Mark Schwarz , 8 days ago

Happy Summer, Dodgers! Please see the latest MPS update: https://www.madisonpublicschools.org/article/496819?org=mps.

Mark Schwarz , 8 days ago

For those who are interested in getting a early start on the Reopening Thoughtexchange which was presented at last night's Superintendent Coffee, you can access it here: https://my.thoughtexchange.com/#526626129/hub

More information regarding the exchange will be provided in the upcoming Dodger Update. Thank you for sharing your thoughts!

Patti Cleary , 9 days ago

Please join Superintendent Mark Schwarz tonight via Zoom at 7:00PM for a Superintendent Coffee. Please check your email or www.madisonpublicschools.org for the Zoom link.

Patti Cleary , 9 days ago

Please join Superintendent Mark Schwarz tonight, July 21 at 7:00PM via Zoom for a Superintendent Coffee. A link to the meeting will be sent out prior to the meeting.

Patti Cleary , about 1 month ago

DODGER UPDATE, 6/24 - END OF YEAR UPDATES AND CONGRATULATIONS
MARK SCHWARZ
THURSDAY, JUNE 24, 2021
Madison Public School Community Members,

Please join me in congratulating the MHS Class of 2021, the newly promoted Class of 2025 and our rising sixth graders who all completed their last year in their respective schools under the most unusual of circumstances. While this pandemic has left an indelible mark in all of our memories, it is my hope that all of our students, faculty and families can move on to our next chapter stronger and more resilient as a result of our community’s collective perseverance during this unprecedented challenge.

As our students and faculty now embark on a much-deserved summer break, please take a moment to consider the following timely reminders and updates.

Please complete your MPS End-of-year Parent Survey by Friday, July 5

Surveys were sent by email to the primary guardian of each student using our new data collection platform, Panorama Education. If you cannot find your survey email(s), please first check your spam, archive, or deleted folders. If you are unable to access your survey, please email Patti Cleary at clearyp@madisonnjps.org.

When you take your survey, please note that we are now using Panorama Education’s research-based survey items that were established as valid and reliable in studies conducted through the Harvard Graduate School of Education (see this study example). Accordingly, the questions have a different tone than the locally developed survey items that we have used in prior years. The results, however, will allow us to norm-reference our community responses to survey responses from families of other public school districts across the country. In turn, this may help us to more effectively interpret our results.

Return-to-school details will be provided in July after state guidance is issued.

Our intention is to return to school on August 30 with minimal restrictions in place so that students can experience the full benefit of in-person learning. Unfortunately, the NJDOE and NJDOH have not provided formal guidance other than to require school districts to develop a “Safe Return Plan” to comply with Federal funding regulations. Accordingly, MPS has used the state’s template to develop our “Safe Return Plan” which reflects our operating procedures under the most recent 2020-21 guidance. Once new guidance has been issued (anticipated by June 30), we will review it with our local health official and provide clarifications to our community. As always, we will provide feedback opportunities for our stakeholders to share any concerns, questions or recommendations that you may have.

All families (regardless of income) are encouraged to pick up federally funded meals this summer for their school-aged children.

Pick up will be on Mondays from 10am-12pm. Families will receive 5 days worth of breakfast and lunch at a time. No registration or preorders are necessary. All meals will be reimbursed through the Federal lunch program. Accordingly, all families are encouraged to participate for the purpose of normalizing the practice of free lunch utilization.

This meal distribution schedule will be in place for 6 weeks (6/21 through 7/26). Pick up locations are as follows:

June 21, 28, and July 6th- Pick up will be at Madison Junior School by the cafeteria doors (back corner of the school).

July 12, 19, and 26th- Pick up will be at Madison High School (regular location) by the doors going towards the football field.

If you have any questions, please contact Andrea Cummins at foodservice@madisonnjps.org.

Congratulations and Thank You

Congratulations completing one of the most historic school years that we will ever remember. One year ago, we faced incomprehensible uncertainty regarding what the coming school year would bring. Working together, however, we showed that we are Madison Strong. We remained continuously open for in person learning and even made progress in developing and implementing our new 2023 District Goals. Thank you for your partnership in staying safe to ensure uninterrupted services to the children of Madison.

We will provide periodic updates to all community members as the new school year approaches. Please feel free to direct any questions that you may have to the appropriate school or district administrator. If you do not know who to contact, please reach out to Patti Cleary at clearyp@madisonnjps.org. In the meantime, please enjoy a restful and restorative summer break. You deserve it!

Upcoming Events:

Tues, July 20 - Board of Education Meeting, 7pm

Wed, July 21 - Superintendent Coffee, 7pm

Tues, Aug 17 - Board of Education Meeting, 7pm

Wed, Aug 18 - Superintendent Coffee, 7pm

Tues, Aug 24 - Board of Education Special Meeting, 7pm

Mon, Aug 30 - First Day of School for Students

Mon, Sept 6 - Schools Closed - Labor Day

Tues, Sept 7 - Schools Closed - Rosh Hashanah

Tues, Sept 14 - Board of Education Meeting, 7pm

Thurs, Sept 16 - Schools Closed - Yom Kippur