Dear Parent(s)/ Guardian(s):
We returned from vacation, which featured some suitably spring like weather, and resumed our routines, refreshed for the “stretch run” of the school year. Our 6th graders hit the ground running as the 6th grade teams took turns traveling to Hillcrest for a program at their Planetarium. Our 7th graders have already had that opportunity and our 8th graders will go in May-- we are pleased that our students have this chance to experience the planetarium.
We welcomed 5th grade parents on Thursday to our orientation event. When we asked for a show of hands, the majority of those present indicated that they were “first time” middle school parents. Hopefully we did much to reassure them that Madison is a welcoming place and that there are many opportunities for academic and social enrichment. I’m guessing that the most convincing speakers were our current students, who shared their personal middle school transition stories and described some of their favorite extracurricular activities. We look forward to meeting our new 6th graders in August.
Friday was an especially busy day– during their science class time, students were able to attend our Health Fair. Stations at this year’s fair emphasized themes such as the following: Be Clean, Get Hydrated, Keep moving, Sleep Well and Volunteer for Good. There were opportunities for students to be active and many vendors provided some take away items. We’d like to thank the PTA for once again partnering with us to make this day a fun and educational experience for our students. On Friday night, we held our Spring Dance. In our “Final photo” below, you can see that there definitely was some serious dancing, but, as always, there was also food and other forms of recreation– some students prefer to toss a football on the grass, rather than show off their dance moves.
A combined group of Madison and Hillcrest students attended the Sandy Hook SAVE Promise Youth Summit in Philadelphia. More than 20 states sent representatives to the event, which was organized around the theme “Pave the Way: Educate, Empower, Encourage and Engage”, with a goal of amplifying youth voice, so that every voice is acknowledged and heard. This is meant to encourage inclusion as opposed to isolation and to connect students with a “trusted adult”, as a means of violence prevention. Our Madison students and their club advisors Michaela Durand and Morgan Mancini presented a workshop at the event. We are so proud of the work which our students have done to create a supportive environment at Madison.
** As a reminder, it’s “survey season” now for Trumbull Public Schools. Students, staff, and parents all have the opportunity to provide us feedback on school climate. You can take the parent survey by clicking on this link:
The survey will be open until May 16th. Early participation results show that 67 parents/ guardians have already responded. Last year there were 207 people who responded to the survey– we of course would like to reach, and then ideally exceed that number this year. Your feedback helps us to set goals in our school improvement plan, so please consider participating.
Looking ahead…
The SBA CT testing sessions begin May 6. To be prepared, please make sure that your child’s Chromebook is charged every evening.
If a new Chromebook charger is needed, new chargers can be bought on the Infinite Campus Parent Portal through the School Store.
The test also has audio components, so earbuds or headphones are needed and should be brought to school every day.
Personal devices from home other than the student’s assigned Chromebook cannot be used.
The first of our Spring Music Concerts will take place on Thursday, with a Chorus Concert at 7pm. We hope that many of you will be able to join us.
There will be an educational presentation on Autism and Neurodiversity, titled “Autism and Friendship Building” at the Fairchild Library on Wednesday, 4/30 from 6-7pm. Registration is required. Please see this flyer for more details.
To close-- this was a very special week for me. As I listened to teachers and students speak at the orientation event on Thursday night I was reminded about the care which our teachers show our students and the gratitude which those students have for teachers who guide them through the middle school years with a gentle hand. Then, yesterday, on Saturday, I closed the week beaming with pride as our SAVE Promise Club students showcased the steps which they have taken to create and sustain a supportive environment for their classmates. Environment matters, and that's why we welcome your input, either through the annual climate survey, or at any time that you would like to reach out to myself or Mr. Coppola with your thoughts. Have a great Sunday !
Take care,
Peter Sullivan
Positive Pathway
Outdoor Math
Exhibiting Talent
Summit Spotlight
