Return to Headlines

MCS Kicks Off School Year With Institute Day

Madison City Schools officially launched the 2021-2022 school year for employees today, exactly one week before the Aug. 4 school start for students.
It’s called Institute Day, the annual all-hands meeting of school and district employees where service awards are given, district teacher and staff members of the year are announced, and an address from the superintendent and inspirational speaker.

crowd shot in auditorium of teachers

Schools Superintendent Dr. Ed Nichols charged employees to love their students and celebrate the giftedness in each of them.

The keynote Speaker was Louisville, Ky. native Patrick Henry Hughes (patrickhenryhughes.com), who rose above his lifelong blindness and physical disabilities to become a talented musician, performer and public speaker.

guest speaker Patrick Henry Hughes at piano on stage

Dr. Nichols welcoming guest speaker Patrick Henry Hughes to stage with Patricks father behind wheelchair

Board and Dr. Nichols seated on stage

Dr. Nichols left employees with this thought about dealing with difficulties in life: "How often do we walk with our heads down, looking at the dust and missing the beauty? Look up. Don't miss the beauty."

Flanking him on the stage at the end was a line of kids reflecting the diversity of Madison City Schools, which has families representing 86 different languages as their native tongue.

Board Vice President Luis Ferrer reminded MCS employees that students "come from all over the world and the U.S." and live in Madison. Many who move here choose Madison City Schools because of its reputation as a top performing school district.
"Today, we recognize your excellence. We not only are lucky but are blessed to have you."

Mill Creek teacher Kiley Rikard was named Elementary Teacher of The Year and James Clemens teacher Kristen Steele was named Secondary Teacher of the Year. System Nurse Bonnie Davis was named Staff Member of the Year.