Lunch Buddies is a school-based mentor initiative of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Sheboygan County. Adults from the community are matched with a student at our school who would benefit from having another adult in their lives. In general, Lunch Buddies work with children in 1st through 5th grades and may stay with a child for years. The Lunch Buddies spend one lunch period per week (35–45 minutes), while school is in session, having lunch with his/her "little lunch buddy". During their visits, they enjoy lunch together, play games, participate in craft activities, engage in outdoor activities, or simply talk. If you are interested in becoming a Lunch Buddy, contact Big Brothers Big Sisters of Sheboygan County at (920) 458-0111. Big Brothers Big Sisters Website
The Student Council is composed of 4th- and 5th-grade students, whose primary role is to organize, plan, and coordinate school fundraising events, school functions, and special school activities. Students in 4th grade are able to serve as class representatives. Students in 5th grade have the opportunity to serve as class representatives or run for positions such as president, vice president, secretary, treasurer, and media specialist. Meetings are held twice a month during the students' lunchtime.
This event is held at the end of August to welcome new families to school and welcome back those who are returning. It is a good way to touch base with teachers and staff and to bring in school supplies to "lighten the backpack" for the first day of school. Busing information is also available.
KidStop Childcare is designed for children in kindergarten through fifth grade. The KidStop community partnership meets the needs of families by providing a safe and affordable place for students before and after school. At James Madison Elementary, before- and after-school childcare is provided by the Recreation Department. Registration for KidStop is open throughout the school year and can be done online here or by contacting the Recreation Department at 920-459-3773.
What is PBIS?
PBIS stands for Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports. PBIS is about teaching and promoting safe, respectful, and responsible behaviors. Students are recognized for making positive choices that follow our school expectations. When students do not follow expectations, they are re-taught the appropriate behavior and, when necessary, are given an Office Discipline Referral (ODR).
Youth-Tutoring-Youth is a program that provides high school students with an opportunity to give direct tutoring assistance to elementary classrooms under the guidance of a supervising and coordinating teacher. Tutoring occurs in one-on-one, small-group, or whole-group settings. High School students typically work with students for one semester.
Students participating in an instrumental music program develop self-discipline through regular practice, teamwork, and leadership skills while playing with peers, and self-confidence when playing for friends and family.
Beginning band is open to all 5th-grade students. We offer instruction on flute, oboe, clarinet, alto sax, trumpet, French horn, trombone, baritone, and combined percussion. Students receive one twenty-minute lesson and one thirty-minute full rehearsal per week. Students participating in an instrumental music program develop self-discipline through regular practice, teamwork, and leadership skills while playing with peers, and self-confidence when playing for friends and family.
The strings program is open to all 5th-grade students. Students who participate in the strings program attend a weekly, small-group lesson that is scheduled before school or during the school day. Instruments available for study are the violin, viola, cello, and string bass.
Check out all of the special events and activities at James Madison Elementary School!
Our Fifth-Grade Recognition ceremony is held each year to honor and recognize our 5th-grade students as they complete their elementary school careers and wish them well on their new adventure—middle school! Refreshments will be served after the program, so plan to stay and share some memories of James Madison and enjoy time with family and friends.
At this event, each student will be entered in one running event and one field event. All the events will take place before lunch. An obstacle course is scheduled to follow lunch. The boys' and girls' events will be held separately, with the boys competing in the running events first and the girls competing in the field events first. Each student will choose his/her running and field event for the day from the list below. Students have been introduced to various running and field events during physical education class, so hopefully, each student will find an event in which they enjoy and can excel. Ribbons will be awarded to the top ten finishers in each event, and every participant will receive a certificate of participation.
This day is meant to be one of fun, excitement, and good sportsmanship! The events are run by current and former Sheboygan Area School District employees, as well as students from North and South High Schools. Remember that a true sportsman will always congratulate their competitor, whether they win or lose. We hope to see a lot of handshaking and high-fives, not only among friends and classmates, but also opponents.