Mark your calendars for STEAM Night on Thursday April 2nd from 4:30-6:00PM. We will be serving a Free dinner from 4:30-5:30PM and games and activities will be from 5:00-6:00PM. This is always a fun event. We hope your family can make it!

Spokane Public Schools will be open daily as scheduled, regardless of weather, unless a closure or late start announcement is made. In most cases, closure information will be communicated by 6 a.m. in the following ways: 

• Shared with the local media. 
• Updated at facebook.com/SpokanePublicSchools. 
• Sent to staff and families using the district's notification system. 

It is our goal to keep schools open during snowy weather. However, safety is never compromised when reaching a decision about school closures or late starts. Inclement weather may cause school schedules to be adjusted as follows: 

• Bus Delays – School operates on the regular schedule with buses running late. 
• 2-Hour Delay* – If we experience significant snowfall, we will first consider use of a 2-hour delayed start. Express Childcare will begin at 8 a.m. 
• School Closure – If the snowfall is significant enough, we will close schools for all students and staff, and the day will be made up on one of the designated emergency make-up days. 

While safety is the primary concern, state law requires the district to be in session 180 days. If the district closes schools, days must be made up at a later time during the school year. For many students, school is the safest place to be during inclement weather. In many cases, both parents and/or guardians work outside the home. Schools provide a warm, supervised environment for the children. However, parents are always encouraged to consider the conditions of their neighborhood and the well-being of their students in deciding whether to keep their student home. Students are excused from school when parents request.  

If a 2-hour delay occurs on a Monday, Collaboration is cancelled and the 2-hour delay is based on a Regular Start schedule, unless otherwise indicated. 

For student safety, please inform your child they are not able to stay in the park where the swings are after school. ALL students need to walk home after school. If students come back to the park after school, they need parent supervision and permission. 

Dear Parent/Guardian:

Spokane Public Schools is dedicated to meeting the needs of each student. Every student has opportunities to learn skills and gain understanding in science, math, reading, history, writing, music, and health and fitness as outlined by the state of Washington and the adopted learning standards at each grade. In addition, Washington State mandates HIV/AIDS education in grades 4-12. The focus of this instruction is on making healthy decisions and highlighting abstinence as the healthiest way to prevent the spread of HIV. All materials were updated during the 2018-2019 school year, in partnership with our Human Growth and Development Citizens Advisory Committee that is comprised of representatives from across our community, including the Spokane Regional Health District, nurses, doctors, parents, faith-based representatives, and district staff.

An overview of the district's human growth and development curriculum approval process is available by clicking the link below. Parents and guardians are welcome to review the curriculum at any time at the district office of their local schools. SPS will be hosting two preview events this winter at The Hive for those interested in previewing the materials.

• Saturday, February 28th 9:00AM-11:00AM at The Hive

The Hive is located at 2904 E Sprague Ave

If you wish to exclude your child from the HIV/AIDS lessons, please plan on attending a preview opportunity. Staff will be available to answer questions as well as to make the appropriate opt-out forms available. (Excused students will be provided with appropriate alternative educational opportunities.)

Sincerely,

Becky Ramsey

Executive Director Assessment, Analytics, and Program Evaluation

Spokane Public Schools

Spokane Public Schools Human Growth and Development

Crisis Drills: Schools are required to have monthly crisis drills throughout the school year. The types of drills practiced include: Evacuation (fire), off-site evacuation, lockdown and shelter in place. This is to help staff be best prepared for an emergency situation. 

Spokane Public Schools uses the Raptor Technologies system during emergencies. Raptor allows for the quick launching of emergency procedures and the accounting for all scholars, staff and visitors in a building. Information communicated within Raptor is directly relayed to district leaders and first responders.  

Doors: All doors at Madison remain locked at all times. A single point of entry system requires that all visitors be buzzed in at the front entry by the office. Staff have proximity badges that allow them to buzz themselves and their students through other exterior doors. Families are asked to help reinforce the safety protocol of never opening an exterior door for anyone with their students at home. Caregivers are also asked not to attempt to enter the building through other doors. 

Check out our spirit wear store! There are 3 designs to choose from. Click the green link below to view the store.

We have seen an increase in the number of late students each day. When students are late, they miss out on valuable instruction time and morning announcements. Please have your students to school by 8:25AM each day (9:25AM on Mondays). Breakfast is served each day until 10AM, however if your student is wanting to have school breakfast, please try to have them arrive at 8AM (9AM on Mondays) so they can eat with friends in the lunchroom. We appreciate your help.

Due to food allergies, health diagnosis, and cultural beliefs please refrain from sending food items to school for your child. If you would like to bring something, please check with the teacher. We recommend nonfood items such as pencils or stickers or a small craft for the kids to do.

If your child wishes to invite students to a party outside of school, please do not have them distribute invitations at school (unless it is for the whole class) as this causes hurt feelings and does not create a sense of belonging. Please work with the classroom teacher on how they would like to support you to invite some students.

If you or your family has had a loss of housing, remember that you may be eligible for the HEART program’s support and services. We work to provide educational stability for students that are staying in temporary or transitional living situations. Please give our office a call at 509-354-7302 or check out our website for more information:

HEART Program | Spokane Public Schools (spokaneschools.org)

Thank you for helping your students follow the new Spokane Public Schools cell phone policy. As a reminder cell phones and smart devices are not allowed to be used during the school day and must be kept in a backpack and turned off or silent. Please click the link below for more information.

Spokane Public Schools Cell Phone Policy

Sign up to join our Madison PTO and be a part of providing opportunities for our students. The next PTO meeting is Monday March 30th at 5:00PM.

Join us for skate night on March 2nd (Glow theme)! Our See's Candy fundraiser begins on Monday 3/2 and ends on Thursday 3/12. Look for information coming home on Monday!



Tracy Caldwell

PTO President

If you have any questions about joining the PTO or attending a meeting, please email us at elementaryptomadison@gmail.com