Climate and Culture Newsletter

October 30 - MHS StuCo Haunted Forest, Rosie's Park, 6:00pm-8:00pm

November 5 - Election Day - Staff Professional Development

November 6 - WMS/MHS Parent Teacher Conferences 4:00pm - 8:00pm

November 7 - ECC/MES Students Half Day

November 7 - ECC/MES Parent Teacher Conferences 1:00pm - 4:00pm and 5:00pm - 8:00pm

November 7 - Madison METRO Open House 6:00pm - 7:30pm

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

REMINDER - ALL Vector Training must be completed by October 31, 2024. Staff members hired in September or October - check due dates in Vector.

77% OF STAFF HAVE COMPLETED THE TRAINING!

https://madisonps-mi.safeschools.com/training/home

The Madison METRO adult transition program will be rolling out their bagel/coffee cart. Ordering email will go out the Monday before. Contact Christina Coden if you have any questions.

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.

Head Custodian @ ECC

Math/Science Teacher @ WMS

October 26 - Trunk or Treat, Madison Heights Civic Center Park, 1:00pm - 3:00pm

November 1 - The Great Pumpkin Roll Down, Civic Center Shelter Building, 6:00pm - 7:00pm

November 2 - Dia De Los Muertos (Day of the Dead) Celebration @ Cocovito Snacks 4:30pm - 9:00pm

Did you know there is an area on the district website dedicated to staff? It's called Staff Links (found in the upper right corner of the website). You can find helpful information like Whom to Ask and the CARE WorkLife Solutions flyer under Staff Resources. You can also access important forms like FMLA and Employee Report of Injury under Human Resources.

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.

STAFF SURVEY - As part of our ongoing efforts to improve the working environment and foster a positive culture within our schools, we kindly ask all staff members to complete the Staff Climate and Culture Survey. Click HERE to complete the survey.

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.

October 31 - Magic Day

November 2 - Deviled Eggs Day

November 4 - Common Sense Day

November 6 - Saxophone Day

November 8 - Tongue Twister Day

Trees talk. Their roots are connected through an underground network of fungi, nicknamed the “Wood Wide Web,” that allows them to share resources with each other. They “talk” by transmitting nutrients to one another through the fungi. For instance, a mother tree, or oldest and strongest tree in the forest, will share some of her sugars with smaller, nearby trees.

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 (11/8), 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