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Madrona Family Memo

Our Wildcat Motto: Be Responsible, Be Respectful!

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Madrona FamilyMemoOur Wildcat Motto: Be Responsible, Be Respectful!

Saturday, September 12, 2026

Greetings, Madrona Families.

Welcome to this weekend's newsletter! We have an exciting and busy week ahead filled with important school events and opportunities to connect with our school community. Here is everything you need to know:

Dates & Events

Tuesday, September 15 – Back to School Night (5:15 PM – 7:00 PM)

  • 4:45 PM: ELMAC Meeting in Room 27 with Mrs. Rokugawa (only for families with students in our English Language Development Program )

  • 5:15 PM: Madrona PTSA Association Meeting & School Administration Welcome

  • 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM: Classroom Visits!


On Monday, your student will bring home a goldenrod-colored sheet containing their completed class schedule and a school map. Please be sure to bring this with you to guide your classroom visits during Back to School Night!


Thursday, September 17 - Student Club Rush! Information booths on Nielsen Lawn during lunch (by the school office) Students will have the opportunity to learn about clubs on campus.

Friday, September 18 – School Photo Day

  • Photos will be taken during PE classes in our gym. Note: Students enrolled in ISPE will be called in during the school day to take their photos.

Friday, September 18 – Aloha Dance Hosted By the Madrona PTSA (5:00 PM – 7:00 PM)

  • Students: Don't miss out on the fun! Please make sure to have your parent/guardian complete the online permission slip form and purchase your tickets in advance.

Calendar & Bell Schedule Reminders

  • Tuesday, September 15: Regular Late Start Schedule

  • Wednesday, September 16: Late Start Schedule (First warning bell rings at 9:20 AM), students taking THS classes will need to report to THS before their 8:30 am start time

  • Monday, September 21: No School/Non-Instructional Day (TUSD Day Off)

  • Friday, October 2: No School (Staff Development Day)

Wishing you a restful weekend! See you at Back to School night! Go Wildcats!


With gratitude,

Sue Key, Ed.D., Proud Principal

Madrona Middle School

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click here for access to the fillable Back to School Night Bell Schedule & Map.

Madrona PTSA Updates! Madrona PTSA Updates!

Welcome Back Student Dance - Tickets & Parent/Guardian Dance Permission Form

  • Purchase dance tickets here: https://madronaptsa.square.site/
  • Permission form - Don't forget! This must be completed by a parent/guardian for students to attend the dance.
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Trunk or Treat and Halloween Festival - Friday, October 9

The Trunk or Treat and Halloween Festival is a fun community event for Fern, Hickory and Madrona families and one of Madrona PTSA's biggest annual fundraisers. This event will take place on Friday October 9th. Sign up your business, community group, or family to host a trunk.

PTSA Volunteers Needed

The PTSA needs you! Sign up to volunteer on a planning committee or at one of our events. Please note the Torrance Unified School District volunteer requirement updates.

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Direction donation/membership

Calling all Madrona families! The PTSA is holding our annual direct donation and membership drive and we need your support! Join the PTSA to benefit from our membership perks and have a voice in our initiatives!


Donate to the PTSA to support our events and programs for students and teachers! Certain donation levels will receive awards, including raffles for first in line entry and 5 minute student early lunch dismissal to Midday Mingle, Dr. Key and Mrs. Schiappa-Gobee's parking spots for Midday Mingle or other Madrona events, and a special fall gift basket!

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8th-Grade Family Updates!

Support the Madrona Class of 2027.

8th-grade Family Volunteers are needed. Sign-up today!

Contribute to the 8th-grade Direct Donation Fundraiser!

Purchase a 8th-grade Promotion Bundle for your Student!

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Complete the Universal Benefit Application Now!

We request that all Madrona families fill out the Torrance Unified School District Educational Benefit Form. Please type "Torrance" in the search bar to select "Torrance USD (Torrance, California)" from the drop down menu. Completing this form take only a few minutes helps us secure vital funding for our students and can qualify your family for free resources!

Madrona's Portrait of A Graduate Weekly Spotlight Madrona's Portrait of A Graduate Weekly Spotlight

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Students in Mrs. Snider’s Beginning Band class showed off fantastic growth mindset! Mentors from Advanced Band and Torrance High Band hosted an after-school "Instrument Petting Zoo," giving beginners hands-on experience trying out different instruments before choosing their top three to learn. Wonderful work to both our new musicians and dedicated mentors! Thank you, Ms. Snider!

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Wildcats! Join Madrona's Homework Club!

Calling all students with a growth mindset! Homework Club is a quiet space open to ALL students to complete homework (or) get help from the supervising teacher or peer tutors. Get your homework done before going home!


3:30-4:30 pm - Sign-up for one, two or all three days!

  • Mondays (Room 14 w/Mrs. Bloomfield)
  • Tuesdays (Room 27 w/Mrs. Rokugawa)
  • Wednesdays (Room 6 w/Ms. Wulpern)
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Ms. Wooldridge’s & Ms. Aceves' 8th-grade Social Studies classes are kicking off their American Revolution unit. Students are diving into everything from key geographic challenges and causes of the revolution to the Declaration of Independence, major battles, and lasting impacts. To kick off the unit, Ms. Wooldridges's students wrote and shared original "Common Sense" poetry using historical terminology. Awesome job, 8th graders!

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Introducing Madrona's 2026-27 School Site Council Representatives!

School Site Council (SSC) members work together to provide input on school policies and monitor the budgeted funds of the LCAP (Local Control Accountability Program for the Single Plan for Student Achievement. The council comprises eleven or more members serving two-year terms and includes staff, parents/community representatives including the principal and assistant principal, teachers, classified staff, student representatives, family/parents and/or community members. Non-elected community members are welcome to attend SSC as non-voting guests. SSC meets 5 times per year, 3:30 pm via Zoom. The Zoom link and meeting agenda will be shared with our school community in our newsletter and on our website a week prior to each meeting,

2026-2027 School Site Council Meetings

  • Council Meeting #1 - Tuesday, September 22, 2026
  • Council Meeting #2 - Tuesday, November 17, 2026
  • Council Meeting #3 - Tuesday, January 12, 2027
  • Council Meeting #4 - Tuesday, March 2, 2027
  • Council Meeting #5 - Tuesday, April 27, 2027


Our SSC Representatives for 2026-27 include:

    Chairperson - Dr. Sue Key, Principal
    Vice-Chair/Advisor - Alisa Schiappa-Gobee, Assistant Principal

    • 2 Teachers/Certificated Reps - Sky Heussenstamm (Year 2), Cameron Krumpe (Year 1)
    • 4 Parent & Community Reps - Liana Osborne/7th-grade Parent (Year 2), Sunny Joo/6th-grade Parent (Year 2), Diana Limon/7th-grade Parent (Year 2), Amy Brownstone/7th-grade Parent (Year 2)
    • 1 Classified Representative Cynthia Chavez , Staff Assistant
    • 3 Student Representatives (Year 1): Emily N., Kaden W., and Heleina S.

    TUSD Superintendent Advisory, Madrona Representative - Liana Osborne/8th-grade Parent


    Thank you, Madrona Community Representatives!

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    Introducing Madrona Student Leadership!

    Our Student Leadership team works hard to make Madrona a fun and vibrant community for everyone! From recognizing birthdays (and half-birthdays for summer celebrations!) to planning spirit weeks and hosting high-energy quarterly assemblies, they bring so much school spirit to our campus.

    Get Ready for Spirit Week! Mark your calendars for the week of October 19 as we lead up to our Quarter 1 Assembly! Here are the fun daily themes:

    • Mustache Day

    • Polka Dots vs. Stripes

    • Meme Day

    • Class Color Competition

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    Madrona Club Rush! Madrona Club Rush!

    Madrona’s Annual Club Rush Day is happening this Thursday, September 17, during lunch on Nielsen Lawn (by the school office)! This is a great opportunity for students to explore our wide variety of student-led clubs, including Friendship Club, Game Club, Math Club, Ultimate Frisbee, Art Club, Dungeons & Dragons, Cinemas Club and many more. Encourage your student to stop by and find a group that fits their interests!

    Join Art Club! Thursdays After School (3:16 -4:16 pm) Join Art Club! Thursdays After School (3:16 -4:16 pm)

    Our Art Club students gathered for their very first after-school meeting of the year! To kick things off, Mr. Heussenstamm (Mr. H) had students vote on a creative theme for their inaugural session. The winning pick was "Summer," and our talented artists immediately jumped into bringing their ideas to life! Art Club meets every Thursday in Mr. H's Room 26. All students are welcome!

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    Madrona Shout Outs to Students Madrona Shout Outs to Students

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    • Thank you Enoch Yang for your donation of school supplies that will support our classrooms, we appreciate you! ~Madrona Team
    • To all of my students- I am so proud of you for putting up with this heat and giving 100% effort. You are all rock stars. Your perseverance is amazing. ~Mrs.Bloomfield
    • Shoutout to Emily Fournier for always being up to assisting classmates master their lockers. -Ms. Cassie
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    Staying Cool & Keeping Up the Wildcat Spirit!

    Despite the recent heat wave, our Wildcat students did an incredible job staying safe, hydrated, and focused! Our staff monitored students for signs of heat exhaustion and reminded them to stay off the blacktop and fields, and to take frequent breaks. Teachers rotated classes into available air-conditioned, cooler spaces, and under shaded trees and kept physical activity light during peak temperatures.


    A huge thank-you to our dedicated Staff! Thank you to our Madrona Cafeteria staff (Ms Latasha, Ms. Tina & Ms. Stephanie) for serving delicious and nutrious food, keeping ice-cold water flowing and for assisting with Otter Pops and popsicles distribution over the past two weeks!

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    Madrona Soccer Update!

    Join us in cheering on our athletes this season. We hope to see you there! Madrona PTSA will be hosting a snackbar fundraiser at all home games.


    Madrona Girls & Boys Soccer Schedule:
    • Thursday, September 17, 2026

      • Event: Madrona vs. Casimir Middle School (Home)

      • Details: Boys play first (4:15 PM / 5:15 PM)

    • Thursday, September 24, 2026

      • Event: Soccer @ Jefferson Middle School (Away)

      • Details: Girls play first (4:15 PM / 5:15 PM)

    • Thursday, October 1, 2026

      • Event: Soccer vs. Richardson Middle School (Home)

      • Details: Boys play first at 4:15 PM

    • Thursday, October 8, 2026

      • Event: Soccer @ Magruder Middle School (Away)

      • Details: Girls play first at 4:15 PM

    • Wednesday, October 14, 2026

      • Event: Final Soccer Game vs. Central Area Rival Hull Middle School

      • Location: THS Zamperini Field @ 6:00 PM

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    PE Uniforms & Online Ordering

    This uniform order is optional. For families who would like to purchase a uniform, the online store is open! Orders will be fulfilled in 2-week batches during September. Items will be delivered to PE classes in labeled bags.


    Note: Students enrolled in a Physical Education class are required to wear a red top (t-shirt or sweatshirt) and black bottoms (shorts or sweat pant), socks, and sneakers for PE. This can be any red t shirt and black shorts/sweat pants that appropriate for physical fitness/exercise that your student already has at home.

    Important Dates* Important Dates*

    September

    • Tuesday, 9/15 - Late Start Tuesday & Madrona Back to School Night - (5:15 pm/Admin & PTSA Welcome in the Gym, 5:30-6:30 pm Classroom Visits)
    • Wednesday, 9/16 - Late Start (Period 1/9:20 am) Wednesday due to Back to School Night
    • Thursday, 9/17 - Madrona Soccer vs Casimir, 4:15 pm/5:15 pm
    • Friday, 9/18 - Madrona Picture Day (during PE class periods)
    • Friday, 9/18 - Welcome Back Aloha Dance, hosted by the Madrona PTSA 5-7 pm, Cafeteria. Tropical attire is encouraged! (see flyer)
    • Monday, 9/21 - No School/Non-instructional Day
    • Tuesday, 9/22 - Late Start Tuesday - 9:20 am/first bell rings (9:25 am start)
    • Thursday, 9/23 - Madrona Soccer vs Jefferson, (Away, Girls 4:15 pm/Boys 5:15 pm)


    October

    • Thursday, 10/1 - Madrona Soccer vs Richardson (Home, Boys 4:15 pm/Girls 5:15 pm)
    • Friday, 10/2 - No School/Staff Professional Development Day
    • Thursday, 10/8 - Madrona Soccer vs Magruder (Away, Girls 4:15 pm/Boys 5:15 pm)

    • Friday, 10/9 - Trunk or Treat Halloween Festival. Madrona PTSA fundraiser fall festival inviting the Fern and Hickory Elementary and Madrona Middle School communities.

    • Thursday, 10/15 (TBD), Madrona Soccer vs Central Area Rival Hull MS (Boys First/Time TBA)

    • Friday, 10/16 -No School/Non-instructional Day

    • Monday, 10/19 - Friday, 10/23 - Madrona School Spirit Week, hosted by Student Leadership! (TBA)

    • Friday, 10/23 - End of Quarter 1

      • Midday Mingle Lunch, hosted by Madrona PTSA

    More dates & events to be added during the school year. See TUSD 2026-27 School Calendar

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    Torrance HS Classes & THS Late Start Calendar

    Madrona students taking classes at Torrance High School must follow the high school bell schedule, including on irregular schedule days. On these days, students returning to Madrona will either report directly to their next class depending on when they return to Madrona or join our designated supervised study hall.


    Tuesday is Late Start schedule at Torrance High. The following Tuesdays are not scheduled as late start:

    • 9/29/26 (week of 10/2 Student Free Day)
    • 10/27/26 (College & Career Day)
    • 1/19/27 (week of S1 Finals)
    • 4/27/27 (week of ELA testing)
    • 5/18/27 (week of MATH testing)
    • 6/01/27 (week of Senior Finals)
    • 6/08/27 (week of S2 Finals)

    Madrona Picture Day is Friday, September 18! Madrona Picture Day is Friday, September 18!

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    Student & Family Resources Student & Family Resources

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    "What Was Homework?" Button on the Madrona Website!

    A new addition to the home page of our school website is a "What Was Homework" Button, which links to easy to reference spread sheets.

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    Madrona Family Guidelines for i-Ready & My Path Usage (w/ translations)

    Please review the i-Ready Parent Letter (with available translations) for helpful details on i-Ready and My Path, as well as information regarding our Beginning of the Year Diagnostic which students completed on Wednesday, September 9 (ELA) and Thursday, September 10 (Math).


    Once the system rolls over for the 2026–27 school year, TUSD will provide a new access code for Family Reports. We will share this code with families as soon as testing is complete so you can view your student's results.

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    Health Office Reminder For Rising/Incoming 7th Graders!

    Madrona Health Office emailed a reminder to Current 6th-graders / Rising 7th grade parents/guardians regarding their student's required Tdap and 2nd Varicella Immunizations for the 2026-2027 school year. If you received an email, it is important to send the Health Office your student's updated vaccination record now so there are no issues with school entry or schedule delays in the fall.


    Please Note: If you did not receive an email from the Health Office, your child is up to date on their immunizations and all set for 7th grade. Any questions, please email madronahealthoffice@tusd.org.

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    SaySomething Anonymous Reporting System

    TUSD students are encouraged to use the Say Something Anonymous Reporting System offered through the Sandy Hook Promise to keep our schools secure and our students safe.

    This life-saving service empowers you, our students, and our community members to anonymously report any concerns, including potential threats, bullying, or individuals who may be at risk of harming themselves or others. There are three ways to make a report:

    • Call the 24/7 crisis hotline counselors at 1-844-5-SayNow (1-844-572-9669)

    • Download the mobile app at Google Play or Apple Store

    • Submit a tip through their secure website

    By working together, we can create a safer and more supportive environment for everyone.
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    TUSD Online Learning Resources (Clever and Schoology)

    All TUSD students access the online version of textbooks and educational resources (including textbooks) through the TUSD CLEVER portal


    Have your student log in to CLEVER (https://clever.com/in/torrance) using their TUSD email and password to show you all of their online learning tools.

    • Schoology - an online learning management system where teachers post agendas and assignments. Family accounts are sync'd from PowerSchool, and families only if they have made an access account there - Here is our help page for families.
    • iReady - a resource teachers use to support learning in essential Reading and Math domains.
    • and more!
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    Local Technology Resources for Students & Families

    Options for students without access to computers at home:

    • The Madrona Library - computers are available for student use before school (8:15 am-8:35 am) and during lunch (Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Fridays)
    • The Madrona After School Homework Club (3:30-4:30 pm) - Monday (Rm 14), Tuesday (Rm 9) -Wednesday (Rm 6)
    • Madrona ELOP Program (3:30-6:00 pm)
    • City of Torrance - Katy Geissert Library (located on the corner of Torrance Blvd/Madrona Avenue) - Monday, Wednesday: 12:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.. Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.. Saturday: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

    TUSD & Community News & Resources TUSD & Community News & Resources

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    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.

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    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 student's school counselor.

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    Calling all K–6 students! The Water Replenishment District (WRD) invites students to showcase their creativity in the 12th Annual Student Art Contest. Winners receive a $75 Amazon Gift Card, a Certificate of Achievement, prizes, and will have their artwork published in the 2027 Water Awareness Calendar!

    • Deadline: Sunday, November 1, 2026, at 11:59 PM

    • How to Enter: Submit online at WRD's Art Submissions page, mail, or drop off your entry at WRD Headquarters in Lakewood.

    For full contest rules, flyers, and submission details, visit the WRD Student Art Contest page.

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    TUSD DevELOPment Academy

    The application for Expanded Learning Opportunities Program (ELOP) is 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 the 2026–2027 school year will need to complete an application.

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

    For more information, please visit the TUSD ELOP website.

    Support Madrona All Year Long! Support Madrona All Year Long!

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    Ralphs Community Contribution Program

    Sign up for Ralphs/Kroger Community Rewards Community Contribution Program at NO added cost to you. Use Madrona's Organization ID UF902. Click here

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    Madrona's Amazon Charitable Donation "Wish" List

    Looking for a way to help out our school? We are ALWAYS in need of tissue boxes, reams of paper, and school supplies! Donations are greatly appreciated. Madrona Middle School Wishlist Link

    If you purchase items online, please have it delivered to:
    Madrona Middle School 21364 Madrona Avenue Torrance, CA 90503 310-533-4562. Thank you! If you have items delivered to your home, please drop off at the front office (or) have your student bring items in.

    Direct Donations

    can be made payable to “Madrona Middle School” and dropped off to Madrona Staff Assistant Cynthia Chavez. We value your generosity and are committed to honoring your intentions. All contributions will be thoughtfully allocated toward meaningful initiatives, such as instructional resources or ongoing improvements to our campus facilities. Thank you for considering a gift that helps support our students and school community.


    A school donation receipt can be provided to acknowledge your generous donation, serving as proof of the donation for tax purposes.

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    Thank you, Madrona Families!

    Madrona was named South Bay’s BEST Public Middle School for 2026!


    Following our FAVORITE spot in 2025 and BEST recognition in 2024, this single-award honor belongs to our entire school family. Thank you for your continued support and for making the Wildcat community extraordinary.

    Torrance Unified School District's Portrait of a Graduate (PoG) is a 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 Madrona Middle School, we take pride in preparing your student for the transition to high school and beyond. Our focus on rigorous, relevant, and engaging academics and enriching activities ensures that your student is well-equipped for their next journey. Each week, our weekly newsletter spotlights some of the many activities that reflect our students' growth in competencies aligned to the TUSD Portrait of a Graduate.

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    Contact Us! Contact Us!

    Follow Us On Social Media & Online to keep up to date on events and activities at our school, please follow us on Instagram or visit our school website.

    School Website: https://www.tusd.org/schools/madrona

    Address: 21364 Madrona Avenue, Torrance, CA, USA

    General Email: madronainfo@tusd.org

    Attendance Office: madronaattend@tusd.org

    Main Phone #: (310)533-4562

    Sue Key, Ed.D.
    Proud Principal, Madrona Middle School
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