The Weekly Update #4

As we come to the close of the first month of the 2026–2027 school year, I want to take a moment to reflect on what has been a very positive start across Madison Public Schools.

The energy throughout our schools has been evident from the first day. Students are settling into routines, building relationships, and engaging in the important work of learning and growing together. I have also been impressed by the dedication of our teachers, support staff, administrators, and school teams in creating welcoming, engaging, and supportive learning environments.

Our students are adjusting well to the district’s new Bell-to-Bell expectations for personal internet-enabled devices. With students spending the school day cell phone free, we are creating greater opportunities for them to be present, engaged, and focused on learning and on one another. I appreciate the cooperation and support of our students, staff, and families as we establish these new routines.

This fall has also brought exciting updates to our facilities. Many referendum projects have been completed, and it has been wonderful to see our students and staff enjoying the refreshed and newly renovated spaces. These improvements represent a significant investment in our schools and provide environments that support teaching, learning, collaboration, and community.

We have also welcomed families into our schools through our Back-to-School Nights. All but one have now been completed, giving families the opportunity to meet teachers, visit classrooms, and learn more about the experiences their children will have throughout the year. Principals have also highlighted building initiatives and showcased many of the facility improvements completed over the summer. These evenings have been an important opportunity to strengthen the partnership between our schools and families.

On September 15, we presented our Board and District Goals for the 2026–2027 school year. These goals provide a clear roadmap for our work, with a focus on student learning and achievement, instructional practices, student and staff support, communication, and continuous improvement. Our priority now is translating these goals into meaningful action throughout our classrooms, schools, and district.

As we move into October, our focus remains on teaching and learning, student well-being, strong communication, and meaningful partnerships with our families and community. Thank you to our students, staff, parents, and community members for all you do to make Madison Public Schools a special place to learn and work.

I look forward to all that we will accomplish together throughout the 2026–2027 school year.

Warm regards,

John Connolly

Superintendent of Schools

Assessment Information

Assessment is an important tool Madison Public Schools uses to monitor student learning, identify strengths and growth areas, and inform instruction. Throughout the school year, educators use a variety of assessments to determine what students know, what they are ready to learn next, and where they may need additional support or enrichment.

The district uses multiple sources of information, including classroom assessments, benchmark and progress-monitoring measures, state assessments, nationally normed assessments, and other program-specific assessments. These data points help inform instructional and curricular decisions and provide a more complete picture of student progress.

No single assessment provides a complete picture of a student's abilities or potential. We consider assessment results alongside classroom performance, teacher observations, student work, participation, and progress over time.

The 2026–2027 Annual Assessment Notification Calendar provides families with information about the assessments scheduled throughout the school year, including their purpose and timing.

Families can access the complete calendar on the district's website: Annual Assessment Notification.

Parent and family resources are also available to help families better understand assessments and assessment results. For questions about a specific assessment or your child's progress, contact your child's teacher, school counselor, or building administration.

Madison Public Schools is committed to using assessment data thoughtfully and responsibly to strengthen instruction and support the academic growth of every student.

Madison Public Schools recognizes that student well-being is an important part of a successful educational experience. Our Health and Physical Education program provides students with age-appropriate learning and skills that support physical health, mental and emotional well-being, healthy decision-making, personal safety, and lifelong wellness.

The program is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills they need to make informed choices and develop healthy habits throughout their lives.

For more information about the district's Health and Physical Education program, including curriculum and program information, please refer to the Health and Physical Education Information.

• October 3, 2026 - Bottle Hill Day
• October 8, 2026 - Financial Aid Night (MHS)
• October 9, 2026 - KRS Fall Fest
• October 9, 2026 - TJS PTO Pumpkin Patch
• October 12, 2026 - Early Dismissal for Students ~ Staff PM Professional Development
• October 12 , 2026 - CAS International Day
• October 13, 2026 - Board of Education Meeting
• October 15, 2026 - 9th Grade Parent Night (MHS)
• October 15, 2026 - MJS Spike for the Cure Student Volleyball Tournament
• October 21, 2026 - Disney Under the Stars Concert (MHS)
• October 22, 2026 - PSAT (MHS)
• October 24, 2026 - Student Government Trunk or Treat
• October 26-30, 2026 - Elementary School Safety Week
• October 28, 2026 - CAS Halloween Assembly
• October 28, 2028 - Superintendent's Coffee Chat at MHS
• October 29, 2026 - KRS Pumpkins and Poems
• October 29, 2026 - MJS 7th & 8th Grade Halloween Social
• October 30, 2026 - Elementary School Halloween Parades
• KRS - 1:00 pm
• TJS - 1:45 pm
• CAS - 2:30 pm
• October 31, 2026 Halloween

Note: Dates and times are subject to change; please verify details on your building's calendar.

• November 2-4, 2026 - K-8 Parent Teacher Conferences
• November 5-6, 2026 - District Closed for NJEA Convention
• November 25, 2026 - Early Dismissal Staff & Students
• November 26-27, 2026 - District Closed for Thanksgiving Recess

Note: Dates and times are subject to change; please verify details on your building's calendar.

On October 28, 2026, we will hold a Superintendent's Coffee Chat in the Madison High School's Library/Media Center from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm. The conversation will be targeted on three topics:

• Update of our work surrounding the Technology Framework
• Understanding how to read the Individual Student Reports (ISR) for NJGPA-A and NJSLA-A results from the Spring of 2026
• Update on our recent K-5 Math Curriculum revision

We will spend approximately 20 minutes on each topic. Each will have a micro-presentation and then we will field questions.

Parking will be available at the MRC for this event as the school lots are reserved for faculty, staff and students.

You can register for this event using this Superintendent's Coffee Chat Registration Link.