News

Madison-Grant Sweeps Lapel in Strange Rematch by Rob Hunt The Herald Bulletin

Fairmount, IN
September 22, 2020

Madison-Grant Argylls take the field.

The Madison-Grant Champions Together team brought home the Bocce Ball State Runners-up Trophy this past weekend, the 2nd state level win for Madison-Grant in Bocce Ball. The event took place at Murray Soccer Stadium in Carmel. The team, coached by Mike Cline and Dawn Deckard, saw only two return players from last year's state championship team. Dawn Deckard says of the team's experience, "Most of our students had no idea what bocce ball even was, but we had open practices and Mr. Cline opened the field after school. We never got to practice as one complete team, so it was incredible to see them do so well and have a great time. We just wanted them to get some experience. For the rest of the team, besides our champs from last year, it was their first time experiencing a state level tourney." According to Cline, "We have a really young team, but our numbers were up in players from last year. We were able to field a girls', boys', and co-ed team in the Open Play division. We did incredibly well for having such a young team." Madison-Grant fielded 13 players, and only 5 of these team members were in high school, the rest were all in Jr. High grades according to Cline. (con't)

Madison-Grant Argylls take the field.

W. Flannery represents MG 

Each team at the event played 12 matches, the winner of each match is the first to 12 or the highest score after 30 minutes. Madison-Grant came up against Mississinewa in the final round and fell to the older team with one win out of three by the co-ed team 12-8. Mississenewa took the girls' match at 12-7 and the boys' match 12-2. 

W. Flannery represents MG 

Events by Champions Together are a day of inclusion and celebration along with the competition. Deckard said of the young team's initial start for the day, "it was a combination of a lot of different emotions. For some our kids it was their element, for others it was a little more reserved. By the end, everyone was able to participate fully. We had dance breaks between games to keep it fun. It wasn’t just a competition but having a good time with peers from other schools. They were able to make friends and form those relationships." A student and parent coach also joined the team for the day to encourage and keep the Argyll's spirits high. Cline said of the team, "We are proud of the way our kids handled themselves and the sportsmanship they showed. They learned about adversity and how to handle it. Being gracious winners and losers- a fantastic learning event for them." The highlight of the day came when Madison-Grant played Franklin Central according to Cline, "One of the things we got to see in our match was fantastic- both teams were coaching each other on how they could improve and do better. It's really is what champions together is about." 

For more information check out Champions Together, Madison-Grant United School Corporation. 

Argylls push 2A No. 1 Wapahani to the Limit by Scott Hunt The Chronicle-Tribune

Madison-Grant's Katie Garringer takes a swing at a kill in the Argylls' 3-2 loss to Class 2A No. 1 Wapahani Wednesday.

Scott Hunt | The Chronicle Tribune

FAIRMOUNT — When it arrived at Madison-Grant Wednesday night, the Class 2A top-ranked volleyball team from Wapahani had lost just four sets all season.

Three of those came in a sweep at the hands of Class 4A No. 1 Yorktown, the Raiders only loss in 11 matches.

However, waiting on Wapahani was an Argyll team growing in confidence and ready to rumble after its runner-up finish in the Madison County tournament on Saturday.

M-G put up a mighty fight, indeed.

Momentum was a shared commodity, each team controlling play in splitting the first four sets. But it was Wapahani who grabbed it last with a four-point run to take a 10–6 lead in the fifth.

Madison-Grant's Grace Holmberg attempts a spike against Wapahani Wednesday in Fairmount.

Scott Hunt | The Chronicle Tribune

The Argylls closed back within two twice, the final time at 12–10, before Wapahani scored the final three points to escape with the 3–2 win.

“We played really well in our first two matches on Saturday (wins over Lapel and Alexandria) and I think that gave us confidence going into this one,” said Argyll coach Kayla Jump. “We were really relaxed against Oak Hill (on Tuesday) and I was a little disappointed, but maybe they were saving it up for tonight. I have a lot of optimistic thoughts about our next few matches.”

Jump said she thought the Argylls seemed relaxed before taking the court on Tuesday, maybe a little bit too relaxed for the coach’s liking given the caliber of competition.

And the Raiders gained control early in the first set by building a 12–6 lead. M-G closed within 14–12, but Wapahani pulled away for a 25–16 win.

“Usually when we play better we’re a little bit more fired up,” Jump said. “We were a little relaxed and I’m like ‘Do you know who we’re playing?’”

Jump said she made some adjustments between the first and second sets, and the Argylls responded,

“We just came out on fire,” Jump said. “I guess they listened.”

Wapahani scored the first point, but on the strength of a pair of blocks by Azmae Turner and Katie Garringer’s serve, M-G scored the next five points to take a lead it wouldn’t relinquish.

The Raiders fought back to a tie at 14 before Emma Brummet’s ace sparked a 6–1 run that ended with an emphatic kill by Garringer and a 20–15, M-G advantage. Garringer also put down kills on the final two points of the Argylls’ 25–18 win.

Wapahani built a 15–6 lead in the third set, only to see the Argylls claw back to within 17–15. The Raiders pulled away again and went up 2–1 with a 25–18 decision.

The Argylls led from the first serve to finish in the fourth set, growing leads of 15–6 and 19–9, then finishing with a convincing, 25–14 win.

The teams exchanged three-point runs early in the fifth set and the Raiders held a 5–4 lead after theirs. The set was tied at 5–5 and 6–6 before Wapahani pulled away to close out the match.

“They decided to hit different shots than they normally do to make (Wapahani) earn points,” Jump said of what most pleased her about the match. “We struggle with that. I thought after the first set we decided to do that and I was really proud of them for listening, changing our game plan, and rolling with our new game plan.”

Madison-Grant's Emma Brummet (6) and Azmae Turner put up a block in the Argylls' 3-2 loss to Class 2A No. 1 Wapahani Wednesday night in Fairmount.

Scott Hunt | The Chronicle Tribune

Garringer finished with 16 kills, Grace Holmberg added nine and Turner finished with seven kills and five blocks. Lexi Baney had four blocks and Holmberg two blocks, three aces, and 10 digs. Gabby Rudy served five aces and passed out 32 assists, while Daya Greene picked up 17 digs. Brummet had two blocks and two aces.

Madison-Grant (10–7) had its match with Blackford on Thursday postponed so the Argylls will next compete in the Frankfort Invitational on Saturday.

The Argylls will then turn their attention to pursuing a Central Indiana Conference championship. M-G is off to a 2–0 start in CIC play and hosts Mississinewa on Tuesday.

Madison-Grant has seven more matches - five CIC opponents included - and the Grant Four remaining before the quickly approaching Taylor Sectional begins on October 15.

A rematch with Wapahani could take place in the Elwood Regional a little over a month from now, but Jump said the Argylls have work to do before that happens.

"We just always have to work on our passing," she said. "I think our passing and our serving has to get better to compete at a level (of Wapahani). We’re going to have to really, really work on our passing to make it come together.

Argyll Netters Repeat Sweep of Frankton by Rob Hunt The Herald Bulletin

Nick Evans, Madison-Grant’s No. 1 singles player, hits a strong forehand shot during his match with Frankton’s Logan Smith on Wednesday. Evans won the match, 6-0, 6-1.

John P. Cleary | The Herald Bulletin

FAIRMOUNT - The overall team result was the same as when they met August 26 in the first round of the Madison County Boys Tennis Tournament, with Madison-Grant posting a 5–0 win Wednesday over Frankton.

But there were differences, and the first was at the top of the roster. Argylls senior Nick Evans made short work of Frankton’s Logan Smith 6–0, 6–1 in the No. 1 singles match. It was a matchup that was much closer last month, but Evans learned from that meeting, was aggressive from the outset, and improved to 10–1 this season.

Madison-Grants' No.1 singles player, Nick Evans, returns a backhand shot.

John P. Cleary | The Herald Bulletin

In the earlier meeting, Evans struggled with his backhand against Smith, something the Frankton junior tried to exploit this time around.

But Evans was ready.

“Today, it was a lot better, and I feel like he, at first, wanted to go to my backhand a lot,” he said. “When he found out it was a lot better than last time, he didn’t really know what to do.”

It was an effort worthy of praise from the coach of the opposition.

“(Evans) is probably the best I’ve seen this year,” Frankton coach Mark Hartley said. “He just throws so many things at you. He’s got a wicked topspin, a wicked backspin. He’s got a great serve. He’s got a second kick serve. He just throws the kitchen sink at you. He’s incredible.”

Evans credited M-G coach Tony Pitt with helping him prepare for the rematch.

“We’ve seen some of the results he’s had, and Logan is a nice player who has beaten and competed with some nice players,” Pitt said. “We knew that ahead of time and told Nick to be ready from the get-go, and he did what he’s been doing all year.”

In the remaining singles matches, there was more fight from the Eagles. In a match that featured many long points, M-G senior Jace Gilman prevailed 6–2, 6–3 over Frankton junior Jacob Davenport in the No. 2 match while Jackson Manwell made it a singles sweep for the Argylls with a 6–2, 6–1 win over Frankton’s Braxton Walls at No. 3.

No. 3 singles player for Madison-Grant, Jackson Manwell, returns a shot against Franktons' Braxton Walls.

John P. Cleary | The Herald Bulletin

“That’s been our strength all year,” Pitt said of the singles play. “They’ve been our solid go-to, our lineup has changed a lot at doubles. We basically have eight players who are good enough for those four spots, but that’s been our constant is the singles. Those seniors have been through the wars before. They played those spots last year, and they just continue to do what they do.”

The Argylls made it four-match sweeps as Clayton Hall and Mason Richard defeated Eli Maines and Sam Hartley in No. 2 doubles 6–2, 6–2.

While seemingly dominant elsewhere, the Argylls had to show some perseverance in the No.1 doubles match.

Jace Gilman, No. 2 singles player for Madison-Grant, returns a shot as he plays up on the net during his match with Frankton’s Jacob Davenport.

John P. Cleary | The Herald Bulletin

Frankton’s Ayden Brobston and Ethan Friend took the first set 6–3 — after initially falling behind 3–1. But Lance Wilson and freshman Christopher Fox roared back to dominate the second set 6–1 to force a third. Wilson fought off a pair of breakpoints and eventually served out the final game as the Argylls took the third set 6–3.

“The overall score is going to look lopsided again, but Madison-Grant is tough,” Hartley said. “They’re leaders.”

The Eagles return home Thursday to face Madison County champion Lapel while Madison-Grant hosts its invitational Saturday, with play beginning at 9:00 a.m.

Prep Roundup: Conference, County Champions Abound by Rob Hunt The Herald Bulletin

August 30, 2020

Wednesday

The 2020 Madison County boys tennis championship began with first-round play. Defending champion Lapel and Madison-Grant each advanced with 5-0 wins over Anderson and Frankton, while Pendleton Heights pulled out a 3-2 win against Alexandria.

Gabby Rudy handed out 17 assists as Madison-Grant volleyball swept Taylor 25-9, 25-10, 25-15 while Shenandoah took care of Sheridan 25-21, 25-11, 25-19 behind 14 kills from Erikka Hill and nine aces by Bridget Lohrey.

Thursday

The Argylls recorded their biggest volleyball win of the season to date with a marathon five-set (18-25, 32-30, 13-25, 25-20, 15-7) win at Tipton. Grace Holmberg led the offense with 14 kills, Lexi Baney had 12 blocks and Daya Greene recorded 27 digs to anchor the defense. Rudy dished out 46 assists.

Saturday

Two area golf teams also won conference titles as Daleville edged Shenandoah for their fourth MEC title in six years and Madison-Grant took the CIC. Allen led the Broncos with a 93, and Shenandoah’s Craig earned medalist honors with an 86. Abbie Hostetler led the Argylls with a third-place overall score of 87.

August 28, 2020 Chronicle-TribuneArticle 

Local school corporations working together are being awarded almost half a million dollars from the GEER Fund (Governor’s Education Emergency Relief).

Eastbrook, Oak Hill, and Madison-Grant successfully teamed up to write a grant in hopes to further their chances in getting the most funds available for their schools.

“We knew we needed to update devices for our students given the possibility of more remote learning this year,” Madison-Grant Superintendent Scott Deetz said. “Our best chance to do this was to work with the partners in our community. We reached out to our neighboring corporations to collaborate and were thrilled when Superintendent Chad Cripe (Oak Hill) and Superintendent Brett Garrett (Eastbrook) joined us. We also worked with Ivy Tech, who also received funds from GEER to help support professional development as schools expand virtual programming.

“In total, our corporations were awarded $474,960,” Deetz continued. “This will make a big difference for all of us in providing the best experience for our students and staff.” 

According to Brenda McVicker, director of curriculum and assessment at Eastbrook and an author of the grant, “Funds will be used specifically to replace outdated devices for our students. In some of our schools there was a shortage due to the high usage last year. No one expected what happened last March, our students were totally dependent on devices.

“If you have an outdated device, it can cause a lot of undue stress on our students and teachers,” she continued. “We were thrilled when the grant came out as we needed this to make our devices up to date and renewable for our students so they could have a great experience.” McVicker also credited the collaboration with Ivy Tech and FiveStar Communication to help bring dollars to the school systems. The GEER Fund is designated to specifically help schools with devices and connectivity needed during remote/virtual learning. While each school has different specific needs, McVicker credited the partnerships for the big award.

“We’re really blessed, we have three school corporations who came together at the table for the greater good to make sure all our students have the best opportunities and resources available. This can only happen through true collaboration and being unselfish and saying ‘Here’s what we need, and the distribution will look different based on the needs,’” she said. “It was fantastic to work with three superintendents who put the needs of their students and staff above themselves. They have the capacity of true leadership in looking out for what is best for our students and staff. Whenever you collaborate and win, it’s a great feeling.”

Schools will be able to move quickly to replace outdated devices and get them into the hands of students, along with help for virtual connectivity as GEER Fund distributes funds. All three corporations will be able to immediately utilize funds for new devices and connectivity options.

JobSource Program Connecting Students to Virtual Learning by Ken de la Bastide The Herald Bulletin

The Madison-Grant United School Corporation is putting the finishing touches in place for preparation of the start of school next Friday, Aug. 7.

Superintendent Scott Deetz gave the school board an overview of the plan and recent updates at the regular meeting Monday.

The board approved an update revising the use of mask expectations in the plans to adhere to Governor Eric Holcomb’s recent executive order. Masks will be required for all adults and students grades three through 12, and teachers and other employees in preschool through second grade will have the authority to require the younger students to wear masks in certain situations like while on the bus.

Deetz said the most recent guidance from the state advises that if desks are all facing the same direction and at least three to six feet apart, students will be permitted to remove their masks during instructional time but will be expected to put the masks back on if getting up and passing other students for any reason.

Please read the entire article by Tim Tedeschi.

Article by Rob Hunt with The Herald Bulletin 

The Madison County area has seen more than its fair share of volleyball talent over the last decade. While no player dominated during her career like former Alexandria star and current Northwestern defensive specialist Megan Miller, there have been plenty of examples of players who have excelled in the sport in this area.

Here is a baker’s dozen of the best to set, spike, and defend on the volleyball courts over the last 10 years.

Isabel Anderson, Lapel (2015–2018) — One of the best all-around setters in recent memory, Anderson led the Bulldogs to their best-ever season of 27-6 in 2018. She was The Herald Bulletin’s Area Volleyball Athlete of the Year her senior year when she recorded 821 assists, 303 digs, 78 aces, and 136 kills. For her career, she amassed over 2,000 career assists and is the school’s all-time leader in that category.

Quincey Gary, Pendleton Heights (2011–2014) — Before going on to a great defensive career at the University of Alabama, Gary posted big numbers en route to earning the 2014 Herald Bulletin’s Volleyball Athlete of the Year award. She recorded 439 kills in 2014, including 20 or more kills in no less than 7 matches, and averaged better than five kills per set. She was a three-time AAU All-American and her club team placed third nationally when she was 13 years old.

Melody Davidson, Liberty Christian (2013–2016) — Now a redshirt junior at Butler, Davidson earned All-Big East honors as a sophomore after leading the conference with 134 total blocks last season. During her career with the Lions, Davidson was a three-time All-PAAC selection and averaged nearly three kills and two blocks per set. She recorded 215 kills last season at Butler.

Allie Hueston, Alexandria (2010–2013) — After earning the 2013 THB Sports Volleyball Athlete of the Year award, Hueston went on to play at Eastern Illinois University where she was a two-time All-Ohio Valley Conference selection as a middle hitter. In 2013, Hueston authored 634 kills and 110 blocks while also recording 38 service aces (compared to only 16 errors in 400 chances) and 200 digs. She was twice named first-team All-State and was a four-time All-Area performer.

Lindsay Ingenito, Daleville (2014–2017) — The first Broncos player to record 1,000 career kills, Ingenito helped lead the Daleville volleyball team to the school’s first-ever regional championship in any team sport in 2016. That was the second of back-to-back sectional championships for Ingenito and the Broncos. Her senior year, Ingenito led Daleville with 317 kills and was second last season for Huntington University, where she will be a junior this year when she tallied 223 kills and 37 blocks.

Blaine Kelly, Alexandria (2014–2017) — Often overshadowed by her teammate Miller, Kelly was a volleyball standout in her own right for the Tigers. The winner of the 2018 Red Haven and Johnny Wilson awards, Kelly was the first in school history to record both 1,000 points in basketball and 1,000 kills in volleyball. She was a three-time All-CIC and All-County and was named second-team All-State twice while winning three sectional and three Madison County volleyball championships.

Megan Miller, Alexandria (2014–2017) — A four-time All-State selection, Miller dominated the area during her run with Alexandria, which included the program’s first-ever trip to semistate and four consecutive THB Sports Volleyball Athlete of the Year awards. During her career with the Tigers, Miller recorded 2,600 kills, 1,799 digs, 455 aces, and 139 blocks. She was an AAU National Champion and an Under Armour All-American. After two years at the University of Nebraska, which included an appearance in the 2018 NCAA National Championship, Miller has transferred to Northwestern University, where she will be a junior this fall.

Kanani Price, Madison-Grant (2013–2016) — A key defensive specialist for so many great M-G teams, Price would go on to play at Mississippi State in the SEC. Price was a two-time All-CIC selection, was named ICGSA 2A All-State, and was selected to the North All-Star team. She recorded 475 digs her senior year, including a school-record 36 in a single three-set match and helped the Argylls win sectional and Madison and Grant county championships. 

Mary Sayre, Alexandria (2014–2017) — A third member of the 2017 Alexandria semistate team, Sayre was the setter who put Miller and Kelly in position for so many of their kills. Sayre, who played tennis at IU-Kokomo last season, recorded over 2,000 assists in her career with the Tigers, which included those three sectional and Madison County titles. In earning the program’s first regional championship in 2017, Sayre tallied 44 assists in a four-set win over Rochester.

Kate Sperry, Frankton (2016–2019) — Sperry was a big part of the revival of the Frankton volleyball program and earned the 2019 THB Sports Area Volleyball Athlete of the Year. Sperry led the Eagles to the 2018 sectional championship and a 27-win season in 2019 while recording over 1,000 kills during her career. As a senior, Sperry posted 373 kills, 64 aces, 230 digs, and 312 service receptions as the Eagles won their first-ever CIC championship in volleyball. She is now ready to begin her college career at Grace College.

Macee Rudy, Shenandoah (2013–2016) — Before becoming a standout defender and an NAIA honorable mention All-American at IU-Kokomo, Rudy was a standout all-around performer for two Shenandoah sectional championship teams. As a senior in 2016, Rudy recorded 262 kills, 51 aces, 348 digs, and 481 service receptions for the Raiders. Her Shenandoah teams won 73 games in her four seasons, including 44 during those sectional championship years.

Sloane Stewart, Madison-Grant (2014–2017) — During her time with the Argylls, Stewart was a dominating force behind a team that won a pair of sectional titles. As a senior, Stewart pounded 598 kills and had 167 total blocks with a .357 hitting percentage. She also helped M-G to both the Madison County and Grant Four championships in 2016.

Hunter Wise, Madison-Grant (2010–2012) — After leading the Argylls to the 2012 sectional championship, Wise was named THB Sports Volleyball Athlete of the Year for the second straight season. That year, the 6-foot-2 Wise pounded 533 kills and was also named first-team All-State and the Grant County player of the year for the second straight year. The Argylls were 127-18 during her four seasons and Wise was a four-time All-CIC performer before going on to a solid career at the University of Houston.

By Tim Tedeschi March 18, 2020 Chronicle-Tribune

All Madison-Grant United School Corporation employees will continue to receive their regular pay while the district holds e-learning days due to the ongoing COVID-19 situation. 

The M-G school board unanimously approved a resolution at its Monday board meeting affirming that the district will continue to pay all of its employees regardless of whether they are working during this time or not. Teachers are continuing to instruct students virtually, and some non-teacher employees such as custodians and office workers will continue to work intermittently with adjusted schedules during the school’s e-learning days, Superintendent Scott Deetz said. Others, such as special education paraprofessionals and Title I assistants, are unable to work with their students during e-learning and are not working during this time. Deetz explained while teachers and administrators continue to receive their normal pay since they are under contract, all other employees who do not have a teacher contract are not typically paid if they are not working at the school during normal school days. 

“This is a very long ask to go without a paycheck. Yes, they know Christmas break they don’t get paid, at spring break they don’t get paid. They understand that, but this is something different,” Deetz said. “...For the foreseeable future, we’ve got folks that are making $11, $13 an hour that could go three or four weeks without a paycheck and not qualify for unemployment.” 

Deetz said the move covers all employees not under teacher contracts so as not to leave any employees out as an oversight, and includes workers such as bus drivers, custodial staff, Title I assistants, cafeteria workers, office staff, and more. 

He said the resolution to pay these workers is a legal mechanism that will pertain only to school days during this school year affected by COVID-19 and would not be an “evergreen” resolution for future e-learning days for inclement weather or other reasons in future school years. 

“So that allows us to legally continue to pay folks even though they’re not coming into the job and that could satisfy any accusations of ghost employment,” Deetz said. “It’s very straightforward, but yet something we never thought we would have to ask for.” 

Business Director Shaela Smith told the board tax revenues and funding for enrollment is still coming into the school as usual, so the paychecks for all employees will continue to be paid out of the typical revenues. She said she is keeping track of all employees being paid who are not working and any other additional expenses the district incurs due to COVID-19 with the hope that reimbursements and grant funding will be made available in the future.

The News-Sun

Wednesday, March 4, 2020

Fairmount, IN- The Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) recently announced Madison-Grant United School Corporation was the recipient of a $50,000 Digital Learning Community Advisory Grant. For 2020, grants were awarded to districts focused on building digital initiatives around the purposeful and strategic integration of technology into instruction. 

"Immersing children in a curriculum centered around technology and community establishes an academic environment whereby current and future success is certain to follow," said state superintendent Dr. Jennifer McCormick. "I congratulate our awarded districts for their commitment to creating lasting partnerships within local communities, and for their continual efforts to making a positive impact in the lives of students." 

With a continued spotlight on enhanced technology integration, IDOE expanded the digital learning grant to include a focus on building community partnerships. Eligible partnership opportunities also provided matching grants by way of monetary funding or in-kind services. 

Along with the expanded focus, 2020 Digital Learning Community Advisory Grants centers around connecting academic concepts to real-life applications, both in the classroom and abroad. By doing so, schools can maximize relevancy and engagement, thus transforming K-12 education for students. This year's grants requested schools further develop technology integration capacity through implementing transformational initiatives in one of three areas - Instruction and Learning, Leadership and Development, or College and Career Ready. 

In total, 52 districts were awarded nearly $2.5 million in funding, with grants ranging from $19,000 to $56,000.

Madison-Grant announces its partnership with Waterford.org as an addition to their early childhood curriculum as yet another piece of curriculum to round out a cutting-edge education through their early childhood programming. Waterford.org “seeks to blend the best aspects of learning science, mentoring relationships, and innovative technologies to form community, school, and home programs that deliver excellence and equity for all learners.” The program is currently being offered through Madison-Grant’s early childhood education programs and is being utilized in the classroom. Dr. Scott Deetz explains how Madison-Grant uses the tools provided by Waterford.org, “it's a vehicle for pre-k students to deliver curriculum that lends to academic development for our students. It’s part of our foundational curriculum that is in concert with live teaching. In our pre-k classroom, for example, a teacher is working at a center, then we'll have some students working independently through the software and monitor the progress on teacher assigned lessons based on level and interest that can adopt to students.” 

Madison-Grant extended their offerings in their community this year with the addition of the Argyll Adventure Academy, a STEM focused pre-k. Dr. Scott Deetz  says, “The intent of our early childhood programming, regardless of the program, is to develop a sound social and emotional foundations that will last through their career.” The addition of a STEM specific preschool is only one aspect says Deetz, “The steps we have taken is to have STEM related activities in each one of our pre-k programs. We went above and beyond to find outside funding through the Department of Education and grants to help develop our teachers professionally and also provide them with top notch resources like additional robots, computers, circuit boards, and software to deliver hands on experiences to our pre-k classes so our transition into our k–12 program is virtually seamless because this is the same focus we have in the rest of our system.” Waterford.org is an exciting part of this STEM focus in supporting teachers and students to be kindergarten ready as Waterford.org believes, “while every individual has the capacity for growth at every stage of life, childhood academic experiences are uniquely critical for setting a lifetime learning trajectory.”

For the first time since the 1990s, Madison-Grant Jr./Sr. High School received a membership with the National FFA Organization. FFA is an intra-curricular student organization for those interested in agriculture and leadership.

Rachel Dilts hands the four-year olds blue pegged geoboards. One student sits at a desk while others lie on their stomachs on a rug pulling rubber bands around the pegs to make squares, rectangles, and trapezoids. The exercise is part of a science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) lesson at the Argyll Adventure Academy at Summitville Elementary School, believed to be the only STEM-related program serving Madison County preschoolers.

"I think it helps the students having hands-on learning where they're doing it themselves instead of all on paper," Dilts said. "They are a lot more involved when it's hands-on instead of so much paper."

Open to 15 four-year olds, the Argyll Adventure Academy is one of three preschool classrooms at Summitville, through it is a separate program from the other two. Please take a moment to read the entire Argyll Adventure Academy article.

We'd like to congratulate our educators listed below for their achievements in becoming Google Certified Educators! Our team at Madison-Grant focuses on providing the best education possible for our students. They spent part of their summer pursuing professional development to achieve this certification through coursework and testing. Congratulations on your achievement and dedication to education! Always ready to inspire, challenge, and cultivate excellence in every Argyll.