Principal’s Message

I feel honored and privileged to have been chosen by the selection committee to become the new principal at Madison Elementary.  It is my pleasure to join such a tenured, committed and dedicated staff.  It is easy to see that Madison staff has worked hard to provide a safe learning environment for all students.

My name is Carmen L. Serrano.  I was raised with the appreciation and the understanding that education is the key to success.  My grandparents and parents were “campesinos” (migrant workers). I was the first in my family to graduate from college and to receive a Masters. I truly believe that determination, hard work and “corazon” (heart) are needed to achieve one’s full potential. Life’s experiences have taught me that knowledge (education) is the “great equalizer”.    It is through knowledge that we empower young minds and create a world where people are treated fairly.  Education exposes young minds to the countless possibilities that are available to them.

We, the staff at Madison Elementary, will provide the connections between student potential and curriculum.  We look forward to working with parents to empower our children to reach their maximum potential both socially and academically. As Martin Luther Kings, Jr. stated “Character plus Academics, that is the true essence of education”.  We take our responsibility as educators very serious.

School Leadership

Leadership at Madison Elementary School is a responsibility shared among district administration, the principal, all staff, students, and parents. Primary leadership duties at the school have been assumed by Principal Carmen Serrano. Prior to this position, Ms. Serrano served as an assistant principal, principal for Migrant Saturday School and Summer school, as well as a classroom teacher.

Staff members participate on various committees that make decisions regarding the priorities and direction of the educational plan. These teams ensure instructional programs are consistent with students’ needs and comply with district goals.

Avenues of opportunity include:

• School Site Council                                                                   • Site-Based Committee

• Student Study Team (SST)                                                         • Safety Committee

• Leadership Team                                                                       • Student Council

• School Advisory Council                                                             • Hombres Unidos

• Family Support Team                                                                 • Eagles Site Council

• Parent Teacher Association (PTA)                                               • Afro-American Parent Council (AAPC)

• English Language Advisory Council (ELAC)                                  • Madison Neighborhood Coordinated Council

• DAC/DELAC (District Advisory Council/ District ELAC)

Parent & Community Involvement

Parents and the community are very supportive of the educational programs at Madison Elementary School. Parents can participate in the Parent Teacher Association (PTA), English Language Advisory Council, School Advisory Council, and the School Site Council. Madison Elementary School has collaborative partnerships with local community businesses. Artists from the Pasadena Armory of the Arts Center integrate poetry, drama, writing, and visual arts into classes. Other partnerships include the following:

• Asian Pacific Museum                        • Cal-Tech

• Pasadena Conservatory                      • Mijares Restaurant

• Pasadena LEARNS                            • Coucilmen Gordo  Office

• Junior League of Pasadena (JLP)         • All Saints Church

• LaSalle Preparatory School                 • Hope Community Church

• First Financial Credit Union                 • Convenant Church

• El Portal Restaurant                           • Pasadena Parks and Recreation Department

• Fuller Seminary                                   • Pasadena Assistance League

• Latino Heritage Committee                   • Mayor Boggart Office

• Church of the Angels                          • Pasadena Masons

Contact Information

Parents who wish to participate in Madison Elementary School’s leadership teams, school committees, school activities, or become a volunteer may contact the main office at (626) 396-5780.

Discipline & Climate for Learning

Students at Madison Elementary School are guided by specific rules and classroom expectations that promote respect, cooperation, courtesy, and acceptance of others. The school’s discipline philosophy promotes a safe school, a warm, friendly classroom environment, and demonstrates that good discipline is a solid foundation on which to build an effective school. The goal of Madison Elementary School’s discipline program is to provide students with opportunities to learn self-discipline through a system of consistent rewards and consequences for their behavior.

All students must wear uniforms EVERY DAY. The district provides an annual Student Conduct Code for each of its sites, supplemented by a set of behavioral standards developed by the school. Parents and students are informed of discipline policies at the beginning of each school year through schoolwide assemblies, classroom assemblies, and individual student handbooks. Appropriate behavior is encouraged through praise and motivational incentives, as well as assertive discipline and conflict resolution tools to further develop personal growth.

The Suspensions and Expulsions table displays the total number and percentage of incidents at the school and in the district. Suspension numbers may be inflated because some students may have been suspended multiple times. Expulsions occur only when required by law or when all other alternatives have been exhausted.

Extracurricular Activities

Students are encouraged to participate in the school’s academic and extracurricular activities that are an integral part of the educational program. These schoolwide and classroom incentives promote positive attitudes, encourage achievement, and aid in the prevention of behavioral problems. Many programs are supported by the Junior League of Pasadena (JPL). Activities, sports, and clubs include:

• Citywide Parks & Recreation                                                • Club Fit

• Basketball & Soccer                                                             • Jump for Heart

• Academic Field Trips                                                            • Fun Run

• Math Field Day                                                                      • Fun Fridays

• Red Ribbon Week                                                                 • Art Smart

• Student Council                                                                     • Mariachi

• Friday Night Live                                                                   • LEARNS Eagle’s Club

• Character Education                                                             • Ballet Folklorico

• Grade Level Assemblies                                                    

 School Attendance

School districts receive financial support from the state for the education of the students they serve based on how many students attend each day. Most importantly, attendance is critical to academic achievement. Student attendance is carefully monitored to identify those students exhibiting excessive absences.

Attendance, tardy, and truancy policies are clearly stated, consistently enforced, and consequences fairly administered. Parents are advised of their responsibilities, including proper notification of when and why students are absent. The school monitors student attendance very closely and reports excessive unexcused absences to designated authorities.

Students are referred to the district’s School Attendance Review Board (SARB) when they have persistent attendance and behavior problems in school and when the normal avenues of classroom, school and district counseling are not effective.

Computer Resources

Computer skills and concepts integrated throughout the curriculum prepare students for technological growth and opportunities. All classrooms at Madison Elementary School have an average of three Internet-connected computers. The school has two computer labs. The first lab contains 40 workstations and is reserved for students in grades three through five; the second contains 20 workstations and is utilized by students in grades kindergarten through second. Students receive standards-based computer instruction on a daily schedule. Software includes programs to develop critical thinking skills, technological skills, and mathematical proficiency.

Counseling & Support Staff

In addition to academics, the staff at Madison Elementary School strives to assist students in their social and personal development. Staff members are trained to recognize at-risk behavior in all students. The school values the importance of on-site counseling and has procedures in place to ensure that students receive the services they need. Psychologists and counselors are devoted to helping students deal with problems and assisting them to reach positive goals. Playworks Coaches also help with structured recess. The academic counselor-to-pupil ratio is 1:226. The chart shows a list of support services that are offered to students.

Madison Elementary School provides additional services for students with special needs, as identified by an Individualized Education Plan (IEP). The school has a Special Day Class for students in grades three through five, where they receive additional assistance. Madison also provides a full-inclusion program for kindergarten and first grade. Speech and Language therapy and a Resource Specialist Program (RSP) are also available on a pull-out basis. Students are mainstreamed into traditional classrooms whenever possible.

The English Language Development (ELD) program at Madison Elementary School assists students who are English Learners (EL). The school provides three language programs: Structured English Immersion and Mainstream English. Every classroom containing more than ten percent of EL students must provide ELD as a separate core subject. Although Into English! is the district’s adopted ELD program, Madison Elementary School also utilizes the IDEA Kit, the Newcomer Program, Language Solution, and other avenues to help EL students on the state required California English Language Development Test (CELDT).

Gifted and Talented Education (GATE) is available to all third through fifth grade students who qualify. Students are clustered into the same classrooms with GATE-certified teachers, where they receive enhancement activities in addition to regular classroom work.

Tutoring programs are available after school and are provided by credentialed teachers and community organizations. Madison Elementary also offers Supplemental Education Services (SES). SES, run by a private agency, provides school and home tutoring services to all at-risk students.

School Facilities

Madison Elementary School was originally constructed in 1905, with massive renovations completed between 2004 and 2005. Additions included a new library/media center, and the construction of “La Casita,” a Learning Center for parents, which was donated by the Junior League of Pasadena. Thanks to Proposition TT funding, the school windows have been refitted, we have had energy saving lights installed and our main building has been painted.  Renovations on the Preschool and Family Center building will begin in June 2011. The campus is currently comprised of 30 classrooms, a library, two computer labs, a staff lounge, a cafeteria, an auditorium, and three playgrounds.

Cleaning Process

Madison Elementary School provides a safe and clean environment for students, staff, and volunteers. The district governing board has adopted cleaning standards for all schools in the district. Basic cleaning operations are performed on a daily basis throughout the school year with emphasis on classrooms and restrooms. A joint effort between students and staff helps keep the campus clean and litter-free. The principal works with four custodians to ensure a clean, safe, and functional learning environment.

Maintenance & Repair

A scheduled maintenance program is administered by Madison Elementary School’s custodial staff on a regular basis, with heavy maintenance functions occurring during vacation periods. Additionally, a scheduled maintenance program is administered by Pasadena Unified School District to ensure that school grounds and facilities remain in excellent repair. A work order process is used when issues arise that require immediate attention. Emergency repairs are given the highest priority; repair requests are completed efficiently and in the order in which they are received.

Safe School Plan

The safety of students and staff is a primary concern at Madison Elementary School. All visitors to Madison Elementary School must sign in at the office and wear a visitor’s pass at all times. Supervision is provided to ensure the safety of each student before school, during breaks, at lunch, and after school.

Supervision is a responsibility shared among campus aides, teachers, the behavior advisor and the administration. Surveillance cameras monitor school grounds at night. The computer lab, main office, and auditorium have alarm systems.

The School Site Safety plan is updated annually by the Leadership Team. Revisions are shared immediately with the staff. The plan was most recently updated and reviewed with school staff in October 2010. Key elements to the Safety Plan focus on general campus safety, improving communication within the school, and updating the emergency earthquake bin.  The school is in compliance with all laws, rules, and regulations pertaining to hazardous materials and state earthquake standards. Fire, earthquake, and lockdown drills are conducted two times a month throughout the school year.