, homemade treats or items without original ingredient labels are not permitted. All treats must be inspected by the office before being shared. Thank you for helping us keep all of our students safe by carefully reading labels and following these important guidelines!

If you know of anyone who is looking for a new educational home for their students, send them our way! The "School of Choice" window is now open to those who live outside of our district, but only for a short time. Click the flyer above to start the process! Call the main office if you have any questions or need assistance.

Thanks to generous donations, Communities In Schools is pleased to offer a "Shop and Share" opportunity for families in need of new and gently used items, including clothing, shoes, boots, toys, and household goods. Please sign up via ParentSquare and refer to the flyer below for specific details. Limited appointments are available, and all items are while supplies last.

Dates: January 29-31
Time: 2:30 PM - 4:00 PM

We are happy to announce that Madison Elementary School was selected by the Michigan Department of Education (MDE) to participate in the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (FFVP).

A fresh fruit or vegetable snack will be offered to your student 2 times per week, until the grant funds are depleted. These snacks will be served mid-morning /early afternoon on Tuesday’s and Thursday’s.

The goals of this grant program are to:

• Create healthier school environments by offering healthy choices.

• Expand the variety of fruits and vegetables children experience.

• Increase children’s fruit and vegetable consumption.

• Make a difference in children’s diets to impact their current and future health.

You can support your student’s efforts to increase their fruit and vegetable consumption in several ways. For instance:

• Take your student grocery shopping and allow them to pick a new fruit or vegetable to try.

• Keep fruits and vegetables visible by placing a fruit basket on the kitchen counter.

• Set a positive example by regularly enjoying fruits and veggies yourself.

• Involve your student in meal planning by letting them choose which fruits and vegetables will be served in meals at home.

• Visit a local farmers’ market to explore seasonal produce together.

If you have questions, please contact me at catherine.vyse@madisondistrict.org or call me at 248-953-7423.

Sincerely,

Catherine M. Vyse

Food Service Director

Nondiscrimination Statement for USDA Child Nutrition Programs

In accordance with federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity.

Program information may be made available in languages other than English. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication to obtain program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language), should contact the responsible state or local agency that administers the program or USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339.

To file a program discrimination complaint, a Complainant should complete a Form AD-3027, USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form which can be obtained online at: https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/USDA-OASCR%20P-Complaint-Form-0508-0002-508-11-28-17Fax2Mail.pdf, from any USDA office, by calling (866) 632-9992, or by writing a letter addressed to USDA. The letter must contain the complainant’s name, address, telephone number, and a written description of the alleged discriminatory action in sufficient detail to inform the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights (ASCR) about the nature and date of an alleged civil rights violation. The completed AD-3027 form or letter must be submitted to USDA by:

1. mail:
   U.S. Department of Agriculture
   Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights
   1400 Independence Avenue, SW
   Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; or

2. fax:
   (833) 256-1665 or (202) 690-7442; or

3. email:
   program.intake@usda.gov

This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

Madison District is excited to continue our partnership with ParentGuidance.org and the Cook Center to offer free mental health resources and parent coaching for families. We encourage you to watch the short introductory video linked below, then click the flyer or use the QR code to visit the website to register for coaching.

When selecting a first grader for Student of the Month, J.J. immediately came to mind. He consistently puts care and effort into his assignments, demonstrating a strong understanding of the material we cover in class. J.J. begins each day with a bright smile and a positive attitude, which inspires and encourages his classmates to do their best. He listens attentively, follows our classroom social contract, and treats everyone—teachers and students—with kindness and respect.

J.J. is not only a fantastic student but also a wonderful friend and leader in first grade. He thrives in group activities, working cooperatively and making sure everyone feels included. Whether in the classroom or on the playground, he’s always willing to lend a helping hand to a friend in need. His thoughtfulness and dedication make him an exceptional role model for his peers.

We are so proud of J.J. for being a shining example of what it means to be a fantastic member of our school community. Keep up the amazing work, J.J.! We LOVE you and are so lucky to have you in first grade!

This month, the district chose to honor our IT Team, Travis Ketterer and Andrea Watkins! This dynamic duo goes above and beyond to support Madison District’s technology needs, always ready to fix, organize, and plan whatever is needed. From creating the Madison District Tech Hub for families, students, and staff to sharing innovative strategies through weekly Tech Tips, they empower our school community to embrace innovative learning techniques.

Andrea leads monthly Tech Integration meetings with leadership teams, provides classroom support, and offers professional development to help teachers and students grow with technology. The STEM lab she helped create at MES is a favorite among students! Travis ensures smooth operations across our schools, solving issues promptly and lending a helping hand whenever needed. Their dedication, expertise, and approachable personalities make them invaluable to our district. We’re incredibly grateful for their hard work and excited for all they’ll help us accomplish in the future!

We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Katrina Stokes to the Madison Elementary team! As a Licensed Professional Counselor, Dr. Stokes brings over 20 years of experience providing behavioral health management services to individuals across diverse settings, including the Juvenile Justice System, nonprofit agencies, major corporations, and the U.S. Military. Dr. Stokes holds a master’s degree in philosophy and a doctorate in Human and Social Services from Walden University. Most recently, she served as Team Lead for the Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) Program at Team Wellness Center and has extensive experience in leadership, clinical supervision, and person-centered therapy. Her philosophy emphasizes empowering clients with personalized strategies to overcome life’s challenges.

At Madison, Dr. Stokes will work closely with our social worker to support students emotionally, socially, and academically. She will provide individual and group sessions to help students manage emotions, regulate behavior, and build essential social skills like communication and teamwork. With her compassionate approach and wealth of expertise, Dr. Stokes is sure to be an invaluable resource for our students and families. Welcome to Madison, Dr. Stokes!

We are excited to welcome Mary Korde to the Madison Elementary medical team! With a strong background in biology and nursing, Mary holds a master’s degree in biology/microbiology and an associate’s degree in nursing. She has extensive experience in healthcare, having worked at the University of Michigan Hospital and in home healthcare, where she specialized in rehabilitating injured and chronically ill patients. She also served in the U.S. Peace Corps in Kenya, where she focused on agro-forestry. Outside of work, Mary is married and has an adult daughter. Driven by a passion for making the world a better place, Mary has a deep interest in the outdoors and conservation and enjoys gardening and traveling in her free time.

At Madison Elementary, she will work closely with Nurse Lisa to monitor and manage student illnesses and injuries during the school day. We’re thrilled to have Mary join our team and bring her dedication and expertise to support our students and school community!

One of the main purposes of Capturing Kids' Hearts is to help ensure that every student at MES feels loved, valued and cared for when they enter our space at the beginning of each day! It is important to us to know how we're doing with this goal. I posted this survey last month, but haven't unfortunately received many responses. PLEASE use the button below to complete the parent survey to inform us of the areas that are currently a strength for us, as well as the areas that we could grow in. We look forward to your feedback so we can make any adujstments needed to improve. Thanks in advance!

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 December was "responsibility". Click the link below to help us celebrate the students who were recognized for their ability to own their words, thoughts and actions, and make good choices by realizing how they impact others!

Respect is the willingness and ability to act professionally and thoughtfully with ourselves and others. Leaders can deal respectfully with opposition and provide space for both dignity and differences to coexist.

Why focus on Respect?

• Respect contributes to a positive culture. People feel safe, supported, and engaged in the context of thoughtful social, emotional, civic, and intellectual interactions.
• Respect decreases conflict. Respect helps us, and others, to be able to express ourselves without fear of being judged, humiliated, or discriminated against.
• Respect encourages empathy. Respect helps us to understand each other and put ourselves in someone else shoes.

We’re excited to announce that YMCA Sports Camp will resume for the next semester starting January 22! Each session will meet right after school from 3:30-4:30. Transportation must be provided by parent and must be prompt. Late pick-ups can result in removal from the program.

Please note that we have made an adjustment to the previous schedule:

• Wednesdays: 1st-3rd grade
• Thursdays: 3rd-5th grade

Special Note for 3rd Graders: You may choose either day, but please indicate your preference on the sign-up form.

Sign-Up Details:

• Complete a separate form for each student.
• Indicate your student’s grade level and preferred day on the form.
• The new session is open to all students, with priority given to those who have not participated before. Students who participated last semester will be added only if there are additional spots available. (So still sign-up to ensure your name is added to the list just in case!)
• Spaces are limited and will be assigned in the order of sign-ups, so don’t delay!

Thank you for your continued enthusiasm and support for this program. We can’t wait to see your students back in action!

Take a break from your normal evening routine and join us here at MES for our annual Family Game Night on Thursday, January 23rd from 5:15-6:15! We will enjoy learning to play various fun and educational games that will help students with reading, math, and critical thinking skills. Each game played will be available for purchase, with prices ranging from $4-$27. The first 100 families to RSVP and attend will receive a voucher for free game of their choice (valued up to $15)! Claim your game by clicking the button below to RSVP before Wednesday, January 22st! Everyone who RSVPs on Parent Square will be entered in a raffle for an extra free game! Hope to see you there!

Attention all fans of Mo Willems' Pigeon Books!

Here's the Maker Event you've been waiting for:

The Pigeon Party Tinker Tuesday

Tuesday, January 21st

Come anytime between 6 PM and 7 PM.

Held at The Madison Heights Public Library.

Make fun Pigeon crafts using Makerspace tools & supplies.

For anyone age 5 and up.

And best of all, it's FREE.

Use the link below to register at:

https://secure.rec1.com/MI/madison-heights-mi/catalog

Back by popular demand!

Get dressed to impress and come dance the evening away with your friends and loved ones on Thursday, February 13th, from 5:30-7:30 at Club Venetian Banquet Hall (29310 John R. Rd)! If you didn't attend last year, you missed a great time...Fun was had by all, so don't miss it this year! Tickets are $15/person, which includes dinner, dancing, and a family photo! Sales begin soon so be on the lookout for the order form! Money is due by Friday, January 31st when we will turn in a final count to the venue, so unfortunately tickets will not be sold at the door!

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!

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