Summer 2023 Scene
The Madison Scene - Summer 2023
Full Steam Ahead at Madison Park
Inside: Message from the Governing Board | Madison Park Campus Rebuild Update | Back-to-School Need to Knows
Message from the Governing Board
Madison Families and Community:
I once again have the honor of serving as the President of the Madison Elementary School District Board. Serving on the Madison Board is hugely rewarding. We take pride in our special Madison staff and teachers — dedicated, knowledgeable, caring people striving every day to inspire passion for learning and leading in our students. Madison administrators are servant leaders enabling all to flourish in and prepare for an ever-changing world. Madison students — our kids — are special in their talents, their tenacity and their dreams. We are committed to making their life journey rewarding and successful.
The Madison families and community are very special. You have supported Madison in many ways — most importantly through entrusting your kids with us. Opportunities abound to become actively involved at the class, school and district level; including PTOs, site councils, mentoring, Madison Education Foundation, Art Masterpiece and many others.
Madison is also committed to serving the community. One example is The Madison Center for the Arts — a unique community asset. We have established partnerships with the Phoenix Symphony, Arizona Ballet, local artists, national theater, and music and dance productions, all of which provide master classes for our students. Community events include Night at the Museum and the Madison Education Foundation’s annual gala. Each of the schools also have performances and events at The Madison. Please come and enjoy what Madison has to offer, and offer what you have to give. Together, we are Madison!
Yours in service,
Scott Holcomb
Governing Board President
Meet Madison's New Governing Board Member
CHRISTINE M. THOMPSON
“I am Christine Thompson, the newly elected member of the Madison Governing Board. My spouse and I have twins who attend one of our K-4 Madison schools.
I have spent my professional career working in government and nonprofits, primarily in education. At my core, I believe every student — regardless of their background, income, or zip code — should have access to a high-quality public education at all levels. My work in education policy for the university system, as Executive Director of the State Board of Education, and leading a statewide advocacy organization were all centered around that belief and sought to highlight the link between the strength of our education systems, prosperity and opportunity for our communities and a better Arizona.
I am humbled by the opportunity to serve our students, families and community members on the Madison Board. I am eager to work with you and our educators to continue moving Madison forward with best-in-class programs that support our students every step of the way.”
Madison School District Governing Board
- Scott Holcomb, Governing Board President
- Karen Gresham, Governing Board Vice President
- Mitra Khazai, Governing Board Member
- Sarah Speer, Governing Board Member
- Christine M. Thompson, Governing Board Member
Madison Park Preparing to Bring the STEAM
Digital rendering of the new Madison Park buildings, opening August 2023.
Campus Rebuild Providing State-of-the-Art Features for Students
The campus rebuild at Madison Park is well underway! Thanks to the support of community voters, students will soon have advanced spaces to explore, learn and grow. The new building, located on the current site of Madison Park Middle School at 16th Street and Campbell, will feature state-of-the-art lab and classroom spaces, which will support the school’s STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, math) Signature Program and provide unique opportunities for students.
In addition to typical academic subjects, students at Madison Park have access to hands-on special area classes and clubs that provide them with a strong foundation in science, technology and creative problem-solving. These essential skills help prepare students for high school STEAM programs and career fields.
In partnership with TradeUp, a local organization committed to helping introduce young people to construction and trade opportunities and careers, students at Madison Park learn about trade professions to familiarize them with career options. The six-month program invites trade professionals to provide instruction and hands-on experience. The students learn about masonry, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, carpentry, drywall, roofing and other trades.
2023-2024 Back-to-School Information
Tips, Tricks and To-Dos
We are excited to welcome our students back into the classroom for the 2023 − 2024 school year! Here are some back to school tips that will help your child prepare for coming back to school:
- Complete required School Check-In Day process (more info at madisonaz.org/enrollment).
- Mark your calendars for the first day of school: Tuesday, August 8th.
- Familiarize yourself with dress code and/or uniform policies and suggested school supply list before you begin your back-to-school shopping.
- Familiarize yourself with drop-off/pick-up procedures and bus routes.
- Make sure your child has a healthy breakfast each day.
- Check out the interactive breakfast and lunch menus at madisonaz.org/foodandnutrition.
- If your child has been enjoying an alternative sleep schedule during summer break, consider a shift to your school sleep schedule a week before to ease the transition.
- Follow us on social media to keep up-to-date with what’s happening around Madison.
Facebook | Instagram | Twitter/X
Important Dates & Reminders
- July 25–27: School Check-In Days for Returning Students
- August 8: First Day of School
- September 4: Labor Day – No School
- October 6: Teacher Planning Day – No School
- October 9–13: Fall Break – No School
- October 25–27: Parent/Teacher Conferences
- November 10: Veterans’ Day – No School
- November 22–24: Thanksgiving Break – No School
- December 22: Teacher Planning Day – No School
- December 25–January 5: Winter Break – No School
- January 8: School Resumes
For a complete list of important dates and upcoming events, please visit madisonaz.org/calendar
Welcome New Administrators
Madison will be welcoming some new members to our school leadership teams this coming school year and some familiar faces will be taking on new roles for the new year!
- Madison Park Middle School: Priscilla Gossett, Principal
- Madison Simis Elementary School: Lindsay Murray, Principal
Ashley Bohlman, Assistant Principal - Madison Rose Lane Elementary School: Andre' Reyes, Principal
Karri Starkman, Assistant Principal - Madison No. 1 Middle School: Johnny Brownlie, Principal
Joshua Dugan, Assistant Principal - Madison Heights Elementary School: Stephen Lee, Principal
- Madison Camelview Elementary School: Curtis Smith, Principal
2023-2024 Free & Reduced Lunch
It's more than a meal application!
Did you know that Madison offers free and reduced meals for students who qualify for the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)? In addition, in 2022, the Arizona Department of Education (ADE) announced temporary funding for schools to offer meals free of charge to students who qualify for reduced-price meal benefits. This funding is effective through June 30, 2024, or until the allotted funding runs out. Be sure to complete the application at madisonaz.org/foodandnutrition when it opens on July 15, 2023.
The information collected on meal applications can do more than just provide free and reduced-priced meals. Turn in your meal application for the opportunity to qualify for these additional benefits and ensure your school continues to receive funding:
- P-EBT: Eligibility to receive Pandemic EBT
- School Funding: Maintains funding for student programs and services
- Academic Tests: Reduced registration fees for AP, SAT and/or ACT test
- Athletics: Free or discounted fees to participate in most sports
- College Application Fees: Discounted rates on fees associated with applying for college
- Internet Access: Eligible for discounted rates on internet services
- School Meals: Free or reduced prices on delicious and nutritious meals
Inspire Your Child's Passion for Learning & Leading
2023-2024 Open Enrollment
Madison is committed to inspiring passion for learning and leading. Our Signature Programs provide students with a strong academic foundation while also offering opportunities to discover and develop their interests and talents. Madison’s Signature Programs include: Spanish Immersion, STEAM, Traditional Academy, REACH - Profoundly Gifted, International Baccalaureate® and Visual & Performing Arts.
There’s still time to submit an application for the 2023 – 2024 school year. Visit madisonaz.org/enrollment to learn more!
Madison Camelview Elementary
2002 E. Campbell Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85016
Grades: Preschool – 4th
Signature Program: STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math)
Why you’ll love it: Madison Camelview focuses on STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math) integration. Dedicated faculty and PTO, a strong sense of community and students focused on building a growth mindset have made Camelview a top choice among parents for more than 20 years.
Schedule a tour: (602) 664-7200
Madison Heights Elementary
7150 N. 22nd St., Phoenix, AZ 85020
Grades: Preschool – 4th
Signature Programs: Spanish Immersion, REACH - Profoundly Gifted
Why you’ll love it: The Spanish Immersion program opens doors to a world of bilingual excellence with students receiving science and social students instruction in Spanish. Heights also teaches profoundly gifted children at a pace two grade levels ahead through our REACH program. This self-contained program allows students to reach their full potential as they learn with students of their own age and academic ability.
Schedule a tour: (602) 664-7800
Madison Rose Lane Elementary
1155 E. Rose Lane, Phoenix, AZ 85014
Grades: Preschool – 4th
Signature Program: Visual & Performing Arts
Why you’ll love it: Madison Rose Lane focuses on visual and performing arts through a children’s choir, band, multimedia art projects and dance classes, with performances at the Madison Center for the Arts. Rose Lane’s engaged students excel in their traditional academic subjects, as well, and can become eligible for advanced dance and theater at Madison No. 1 Middle School.
Schedule a tour: (602) 664-7400
Madison Simis Elementary
7302 N. 10th St., Phoenix, AZ 85020
Grades: Preschool – 4th
Signature Program: International Baccalaureate®
Why you’ll love it: Madison Simis is a modern, renovated campus designed to inspire research-based learners. Simis is known for its passionate PTO, strong community and International Baccalaureate® Programme. Simis has been home to multiple Arizona IB Primary Teacher of the Year Award recipients and Student of the Year honors.
Schedule a tour: (602) 664-7300
Madison Meadows Middle School
225 W. Ocotillo Road, Phoenix, AZ 85013
Grades: 5th – 8th
Signature Program: International Baccalaureate®
Why you’ll love it: A 2015 National Blue Ribbon School, Meadows’ rigorous International Baccalaureate® Middle Years Programme focuses on the development of students’ intellectual, social, emotional and physical well-being that prepares them for research-based learning, problem-solving and success in high school and college.
Schedule a tour: (602) 664-7600
Madison No. 1 Middle School
5525 N. 16th St., Phoenix, AZ 85016
Grades: 5th – 8th
Signature Programs: Visual & Performing Arts, REACH - Profoundly Gifted, Spanish Immersion
Why you’ll love it: Madison No. 1 Middle School is a visual and performing arts school that also offers a Spanish Immersion Program and REACH - Profoundly Gifted Program for middle school. Students may participate in theater, dance, strings and choir based on their ability rather than their grade level. REACH students achieve their full potential as they learn with students their own age and academic ability with curriculum two grade levels ahead.
Schedule a tour: (602) 664-7100
Madison Park Middle School
1431 E. Campbell Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85014
Grades: 5th – 8th
Signature Program: STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math)
Why you’ll love it: Madison Park Middle School’s STEAM program prepares bright minds for success. Students learn to use and manage technology through interactive multimedia programs while engaging in hands-on learning. Community partnerships and STEAM Family Nights share student learning and accomplishments with the community. Park students grow to be communicators, designers, problem solvers and innovators.
Schedule a tour: (602) 664-7500
Madison Traditional Academy
925 E. Maryland Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85014
Grades: Preschool – 8th
Signature Program: Traditional Academy
Why you’ll love it: Madison Traditional Academy is the only preschool - 8th grade school in the district. Featuring a traditional philosophy, MTA was created as a “school of choice” and has no neighborhood boundaries. MTA offers a solid foundation of fundamental and higher-level thinking skills through a structured curriculum. All grade levels receive math instruction at a one-year accelerated level and advanced language arts.
Schedule a tour: (602) 745-4000
Madison Staff Win National Awards
Amazon Future Engineer Teacher of the Year: Jessie McKinley
Congratulations are in order for Madison Camelview Elementary School coding teacher Jessie McKinley for being named as an Amazon Future Engineer Teacher of the Year for his exemplary work with students. As one of only 10 recipients across the country, Mr. McKinley will receive a $5,000 teacher prize on top of a $25,000 prize to enhance the STEAM program at Camelview. “With this award, we plan on adding technology resources and incorporating more robotics and building opportunities for the students at Madison Camelview,” Mr. McKinley shared. Way to shine, Mr. McKinley!
School Nutrition Association National Manager of the Year: Cecelia Araiza
Compliments to the kitchen! A celebration is in order for Madison Park Middle School Cafeteria Manager Cecelia Araiza for being honored as the “Manager of the Year” by the School Nutrition Association. During her more than 20 years with Madison, Cecelia has developed programs and opportunities for students to learn beyond the classroom. In addition to managing and supporting daily cafeteria meal service, she offers an after-school culinary club for students to learn about nutrition, locally-grown produce, cooking skills and more. Thank you for all you do, Cecelia!
Join the Madison Team
And make a difference like Jessie and Cecelia!
Current Opportunities Include:
- Teachers and Guest Teachers
- Before & After School Club Leaders (MAC)
- Food Service Staff
- Bus Drivers
- Custodians
- & More!
Follow Madison on Social Media:
Madison Elementary School District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, religion or age in its programs or activities. For information regarding discrimination grievances or complaint procedures, contact the District Office at (602) 664-7900.