Climate and Culture Newsletter

January 17 - End of Semester One

January 20 - MLK Day (no school)

January 23 - MES Family Game Night

Laura Shultz, a teacher at Wilkinson Middle School, shows off “Spike,” the lake sturgeon she and her students are raising for release into the wild. The effort is part of a program through the state that aims to restore the endangered species. Click HERE for full article.

Superintendent Perry and Dr. Hemingway brought holiday cheer to Madison Elementary by transforming into the ultimate "Elf on the Shelf" duo! Superintendent Perry continued spreading the festive fun by visiting ECC, WMS, and MHS, surprising students with her playful antics. Their holiday spirit made the season extra magical for everyone!

On Tuesday, December 10th, the Early Childhood Center received a heartwarming surprise from the Ricky Dong Foundation! Each child was gifted a cozy winter hat, spreading warmth and kindness as the season turns chilly.

Madison District Public Schools partnered with the Madison Heights Police Department for the annual Shop with an Officer event at Meijer! On Wednesday, December 11th, MDPS students received $100 to pick out holiday gifts, with officers helping to make the experience unforgettable. This heartwarming tradition strengthens community bonds and spreads holiday cheer.

On Friday, December 13th, Madison High School Student Council hosted a festive Senior Citizen Breakfast filled with holiday cheer! Guests enjoyed a delicious meal while the band performed holiday classics, and the MHS Drama Club delighted everyone with a lively skit. It was a wonderful celebration of community and the season.

On Monday, December 16th, Madison METRO and WMS students teamed up for a fun-filled gingerbread house party, showcasing their creativity and teamwork! After building their festive creations, students voted on the best gingerbread house, adding an exciting touch of friendly competition to the event. It was a sweet and memorable celebration for everyone involved!

On Wednesday, December 17th, MES hosted the Winter Holiday Extravaganza. It was a magical evening filled with festive cheer and community spirit! Families gathered in the cafeteria for a joyful sing-along led by our talented choir before venturing to fun activity stations featuring games, crafts, and delicious treats. The highlight of the night was the chance to snap photos with our very special guests—reserved, of course, for those on the nice list! Thank you to everyone who joined us and made the evening so memorable.

As we embark on this fresh chapter, let’s remind ourselves of the values that make our district a wonderful place to learn, grow, and work together.

🌟 Be Kind: Kindness is the foundation of a supportive and thriving community. Let’s make a conscious effort to show appreciation, lend a hand, and celebrate the efforts of those around us.

🌟 Build Each Other Up: Words have power. Choose words that inspire, uplift, and encourage. Avoid negativity or criticism that could dampen the morale of our team members. We are all on the same team with the same goal—to support our students and one another.

🌟 Have Grace: Mistakes and challenges are part of the journey. Let’s approach situations with patience, understanding, and a willingness to move forward positively. Extend the same grace to others that you would hope to receive.

🌟 Be the Difference: Each of us has the ability to create a ripple of positivity. Whether it’s a kind gesture, a thoughtful word, or a collaborative effort, let’s commit to making our district a place we’re all proud to be part of.

Thank you for bringing your unique strengths and dedication to our district. Together, we can make 2025 an incredible year for our students, families, and staff. Let’s get started!

Amy Conrad has been thrown a lot of curveballs in her time so far at Madison and I am always impressed by her ability to adjust and recalibrate. Her students have grown tremendously in many facets of life and school and it has been awesome to witness. When her class attended my special class in December they were eager to share academic growth, personal growth, and general goals they have set for themselves. They were also able to regulate and show growth in following my expectations in class which is a testament to Amy and her development of classroom community and responsibility. I always appreciate our conversations, Amy! Thank you for all that you do for your students and our school community!

~ Kelcie Cain

The start of a new year is celebrated in many unique ways worldwide. Here are a few traditions to explore:

• Hogmanay (Scotland): Scotland’s New Year’s celebration includes traditions like “first-footing,” where the first person to enter a home after midnight brings gifts for good fortune.

• Lunar New Year (January 29): A major celebration in many East and Southeast Asian cultures, the Lunar New Year marks the beginning of the year in the lunar calendar, featuring festivities like family reunions, dragon dances, and the giving of red envelopes for good luck.

To start the year on a strong note, consider these ideas which foster meaningful connections

• Mentorship Programs: Join or establish a mentorship program to share knowledge, offer guidance, and build cross-departmental relationships.

• Storytelling Circles: Create opportunities for team members to share their personal and professional journeys, promoting empathy and understanding.

• Community Outreach: Participate in a volunteer project or service day to give back and strengthen our community ties.

This month is an opportunity to raise awareness about key topics and honor impactful observances, including:

• Martin Luther King Jr. Day (January 20): A federal holiday dedicated to the life and legacy of Dr. King, emphasizing the importance of justice, equity, and community service.

• Poverty Awareness Month: A time to focus on understanding and addressing the challenges of poverty, promoting solutions for economic equity.

• International Holocaust Remembrance Day (January 27): A day to honor the memory of the six million Jewish victims of the Holocaust and millions of others affected by Nazi persecution.

• National Blood Donor Month: A time to acknowledge those who donate blood or pledge to donate. It is a great time to schedule a donation as it is usually when blood is in short supply.

INTERNAL/EXTERNAL POSTINGS

Math Enrichment Teacher @ MES

Special Education Paraprofessional @ MES

Bus Driver

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

December 22 - Date Nut Bread Day

December 24 - Eggnog Day

December 26 - Thank You Note Day

December 28 - Card Playing Day

December 31 - Pepper Pot Day

January 1 - Polar Bear Plunge Day

January 4 - Trivia Day

January 7 - Old Rock Day

January 9 - Static Electricity Day

The original candy from the 1930s had three different kinds of nougat: chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry (hence the name!). Unfortunately, it had to be cut down to one during World War II due to rations being too expensive.

Shelby Coury - January 2

Bridgiette Parnell - January 3

Hunter Dijanni - January 16

Saranda Emini - January 17

Megen Dickson - January 19

Lea Leavelle - January 22

Ivanna Sayajon - January 24

Sean Rice - January 26

Kristie Ramsay - January 28

Marjon Jones - January 29

Brittany Brochu - January 30

Brenna Potter - January 8 (1 year)

Katie Sackner - January 8 (1 year)

Joanne Klobucher - January 9 (38 years)

Kayla Bartlett - January 10 (3 years)

Donna Edelstein - January 17 (3 years)

Erika Curtis - January 17 (2 years)

Sarah Gaynor - January 28 (6 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 (1/10), 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