Principal's Weekly Update

I went with the snow capped mountain background this week for some symbolic reasons. I think it's safe to say that we are now past the "peak" of winter weather and seasonal sickness. We are also now past the mid-point of the school year, and in fact close to the conclusion of Trimester 2. In a more literal sense, our Ski Club just took its third of five trips to Mt. Southington. I'm not suggesting that "it's all downhill from here", but we are facing a transition in which the pace picks up. If you have been feeling some of the claustrophobia which winter can bring-- huddled inside the home to hide from the cold-- it's high time to come out of hibernation to enjoy a flurry (not snow) of activity at Madison in March.

First up will be Student Led Conferences, which offers two sessions on Tuesday, March 11th, from 1pm-3pm and from 6pm to 8pm. Conference scheduling will begin on February 25th at 6pm and will end on March 10th at 6pm. Please see this letter for more information and directions on how to register.

Later that same week you can come see our Broadway Babies production of Charlotte's Web on either Wednesday, 3/12 or Thursday, 3/13. See the "Big Photo" at the very bottom of the newsletter for the QR Code which will enable you to purchase your tickets.

Our PTA will once again host a Cornhole Tournament on March 21st. It features parent/student teams competing against each other. Just like last year, we will have NCAA tournament basketball games broadcast on a big screen, so the event doubles as a “tournament watch party”. If you are interested, please sign up by Friday, 3/14. See this flyer for more information.

If you are looking to support our school, but prefer to do so from the comfort of home--that same weekend our PTA will also host an online auction fundraiser. You can bid on (and hopefully win) some amazing auction items. Bidding commences at 8pm on Friday 3/21 and concludes at 10pm on Sunday, 3/23. Stay tuned for more information on the possible prizes which you can win.

The MARCH MADNESS BOOK TOURNAMENT is ON! Students can read the book selections on THIS BRACKET and circle their favorites. To be in the game, students must fill out a book bracket and return to Ms. Dwyer by Friday, February 28th. Voting starts in March!

Ramadan is the 9th month of the Islamic calendar observed by Muslims worldwide as a month of fasting prayer, reflection and charity. This year Ramadan begins on Friday, February 28th. Many of our Muslim students will be fasting– abstaining from food or water from dawn until dusk. At Madison we look to accommodate our Muslim students in any way we can to provide support throughout the month. One example of this is to offer students an alternative location during the lunch period if desired. If parents have any questions or related requests, please do not hesitate to reach out to me.

Clubs & Activities:

The D&D Club will meet after school Monday, 2/24 in the Learning Commons for all members. Remember to bring your character sheets!

The Literary Magazine Club will meet on Wednesday, 2/26.

The Period 8 Lounge will meet after school Thursday, 2/27.

The Read & Roar Book Club will meet this Friday, 2/28 during lunch.

Seventh graders, if you are interested in Makerspace sessions sign up here! Makerspace will take place from February 26th-28th

Are you creative and patriotic? The VFW Auxiliary is sponsoring an art contest with cash prizes. If you are interested, please see Ms. Cranston for more information. You can also click on the link for more information.

Attention all 6th and 7th Grade Artists! Do you want to design next year’s Student Agenda Pad Cover? Please see the LINK to the following contest. All entries must be received by Friday, March 28th. Contact Mr. Coppola with any questions

With all that we have to look forward to in March, I realize that we still have a final week of February-- at least the weather is supposed to finally rise above the freezing mark, and quite dramatically so, with some highs in the 50s this week. I'm sure we will all look to get outside more and be grateful for the chance to do so. In the meatime, I decided to feature our "Sports Club" in one of the final photos below. This intramural-like after school program runs throughout the year, with activities changing every couple of weeks. You can see that we get a healthy turnout-- these students have been active enjoying sports activities, inside of late, but outside again in the spring. They are among the 75%+ of students who indicated in a recent survey that they have participated in an after school club or activity. That is our highest percentage to date and we look to continue to expand on that. The school day does not just end at 2:30-- we are grateful that it remains a busy place with students exploring their interests and making new friendships. Have a great weekend !

Take care,

Peter Sullivan