Madison Elementary School Update

Happy Week 4! We have officially hit our stride, and this week marks our very first full five-day week of the school year. Transitioning from the shortened weeks of early September into a full five-day rhythm is a big milestone for upper elementary students. By now, classroom routines are established, learning is in full swing, and your children are adjusting to the increased expectations of 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade.

As we settle into this regular school routine, here are a few tips to help your family navigate the weeks ahead:

• Pace the Week: A full five-day week requires extra stamina. You might notice your child is a bit more tired than usual by Thursday or Friday afternoon. Consistent bedtime routines and quiet downtime after school can make a world of difference in keeping their energy and focus steady.

• Encourage Growing Independence: Upper elementary is a pivotal time for building ownership. Help your child take the lead on packing their backpack, managing their daily lunch prep, and checking their own assignments each evening. Being supportive while letting them take charge builds real confidence.

• Partner with Us: Keep an eye on this weekly newsletter for key dates, classroom updates, and subject highlights. Checking in regularly with your child about what they are reading or working on in class is one of the best ways to stay connected to their daily learning.

Thank you for your ongoing partnership, energy, and support as we kick off our first full week. It is going to be a fantastic one!

Nate Pechaitis

Due to an ongoing shortage of bus drivers, we are dissolving the Pink Pig bus route and reassigning its stops to other existing buses starting Monday, September 14, 2026.

Note for All Other Bus Riders: If your child does not ride the Pink Pig bus, your route and times remain unchanged.

If your child previously rode the Pink Pig, please find their new assigned bus route, stop, and pickup/drop-off times below:

• Orange Tiger

  • New Stop: Woodbury II

  • Pickup: 8:00 AM | Drop-off: 4:05 PM

• Yellow Chick

  • New Stop: Friendly Village

  • Pickup: 8:00 AM | Drop-off: 3:48 PM

• Red Butterfly

  • New Stop: Bethany

  • Pickup: 8:05 AM | Drop-off: 3:45 PM

• Purple Hippo

  • New Stop: Boys & Girls Club — Pickup: 8:00 AM | Drop-off: 3:50 PM

  • New Stop: 2457 US-223 — Pickup: 7:26 AM | Drop-off: 3:47 PM

  • Please note: The Purple Hippo will no longer stop at Family Kitchen.

Thank you for your patience and understanding as we adjust our schedules to ensure uninterrupted transportation for our Madison families. If you have any questions, please contact our Transportation Director, Bill O’Brien, at 517-265-1845.

Jumpstart your student's progress this evening by registering online or showing the catalogs to family. Every item sold directly supports our Student Activity Fund for field trips, assemblies, 5th-grade camp, and more.

📅 Save the Date: All orders and money are due Wednesday, September 23rd.