Fall Week of Prayer

The senior class organized and planned out with Mr. Andrew Jamieson, chaplain, the week of chapels designed to strengthen students relationship with God. The theme was “Giving Up Control.” Each day worship began with music from various seniors and praise teams on campus. The drama team also shared short skits the last two days–around the theme of giving up control. What was unique this year was that a few students and an alumni shared their personal stories and their view of God during those times. On Friday the seniors allowed student who wanted to share their journey time to do so. Many felt God leading this week as many students were authentically sharing and asking God to be a part of their lives.

The first day of school

Because of the Covid-19 pandemic students, faculty and staff all started the day working to keep everyone safe. Temperatures of the students were taken and then they met with their classmates and class sponsors in different parts of campus and took a picture. Next students moved outside under the shade of the tree and “Chappy” Jamieson led worship. Patrick King, Ethan Jones, Emily Mae Jones and Ireland Kroll led students in two songs–Unstoppable God and How He Loves. “Chappy” continued the worship with the idea that all the experiences we have will make us into the people we will become–not knowing who we will impact.

Each of the classes went through four rotations during the day. Principal Fuentes reviewed the handbook for this year. Coach Smith, Coach Thomas, and Coach Ley did team-building activities in the gym. Mr. McKenzie was responsible for digital citizenship and passing out the student Chromebooks. Mr. Ryan Jamieson and Mrs. Kelly reviewed two components of an Empowered scholar: time management and growth mindset. Dr. Warren Downs, an emergency room doctor, talked with students about how to be safe in this Covid-19 pandemic. He reviewed and explained how the virus is transmitted and how to keep others and themselves safe by using masks as well as the importance of washing hands or using hand sanitizer.

For the last period of the day each class reassembled and worked out the details student leadership and scavenger hunt planning. Students and staff continue to do everything they can to keep all safe from the virus and learn at school or virtually with their friends.

Freshmen orientation

Students from the Class of 2024 met both in person and virtually in the Learning Commons for the beginning of their academy experience. Freshmen gathered to greet one another at 8:00am and then the faculty and staff introduced themselves by giving their names and what area they will be helping student learn and grow in. “Chappy” Jamieson then lead everyone in a devotional that inspired students to develop a relationship with Jesus — to have an encounter. “Chappy” led the class down to the gymnasium where he was joined by Coach Smith, and the class sponsors Mr. Ryan Jamieson and Coach Thomas. Students played a tournament of rock, paper, and sissors then then participated in different relays that required them to work as a team. The teams communicated instructions with one person and the others blindfolded or getting the task done without saying words.

Mike Downs from the class of 2017, shared his experience of going through Madison Academy and how that prepared him for the challenges of college: making friends and finding your passion or career interests. Both the virtual students and those in person moved to the Learning Commons to play a Kahoot that shared information about GPA, college scholarships, and PSAT testing as well as diplomas and tutoring options. Then it was on to the new English classroom where Mr. Ryan Jamieson talked about “Choices Leading to Academic Success.” He explained how the small choices may have a big impact, not to give up, but to keep trying to do your best.

A pizza lunch was served and everyone had some time to relax. Afterwards students opened their lockers and those that needed help were assisted by current students and staff. Coach Ley shared “Memory Hacks that Work” and took students through a scenario that demonstrated one way to memorize content. Mrs. Fuentes, principal, finished the day with “Student Handbook 101” and then closed the day with prayer as the staff encircled the class.

Beginning the new school year 2020-21

We have been hoping, praying, planning, preparing, praying, cleaning, waiting, and praying… for this week! It is the week our campus is once again filled with the chatter of students, the slamming of lockers, the clicking of fingers on chromebooks, and or laughter of friends. We are READY!!

We are ready to teach… to inspire… to play… to cheer… to connect… to pray! We are ready to be flexible… ready to adjust when our plans don’t work quite right… ready to do whatever it takes to support our students in their high school journey. We are ready… because we have been PRAYING for YOU!

New masks await you! We have a Ziploc baggie with two masks and a lanyard for each student on the first day of school.

No HOT LUNCH the First 3 days Due to all the COVID-19 adjustments, we are delaying our hot lunch program for the first week. (But, we ARE serving for Freshmen Orientation.) It will begin on Monday, August 17. The menu schedule will be in the newsletter later this week.
MA Polo Required for ALL Virtual Students Students who attend class virtually are required to wear an MA polo as part of being prepared to learn. This applies to quarantined students and those choosing online learning.
Absence Reporting – A New Protocol ! As part of the new safety protocols, we are requesting parents report any and all student absences. Planned absences (trips, appointments, etc), can be reported in advance. Emergency absences (illness, traffic, etc) should be reported by 7:45 AM. Reports can be made by calling the school 615-865-4055 or emailing attendance@madisonacademy.com.   Parents will be called for verification if the student is not present and the absence was not reported. Thanks for helping!

Upcoming student elections

Love to worship? Enjoy a good party? Have something to say? Want to use your talents to lead others? If you value school culture and want to be a part of creating activities and building relationships… you should run for a student leadership office!!

Campaign week for Student Council officers is scheduled for August 17-20 with speeches on the 19th and elections on the 20th. If interested, complete the application linked here and submit by Friday, August 14 by 9 AM. Class Officers will be elected in class meetings on Friday, August 21. If you have questions about students leadership, connect with Chappy Jamieson or Mrs. Fuentes, emails linked here.

Planned flexibility

We’re back! The MA team is preparing for our students to return!
Does MA have a plan?  Yes, we have 36… one for every week. Our commitment can be summed up in this expression: “PLANNED FLEXIBILITY.” We remain devoted to our God, our students, and our curriculum. So, we are starting our education ministry on August 12 (Aug 11 for Freshmen). 
If I send my student back on campus, will he/she be safe?  We are taking many steps to ensure the health and safety of our students and staff. Masks, screening, hand-sanitizers, proper instruction and signage, social-distancing, careful consistent cleaning, and much more, are all a part of our plan to mitigate the risk of contracting or spreading COVID-19.  
If I keep my student home, will he/she be engaged in learning?  Teachers trained this week on the new mobile command centers and drafted lesson plans in new digital formats so they can be ready to provide synchronous education both in the classroom and virtual. They have new hardware and software, along with many of new tools and ideas to elevate the learning experience.
What if things change?  Well, it’s guaranteed. Things have and will continue to change! But the amazing Madison Academy team of educators and support personnel believes in consistent revision… professionally, physically, spiritually (Read Psalm 119:33-40). We are small and nimble, so we can and will adjust as needed. We have committed to PLANNED FLEXIBILITY!
Does Madison have a self-paced course option? Sorry. No. We know our limitations and do not have the staff at this time. For an online SDA home school platform, we recommend Griggs International through Andrews University. 
What if…?  Exactly! I feel your pain in the question. We know that the decision to be on campus, virtual, or home school can be difficult one. We are are fully aware of the financial choice you are making as well. Just know that we are committed to our God, our students, our curriculum… and to PLANNED FLEXIBILITY!!

Covid-19 Response Plan

Yearbooks handed out

The ongoing pandemic changed the yearbook schedule and release. The 2020 Yearbooks are at the school and are being handed out to students and staff in front of the main lobby. The dates and times to pick up your yearbook are Tuesday and Wednesday, August 4 and 5, 1 pm to 3 pm and again on Monday, August 10th between 9am – 3pm. If those times are not convenient please contact Mrs. Monroe and she will work with you to get a yearbook in your hands.

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ACT… our Test Center closed in June

ACT has closed our test center for the June exam. Here is a link to FAQs that may help in answering our students’ and parents’ concerns.

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KY-TN Office of Education: Official Notice

After careful consideration of the increasing spread of the COVID-19 virus and out of concern for the wellbeing and safety of our staff and students, the KYTN Conference Office of Education has decided to extend Spring Break for students through March 29.  This is done out of an abundance of caution to “flatten the curve” and allow deep cleaning of facilities.  The 5 days of  Instructional time that are missed will not need to be made up as we trust you will do all you can to adjust curriculum during the time away. School will resume as normal or virtually on Monday, March 30 as the situation demands. 

As this pandemic continues to unfold, further information regarding online class delivery, schedules, and events will be communicated.  Should the need arise to extend the break because of a continued ongoing health crisis, plans will be put into place to institute online class delivery. In this event, you will receive direct communication and instructions. 

Teachers WILL report the week of March 23-27 as determined in cooperation with the  KYTN Conference Office of Education and principals.  Principals should address any locally-funded staffing needs in consultation with the Superintendent. 

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Book Club and Golf added to the curriculum

Two new classes began 2nd semester: Book Club and Golf.  Students’ desire to read some time-honored literature was the genesis of the Book Club class. Seniors Sydney Stewart and Ryan Downs approached Mr. Ryan Jamieson, our English teacher, to see if this class was even possible.  Mr. Jamieson was willing to give up his planning period at 7:45 am and so with administrative approval, the class was born.  By word of mouth, two more Seniors and one Junior joined.  The class meets on Monday and Wednesday mornings.

On the first day of the book club class students were asked by Mr. Jamieson to think of books from the literature that they would like to read—books that had stood the test of time.  Each student wrote a list of ten books they thought they would like to read and then Mr. Jamieson looked for books that were similar on each student’s list.  There were no similarities in the student book lists so they and Mr. Jamieson agreed to start working their way through Hamlet.  Other books will follow.  They hope to read a minimum of six books by the end of the semester.

The beginning of golf was a teacher-driven idea.  Mr. McKenzie during first semester finished the eSports class and proposed to the administration having a golf class that period.  It was agreed to and added to the schedule 8th period of the day on Tuesdays and Thursdays.  Four students signed up for the class.  Until the weather warms up students are practicing their putting skills here on campus.