Patriot University News Letter
First Quarter Updates
This is intended for parents and guardians of freshmen students at
Madison High School. We hope this keeps you up-to-date with all of
the amazing opportunities your child is currently being introduced to
as a member of Patriot University.
Patriot University is Madison High
School’s version of the freshmen
academy model. This movement is
headed by a great group of
teachers who are committed to
making the transition to high
school as smooth as possible for
every freshmen student. This is
accomplished by providing a
small, personal learning
community that fosters a culture
of rigorous academic standards.
(pictured above)
(pictured below)
Freshmen students enjoyed a field trip to Western Carolina University
through the GEAR UP Grant.
Meet Our Patriot U Administration!
National FFA Convention Results
(including many freshmen): A total
of 29 Madison FFA members
attended the 89th National FFA
Convention in Indianapolis, IN. All
members competed in the national
contests, attended the 3+ acre
College & Career Expo, were
inspired by motivational speakers
during convention sessions, and
transformed during Leadership
Development Workshops.
Tina Thorpe is Madison High School’s assistant
principal leading the Freshmen Academy. Her
teaching philosophy is founded in “Give
respect, get respect” which leads to mutual
respect. She has been with the Madison County
school system for 9 years with a background in
CTE business & marketing. Mrs. Thorpe’s role in Patriot U. is crucial,
being part of every parent communication and having an open door
policy for the students. Her goal for the freshmen class is to be
successful and ready for the career and/or college pathway of their
choice. She promotes a team atmosphere and is excited for the new
school year!
Tina Thorpe contact information: (828) 649-2876 ext: 308
[email protected]
Important Reminders
Parents can access student attendance and current grades through the
Powerschool app. Please contact the school if you do not have your
parent portal information.
Students may attend SMART Lunch tutoring for extra time or help on
assignments. This is mandatory for students with a current < 70
average. The SMART Lunch schedule is as follows: Science-Mon. MathTues. English-Wed. History-Thurs. Electives-Fri.
2016 - 2017
Patriot University News Letter
First Quarter Updates
This is intended for parents and guardians of freshmen students at
Madison High School. We hope this keeps you up-to-date with all of
the amazing opportunities your child is currently being introduced to
as a member of Patriot University.
Gear Up Grant Moves Up to the
High School
Two years ago Madison County schools,
along with 10 other Western North
Carolina counties, became part of
Appalachian State University's Gear Up
grant. This is a federal grant that is
awarded to states or entities within a
state to improve post- secondary
(programs after high school such as
College, Technical schools, or certificate
programs) enrollment. The grant is
structured to start serving 6th graders in
year one, and then adding a grade a year
until a cohort of 4 grades is reached. The
grant operates for 7 years, following the
first year's 6th grade all the way through
high school. GEAR UP stands for, "Gaining
Early Awareness and Readiness for
Undergraduate Programing." The grant
serves ALL students and their families with
a variety of services that are designed to
help them prepare early for life after high
school, and to make plans for the future
that include education after high school.
This year the Gear Up grant began serving
students at Madison High school. So far
this year the grant has provided a 9th
grade transition to high school program
and parent information night at the start
of school, an in-school math tutor working
to improve math skills, access to
Tutor.com, (an on-line active tutor
program that allows students to text
questions and receive tutoring from a live
tutor), two 25 machine computer carts, a
9th grade trip to Western Carolina
University, and next week will begin an
after-school tutorial program two days a
week with bus transportation.
“We are excited to be working at the high
school this year, and continuing to build a
greater college going culture for our
students," said Tom Field, Gear Up grant
coordinator for the county. " There is so
much evidence that students who start
planning early for a career, and have the
desire to go on to some kind of advanced
training, are more likely to be successful in
high school and in life," said Field.
(pictured above)
Freshmen Metals 1 - Staying busy and making chips in the MHS
Advanced Manufacturing Center while earning an AB-Tech
college credit.
Pictures of recent Carpentry and Masonry projects…
Madison High’s FCCLA Club took a trip to
Madison County Animal Services - NC ! We were able to donate 4 bags of pet food,
canned food, dog treats, toys, 30 student-made fleece blankets, and $177.88 that was
raised at Madison High School! They only thing we couldn't provide was foster families,
and they are in dire need! Please think about fostering, adopting, or donating if you can!
A huge thank you to everyone who helped and donated this week!!
Important Reminders
Attendance Policy Reminder: Each student has 8 days
excused/unexcused per class for fall semester. The fall semester ends
Jan. 13, 2017 (weather permitting). Attendance waiver can only be
requested for true medical emergency.
All freshmen are highly encouraged to join a club, play a sport,
participate in band/color guard or become connected in some way to
obtain the fullest high school experience.
2016 - 2017