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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!