Welcome back to the 2017-2018 school year, it is hard to believe three months can pass so quickly! As a staff we are excited to have the students back in our classrooms and hallways filling them with energy and enthusiasm for learning. I wanted to let you know what an honor it has been to get to know you and your children. When I was assigned to be the principal at James Madison Elementary I was told that it was a great school but my short time here has surpassed all of my expectations. We truly do have the most caring, hard working, dedicated staff I have ever had the pleasure of working with. Our students come to school with energy, ready and willing to learn. And you as their parents are so supportive. It is often said that it takes a village to raise a child… what a village we have!

Here at James Madison we believe that of most importance, and the purpose behind all of our labor, is the students themselves. We have great teachers who spend hours planning and creating classroom activities to engage our students in learning. Our teachers use essential standards to drive their lesson creation and student outcome data to adjust instruction and help students meet and exceed our expectations of them.

Over the 2016-2017 school year we implemented and refined many school systems including the beginning and end of the day. Adjusting our end of the day system, created a need for the city to provide us with a second crossing guard as well as the addition of 20 mph street lights that will flash during our release times and in turn provides our students with a much safer exit from school. This year, our end of the day system will remain the same. In regards to the morning system, for the safety of the students, students will now enter the building at 7:30 am.

I am privileged to serve at James Madison as your principal. I feel honored to work with a highly qualified staff, wonderful students, and supportive parents. We have an outstanding school and I anticipate a most successful year. Thank you for your support.

Shannon Wilcox, James Madison Elementary Principal