A Word From Our Principal

Dear  Madison School Families,

Welcome to our 2024-2025 school year.  I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself.  I am Dr. Michael Heiner, your new principal. I am extremely honored and excited to be here at Madison School, and look forward to an amazing school year.

I have been with the Anaheim Elementary School District for 27 years, serving as a classroom teacher (multiple grade levels), Teacher On Special Assignment, Vice Principal, and Principal.  I most recently served as principal of Franklin School.  My entire education has been local.  I attended Horace Mann School, Sycamore Junior High School, Anaheim High School, and California State University, Fullerton, where I received my Bachelors Degree, Teaching and Administrative Credentials, Masters, and Doctorate.  I am married with two grown children, and a dog named Norm.  

I have several hobbies, but to say I am a baseball fan is an understatement.  I will talk baseball, with anyone willing to listen, for hours.  My wife, Diane, and I experience the beauty and tranquility of the ocean every chance we get.  It is by far my favorite place to be.

In the short time that I have been here at Madison, I have seen the incredible commitment all staff have for students, families, the community, and each other.  It is nothing short of inspiring.  I have also felt the strong connection between our school and our families.  I cannot wait to meet everyone and continue this incredible journey and partnership.  

Madison School has a proud history of successfully meeting the needs of every student and exceeding goals and expectations.  We look to build on this and continue to move Madison School forward as a leader in education!

In addition to strong academic programs for Language Arts, Mathematics, Science and Social Sciences, Madison School has been a part of an award winning music program, offering music instruction for all students.  We are a one-to-one district with technology, so every student receives their own device.  We provide Coding for all students, knowing the role technology plays in the things we do everyday.  We focus on the “whole child”, understanding that emotional wellness is crucial to their success, providing Social-Emotional Learning and support through our Community Of Support Team (CoST).     

Safety is a priority at Madison School and your input is valued.  All visitors must check in at the office before entering campus, including all volunteers.  We schedule emergency drills and hold safety committee meetings regularly.  All staff are trained and practice evacuation and various safety procedures.  Your recommendations, suggestions, and comments are always appreciated.  We look forward to your input during Back To School Night (August 28, 2024).  Safety is a team effort.

Please contact our office if you are interested in the Anaheim Expanded Learning Opportunity Program.  This program provides students with the opportunity to participate in a wide range of diverse after-school activities centered around eSTEAM-D education, Social Emotional Development, Academic Support, Student Leadership, and Student Voice.  We are happy to have Ms. Suzanne Velarde, Leadership Assistant, to lead this program.  Please feel free to contact her, by calling our office, should you have any questions (714-517-8935). 

I am lucky to have Mrs. Tamela Crowe here as our co-administrator.  She has helped me become acclimated to Madison School, allowing us to hit the ground running.  Her experience and support has been invaluable.  

Working together with our Family and Community Engagement Specialist, Ms. Ana Aguilar, we will continue to build a strong home school connection, knowing that parent involvement is an essential component to student success.   

These are just a few things I wanted to share.  I feel like I could go on forever talking about all the great things here at Madison School.  As you can see, I am very excited about being here and will do my very best to exceed expectations, always keeping the focus on students, and serving families.

I look forward to meeting you at our first Principal/Vice Principal coffee chat, also known as my “Meet and Greet” on Wednesday, August 14, 2024 at 7:45 am.  If you are unable to make it, please feel free to contact our office and I will be sure to meet with you.  In short, I am here for you and your children.  I prioritize my availability to reflect this.  Unfortunately off campus commitments and various meetings may impact my availability.  I truly appreciate your understanding.

We are going to have a tremendous year full of fun and learning as our Mustangs continue “Growing Stronger Every Day!”

Best wishes,
Dr. Heiner

Go Mustangs!