Madison Schools Update: Budget Details, New Calendar Approved, Other Key Details

Madison Superintendent of Schools Thomas R. Scarice wrote the following letter to parents:

January 26, 2016

Dear Friends:

It is hard to believe the holidays are behind us and a new year has begun. I hope this newsletter finds you well and you are managing to stay warm!

Following are important updates for your information.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS…THIS IS THE CONVERSATION ALL COMMUNITIES SHOULD BE HAVING:

February 4th at 6:15 p.m. at The Country School’s DeFrancis Gymnasium

The Madison Public Schools will partner with The Country School to host a screening of the acclaimed and provocative documentary, “Most Likely to Succeed”. A “Q & A” session and discussion with education leaders will take place following the screening. I will serve on the panel along with Douglas Lyons, Executive Director of the Connecticut Association of Independent Schools, and Laura Pappano, an award-winning journalist whose work often focuses on education. “Most Likely to Succeed” examines the history of education in the United States and explores the shortcomings of the current system, which was designed in 1893 for a very different world. The film explores new approaches that aim to revolutionize teaching and prepare students to thrive and be innovators in the 21st century. Since it debuted at the Sundance Film Festival last January, “Most Likely to Succeed” has been shown at venues across the country. Space is limited, so attendees are asked to pre-register. Visit The Country School for more information and to register.

Watch a 3 minute video about the documentary: Most Likely To Succeed

2015-2016 School Calendar

As required by CT Public Act 14-38 approved in May, 2014 by the State of Connecticut, the Madison School District has adopted the uniform regional school calendar for the 2016-2017 school year. The first day of school will be Tuesday, September 6, 2016.

Kindergarten Registration

Registration for students entering kindergarten for the 2016-2017 school year will be held at Central Office located in the Madison Town Campus, 10 Campus Drive as follows:

Thursday, March 31, 2016 from 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM

Friday, April 1, 2016 from 9 AM – 12 Noon and 12:30 PM to 3:00 PM

Eligible students must reach their fifth birthday by December 31, 2016. For additional information, please visit our website.

2016-2017 Budget

On January 19th, the Board of Education formally adopted the 2016-2017 operating budget for the Madison Public Schools. This budget, largely driven by sharp increases in our health care costs, represents a 3.65% increase over last year’s budget. The Board of Education will present this budget to the Boards of Selectmen and Finance on February 3rd at 7:30 p.m. at the Town Campus. The first public hearing will be held in the Polson Middle School Auditorium on February 23rd at 7:30 p.m. I am working with the PTOs in each school to schedule two meetings, one with the elementary PTOs, and another with the secondary school PTOs, to review the budget in the next month.

Mindset

Every once in a while I read a book, or see a video that causes me to rethink my parenting or my educational philosophy. The book, “Mindset”, by Carol Dweck, had such an effect on me. It made me rethink my educational philosophy, and it certainly changed my parenting approach.

However, you might be interested in this 10 minute animated video explaining the philosophy. Enjoy!

Regards,

Thomas R. Scarice

Superintendent of Schools