Obituary of Polly Scott

Polly Scott, 53, passed away on the 23rd of March after a long crusade against cancer. Polly was born on June 6, 1964, in Summit, to Glenn and Martha (Legler) Erickson. She graduated from Madison High School in 1982, later earning her Montessori teaching certification, a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and a Master’s degree in Special Education. She taught at Rainbow Montessori School in Madison for 22 years, and in 2010 founded The Learning Laboratory, a tutoring and education center, in Madison. Alongside teaching, one of her greatest passions was aiding and advocating for special needs children. She volunteered for the Statewide Parents Advocacy Network and Madison’s Parents Special Education Support Group, helping families obtain appropriate education services for their children. Polly leaves a legacy in the field of education through her students and coworkers. 

She is survived by her father, Glenn Erickson; her daughter and son in law, Nicolle and Rick Bernard; her son Glenn Eric Atkinson; two grandchildren: Richard Bernard III and Mary Bernard; her sister Jenelle Erickson Boyd; her nephew Jason Erickson; her niece Jackie Zimmer; and countless dear friends. Polly was a proponent for laughter in the face of challenge, and encouraged everyone she knew to dream, believe, make a difference, and have fun doing it.  

A memorial service will take place at the United Methodist Church in Madison on Monday, April 2nd at 3pm. A small reception will follow the service, for family and close friends.