The Magruder Memo

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Dear Magruder Families,

Thank you to everyone who joined us for Back to School Night this week. It was wonderful to connect in person, share our vision for the year, and see parents walking in their students' footsteps. If you were unable to attend or simply want to review the presentation materials and information shared by teachers and administration, you can find those resources here.

During Back to School Night, we spoke about the importance of establishing simple, consistent habits at home to help middle schoolers navigate their independence while remaining supported. That brings us to this issue’s Principal’s Parent Challenge!

This Issue's Principal's Parent Challenge: The 5-Minute Sunday Routine
We challenge every Mustang family to implement a quick 5-Minute Sunday Routine with your student to start each week off on the right foot:

Backpack: Tidy your student’s backpack together. Does it need to be cleaned out? Are there loose papers that need to be organized?
PowerSchool: Log in together to check current grades, attendance, and any missing assignments.
Schoology: Review class materials and upcoming project deadlines or tests for the week ahead.
iReady / Clever: Access ELA & Math lessons and explore available enrichment opportunities.
Connection: End with a meaningful check-in question: "What is your top focus or goal for this week?"

Setting aside just five minutes every Sunday evening creates structure, reduces stress on Monday morning, and builds a strong partnership between home and school. For even more resources to best support your student, click to read September's edition of "Helping Students Learn".

Lastly, don't forget to join our Skecher's team! This is our main PTSA fundraiser of the year and if we hit 100 walkers by September 19th, we will get a $500 bonus. Our goal is $15,000 and every dollar raised comes directly back to Magruder!

Thank you for your continued partnership and for all you do to support our Mustang community.

Warmly,

Keely Hardage
Principal
Magruder Middle School

Save the Date

Sept 11 - Last day for orders for PE Clothes or Spirit Wear!
Sept 15 - School Site Council 3:30pm on Zoom
Sept 17 - Soccer @ Hull
Sept 19 - Join our Skecher's team! If we get 100 walkers by September 19th we get an extra $500 bonus!
Sept 21 - Non-Instructional Day, no school
Sept 22 - Back to School Dance tickets on sale! Students must be in good standing to attend.
Sept 24 - Soccer vs. Richardson
Sept 25 - Back to School Dance 4:30-6:30pm
Sept 29 - Club Day
Sept 29 - ELMAC Parent Meeting 6pm
Sept 30 - Make Up Picture Day
Oct 1 - Family Lunch Day
Oct 1 - Soccer @ Bert Lynn
Oct 2 - No School, Teacher Professional Development

Portrait of a Magruder Mustang

What is a Portrait of a Graduate? It is the TUSD collective vision that articulates the desired outcomes of all K-12 students in Torrance Unified, including competencies and personal qualities that positions them for success in life and career.

At Magruder, Mustangs embody these skills and characteristics in a variety of ways every day—both inside and outside the classroom.

Growth Mindset and Lifelong Learning

Science came to life this week as students tackled a hands-on "liquid layers" lab to explore the concept of density. Working in teams, Mustangs formulated hypotheses, experimented with varying liquid densities, and analyzed their results in real time. This interactive approach encourages scientific inquiry, problem-solving, and a mindset that embraces learning through experimentation.

Communication and Collaboration

To foster a sense of belonging and mutual respect, students and classes engaged in Community Circles. These structured sessions give students a safe space to share perspectives, practice active listening, and build stronger bonds with their peers. Fostering open dialogue early in the year builds the strong communication foundation our students need both in and out of the classroom.

Leadership and Character

Our School Resource Officer, Officer Crofton, spent time with all of our 6th graders discussing digital citizenship and online responsibility. Students learned how personal choices online reflect their character, how to protect personal privacy, and how to practice integrity in digital spaces. Demonstrating positive leadership and respect online is a core part of building strong character.

Civic Engagement and Global Citizenship

In Social Studies and ELD classes, students engaged in meaningful lessons focused on September 11th. Students explored historical context while gaining a deeper understanding of our history. These discussions help our Mustangs develop global awareness and a grounded understanding of civic connection.

Healthy Habits and Life Skills

To help our Mustangs stay cool during recent high temperatures, students enjoyed a special popsicle treat during lunch! Beyond a fun break, this provided a practical moment to highlight daily physical wellness habits, such as staying hydrated, recognizing heat safety, and looking out for one another during warm weather.

Magruder Announcements & School Reminders

Vote for School Site Council Parent Representatives

If you have not already, please make sure to vote for up to 3 parents representatives to serve on Magruder's School Site Council. Voting is open until 9/13.

Our first meeting will be held on 9/15 at 3:30pm on zoom.

Homework Club Available After School

Attention all Mustangs! If you are looking for a quiet place to do homework after school, stop by room 8 on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, or Thursdays from 3:30-4:30. Any questions ask Mr. Bermudez

Order your 26-27 Yearbook now!

It’s time to start thinking about the 2026–2027 Yearbook! Every year we sell out and you do not want your student to miss this opportunity.

Click here to purchase your yearbook

8TH GRADE PARENTS ONLY!
We are now accepting baby photos for our 8th grade section! Please email a baby photo of your student to Ms. Perez at perez.melanie@tusd.org by December 18th.

8TH GRADE DEDICATIONS
Want to celebrate your 8th grader with a special dedication in the yearbook? Space is limited, so don’t wait! Purchase a dedication space here.

Thank you for helping us make this year’s yearbook extra special!

Eat Fantastic 8th Grade Fundraiser!

Come support our 8th grade class by visiting North Torrance Eat Fantastic Tuesday, September 15, any time of day (7AM-9PM). Just show the flyer below and 20% of your purchases will go to the Magruder class of 2027. Walk-in, Drive-thru, and Phone orders are all eligible.

Also if your student is an 8th grader, bring your student and come join us at 6pm at Eat Fantastic to kick off the 8th grade planning! We look forward to meeting you!

Join the PTSA for free admission to the Back to School Dance!

Don't forget the back to school dance is quickly approaching on September 25th and all students who are PTSA members will get in free to the dance. Tickets will go on sale in a few weeks so skip the line and join the PTSA today! Remember students must be in good academic standing to attend.

Be on the lookout for more information about the Skecher's walk coming soon!

TUSD Announcements and Reminders

Expanded Learning Program (ELOP) Application Now Open for this School Year

The application for this year’s Expanded Learning Opportunities Program (ELOP) is now open. The program provides after-school care, academic support, enrichment activities, and a safe environment for TK- 6th grade students outside of the regular school day. Space is limited. Priority enrollment is given to students who qualify for free or reduced-price meals, foster youth, and students experiencing homelessness. Families interested in enrolling for this school year will need to complete an application.

Application Link: https://tusd.arux.app/

For more information, please visit our website.

North High Updates

Reminder! Magruder students are welcome to come to North High School football games but students must be accompanied by THEIR parent or guardian (no older siblings) for the entirety of the game.

NO drop offs, backpacks, bikes, e-bikes, scooters, skateboards.

All TUSD discipline rules apply!

What is CYBHI Billing?

Did you know Torrance Unified can be reimbursed for wellness and mental health services we already provide to students, at no cost to families? This funding, part of a statewide initiative called CYBHI, stays within our district, goes directly toward expanding and sustaining these programs, and it never affects your personal insurance.

The easiest way to help is by adding your child's insurance information during annual PowerSchool registration. If that information isn't on file, our partner Care Solace may reach out to collect it, so completing registration now saves everyone a step.

Questions? Contact your child's school counselor.

Launch Your Teaching Career with the South Bay Teacher Residency!

The application window for the South Bay Consortium Teacher Residency Program is officially closing on September 18!

Through this unique partnership between Torrance, Lawndale, and Wiseburn Unified School Districts, you can earn your Master’s degree and teaching credential in just one year while gaining hands-on classroom experience with a mentor teacher.

Program Highlights:

Financial Support: Receive a $40,000 residency stipend, a 20% National University tuition discount, and access to additional grants/scholarships.
Credentials Offered: Programs available in Dual Immersion Bilingual Spanish (K-8), Special Education, and Single Subject Math or Science.
Career Path: Benefit from priority hiring for a full-time position upon completion.

Submit your application early, as spots are filled on a rolling basis!

Learn more and apply today at tusd.org/sbcteach.

Follow Us!

To keep up to date on events and activities at our school, please follow us on Instagram and Facebook or visit our school website here.

Find Past Magruder Memos here.

Save the Date Save the Date

Portrait of a Magruder Mustang Portrait of a Magruder Mustang