The Magruder Memo

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Dear Magruder Families,

Quarter 2 is officially underway, and our Mustangs are off to a focused and energetic start! As our students settle into their second-quarter routines, we are prioritizing strong academic momentum, positive habits, and clear goals for the weeks ahead.

Quarter 1 Report Cards Now Available

Quarter 1 report cards are now complete and accessible online! Please check your email and log into PowerSchool to review your student’s official grades. As you review the report card with your middle schooler, be sure to take a close look at both academic marks and citizenship grades, as well as individual teacher comments, which offer valuable insights into classroom participation, work habits, and growth. Step-by-step instructions for viewing report cards in PowerSchool can be found here.

No School Wednesday November 11th

Remember, there will be NO SCHOOL next Wednesday, November 11th in observance of Veterans Day. We extend our deepest gratitude to all the veterans and active-duty military members in our Magruder community for their service and sacrifice.

The Book Fair is Back Next Week!

We are thrilled to bring host the Scholastic Book Fair starting next week to foster a love for reading across our entire school community! Mustangs can visit and shop in the library during snack and lunch. Parents and guardians are welcome to join us after school to browse and purchase books together until 3:30 PM.

This Issue's Principal's Parent Challenge: Digital Citizenship & Roblox Guidelines
Navigating technology with middle schoolers requires ongoing communication and clear boundaries at home. To support you, our district regularly publishes Family Tech Tips to help families navigate digital safety, social media, and healthy gaming habits together.

Your challenge this issue is to dive into the district's digital resources and have a 10-minute digital check-in with your student:

Explore the TUSD Digital Family Tips Hub: Visit the district's TUSD Digital Family Tips Site to view weekly articles and browse archived topics designed for families.
Review This Week’s Feature on Roblox: Sit down with your student to read this week's featured article focused on Roblox. Discuss family screen-time expectations, review account privacy settings, and establish clear guidelines for online gaming safety.

If you are looking for additional resources, be sure to review the November issue of Helping Families Learn for additional strategies to support your child's academic and personal growth at home.

Warmly,

Keely Hardage
Principal
Magruder Middle School

Save the Date

Week of Nov 9 - Book Fair in the library
Nov 11 - Veteran's Day, No School
Nov 12 - Volleyball @ Calle Mayor
Week of Nov 16 - Gratitude Spirit Week, keep an eye out for spirit days!
Nov 17 - Early College Info Night for 8th grade families at 6pm on zoom
Nov 19 - Volleyball vs. Hull
Week of Nov 23 - No School, Thanksgiving Holiday
Dec 3 - Volleyball vs. Jefferson
Dec 4 - Family Lunch Day, don't forget to pre-register!
Dec 4 - Winter Dance 5-7pm
Dec 8 - PTSA Association Meeting
Dec 10 - Volleyball @ Richardson
Week of Dec 14 - Holiday Spirit Week
Dec 15 - ELMAC Parent Meeting
Dec 15 - 6th Grade Toy Fair

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

Our students took learning to new depths during an immersive, multi-day environmental trip to the Catalina Island Marine Institute (CIMI)! Immersed in hands-on oceanography and marine biology, students applied classroom concepts to real-world marine ecosystems. Taking on fresh challenges in the field builds resilience, fuels curiosity, and reinforces that learning extends far beyond textbook pages.

Communication and Collaboration

Chemistry turned hands-on and colorful in 7th-grade science! Using jelly beans and structural toothpicks, students collaborated in small lab teams to construct physical models of various molecules and learn how atomic bonds form. Working together to build and analyze 3D structures required active peer dialogue, precise technical communication, and collective problem-solving.

Leadership and Character

Our Mustangs proved that positive choices pay off! Students who consistently modeled exceptional character, kindness, and campus leadership redeemed their hard-earned "Mustang Moments" (PBIS tokens) for a special walking field trip to Chick-fil-A. Walking into our local community together, these student leaders demonstrated outstanding responsibility, courtesy, and Mustang pride as representatives of our school.

Civic Engagement and Global Citizenship

Spanish 1 classes deepened their cultural understanding by studying the history and significance of Día de los Muertos and crafting traditional ofrendas (altars). To extend this learning campuswide, Mrs. Fraga created a central school ofrenda, giving all Mustangs a meaningful opportunity to honor heritage, appreciate global traditions, and celebrate the rich cultural diversity that strengthens our school community.

Healthy Habits and Life Skills

Throughout Red Ribbon Week, our campus focused on highlighting and celebrating students who commit to making positive, healthy life choices every day. Through interactive discussions and spirit days, our Mustangs explored the impact of personal wellness, peer support, and drug-free living. Prioritizing physical health, mental well-being, and positive decision-making equips our students with essential life skills for a successful future.

Magruder Announcements & School Reminders

Student Newspaper Now Available!

Please enjoy the Magruder Journalism Students’ Magruder News! Issue 2, Volume 4! Student spotlights include school events, local news, staff interviews, music reviews, a recipe, and more!

Join Cardio Club!

Interested in boosting your cardio? Join Cardio Club! See Mr. Bermudez for specific dates and stop by on Monday after school in room 7.

8th Grade Updates

8th Grade Pledge Drive Status

Thank you so much for all of your incredible support so far! Thanks to you, we have already raised $4,191 toward our $7,000 goal, with 21% participation from our families.

We are getting closer every day, and we need your help to cross the finish line by November 13 so our 8th graders can enjoy a special movie night this December! If you haven't had a chance to donate yet, every bit makes a difference.

You can check out our progress and donate on the Magruder Class of 2027 99Pledges Page: https://app.99pledges.com/fund/magruderclassof27 (If you want to manage your student’s personal page, just search your inbox for the email from “Magruder Class of 2027.”)

Thank you for helping us make these memories for our kids!

T-shirt design contest - We received 7 student designs!

We will announce the results and provide the ordering link no later than November 20.

SAVE THE DATE — 8th grade committee meeting will be on November 17 at 6pm via zoom. We look forward to planning with you!

Volleyball snack bar — November 19

Come support our Mustangs and our 8th grade fundraising at our first home game of the volleyball season! Enjoy a snack, a drink, or a delicious hot dog!

TUSD Early College Program Info Night

Attention all 8th Grade students and parents! Do not miss out on the chance to learn more about the Early College Program that TUSD offers. See below for details, including the zoom link!

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!

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