Back to School Newsletter

Dear Madison Parents, Guardians and Community Members,

I hope this message finds you well and that you've enjoyed a wonderful summer. As we approach the start of the 2026–27 school year, I'm excited to begin the school year as the Superintendent of the Madison Public Schools and our work together to build on the strong traditions that make our district and community such a special place for our students and families.

As many of you know, our district has spent the summer in the midst of an $80 million referendum project, adding new additions and upgrading ceilings, lighting, HVAC systems, and roofing, along with renovations to gymnasiums and media centers around the district. These improvements are designed to enhance the spaces where our students learn, grow, and thrive for years to come.

With just under a week remaining before the first day of school, you may notice that some of our buildings are still very much under construction. Our crews are working hard to complete this phase of work in time for the new school year. We appreciate your patience and understanding as we bring this summer's referendum work to a close. We'll be in touch with any updates that affect your student's building or first-day arrival.

On a more exciting note, we're thrilled to welcome several new teachers to the Madison Public Schools this year. They bring fresh ideas and new perspectives that will enrich the experience of our students, and I know you'll join me in giving them a warm welcome. Before school begins, our new teachers will take part in a two-day orientation program designed to help them get acclimated to our district and community.

Each new year also brings renewed goals as we continue our pursuit of excellence for the district. On September 15, 2026, we will formally present this year's Board and District Goals, which will guide our shared work in the months ahead, and we welcome families to join us. I look forward to sharing more details with you then.

Thank you for your continued partnership and support. I can't wait to welcome your students back and to start this new school year together.

Warm regards,

John Connolly

Superintendent

Madison Public Schools

On August 20, 2026, we released the 2026 Summer Packet Forms in the Genesis Parent Portal. To access the forms, the Primary Guardian will need to log into the parent portal. The forms are listed under the forms tab. Please note that all of the forms must be filled out in order to gain access to any additional information, other than contact information, in the Parent Portal. Please also note that the forms will only be available to the Primary Guardian. Once the Primary Guardian fills out the forms the portal will be unlocked for all Guardians and Students.

Some key points in regard to the portal:

∙ It is crucial that the Madison Public School District has the correct guardian email address on record. Therefore, you MUST provide a guardian email address, as email will be the primary method of delivering school information.

∙ When signed into your Genesis Parent Portal account, you have the ability to add, edit and/or delete contact information for any non-guardian contacts; such as emergency contacts and/or doctor and dentist information, as that information may change throughout the course of the school year.

∙ In addition, you are able to add and/or edit guardian phone number(s) and/or email address information. Please be aware, if you need to update your physical/mailing address information, you will need to complete that process through the Central office.

To make modifications using the new features mentioned above, please follow the detailed instructions outlined below:

1. Sign into your parent portal account at: https://parents.c2.genesisedu.net/madison/sis/view?gohome=true

2. Click on the “Contacts” tab.

3. To add a Non-Guardian contact, click the “Add Contact” button at the bottom of the contacts list and add the Contact’s information. Click the “Save Changes” button when finished.

4. To change or delete information for a Non-Guardian contact, click the “Options” button that is located next to the Contact’s name. Click the “Save Changes” button when finished.

5. If you want to change a phone number or email address for any of the contacts, including a Guardian, make the change in the appropriate field and click “Save All Changes.”

6. Click on the forms tab to access the Summer Packet forms

If you have any questions, or have trouble logging in to your Genesis Parent Portal, contact your child’s school for assistance. Thank you for your time and attention to this important matter.

Welcome Back!

If you happened to miss the emails from our building principals a few days ago, don’t worry we’ve got you covered! Below, you’ll find links to each school’s Welcome Back Letter with important information to help kick off the 2026–27 school year.We’re excited to welcome everyone back and get the new school year underway!

• Madison High School Welcome Back Letter 2026-27
• Madison Junior School Welcome Back Letter 2026-27
• Central Avenue School Welcome Back Letter 2026-27
• Kings Road School Welcome Back Letter 2026-27
• Torey J Sabatini Welcome Back Letter 2026-27

2026-27 Madison Public Schools Calendar

1st Few Days of Schools

• August 31, 2026 (Monday) - Teachers return for Convocation and Professional Development (Teachers Only)

• September 1, 2026 (Tuesday) - Teachers Classroom Prep Day;Teachers Only

• September 2, 2026 (Wednesday) - 1st Day of School; Early Dismissal for Students

• September 3, 2026 (Thursday) - Early Dismissal for Students

• September 4, 2026 (Friday) - District Closed

• September 7, 2026 (Monday) - Labor Day - District Closed

• September 8, 2026 (Tuesday) - Classes Resume - Full Day

Back-to School-Nights

• MHS - Wednesday, September 23, 2026 @ 6:15 pm

• MJS - Thursday, September 17, 2026 @ 6:00 pm

• KRS - Wednesday, September 16, 2026 @ 6:30 pm

• TJS - Thursday, September 24, 2026 @ 7:00 pm

• CAS - Thursday, October 1, 2026 @ 7:00 pm

As artificial intelligence continues to transform education and society, Madison Public Schools is developing a districtwide AI Framework to guide the thoughtful, responsible, and purposeful use of AI in teaching and learning.

The framework will establish clear expectations for the appropriate use of AI, while addressing academic integrity, digital literacy, privacy and security, and the role of AI as a tool to support, not replace, high-quality teaching and meaningful student learning.

Our goal is to begin the school year with clear expectations for students regarding the use of AI and to provide teachers with guidance as they consider how AI can be appropriately integrated into instruction. At the same time, we recognize that AI will continue to evolve rapidly. For that reason, our framework will be an iterative process, informed by the experiences and expertise of our teachers throughout the school year. We will continually evaluate what is working, identify emerging challenges and opportunities, and make adjustments as appropriate.

Ultimately, we want our students to be prepared to navigate an increasingly AI-enabled world while continuing to prioritize critical thinking, creativity, interpersonal skills, authentic learning, and meaningful human connection

In line with a new New Jersey state law, Madison Public Schools has adopted Policy and Regulation 5516, which limits student use of cell phones, smartwatches, smart-glasses, tablets, and other internet-enabled devices during the school day. Beginning this year, students in all grades are asked to keep these devices off and stored away.

Each grade band has a designated storage location for students from the start bell until the dismissal bell

• Grades K-5 in a backpack,
• Grades 6-12 in their assigned hallway locker

We ask that parents review Policy 5516, the associated regulation, and their school's Student Code of Conduct with their child(ren) to ensure students understand the policy and expectations it places on them. Each school will also review this policy with students at the onset of the school year. The district has developed progressive, grade-level-appropriate responses to infractions of Policy 5516, Student Use of Internet-Enabled Devices. That information is outlined in the Regulation and Student Code of Conduct.

The restriction applies during the school day, bell to bell. However, devices may still be used on the bus to and from school and on school grounds before and after the official school day. The goal is to reduce distractions, support stronger focus in the classroom, and give students a break from screens during the school day.

Thank you in advance for your support and cooperation.

Our K-5 Mathematics curriculum work continues with a focused review and realignment of the Math and Focus mathematics program to the New Jersey Student Learning Standards (NJSLS). This work is designed to ensure that our instructional resources, curriculum expectations, and classroom practices are closely aligned to the standards and provide students with a coherent progression of mathematical knowledge and skills. This work will also help identify opportunities to strengthen differentiation, address learning gaps, and provide appropriate levels of challenge for all learners.

Curriculum work in English Language Arts has continued this summer with updates to grades 7 and 8 , with a focus on ensuring consistency, vertical alignment, and instructional rigor. This work includes reviewing curriculum expectations, strengthening connections between grade levels, and ensuring that students develop the foundational literacy skills, comprehension, writing, vocabulary, and critical thinking skills necessary for continued academic success.

We are entering Year 3 of our K-5 World Language program. This three-year initiative has resulted in a comprehensive experience featuring Spanish as the target introductory World Language. The continued growth of the program reflects our commitment to providing students with meaningful opportunities to develop language skills and cultural awareness at an early age.

As the program expands, we will continue to evaluate student experiences, instructional practices, and curricular progression to ensure that students develop language skills as they move through the elementary grades.

Madison High School is excited to expand opportunities for students to earn college credit while completing high school coursework through partnerships with The College of New Jersey (TCNJ), Fairleigh Dickinson University (FDU), and Kean University.

This year, 24 AP courses will be offered for Dual Enrollment credit through TCNJ. In addition, 11 non-AP courses, 6 of which are new this year, will be available for dual credit through TCNJ, FDU, and Kean, providing students with an even broader range of opportunities to earn college credit.

Together, these 35 Dual Enrollment opportunities reflect Madison Public Schools' commitment to Pathways for Academic Readiness and providing students with greater choice, opportunity, and preparation for success beyond high school.

The High School Administration has arranged for a representative from The College of New Jersey (TCNJ) to provide parents with more information on Tuesday, September 22, 2026. More information will be forthcoming from the high school as the date gets closer.

There has been a lot of activity across Madison Public Schools this summer as we continue to move forward with our referendum projects. From fresh ceilings and brighter, more energy-efficient lighting to new flooring throughout our schools, these improvements are already making a noticeable difference in our buildings. Major work is also underway to modernize HVAC systems, improve comfort and air quality, and support more efficient operations. In addition, we are making significant progress on additions at two of our schools, Media Center renovations, and upgrades to our gymnasiums. While much of the work happens behind the scenes, our goal is simple: to create modern, comfortable, and inspiring spaces that support teaching and learning and serve our students and community well for many years to come. Below are some photos from our summer referendum projects.

Food Services: Pomptonian, PaySchool, Free & Reduced Lunch Program

• Welcome Back Madison ~ Pomptonian Food Services
• For more information about Pomptonian Food Services, PaySchool and the Federal Free & Reduced Lunch Program please visit our Food Services webpage (click here)

Voluntary Supplemental Student Accident Information

• Chubb Monarch Voluntary Enrollment Brochure
• Player Health Website
• Players Health Voluntary Insurance How to Enroll Online

Madison Virtual Backpack

• Submission Guidelines
• Virtual Backpage Webpage

Board of Education Presentation

• K-12 Technology Framework August 25, 2026