Climate and Culture Newsletter

December 2-20 - MHS Holiday Drive (see flyer below)

December 12 - Winter Band Concert @ MHS 6:30pm

December 13 - Senior Citizen Breakfast @ WMS 9:00am-10:30am

December 18 - MES/ECC Winter Holiday Extravaganza 6:00pm-7:30pm

December 23 - January 3 - Winter Break

Madison District Public Schools' Climate and Culture Committee is excited to launch our new initiative, #MDPSRocks! We’ve decorated rocks with positive messages and artwork, which will be placed throughout the city of Madison Heights. Watch the Madison District Public Schools Facebook page for clues about where to find them, and if you spot one, snap a picture with it and share using the hashtag #MDPSRocks to spread the joy!

December is a month filled with celebrations that showcase the rich tapestry of global cultures. Here are just a few traditions observed this time of year:

• Hanukkah (December 25–January 2): Also known as the Festival of Lights, Hanukkah is celebrated in the Jewish community with lighting the menorah, sharing traditional foods, and spending time with family.

• Las Posadas (December 16–24): A Mexican tradition that reenacts Mary and Joseph’s journey to Bethlehem, featuring community gatherings, music, and festive piñatas.

• Kwanzaa (December 26–January 1): This African American celebration honors African heritage and culture with seven principles, including unity and self-determination.

• Christmas (December 25): Observed by many Christian communities, Christmas celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ and is marked by acts of giving, special meals, and gathering with loved ones.

Let’s ensure that our celebrations and spaces reflect the diversity of our community. Here are a few suggestions:

• Decor: Incorporate inclusive and non-denominational decorations.

• Events: Host a multicultural potluck or encourage team members to share stories or symbols from their traditions.

• Awareness: Respect that not everyone celebrates the same holidays or observes them in the same way.

December is a time to recognize and celebrate awareness themes that promote understanding and inclusion. Key awareness topics this month include:

• Universal Human Rights Month: A time to honor and advocate for the fundamental rights and freedoms that belong to every individual.

• World AIDS Day (December 1): A global day to unite in the fight against HIV, support those living with the virus, and commemorate lives lost to AIDS-related illnesses.

• International Day of Persons with Disabilities (December 3): This day promotes awareness and inclusion for individuals with disabilities, emphasizing equal opportunities and accessibility.

The #SeeTheGoodMH campaign aims to unite the Madison Heights community, promote positivity, and raise awareness of MHCC. We'll create a more connected and supportive community by celebrating community heroes, kindness, and gratitude. https://www.facebook.com/MadisonHeightsCC

INTERNAL/EXTERNAL POSTINGS

Math Enrichment Teacher @ MES

31n Grant Funded Counselor @ ECC/MES

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.

December 7 - Letter Writing Day

December 10 - Dewey Decimal System Day

December 13 - Official Lost & Found Day

December 16 - Chocolate Covered Anything Day

December 17 - Wright Brothers Day

December 16 - Ugly Sweater Day

An octopus has not one, but three hearts. Two of them — the branchial hearts — pump blood to the gills where it picks up oxygen. The third, or systemic heart, pumps the oxygenated blood around the body, fueling up the eight tentacles for whatever they and their suckers plan to do.

Katherine Patrico - November 28

Erik Dean - November 29

Donata Essa - November 29

Erika Curtis - December 2

Tracy Thompson - December 4

Kelsey Detoledo - December 8

Theresa Seid - December 9

John Oddo - December 10

Roberta Libstaff - December 11

Justin Reed - December 11

Bethany Marks - December 16

Devon Tocco - December 18

Asenath Jones-Richmond - December 19

Lauren Arickx - December 21

Madeline Davis - December 11 (1 year)

Michelle Scott - December 12 (5 years)

Briana Carter - December 13 (2 years)

Rasha Essa - December 16 (5 years)

Jessica Crowell - December 18 (1 year)

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 (12/6), 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