Monday Maverick Minute
October 26, 2009
Dear Mavericks and Madison Community,
I know it has been some time since I sent out an MMM. Much has happened in our district that needed all high school principals' attention. We also had some major issues with our server here on the campus. Getting messages out to the public was difficult. We have corrected the problem and are back to business.
Changes for the 2010 - 2011 School Year
As you know, the district has been forced to make some changes for next year to reduce costs in the budget. I say forced because the state funding was changed drastically in 2005-2006 and it basically undercut the school districts. We have no opportunity to generate new revenue in our district. That means that we will need to make major reductions in cost that will include a change from the A/B schedule to a more traditional 7 period schedule. This will allow us to reduce our staff by 10-12% due to not having to have teachers for an 8th period. This can be done through the normal annual attrition of staff that we have every year.
With a school as large as Madison, we typically have several more teachers retire, resign, and move than will be needed for the reduction in staff. I am very confident that this will happen. The great thing about having a school board and a superintendent that plans for the future is that we have a great amount of time to put together a fantastic 7 period day schedule for your students. I have a great team of teachers, counselors and administrators that are going to put many hours to help with this very important effort. We are all committed to having the best program in the state and we will. I will be keeping you informed of the progress weekly.
Useful Resources
We have a couple of websites that I believe will be helpful for all parents. The first is the PTA website, http://jamesmadisonpta.txpta.org/ This site will give you great information on the outstanding job our PTA does for your students. Please the site and see when and where you can help.
The second website is the location of the Course Catalog for 2010 - 2011. We sent home course selection sheets to the 9-11 grade students. Parents that have questions can go to this website and look at all the course selections and help their students make some good decisions together. Good family time for all.
Celebrations!
Our school newspaper, The Advocate, placed third in the Small Newspaper Competition at the Texas Association of Journalism Educators. Hats off to the newspaper students and their instructor, Allison Boerger. Madison Forensics League competed at the Ronald Reagan Tournament and did very well. Madison had 5 semi finalists and 1 finalist. Great job debate and to their coach, Chris Mifflin. Congratulations goes to our tennis team for a very competitive year in Team Tennis. They are in district play today. Thank you Coach Moon and good luck team. Volleyball is still in season along with Cross Country.
Concerns
I now have a couple of concerns to discuss. Parents, we need senior parent volunteers to help Mr. Castaneda with the Senior Class as they plan their Project graduation event. Any help will be greatly appreciated. Please call the school or email Mr. Castaneda at acasta2@neisd.net The school zone sign for Madison high school along O'Connor Road has been moved to include the intersection at Stahl/O'Connor to right before the railroad tracks. Please observe the school zone signs and slow way down. Also remember that it is a violation to use your cell phone in a school zone unless you have a hands free device.
Homecoming, Report Cards
Next week is our Homecoming and a game with Roosevelt. We will have several events during the week. Today was the end of the first nine weeks. Students will get report cards on Friday the 30th. I hope everyone has a great week.
Chris Thompson, Principal
