🍎💙 Teacher & Paraprofessional Appreciation Week - April 27th – 31st!💙🍎
Dear ECEC Families,
During the month of April, schools across the country will recognize and celebrate teachers and paraprofessionals for the essential work they do each day. Because we are fortunate to have so many dedicated teachers and paras serving our students in a variety of instructional roles, the Early Childhood Education Center will celebrate "Teacher & Para Appreciation Week" on April 27th–31st.
Please know that families are NEVER expected or obligated to give gifts to teachers or paraprofessionals. Your support and partnership mean more than anything to us! We recognize, however, that some families do choose to give small tokens of appreciation. For this purpose, our PTO has kindly compiled a list of our staff members' "Favorite Things." The list includes all MECEC staff members, recognizing the meaningful connections students form with paraprofessionals and specialist staff throughout the school.
You can access the list here: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/13cXeW-KE5g997DNVGFVoWALuEnl8vsOKSdwSCltMrUg/edit?usp=sharing
On April 27th - 31st, we invite you to express appreciation in your own way for our staff members who help make our Early Childhood Education Center such a special place! 🌟
Hello ECEC Families!
Here is the link to our April Newsletter! Please take a few moments to review important dates, tips, and information regarding Autism Awareness Month and the 1000 Books Before Kindergarten "Onn Kids Tablet" giveaway!
April is National Autism Awareness/Acceptance Month! 💙
At Madison Early Childhood Education Center, we are proud to support, include, and celebrate every child. This month, we join families, educators, and communities around the world in spreading awareness, promoting understanding, and celebrating the incredible strengths of individuals with autism.
🧩 Autism is not a label — it’s a unique way of experiencing the world. By learning, listening, and advocating, we can help create classrooms and communities where every child feels valued and supported.
💙 How you can join us this month:
• Wear blue to show your support on Wednesday, April 1st & Thursday, April 2nd
• Talk with your child about kindness and inclusion
• Share positive messages that celebrate neurodiversity
• Spread your awareness and understanding of Autism with others!
Together, we can build a world where all children feel seen, supported, and loved. Let’s #LightItUpBlue and celebrate the wonderful diversity in our school community! 💡💙✨
Autism Awareness Month: #lightitupblue: https://lighthouseautismcenter.com/blog/infographic-autism-awareness-month/
Know the Signs of ASD (CDC): https://www.cdc.gov/autism/signs-symptoms/index.html
Fancy Nancy, Nancy Learns about Autism: https://youtu.be/o8TpZk-ITiM?feature=shared
Madison School District’s Supplemental Levy will be on the May 19th ballot.
If approved, the levy would support current programs and services, including staffing, safety, technology, curriculum, and transportation.
🗳 When: May 19th election
📍 Where: Your local polling location — found on voteidaho.gov
Learn more:
Stay informed, ask questions, and participate in the election.
👉 Visit our Levy Page to learn more and use our estimated property tax calculator to explore what this looks like for you. https://www.msd321.com/page/madison-levy-renewal-2026
“The estimated average annual cost to the taxpayer on the proposed levy is a tax of $52.97 per $100,000 of taxable assessed value, per year, based on current conditions. The proposed levy replaces an existing levy that expires on June 30, 2026, that currently costs $52.97 per $100,000 of taxable assessed value. Therefore, if the proposed levy is approved, the tax per $100,000 of taxable assessed value is not expected to change. The levy will be assessed for two years.”
Hello parents!
There will be no preschool sessions held on Monday, April 6th, due to the district-wide kindergarten screening/registration. Online Kindergarten registration for the 2026-2027 school year is currently open and can be accessed here: https://www.msd321.com/page/registrationenrollment. ***Also, just as a side note, when you're registering your child for Kindergarten, be sure to register them as a "New Student", even if they have attended preschool at the Early Childhood Education Center.
The kindergarten screening will take place in person on April 6th at your local elementary school. You can find out what elementary school boundaries you live in using this map: https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/viewer?mid=1OI3JPbjbBOX8Dkr6iX8YH9M7c9c&ll=43.861555237299946%2C-111.64615618454522&z=10.
If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to us at 208-359-3366!
Attached is our March Newsletter. Open it up to find out how your child can enter to win a free ONN KIDS' TABLET by participating in the 1000 Books Before Kindergarten reading program!
In accordance with Idaho law, all schools are required to provide parents and guardians the
opportunity to complete a parent engagement and satisfaction survey. This survey invites your
feedback on several topics and helps us assess how well our schools are meeting the needs of
students and families.
To access the survey, please visit https://form.jotform.com/260156057717155 and select all
schools your student(s) attend within the Madison School District.
The survey takes approximately five minutes to complete, and all responses are anonymous.
Surveys may be submitted through March 13, 2026.
Survey results will be used to identify opportunities to improve satisfaction, engagement, and
communication across the district.
Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback. If you have any questions, please contact
your school’s principal.
Sincerely,
Darnea Lamb
🌟 FREE READY! for Kindergarten Workshops — Offered by Madison Cares! 🌟
Madison Cares (60 W. Main St., Rexburg) is offering FREE READY! for Kindergarten workshops for parents and caregivers of children ages 0–5.
📘These fun, hands-on workshops teach you how to “Play with a Purpose” to support your child’s early learning. Each age‑specific series includes:
FREE educational toys & learning materials
Childcare provided (ages 1–12)
Three interactive sessions designed for your child’s age group
***Note that you CAN still register even if you did not attend all wokshops in the series.
📲Registration is required. You can scan the QR code on the flyer or visit www.idahoaeyc.org/ready to sign up.
Hi families!
McTeacher's Night for the Early Childhood Center is tonight! Join us at the Rexburg McDonald's (175 Valley River Drive) from 5–7 p.m. for an evening with teachers, friends, and food!
During our scheduled time, a portion of EVERY sale made at this McDonald's location between 5–7 p.m. helps support our school — whether it's from one of our students' families or not! Parents do not need to say they have a student at our school for the purchase to count. So feel free to invite friends, neighbors, grandparents, or anyone who loves a good burger!
We hope to see you there!
Hi families!
We’re excited to invite you to one of our favorite community events of the year — McTeacher’s Night! Join us at the Rexburg McDonald’s (175 Valley River Drive) on February 11, 2026, from 5–7 p.m. for an evening filled with fun, friends, and tasty food.
During our scheduled time, a portion of EVERY sale made at this McDonald’s location between 5–7 p.m. helps support our school — whether it’s from one of our families or not! Parents do not need to say they have a student at our school for the purchase to count. So feel free to invite friends, neighbors, grandparents, or anyone who loves a good burger!
Even better, many of our amazing teachers and staff members will be on site serving food! It’s a fun way to see familiar faces in a whole new role
Additionally, we will be having a coloring contest between now and the day of the event. Each child may color and submit one of the attached pictures to their teacher by February 11th. Each class will select one winner to receive a coupon for a free Happy Meal! The pictures selected from each class will be posted at McDonald's on the night of the event.
We hope to see you there!
We're Excited to announce the launch of our monthly Preschool Newsletter! 🎉
This will be a great resource for you to stay informed, connected, and involved with everything happening at our preschool. Each month, you’ll find helpful highlights, including:
✨ Special Events
📅 Important Dates
🏡 At‑Home Tips
… and much more!
We hope this newsletter becomes a quick, helpful way to stay in the loop about all the great things happening here. Thank you for partnering with us—and as always, please feel free to reach out with any questions, comments, or concerns!
We’re excited to share the Madison School District 2026–2027 calendar for your planning purposes.
If you have questions, please contact the district directly by email for the best answers and direct feedback: wearemadison@msd321.com
📚 The ECEC is working toward a schoolwide reading goal! Every child is aiming to read (or have read to them) an additional 200 books by the end of the school year. We will continue to use our 1000 Books Before Kindergarten reading program to track your child's progress and earn prizes!
Two Reporting Methods:
📘 Paper 100‑book log (turn in to Marie Atkinson) OR
📝 Weekly online survey that will be sent out separately.
Repeated readings count, and we add books read at school too! Kids earn a prize every 100 books. Thank you for supporting your child's reading!
Nominate in THREE Categories:
Elementary Educator
Secondary Educator
Support Staff Member
Why Nominate?
We need your help looking for educators who go above and beyond to inspire, innovate, and make a lasting impact in the lives of our students. Winners will each receive: A $500 honorarium gift, plus a $500 contribution for their classroom
Who Can Nominate?
Parents, students, peers, and administrators are invited to nominate outstanding candidates in 3 categories.
Nomination Deadline: January 31, 2026.
Winners Announced: February District In-service meeting and online.
Nominate Today!
madisoneducationfoundation321.org
The Madison Education Foundation is thrilled to celebrate our educators who inspire, innovate, and make a lasting difference in the lives of students. It’s time to nominate outstanding individuals
for the annual Excellence in Education Award for 2026!
Hello Madison ECEC Family!
Just one more reminder that TONIGHT from 5-6:30 is our annual Christmas party! ALL Early Childhood Center students AND their families are invited.
You'll be able to write letters to Santa at the North Pole, make crafts at the Gingerbread Village, and even take pictures with Mr. Grinch himself! Feel free to come dressed in your favorite Christmas attire, or come just as you are.
We look forward to celebrating with you this evening!
UPDATE: MADISON PRESENTS IS A FREE EVENT
❄️✨ The holidays have officially arrived in our district! ✨❄️
Snow is starting to stick, Christmas music is playing, and the holiday spirit is officially here!
🎶 Our Fine Arts Departments have an amazing lineup of concerts this month — and you won’t want to miss a single one. From festive classics to stunning student performances, it’s the perfect way to celebrate the season.
📅 Check out the December concert schedule and make plans to attend!
Come support our talented students, fill those seats, and soak in the beautiful music they’ve worked so hard to prepare. ❤️🎵 #wearemadison
To enter our giveaway:
👍 Like our Madison Early Learning Collaborative Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/787158017192167
🔁 Share this post
👥 Tag 3 friends in the comments who might be interested in early learning resources or updates from our collaborative!
You’ll be entered to win one of these amazing early learning tools:
1️⃣ Alphabet Sounds Teaching Tubs
2️⃣ Alphabots
3️⃣ Alphabet Learning Locks
We will choose three winners—one for each item on December 17th!
Thank you for helping grow our community and supporting our littlest learners! 🌟💛
Join us tonight for Stories Under the Stars! Stop by anytime between 3:30 and 5:30 and enjoy storytelling, a free book, and a special treat!
Additionally, our Book Fair begins today! Open Monday from 10:20 am - 1:50 pm, and Tuesday/Wednesday between 8:00 am and 1:50 pm. You can also purchase books online up until this Friday, November 14th.
