Madison Middle School

It was a big week for our Mustang performing arts programs. Madison was well represented yesterday at the annual VUSD festival of the arts. Our drama and band programs performed, and student work was on display from our 3D art and wood shop programs.

Under the direction of Zach Squibb, the Mustang Jazz Band performed a lively set featuring “Kool Bean,” “Moonlight Magic,” “Die with a Smile,” and “Maynard Waynard.” Many students showcased their versatility by switching instruments mid-set, and several had the chance to shine as soloists. Jazz Band is a Period 0 class, so students arrive early to practice before the school day begins. Their preparation and commitment were on full display throughout the performance. Jazz Band is a Period 0 class, so students arrive early to practice before the school day begins. Their preparation and commitment were on full display throughout the performance. And Ms. Nackley's drama club performed a variety of comedy sketches, where students showed their silly side and their improv skills.

And last Tuesday on campus, our cadet and advanced choirs shared their talents at a concert joined by the Grapevine and Breeze Hill Elementary School choirs, with Mustang band instrumentalists adding featured solos to accompany the performances. Families and friends filled the audience to cheer on our students during an evening of music and connection. Opportunities like these help students build confidence, grow as performers, express their creativity, and connect with others through music.

In the classroom last week, students in Mr. Brace’s math class explored ratios while enjoying lemonade! Each student received three cups with different amounts of lemonade concentrate and added water to discover how equivalent ratios could make all three cups taste the same. This hands-on lesson connected math to a practical, everyday example, making learning both engaging and refreshing.

Over the past two weeks, students in Ms. Carr's 6th grade social studies class have worked hard in teams to create their very own civilizations! And last week students shared their work in class. Using the G-SPRITE framework—Geography, Social Structure, Political/Government, Religion, Intellectual Achievements, Technology, and Economy—they collaborated to design a civilization and bring their creative ideas to life.

The project helped students see how these parts of a society connect and shape people’s daily lives. By sharing ideas, solving problems, and making decisions together, students applied social studies concepts in a creative, hands-on way.

Be sure to read below and check out what's coming up this week, including the before and after school activities, as well as the community resources. We also hope to see you at our 8th Grade Haunted House at the Lake elementary Trunk-or-Treat event. Please reach out to let us know how we can support!

Thank you for reading, and have a great week!

Tom Berger

Principal

October 19

• Normal Late Start Schedule: Students attend all classes (10:00am - 3:35pm)
• Halloween Grams on Sale During Lunch

October 20

• Regular Schedule: Odd Periods (9:00am - 3:35pm)
• Halloween Grams on Sale During Lunch

• Regular Schedule: Even Periods (9:00am - 3:35pm)
• Make Up Picture Day
• Halloween Grams on Sale During Lunch
• Ballet Folklorico (4:00pm - 5:00pm)
• Boys Flag Football Game (vs. Sharks/4:30pm | Away)

October 22

• Regular Schedule: Odd Periods (9:00am - 3:35pm)
• Girls Volleyball Game (4:30pm / Away)
• Halloween Grams on Sale During Lunch

October 23

• Regular Schedule: Even Periods (9:00am - 3:35pm)
• Halloween Grams on Sale During Lunch
• Trunk Or treat & Haunted House (5:00 - 7:30pm / Lake's Parking Lot)pm

October 26-30

• Red Ribbon Week

October 30

• Halloween Celebration

November 5

• Coffee with the Principal " Disaster Preparedness" (9:30am / Room "B")

November 11

• Veterans Day (No School)

November 18 & 19

• Minimum Day Schedule (9:00am - 12:00pm)
• Parent /Teacher Conferences

November 23 -27

• No School (Thanksgiving Break )

Be sure to check out a message and special video from our counselor, Ms. Kathy, about bullying prevention month!

These are exciting before- and after-school activities that give students the chance to explore their interests, discover new talents, build friendships, get extra help, prepare for classes, and HAVE FUN!

✨ There’s something for everyone! ELO isn't just about getting help with homework. Students can try new things, connect with classmates and teachers, develop new skills, and discover activities they might love!

📅 How does it work? It’s EASY!
✅ Check the ELO schedule linked below.
✅ Choose an activity that interests your child.
✅ Just show up! No advance sign-up is required.
✅ Students sign in for attendance when they arrive.

📢 The schedule is updated weekly as new opportunities are added. Activities may occasionally be canceled if a teacher is absent, so be sure to check for updates!

Parents, encourage your Mustangs to step out of their comfort zone, try something new, and take advantage of these amazing opportunities! There’s a whole world of learning beyond the regular school day, and we can’t wait to see what they discover! 🐴✨

Hearing from our students, families, and staff is a vital part of what we do and how we craft menus. We have been testing new items for our future menu and want to hear from you! Please take our brief survey and make sure that your voice is heard as we develop our new menus. Thank you!

In order for volunteers to help in classrooms, labs, or outdoor spaces, here are the requirements:

• Must complete the VUSD Volunteer Application and Sign the Code of Conduct
• Copy of your ID
• Must complete mandated reporting training for this school year. The training can be done through Keenan or any other approved company as long as we get a certificate of completion. For example, if you’ve completed the training for another district or their employer.

1. Keenan Option: Volunteers can create a Keenan SafeSchools account using a specific district Registration Key (4392b4f8 ) to complete the modules independently. You must share the certificate of completion with the sites prior to volunteering. **Important Procedural Note: For individual training, volunteer accounts are deactivated overnight due to database updates. Volunteers must complete the training in one sitting and download their certificate immediately, as they will lose access the following day. Please email your completion information to: betsabemahn@vistausd.org or bring your certificate of completion to our office.
2. California Department of Education Option: Volunteers can complete the training here: https://mandatedreporterca.com/. This option may offer more flexibility, but there is a $10 fee to access the certificate once you have completed the training.

SSC is an advisory committee combined of parents, teachers, staff, and administration that reviews school goals, improvement plans, and funding.

Follow the Madison Mustangs and stay connected with our learning community journey! Join us on Facebook and Instagram for updates, Information, celebrations, and highlights throughout the school year.

• Facebook Official School Page:
• Madison Middle School VUSD
• Facebook Community Liaison Page:
• Madison MS Community Liaison

• Instagram:
• madisonmms_vista

Madison Activities Calendar

VUSD Calendar -- English

VUSD Calendar -- Spanish

Miss a week? Click HERE for previous newsletters.