(Posted Oct. 30, 2023)
By Kristy Zurbrick, Madison Editor
At the Oct. 17 meeting of the Madison-Plains school board, Brad Miller and Deb Adamczak, principal and assistant principal, respectively, for grades K-6 shared highlights and activities from the start of the 2023-24 school year.
Miller reported on the completion of fall diagnostic testing. Based on the results, teachers categorized students into three tiers with the third tier being students who need the most intensive help. Teachers are working on ways to tailor instruction to students based on the tiers.
A sixth-grade safety patrol started in October. A total of 14 students were selected to serve on the patrol–seven in the morning and seven in the afternoon at different posts. Their job is to monitor the hallways and report in safety issues to administrators or teachers.
Students in all grades are working through a Seven Mindsets initiative. The theme for September was “Everything is Possible.” Students were encouraged to dream big, embrace creativity, and think positively and justly. Teachers rewarded students exhibiting these traits with a pizza party with the principal.
Sixth-graders took part in the Signs Of Suicide program administered by Nationwide Children’s Hospital. The program reviewed warning signs and gave students various opportunities to talk to someone about themselves or other students. The program is required by the state.
Students in grades 2-3 will perform a Christmas musical at 6 p.m. Nov. 30.
Donations and recognition
The board accepted a $20,000 donation from Madison Health, the second installment in a commitment the hospital made to donate $20,000 each year for five years. The money is earmarked for athletics. Eisler said the district plans to use the latest installment to purchase a new high jump pit. The current pit is decades old and reportedly held together with duct tape. Any leftover funds will be used to purchase new batting cage nets and new soccer nets.
April Sparks, assistant principal at the high school and junior high, has been nominated for Assistant Principal of the Year, an honor bestowed through the Ohio Association of Secondary School Administrators.
Molly Niese, who has taught biology and anatomy at Madison-Plains for nine years, was recognized at the board meeting for her work. Her peers praised her for teaching students in all aspects of life, providing a balance of academic rigor and a nurturing classroom environment, and always being available to answer questions or give advice.
Next meeting and auditorium project
The next school board meeting will take place at 7 p.m. Nov. 21 in the high school library rather than in the auditorium, the board’s usual meeting spot.
The auditorium is undergoing a facelift. The district expects to take delivery of new seating the second week of November. The current chairs will be removed prior to the delivery as the district has nowhere to store the new chairs. The facelift also includes new lighting, new carpet, and a new coat of paint. The work likely will mean the auditorium will be closed most of November.
