Climate and Culture Newsletter

November 21 - Madison's World Fair 5:30pm - 7:30pm @ MHS

November 27-29 - Thanksgiving Break

Some of our MES students were featured in the 2024 Boys College Summer Literacy Institute and Industry Day Video created by Oakland Schools. Click HERE to watch the 2 minute video.

National Native American Heritage Month is celebrated each year in November. It is a time to celebrate the traditions, languages and stories of Native American, Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian, and affiliated Island communities and ensure their rich histories and contributions continue to thrive with each passing generation. In 1990, President George H. W. Bush approved a joint resolution designating November 1990 “National American Indian Heritage Month.” Similar proclamations, under variants on the name (including “Native American Heritage Month” and “National American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month”) have been issued each year since 1994.

Diwali, celebrated by Hindus, Jains, and Sikhs, is a major festival that lasts five days, typically falling between late October and November. The word "Diwali" comes from the Sanskrit "dipavali," meaning "row of lights," and the festival represents the triumph of light over darkness.

Veterans Day originated as “Armistice Day” on Nov. 11, 1919, the first anniversary of the end of World War I. Congress passed a resolution in 1926 making it an annual observance, and it became a national holiday in 1938. Sixteen years later, then-President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed legislation changing the name to Veterans Day to honor all those who served their country during war or peacetime. On this day, the nation honors military veterans — living and dead — with parades and other observances across the country and a ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia.

National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month

Six million Americans live with Alzheimer’s Disease and almost three million new cases are diagnosed annually. This progressive and deadly brain disease has no cure. However, researchers are still working hard to discover its cause. This month, we celebrate those living with the disease, their caregivers, and the healthcare professionals who treat them.

World Diabetes Day – November 14

Nearly a century after the discovery of insulin, this world health day raises challenges that those living with diabetes face daily. Today, we focus on advocating for the need for access to diabetic care throughout the world.

International Day For Tolerance – November 16

Established in 1996, this day promotes respect for the world’s cultures, languages, and religions. Today is a day to educate the general public about the need for universal human rights for all humans.

Math Enrichment Teacher @ MES

Head Custodian @ ECC

Paraprofessional - Adult Transition Program @ WMS

The Stay & Play Social Club is a Royal Oak-based organization that includes a diverse network of friends, young professionals and active individuals. They offer a variety of sports each season, as well as events focused on both personal and professional development.

Co-ed Volleyball Leagues play at Wilkinson Middle School Monday-Thursday. Winter 2025 registration opens November 10th, click HERE for more information.

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

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.

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 children’s 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.

November 12 - Happy Hour Day

November 14 - Spicy Guacamole Day

November 17 - Take a Hike Day

November 21 - World Hello Day

November 22 - Go For a Ride Day

Water is our body’s mechanical oil—without it, it can’t function. You lose about 8 percent of your body water while on a flight. This is because the humidity in the climate-controlled environment can be as low as 10 to 15 percent.

Emily Pattyn - November 9

James Bezy - November 15

Debra Cummings - November 16

Demario Humphries - November 18

Sheila Fisher - November 20

Amanda Kochanski - November 20

Katherine Patrico - November 28

Erik Dean - November 29

Donata Essa - November 29

Amy Carr - November 12 (6 years)

Megen Dickson - November 12 (6 years)

Pam Vermiglio - November 14 (2 years)

Marie Yelland - November 15 (1 year)

Peggy Shamoun - November 22 (3 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 (11/22), email the information to Pam Vermiglio at pam.vermiglio@madisondistrict.org. If possible, please include a picture.

Self-care for educators is an essential practice if you want to avoid chronic stress, burnout, and limited productivity. Banish any guilt you associate with self-care, and think of it as the only way to offer your best self to others. And remember, you deserve to be cared for too!

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