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March 14, 2025

 

Dear Madison Community:

I do not know about you, but the sunshine this week has been glorious.  After a long, dark winter, the extra daylight has brightened moods; and for our elementary and middle school students, the opportunity to get outside has helped them to focus more in the classrooms.  With the harsh winter, our spring clean-up may take a little longer as the plows definitely got a workout.   

As most of you are aware, on Tuesday night, the Board of Education named the district’s next Superintendent – Mr. Daniel J. Rambler.  I would like to personally welcome him to the Madison community.  Mr. Rambler has a diverse background and will be a great addition to our Blue Streak family.  I know first-hand that Mr. Rambler is excited to be in Madison and is looking forward to meeting our students, staff, and families.  As a part of our Good News Newsletter, we are sharing the press release about our new superintendent.  A future newsletter will contain a feature article about him so the community can begin to get to know him. 

Our Wrestling and Indoor Track teams had an amazing finish to their season.  Boys’ wrestlers Chase White and Izaiah Siler finished 8th and 6th in their respective weight classes. Taylor McAdams is the first girls wrestler to place at the state tournament, and she finished 8th.  Our Indoor Track team also did well in its state meet, with Eric Raddkiwski placing 8th and Bryce Brock placing 9th in shot put, and Addison Wesley placing 13th in shot put for the girls. 

I also want to congratulate all the students that were inducted into National Junior Honor Society on Monday.  There were 33 students in sixth and seventh grade inducted.  On Tuesday, March 18, 2025, 21 sophomores and juniors will be inducted into National Honor Society at Madison High School. The ceremony will start promptly at 6:00 p.m.  Thank you to Emily Grau for all her work with both these groups.  We will be featuring them in the newsletter next month.    

MEA is once again sponsoring their Bunny Breakfast on Saturday April 5, 2025.  All information is in the attached flier.  It was a huge success last year and helps to fund scholarships for our students.  Speaking of scholarships, I encourage parents of seniors to look at the updated Scholarship page at https://highschool.madisonschools.net/guidance-1/guidance-1-clone and encourage your students to apply.  Many of the scholarships listed will be awarded at the Senior Awards Program on Wednesday, May 14 at 6:00 p.m.

Our newsletter this week also features articles about our High School STEM activities and the music department's success at OMEA.  Our alumni feature focuses on Will Tankersly, MHS Night Head Custodian.  Please take time to read what is going on in the district.  If there is something you would like to know more about regarding the district,  please email me at angela.smith@madisonschools.net.  

 I hope you have a great weekend!  There is only one more week until Spring Break  #MadisonStrong!

 

Sincerely, 

Angela Smith 

Superintendent

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Madison Local Schools is pleased to announce the hiring of Daniel J. Rambler as the district’s next Superintendent. Following an extensive search and selection process, completed in partnership with the Educational Services Center for the Western Reserve, the Madison Local Schools’ Board of Education unanimously voted to appoint Rambler at a special meeting held on March 11th, who will officially assume the role on August 1st.

Rambler brings twenty-three years of experience in education. He currently serves as Superintendent for Sandusky City Schools, where he has led the district since 2022. He previously served as Director of Student Support Services, Central Office Administrator and Coordinator of Student Services, and Assistant Principal for Akron Public Schools. Prior to that, he taught language arts for five years at Norton Public Schools.

Rambler earned a Bachelor of Education from the University of Akron, a Master of Educational Leadership from the University of Cincinnati and is working on a Ph.D. through Concordia University.

Board of Education Member, Brian Horvath, who obtained professional references as part of the board’s due diligence process said, “Colleagues and board members we contacted from both, Akron and Sandusky schools, all spoke highly of Mr. Rambler and recommended him without hesitation.”

Board Member Jean Sency said, “Mr. Rambler’s record of leadership and improving student achievement made him the right choice to guide our district moving forward. He has my full support.”

“In every position Mr. Rambler has held, his career core revolves around championing students and helping them achieve their full potential. Mr. Rambler values shared decision-making as a fundamental necessity for creating positive climates for students, educators, staff, and families.” said Board Member, Jeff Thompson.

“We are pleased to welcome Mr. Rambler to the Madison Local Schools family,” said Michelle Hayes, Vice-President of the Madison Local Schools Board of Education. “He brings a wealth of knowledge and skills that will lead Madison Schools into a new era. We are confident he will be a transformative leader for our district.”

In accepting the position, he expressed enthusiasm for joining the district. “I want to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of our educators, staff, students, families, and community members who make Madison such a special place. I am excited and honored to have the opportunity to serve the students, families, and staff of Madison Local Schools.” said Rambler.

Board President, Shawn Douglas, thanked the Educational Services Center of the Western Reserve saying “The ESC’s extensive experience assisting local district’s recruit and support Superintendents was vital throughout this process. We are grateful to their entire team!”

The posting for the position generated twenty-three applications. The Board chose seven candidates to interview and brought forward three candidates for final interviews. Key stakeholder groups, including parents, business owners, senior citizens, community leaders, and staff members provided valuable input considered by the board prior to interviewing candidates. Representatives from those groups provided additional input to the Board after meeting individually with each of the three finalists.

Congratulations to our MHS Music Department on their fantastic performances at the Ohio Music Education Association (OMEA) District Large Group Contest at Mentor High School this past Friday! Three of our ensembles performed, earning high ratings, and the Wind Ensemble will now proceed to the OMEA State Large Group Competition!

For the competition, each group performed multiple pieces for a panel of judges, who then rated the group’s entire performance based on a five-rating scale. Rating I (Superior) is the highest rating a group can achieve, denoting an “outstanding performance with very few technical errors and exemplifying a truly musical expression;” and Rating II (Excellent) as the second highest, noting “a strong performance in many respects,” but not to the level of the Superior; these two are then followed by three more rating categories (OMEA General Information). 

Congratulations to our ensembles who participated:

• Wind Ensemble – earned a Superior (Rating I)
• Astrape – earned a Superior (Rating I)
• Symphonic Band – earned an Excellent (Rating II)

“These types of events are such a positive experience for the students, as well as the Madison Music Department,” states Brett Tomko, Director of Bands. “OMEA is a professional organization made up of band, choir, orchestra, and general music teachers from all over the state. Some of these teachers become adjudicators – and they are the ones listening to the ensembles and giving comments.”

At MHS, the Band program features two bands that are split by ability based on an audition process; this includes the Symphonic Band (58 members) and the Wind Ensemble (48 members), with the latter being the competitive ensemble. MHS also has three choirs, which include Concert Choir (54 members), consisting of both male and female voices; and two audition-based groups: Eclectica, the show choir (25 members); and Astrape, a treble choir featuring female voices (19 members). 

These groups are fortunate to be led by  a phenomenal team of instructors: 

• Ryan Zavoda, Director of Choirs & conducts Astrape
• Brett Tomko, Director of Bands & conducts the Wind Ensemble
• Ally Germ – new to our team from Slippery Rock University (PA) – Assistant Director of Bands & conducts the Symphonic Band

At the OMEA Large Group Contest, the Symphonic Band, Wind Ensemble, and Astrape each played three pieces for the panel. There are many requirements that go into the Directors’ thought processes as they choose their pieces, including a required piece of music off a predetermined list provided by OMEA. 

Mr. Tomko states, “I consider this event like our ‘state-testing,’ as we have colleagues giving feedback on our daily work in the classroom, and students receive a sense of accomplishment for their hard work. The bands have participated in these events before, and these are typical ratings for the Madison Music Department.” 

With the Wind Ensemble and Astrape both receiving a Superior rating, the ensembles will now move onto the next level: the OMEA State Large Group Contest. “Two of the pieces our groups performed at the District Large Group Contest will be performed again at the State Contest,” explains Mr. Tomko. The third piece must be switched out for a new one, with the goal of performing the new combination of pieces at a higher level than what was achieved at the previous contest.

“It has been a wonderful challenge for our students, and truly something they have taken ownership of; they are a wonderful and hardworking group of students. I am immensely proud of who they are as individuals and what they have accomplished as a group,” Mr. Tomko finishes. 

Check out what our students played below: 

Symphonic Band

1. Alamo March by Karl L. King
2. Winds of Celebration by Tyler S. Grant
3. Energy by Adrian Sims

Wind Ensemble

1. Above the Line by Bryce Newton
2. Halcyon Hearts by Katahj Grant
3. Mesa Dances by Gavin Lendt

Astrape

1. Gloria Deo by Victor C. Johnson
2. The Water is Wide arr. Jason Webb
3. Horizon by Emily Crocker

Congratulations to our students and our Music Department, and good luck to the Wind Ensemble and Astrape as they progress to the State Contest!

 

 

In our rapidly evolving world, Madison Local Schools prioritizes an education for our students that sets them up for success as they prepare to take on life in the workforce. We strive to offer myriad opportunities for our students to explore, one of which is STEM classes, which stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. These areas of focus play a large role in our society, driving innovation, creating numerous job opportunities, and more. 

Our MHS STEM classes are incredibly active, creating real-life comparisons and applications, fostering critical thinking and problem-solving, and offering events that continue to open our students’ minds to the possibilities surrounding them. Recently, MHS STEM students attended the NEOSTEAM Symposium, a program designed to enhance STEM and STEAM (with the added “A” for Arts!) pedagogy and programs for Northeast Ohio students and educators. The event was held at Lake Erie College with ESC of the Western Reserve, and centered around medical careers, encouraging students to pursue math, biology, and STEM biomedical science courses in high school. 

This year, the event featured an inspiring all-female panel of professionals, including a physician’s assistant, physical therapist, medical doctor, veterinarian, and professors – all of whom shared insights into their careers and education paths, as well as answering students’ questions. 

Students participated in five engaging STEM activities, including suturing, origami, a robot tug-of-war, soil testing, and medical demonstrations like ultrasound, CPR, 3D body scans, and lung breathing exercises. 

“STEM career events such as these can be incredibly beneficial for high school students by offering various forms of support that enrich their learning process,” states Dean Wadd, Industrial Technology and STEM with PLTW (Project Lead the Way) instructor. These opportunities support and create:

1. Exposure to Real-World Applications: These events often feature professionals from diverse fields – such as this year’s panel of professionals listed above – who demonstrate how STEM subjects are applied in real-life situations. This helps students see the practical value of their studies and how their classroom knowledge can be translated into careers. 
    
2. Networking Opportunities: In providing students with the chance to meet and interact with professionals, mentors, and peers who share similar interests, networking allows students to ask questions, seek advice, and potentially form connections that may lead to internships or other career opportunities. 
    
3. Hands-On Experience: Many STEM events involve interactive activities or workshops, giving students hands-on experience with technology, engineering challenges, or scientific experiments. This enhances their understanding and makes abstract concepts more tangible. 
    
4. Inspiration and Motivation: Attending events where professionals share their career journeys can inspire students. Learning about the various paths within STEM careers can motivate students to pursue higher education or careers in fields they might not have considered before. 
    
5. Skill Development: Through STEM events, students can also develop crucial soft skills such as problem-solving, teamwork, communication, and critical thinking, all of which are important for success in STEM careers.
    
6. Insight into Diverse Careers: STEM events often highlight the wide range of careers within the field, from engineering and computer science to healthcare and environmental sciences. This broadens students' perspectives and helps them understand that STEM careers can align with a variety of interests.
    
7. Encouraging Diversity: Many STEM career events actively work to engage underrepresented groups in STEM, creating an inclusive environment. This not only supports diverse talent but also helps break down barriers that may prevent some students from pursuing these fields.

Mr. Wadd adds, “By providing access to information, mentorship, and hands-on learning, STEM career events play a vital role in motivating high school students to continue their education in these fields and pursue rewarding careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics.”

If your student is interested in STEM, we recommend exploring the MHS’s Engineering or Biomed Pathways. 

 

Madison Local Schools is fortunate to have many dedicated and skilled alumni who graduated from MLS and knew what they wanted to do: rejoin our School community and support the district in a new way. We are constantly impressed with and thankful for the love they pour back into our buildings. This is why we are providing this column, “The Alumni Spotlight,” where we will regularly feature just a few of the incredible alumni who spend their time giving back to our students. All of our alumni and staff deserve recognition for their efforts, and we are honored to be able to share a few of these individuals. 

This week, we’d like to spotlight William Tankersley, who began attending Madison Schools in August of 1991. A 2005 MHS graduate, Mr. Tankersley pursued higher education at Ohio Valley University before returning to MLS as the Night Header Custodian at Madison High School. 

While he no longer lives in town – a Painesville resident! – Mr. Tankersley believes contributing to the Madison Community uplifts the younger generations. He says, “Being involved in MLS is important because of making a difference in the students’ lives. MLS helped me learn how to work hard and do a good job, and now I’m on the other side of it and get to see us making a difference.” 

One of Mr. Tankersley’s favorite memories from his time at MLS goes all the way back to Kindergarten, with the letter people parade – where they dressed up as letters of the alphabet! Today, he is thankful to be involved with the district and assist in making fun moments like that happen for our students. “I have made a lot of good friendships here – and we all help each other with the common goal of helping the students grow into good people.”