Are we Art Smart at Madison? Yes, we are thanks to an amazing group of parents and grandparents who volunteer for this program each month. Recently Principal McMillen even picked a piece of art work from each grade for our Principal Pick Gallery. As you can see by the student work, it reflects what they have learned about each artist and their methods.

Students in kindergarten learned of Jackson Pollock, an American painter and major figure in the abstract expressionist movement. He was well known for his unique style of drip painting.

First grade students learned of the fluid use of color through Henri Mattise a French artist.

Second grade students loved learning about 20^th Century American author, painter and illustrator Norman Rockwell. Many recognized his works for their reflection of American culture and everyday life and remembered seeing his works at home on calendars.

Our third grade students have a great interest in the Old West and Native Americans. Their study of George Catlin, an American painter, author, and traveler, led to much discussion about what is was like for people and animals living during those years.

Our marvelous mathematical fourth grade students loved MC Escher when they learned that his work features mathematical objects and operations including impossible objects, explorations of infinity, reflection, symmetry, and even tessellations. Math appears everywhere.

Our fifth grade students took a look at the works of Romare Bearden an Afro-American artist. Romare worked with many types of media including cartoons, oils and collages.

December Newsletter

The Panther Pack at Madison is collecting nonperishable food items for our food drive. These food items will be distributed to Madison Families in need. We are grateful for your generosity.  Our final spirit day for the food drive is December 8. Bring food, wear your PJs, and sport your bed head hair as we work together to assist others.

Breakfast with Santa has been a big hit for over 30 years at P-H-M and this year was no exception!

On Saturday, December 2, 300 people had the chance to spend some time with Santa at Bittersweet Elementary School. The attendees were treated to a program that included a laser show titled “Laser Holidays” at the DVT, breakfast in the cafeteria and then a personal visit with Santa. Please see a photo gallery below.

See you next year!

P-H-M Superintendent Dr. Jerry Thacker was recognized last night (Thursday, Nov. 30) as Indiana Association of Public School Superintendents (IAPSS) 2017 Outstanding Educator of the Year!

This is the second time Dr. Thacker has received this prestigious honor from his IAPSS peers; the first time was in 2013. He was also named Indiana Superintendent of the Year in 2012 and received the Sagamore of the Wabash in 2014—Indiana’s highest award—from then Governor Mike Pence. He has also been recognized as Alumnus of the Year from both IUSB and Bethel College.

Dr. Thacker began his career in education in Penn-Harris-Madison School Corporation as a 6th grade teacher at Madison Elementary School. Having filled a variety of leadership roles at districts across Indiana and Michigan, in July 2006 he returned to the P-H-M schools to serve as superintendent. Under Dr. Thacker’s leadership, the Indiana Department of Education has consistently named P-H-M an “A” Rated School District. The School Corporation now ranks in the state’s top 4% of public school districts with nine Four Star Schools.

Madison Student Hoe Down Allison Laidig and her team of parent volunteers worked hard to make this year’s Scholastic Book Fair a sweet success, earning students an afternoon Country Hoe Down and a chance to learn how to line dance. Enthusiasm was high as the Book Fair was open during PTS conference time and during lunch with your partner. Students voted for Mr. McMillen to experience one of the following; bring a pony to recess, ride a stick horse through the school, sing Home on the Range on the PA, or kiss a pig. Students cast their votes and results were tallied. Mr. Millen was given every principal’s dream of a lifetime, the opportunity to kiss a pig! To the delight of the students he even kissed the pig more than once and parents’ left saying their principal was never as cool as Mr. Mc Millen. This activity was just another occasion to promote reading and for students to know books are important, lead to fun, and like our principal, very cool.

Madison first through third grade students recently performed Stone Soup a “Rock” Opera for about ninety grandparents at an afternoon performance followed by a special time of punch and cookies. The students also did an evening performance for parents and other special guests. "Stone Soup, first published in 1947, is a classic picture book that remains one of Marcia Brown's most popular and enduring tale. The story, about three hungry soldiers who outwit the greedy inhabitants of a village into providing them with a feast, is based on an old French tale." Miss Kuzdzal’s work with students simply reinforced the value of this timeless tale as students worked together to prepare and perform this musical play.

Students ate lunch with their partner during our western themed book fair. Over one hundred guests consisting of parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles and friends, ate from our Chuck Wagon featuring BBQ Drumsticks, Cowboy Pie, Roll w/Apple Butter, Fiesta Corn, and Baked Apples with Granola. Tammy Yoder and Pati White, our food service Wagon Masters kept the food coming, hot and delicious. All students were invited to eat in the gym with our guests and enjoyed this special time. 

Madison students and families enjoyed perusing the Scholastic Book Fair recently held at Madison School.  Allison Laidig organized the event with the help of some terrific parent volunteers. Teachers made wish lists, students noted what they wanted, and books flew off the shelves as parents, grandparents or special friends made their purchases. While our sales were $500.00 over our goal the real success is measured in the support these families bring to our READ LIKE A CHAMPION campaign and in the smiles we saw as students shopped with their special guests. 

Visit with a Vet                 

A visit with a vet at Madison had nothing to do with a veteran although we honor and respect every person that has served in the military. This time our vet was, Dr. Matt Randolph. Dr. Randolph brought his daughter Bethany and their pony Hayley to school as part of our positive behavior plan. Dr. Randolph operates Equine Veterinary Hospital of Northern Indiana. But it’s also family affair concerning horses since his daughters ride in competitions and his wife, also a vet works in Granger at a small animal clinic. Students were able to ask questions, hear about Dr. Randolph’s work, and learn about horse health and about riding in competitions. After the presentation students were able to pet Hayley – she is a pony that knows how to behave!