Text Box: Principal’s Message Welcome to James Madison Senior High School and the High School for Meteorology and Space Science. This year we will focus on three priority practices: getting to school on time, wearing ID badges and the dress code. During the 2009-2010 school year, we will also continue to focus on becoming an exemplary school. Traditionally, our school has provided a comfortable and safe environment in which students may grow in intellect, physical stature, and ability. We will strive to develop good character, integrity, leadership, a respect for others and a spirit of competitiveness for academic achievement. Our goal is to establish a culture where positive relationships among students, parents, and all staff members become one of the most important aspects of life on Madison’s campus. This culture will foster caring, sharing and learning. We expect all students to be responsible, accept responsibility for their actions, develop self-discipline, focus on learning and be dedicated to this school and to the community. Students should strive to meet and exceed the standards required by the State and HISD. The faculty and staff at Madison want the best for our students and we will continue to do what is necessary to ensure that our students are successful. The information provided in this handbook is very important. I sincerely hope that you will read this information and discuss it with your parents so that you may become familiar with what is required and expected of you as a student at Madison. We look forward to a very successful school year on this campus and with your help we will have a VERY GOOD YEAR! Dr. Aubrey Todd Principal

History

On September 8, 1965, James Madison Junior-Senior High School was opened for 2,003 students, 793 of whom were Senior High School Students. By the end of 1967, Madison Junior-Senior High had reached an enrollment peak of 2,700. In January of 1968 the Junior High School population was transferred to the newly-opened Dick Dowling Junior High School, and at that time James Madison Junior-Senior High School became James Madison Senior High School. In the fall of 1981, the student population of Madison was extended to include the ninth grade; the enrollment during that year reached a peak of 2,236.

In the fall of 1965, the faculty and students of Madison were welcomed to their beautiful new school by Principal Arthur D. Herring, Assistant Principal Dr. Dale H. Perkins, and Dean Rosamund Glosup. These administrators, along with the teachers, students, and members of the community, determined the policies for the new school.  The Marlin was selected as the school mascot, the school colors chosen were blue, white, with a hint of red.

Mrs. Carrie R. McAfee assumed the duties of principal in 1974 after Mr. Herring’s retirement from HISD. Her appointment as the first black female principal of a Senior High School established a precedent for the Houston Independent School District and the state of  Texas. Mrs. McAfee remained at Madison until 1989.

Mrs. Ada T. Cooper was assigned as principal in 1989. In July 1992, she became HISD’s Director of Grant Writing.

Mr. Warner D. Ervin, former principal of Ryan Middle School, assumed the duties of the principal at Madison in July 1992. Madison became a magnet school for Meteorology and Space Science in 1995 and a partnership was established with Channel 2.  In 1997, a  grant from Madison's business partner General Electric for $250,000.00 was used for the implementation  of a College Bound Program.

In 2001, Ms. Gloria J. Legington began leading Madison High School as principal. During her tenure as principal, Madison has developed its academic programs and technology usage. Some of the highlights are:

· Renewal of the College Bound Grant ($250,000.00)

· "Recognized School" for 2001-2002; 2002-2003; and 2003-2204 School Years

· Implementation of Dual Credit Classes--Houston Community College

· Increased number of Advanced Placement Classes and Advanced Placement Certified Teachers

· Recognized as one of the Top 50 Schools in the "High Schools That Work Initiative" for 2002-2003; and 2003-2004 School Years

· Smaller Learning Communities Grant

· Named  the " Just For Kids-High Performing School", for 2003

· Recognized as one of the "Five Best High Schools in the State of Texas (Based on academic performance demonstrated by students)

· 2004 NASA Explorer School Grant

· Implementation of the "Reach-Back Program"-(Seniors serve as tutors to students in the Elementary Schools in the Madison Feeder Pattern.   

· First Place HISD Combined Charity Donation Program 2003-2004