Madison Elementary School Update

Hello Madison Elementary Families!

I hope you all had an amazing summer! I can’t believe it’s already time to kick off a new school year. Tomorrow, our 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders will be back in action, and I couldn’t be more excited!

We have so many fun activities and new things planned for this year. Our teachers are ready to inspire and engage your kids with some awesome lessons. It’s going to be a year full of learning, laughter, and new friendships.

Please regularly check for text messages and/or emails regarding communications from your child's teachers, as well as any additional information that might be sent home from the school.

I encourage you to stay connected with us and get involved in all the fun events we have lined up. Your support makes a huge difference, and we can’t wait to partner with you to make this year the best one yet!

Let’s make some great memories together! See you all bright and early tomorrow!

-Mr. Pechaitis

The building doors will open at 8:10 AM, allowing students to enter. Morning drop-offs for 3rd and 4th graders should take place at the main Upper Elementary entrance, while 5th graders should use the front entrance where buses drop off students.

Classroom doors will open at 8:15 AM. During this time, students can place their belongings in lockers or classrooms. They may choose to head directly to their classrooms or go to breakfast. Adults will be stationed in the hallways to supervise and guide students as needed.

The school day officially begins at 8:30 AM.

School dismissal is at 3:30 P.M. Parents picking up their children are requested to park their vehicles and walk to the designated grade level area to meet their child. Grade level signs will be clearly displayed in each designated area.

You may click on the link below to order your pictures. You will need to enter your email address to begin your order.

Students in grades 3-5 have a fantastic opportunity to earn merit trips—exciting field trips organized by each grade level team of teachers. Past merit trips have included fun activities such as roller skating, ice skating, trips to the movie theater, Toledo Mudhens and Toledo Walleyes games, visits to Corner Park, bowling, and more. Your child’s teacher will share specific details each trimester about the upcoming merit trip destination.

At the end of each trimester, students who meet the criteria will be eligible to attend. These trips are designed to reward students for developing the skills and mindset necessary for success both in and out of school. The criteria for earning a merit trip are as follows:

No more than two detentions during the trimester

No suspensions during the trimester

No more than four countable absences for the trimester

No E’s and no more than one D for the trimester (No more than two N’s for 3rd grade)

The Madison School District has been dedicated to implementing our enhanced PBIS (Positive Behavioral Interventions and Support) system as a district wide focus for over two years now. Our mission is to cultivate a positive culture and climate where every student feels safe, valued, and confident.

At the heart of our system is a clear understanding of expectations. To help our students grasp these expectations, we emphasize “Leading The Madison Way.” This is encapsulated in the acronym L.E.A.D.:

L - Live Respectfully

E - Embrace Responsibility

A - Act Safely

D - Develop Healthy Choices

During the first week of school, students will engage in learning and practicing what L.E.A.D. means in various areas of the school, including classrooms, the cafeteria, the playground, hallways, bathrooms, on the bus, and during assemblies. We are committed to continuously teaching and reinforcing these expectations, celebrating students when they embody them. Together, we can create a thriving environment for all!

Please read the Student Handbook to learn more.

Research indicates that chronic absence significantly contributes to lower test scores, higher dropout rates, and decreased proficiency in reading and math. Chronic absence is defined as missing 10% or more of any school period for any reason. To address and reduce absences each trimester, we will implement a new system to positively acknowledge and reward students for good attendance.

If attendance becomes problematic, we will communicate with you following these guidelines:

Step 1 - After five counted absences, a letter will be mailed home or a phone call will be made to notify parents.

Step 2 - Upon reaching nine absences, the school administrator will assess whether an Attendance Improvement Meeting with the student and parents is necessary. The reasons for the absences will be considered in this evaluation. The purpose of the meeting will be to identify the root causes of the absences, provide academic support, discuss alternative education options if applicable, and establish attendance expectations, including an attendance agreement. Interventions may include mental health screenings, problem-solving strategies, tutoring, referrals to outside agencies, and mentoring. The outcomes of the Attendance Improvement Plan will be shared with the LISD truancy officers, the school resource officer, and the Lenawee County Prosecutor for review and follow-up.

Step 3 - The LISD truancy officers and/or school resource officer will follow up with the family to ensure adherence to the attendance agreement. If the agreement is not met, a formal referral will be sent to the Lenawee County Prosecutor’s office.

Students who arrive at school at 8:40 or later, or leave at 3:20 or earlier will be marked absent for a half day. If your child is absent for any reason, please communicate with the school.

Together, we can work to improve attendance and support our students' success!

Below, you will find information regarding bussing. Please review the information with your child. Our goal is to have a safe and efficient mode of transportation for our students.