Madina Academy Newsletter

As-salaam Alaikum Dear Madina Academy Families,

I am delighted to share the fantastic news with you: Madina Academy has officially received continuing accreditation from the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC).

This significant achievement reflects the dedication, commitment to excellence, and collaborative effort of our entire school community, including our staff, students, and you—our supportive families. NEASC accreditation affirms that Madina Academy meets high educational standards, consistently practices quality education, and is committed to continuous growth and improvement.

We sincerely appreciate your continued trust, partnership, and involvement in our educational journey. This accomplishment is genuinely a collective achievement, and we thank you for being an integral part of our Madina Academy family.

Let’s continue working together to achieve even greater excellence for our children.

Dr. Cooper

"The essay contest, titled "Books are written in Cairo, published in Beirut, and read in Baghdad," explores the historical and contemporary significance of this proverb in the Arab world, focusing on the roles of Cairo, Beirut, and Baghdad in the Arab literary landscape. It invites participants to reflect on the proverb's meaning, its evolution over time, and its current relevance in the face of challenges like war, economic instability, and political upheaval. "

Last week I was invited to attend the luncheon award ceremony of the National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution. One of our students, Sidra Bedir, won second place in the George A. and Stella M. Knight Essay Contest and was recognized for her outstanding essay on "Mercy Otis Warren: The Forgotten Voice of the American Revolution." Judges evaluated the entries based on historical accuracy, clarity, and writing conventions. Sidra read her essay aloud, captivating and impressing the enthusiastic audience. She politely accepted her award, but when asked to shake hands with the organizers, she gracefully declined, placing her hand over her heart and explaining her religious principles. I was incredibly proud to see one of our students receive this recognition and a substantial scholarship. Sidra's strong Islamic identity was evident in this room of primarily non-Muslims, especially considering the current political climate. Several people complimented her upbringing, mistaking me for her parent. This honor truly belongs to Sidra’s parents, who have instilled in her a strong moral compass. Their dedication was clearly evident.

By Ms. Masuda Vohra

Senior group performance: 1st place Tasneem Zoghol, Zainah Khaliq, Salma Mahmoud, Sidra Bedir
Junior group website: 1st Salma and Sohyla, 3rd Musfira and Enaaya
Junior individual website: 1st Afsa Raja
Senior group website: 1st Sarah E , Faqiha, Noora
Senior individual website:2nd Noor Hassan

Praying for their continued success!

Sarmad Rajae (5th Grade) is this year's only Hassan Hathout Essay Contest Winner! Congratulations to him and his parents!!

One of the most powerful and recurring lessons in Islam is the importance of patience—staying strong, calm, and faithful during difficulties.

Hadith:

The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said:

وَمَنْ يَتَصَبَّرْ يُصَبِّرْهُ اللَّهُ، وَمَا أُعْطِيَ أَحَدٌ عَطَاءً خَيْرًا وَأَوْسَعَ مِنَ الصَّبْرِ

“And whoever remains patient, Allah will make him patient. Nobody can be given a blessing better and greater than patience.”

Ayahs:

يَا بُنَيَّ أَقِمِ الصَّلَاةَ وَأْمُرْ بِالْمَعْرُوفِ وَانْهَ عَنِ الْمُنْكَرِ وَاصْبِرْ عَلَىٰ مَا أَصَابَكَ ۖ إِنَّ ذَٰلِكَ مِنْ عَزْمِ الْأُمُورِ

“O my dear son! Establish prayer, encourage what is good and forbid what is evil, and endure patiently whatever befalls you. Surely this is a resolve to aspire to." (Surah Luqman, 31:17)

قُلۡ يَٰعِبَادِ ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ ٱتَّقُواْ رَبَّكُمۡ ۚ لِلَّذِينَ أَحۡسَنُواْ فِى هَٰذِهِ ٱلدُّنۡيَا حَسَنَةٌ ۗ وَأَرۡضُ ٱللَّهِ وَٰسِعَةٌ ۗ إِنَّمَا يُوَفَّى ٱلصَّٰبِرُونَ أَجۡرَهُم بِغَيۡرِ حِسَابٍ

Say “O My servants who believe! Be mindful of your Lord. Those who do good in this world will have a good reward. And Allah’s earth is spacious. Only those who endure patiently will be given their reward without limit.” (Surah Az-Zumar, 39:10)

Patience is one of the most important qualities a Muslim can have. It means staying calm, strong, and hopeful when things get hard, and trusting that Allah has a plan. In Islam, patience is not just about waiting—it’s about how we act while we wait or go through tough times. Whether we are facing sadness, sickness, loss, or even trying to keep doing good things like praying and being kind, patience helps us stay on the right path. Allah tells us in the Qur’an, “Only those who endure patiently will be given their reward without limit.” (Surah Az-Zumar 39:10), which means people who are patient will get a reward so big, only Allah knows how much it is. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ also said that patience is one of the best gifts a person can receive. Being patient shows that we believe in Allah, trust Him, and know that every test in life has a purpose. With patience, we grow stronger, get closer to Allah, and earn rewards both in this life and the next.

Iftar Night

On March 7th, 2025, Madina Academy hosted its annual fundraising Iftar night. Parents, teachers, and students all gathered together to enjoy Iftar with the Madina Academy community. The tables were beautifully arranged, creating a lovely environment to break our fasts. They served Pakistani food, including biryani, kebabs, and korma, along with salad. Many students generously volunteered to help run the night smoothly by serving food and doing other tasks. Before everyone prayed Maghrib, Dr. Cooper gave a speech discussing our school and all the improvements and achievements we have seen so far in this academic year.

2025 Middle School Art Conference

On March 20, 2025, twelve middle school students were invited to attend an art conference. Throughout, students attended workshops teaching distinctive artistic techniques, and its history. The students were thrilled to learn more about the diversity & beauty of art, and hope to incorporate these techniques into their future arts education.

Eid Party

On April 4th, 2025, Madina Academy PTS hosted their annual Eid al-Fitr party for students to enjoy upon coming back from break. Activities including face painting and henna. Also, tasty biryani was provided from the PTS. Additionally, a bouncy house was provided for students to enjoy their day out in the sun. Happy Eid!

Guest Speaker: Mariam Khan

Mariam Khan graduated in 2023 as salutatorian after attending Madina Academy for her whole school life. Currently, she attends Northeastern University in Boston and is majoring in Mechanical Engineering. This month, she paid a visit to her old school to give advice to our high schoolers. She informed the students that grades and extracurriculars in high school matter and are a big determining factor of what gets you into college. She mentioned that starting clubs or having leadership roles in extracurriculars are also important and effective. Marriam also emphasized that it's important to involve yourself in volunteer activities because you can build connections. She said that building strong relationships and connections with your teachers will help you in the long term. A piece of useful advice she gave was to look forward to school, find a passion in learning, view education with meaning, and not be afraid to ask questions. Lastly, she reminded the students about networking, whether it's with your classmates or teachers or at career fairs and panelists, and attending all those events.

11th Grade Field Trip

On February 27th, 2025, 11th grade went to Wesleyan University in Middletown. There they were welcomed by two tour guides who showed them around the university's cool architecture and history. There they were told about its academics, and how Wesleyan has an open curriculum, which means that they can take any courses that catch their interest, since it is a liberal arts college. The students were told that all Wesleyan students need to be housed all four years of college, they explained the meals in college, housing plans, open curriculums, student bodies, and more.

As Ramadan comes to a close, two teachers share how the holy month shaped their classrooms and personal reflections.

Mrs. Danah, an Islamic Studies and Quran teacher, described fasting as initially difficult, “but once you adjust to the new routine—with the blessings of Allah—it becomes easier.” She added, “Ramadan is a time of redirected focus, renewed intentions, and discipline. It structures my day more productively and helps me concentrate on what truly matters.”

Ms. Marshall, the 4th grade teacher, offered her outside perspective with great admiration: “As a non-Muslim teacher, I am impressed and proud to see the students' discipline and dedication to fasting during Ramadan. There was never any complaining and there was never judgement for those that didn't fast on some days. It is a great testament and example to their faith.”

Reflecting on school-wide events, Mrs. Danah said, “The Quran competition encourages students to reconnect with the Quran,” and the annual Iftaar “strengthened our sense of community and generosity.”

In the classroom, Ms. Marshall’s class created a “Countdown/Kindness Ramadan Calendar” with daily good deeds like “Help with the dishes” or “Make a card for someone special.”

Mrs. Danah noted this year’s students had “more energy, perhaps due to the weather,” and many “prioritized reconnecting with the Quran.” She encouraged spiritual reflection by telling her students: “Ramadan is the Muslims’ boot camp... not just about hunger, but cultivating Taqwa (God-consciousness). Even our tongues, eyes, and ears must fast.”

Emphasizing the lasting impact, she concluded: “Now that Ramadan has ended, the challenge is to maintain that mindset. As the Prophet (ﷺ) said: ‘The deeds most beloved to Allah are those done consistently, even if they are small.’ Sincerity matters most. True character emerges after Ramadan; Taqwa isn’t seasonal. Being a righteous Muslim, reading the Quran, controlling our speech, making dua, and having good manners is a lifelong commitment. We must strive to fulfill and keep asking Allah for help, mercy and guidance. Allah (SWT) said to us: ‘As for those who strive in Our cause, We will surely guide them to Our paths. Indeed, Allah is with the doers of good.’ (Quran 29:69)”

School accommodations—like shorter days—were appreciated. “They’re not for relaxation but for worship,” said one teacher. Ms. Marshall agreed: “Shorter lessons help students focus better and rest earlier.”

These reflections remind us: Ramadan at school is more than a change in schedule—it’s a season of spiritual growth, unity, and purpose.

Now that Ramadan has ended and the Eid celebrations are behind us, it’s important to remember what Ramadan is genuinely about. Fasting is a key part of Ramadan, but that’s not all there is to it. The sacred month should have been an opportunity to slow down, reconnect with our faith, and focus on gratitude and empathy. Ramadan was a time to reflect on the bigger picture and focus on our patience, self-discipline, and compassion.

Eid marked the end of this sacred month, but the lessons of Ramadan don’t have to end there. The spirit of generosity, reflection, and selflessness should carry on throughout the whole year. Focusing on our deen is not something that should be limited to just one month of the year. These values can be integrated into our daily lives, helping us grow as better Muslims and people. As we move forward, we should continue to carry the actions we did during Ramadan and try to further our connection with Allah.

We always hear that kids should respect their teachers, and that is true. But what gets omitted from this discussion is that respect must go both ways. A calm, respectful classroom doesn't just occur because kids are instructed to behave. It occurs when both teachers and students treat each other with understanding, kindness, and fairness. Students spend almost half the day in school, and the classroom becomes a second home to them. If the atmosphere there is strained, judgmental, or unjust, they cannot learn. Just as teachers need us to listen, follow rules, and be polite, students also desire the same: to hear us, listen to us, and treat us with tolerance. When teachers show they care—by listening to our concerns, explaining it in a non-jumpy way, or not assuming the worst—it builds trust. And when kids feel respected, they're more likely to do the same. It's a win-win cycle. Sure, students must never be rude, disruptive, or disrespectful. Teachers are professionals who work hard each day, and they deserve thanks.

But the fact is that students are not empty cups waiting to be filled—we are people, too, with thoughts, feelings, and a need to be treated fairly. If a teacher is constantly yelling, a favorite-to-fronter, or dismisses a student's opinion, it can hurt more than feelings—it can break the trust that makes us learn.

On the other hand, a respectful and calm teacher can turn an awful class into one we enjoy. Respect isn't fear—it's understanding. When students and teachers see each other as partners, not enemies, that's when learning happens. So let's have peace in the classroom. It starts with little things: listening, patience, and treating each other as human beings. Respect isn't one-sided—and it shouldn't ever be.

By: Salma Mahmoud

Email salmam@madinaacademy.org or zainahk@madinaacademy.org with questions you have regarding just about ANYTHING! We will try our best to answer all of your questions in the newsletter.

Q: Since high school is getting harder, I want to learn to study the best I can. What are some study tips to get me to my highest potential?

A: I like this question because it’s something I definitely struggled with. When concepts were easy in middle school, I didn’t ever find myself needing to study for exams or anything. Because of this, I never learned how to study properly. But once I began to take harder classes (like physics!!) I found myself really needing to go over material in ways I had never before.

Luckily, there are many tried-and-true study methods you can try. Different methods work for different people, so try them all out and see what you like! The first tip, and my personal favorite, is discovering what your best working environment is. For me, my room is the worst place to try and get anything done because I associate it with sleep and entertainment. I love to work at libraries, cafes, etc., but those are usually not accessible to me, so I found that my living room or kitchen are also better spots. The most important thing in this regard is to not try to study or work in bed, which I did all the time. Trust me on that. The next important thing is active learning instead of passive learning. Passive learning is just reading the material over and over again. What you have to do is recall it or say it back to yourself, even when you’re not studying. Have someone test you, do practice problems, or use flashcards. You can even pretend to teach the material to an imaginary classroom in front of you! Reading it alone will simply not cut it. Last, don’t study right before the exam - you will be stressed and distracted. If you manage your time and study early, you can take your time on each concept and make sure you really get it done.

Don’t be discouraged if it takes you a while to learn what’s best for you! The important thing is to stay disciplined and don’t give up!

Asalamu Alaikum Participants! Since nobody successfully completed the last hunt, we’ve decided to replay using the same clues in hopes that the extended time period will assist in a more prepared fashion. We are excited to see who wins this scavenge! Happy Hunting!

Students will follow clues on index cards to find the next clue hidden in different areas of the school, with each card leading them closer to the final prize.

Rules:

1. Keep the Scavenger Hunt a secret unless someone already knows about it from reading the newsletter.

2. You can only search for clues during your free time, ideally during lunch.

3. No running in hallways or unsafe behavior while searching.

4. The first person to find the item will receive a prize!

5. ONE of the clues is located in a classroom in the middle/high school area

6. No fighting or snatching the item from someone who finds it first.

7. If you find a clue please DO NOT TAKE IT!!!

8. Only the first person to hand in the item (with the full code) will be eligible for the prize.

9. Email sarahe@madinaacademy.org or zainahk@madinaacademy.org for any questions or concerns!

First Clue: “I open wide but have no teeth, I swallow your food so you can eat.”

Happy hunting, and good luck!

I hesitate to open the door although if I didnt I felt like he would knock it down. I slowly put my hand on the knob and slowly twist. With every move of my fingers on the knob my heart beats faster and faster. Before I open it all the way I tell ruby to hide in the closet. I open the door and slowly pull it toward me and the sight in front of me sends shivers down my spine. It was Mr. Smith. But he looked different. He looked much paler and serious. He slowly tilts his head to the side with eyes wide open and asks “where is Ruby?” I stood there frozen not able to say anything but I knew I had to change everything so I said “I don’t know, sir. I think she's in the bathroom.” He walks away and I tell Ruby to come out. While she's coming out she trips on something and screams. I knew this was going to be bad. I hear Mr. Smith marching towards the room and my heart leaps out of my chest…

Email nooram@madinaacademy.org with the answers.

1. What is the only Sahabi whose name is mentioned explicitly in the Qur’an?

2. What is the longest verse in the Qur’an, and what is its topic?

3. Which verse of the Qur’an was revealed inside the Ka‘bah?

Shout out to last month’s winner: Eshaal Kashif!