Madrona Family Memo

Greetings, Madrona Families!

What a fun, spirit-filled week at Madrona! Our students and staff showed incredible school pride all week long with Mustache Day, PJ Day, Meme Day, Polka Dots vs. Stripes, and Ultimate Spirit Day. Friday was the highlight of the week, featuring Ultimate Spirit, our Quarter 1 Assembly, and a fantastic Mid-Day Mingle Family Lunch hosted by our dedicated Madrona PTSA.

Yesterday, marked the last day of Quarter 1 of your student's 2026-27 school year! Teachers will finalize Quarter 1 grades the week of October 26. Official Quarter 1 grades will be emailed to families the first week of November.

Wildcat Enrichment Wheel (Period 5) Quarter Exchange!
6th-grade students enrolled in the Wildcat Enrichment Wheel (Period 5) will move onto their new enrichment class starting the week of October 26.

Attention Students Taking Torrance High Classes (via Kelsey Jimerson, THS Asst. Principal)

Tuesday, October 27, 2026, is College & Career Day at Torrance High. Regular high school classes are canceled for the day due to exams and scheduled activities.

• Do NOT report to Torrance High on Tuesday.

• Report directly to Madrona in time for your first scheduled middle school class (2nd or 3rd period). Optional Madrona Study Hall will be provided in the Cafeteria for Periods 1-2.

Highlights in This Week's Edition

• Skechers Friendship Walk

• Mid-Day Mingle photos

• Spotlights & Celebrations: Portrait of a Graduate & Student/Family Shout-outs
• so much more!

Have a fantastic weekend! Go Wildcats!

With gratitude,

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

Thank you, Madrona PTSA, for hosting this very special family event!

2026 Skechers Pier to Pier Friendship Walk - A Total of $6355 Raised for Madrona Programs!

• PTSA 6th and 7th-grade w/Team Mrs. Wong ($790/$1,000 Goal)
• PTSA 8th-grade w/Team Captain Mrs. Davis ($810/$500 Goal)
• Leadership w/Team Captain Mrs. Spotts ($2670/$4000 Goal)
• PLTW w/Team Captain Mrs. Ton ($2085/$3000 Goal)

100% of donations go back to programs. Visit each team's page to learn about fundraising goals. Thank you to everyone who generously donated and walked in person or virtually!

Don't miss this chance to learn how your student can begin earning college credits starting in 9th grade! Eighth-grade students and families interested in the TUSD Early College Program at Torrance High or North High are encouraged to attend the upcoming virtual info session. Applications for current 8th graders will open shortly after the 11/17 presentation!
Visit the TUSD Early College Page for more info

Time to show your school pride and support your Madrona PTSA! Our online Spirit Wear store officially opens on Monday, November 2nd.

This fall, we are excited to offer Comfort Colors brand 6th, 7th, & 8th grade spirit wear shirts, our classic Madrona logo hoodie, plus brand new designs to show your school spirit. Don't forget to add on a tote bag! Perfect for carrying gear or groceries (not approved for classroom use).

Important Details:

• Ordering Window: Monday, 11/2/26 through Sunday, 11/15/26
• How to Order: Online orders only starting 11/2/26. Browse and buy directly at 4dvi.myshopify.com/collections/madrona
  
  

Please note that the store closes firmly on November 15th so we can process and print all orders on time. Orders are expected for delivery in December and will be hand delivered by volunteers to your student's 4th period class.

Questions? Reach out to the PTSA team anytime at info@ptsamadrona.org.

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!

There are a few important ways you can support our 8th graders this year:

8th Grade Fundraiser

• Our 8th grade fundraiser helps support end-of-year celebration activities for our students. You can make a direct donation to 8th Grade Giving and share the link with family and friends who may also be willing to support your 8th grader.

• Now is also a great time to purchase your student’s promotion packet, which includes a lei and yard sign to help celebrate their big milestone at the end of the school year. Order yours here Leis & Signs.
  

• We are looking for parent volunteers to help sell and provide concessions at Madrona home games throughout the year.
• Volunteer Sign-Up
• Concession Supply Donations

• Stay tuned for more information! We are working on some fun fundraising opportunities throughout the year to help support our end-of-year 8th grade celebration activities.
• Thank you for supporting our students and helping make their final year at Madrona special. Please feel free to reach out to the 8th Grade Committee with any questions at 8thgrade@PTSAmadrona.org.

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.

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)

This week, 6th graders in Ms. Wulpern’s science class put their Next Generation Science Standards - Science & Engineering Practices into action! Working in teams, students constructed solar ovens based on their original prototype designs, applying their knowledge of heat transfer and thermal energy. Looking forward to see those ovens in action this week!

Shout-out to our incredible Madrona Student Leadership and Sports Management teams! Thank you for making the end of Quarter 1 so memorable. Your hard work in planning fun daily spirit themes and an action-packed assembly showed true Wildcat pride! Shout-out to our staff and students who participated in the Students Vs Staff Volleyball game!

During our Assembly, the following students received a Merit Award for Quarter, nominated by four or more of their teachers for being Respectful & Responsible. Thank you to families who were able joined us for this very special recognition!

6th-grade:

• Alicia Tseng
• Henry Carlson
• Lance Rico
• Timothy Lee
• Kassidy Ulanday
• Sakura Yanone

7th-grade

• Emma Hsu
• Ashton Chen
• Seoyeon (Alice) Yoo
• Liam Navarette

8th-grade

• Aoi Muramatsu
• Camila Navarro
• Elliette Chung
• Kaia Kinzinger
• Emma Arai

All students who were nominated by teachers will be recognized in next week's newsletter. A few of our students who were recognized were on a music program fieldtrip.

Thank you to Mrs. Ton's Project Lead the Way Robotics Student Leaders who were wonderful representatives of Madrona's Robotics and Girls Cardboard Regatta teams at the TUSD Torrance Tomorrow Event at West High School this past Tuesday! Big Shout Out to Mrs. Ton!

Attention 8th Graders! Want to run the city for a day? The City of Torrance’s upcoming Students and Government Day is scheduled for Tuesday, May 4th, 2027.

Students interested in participating must submit an essay online. The submission link is attached below, and the full event details can be found at the attached flyer. Essay Deadline: Monday, February 1, 2027 Submission Link: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/g/RSzWu68DDH

Here is a video link that highlights this year’s program and shows students what they can expect if they are selected to participate: 2026 Student and Government Day

#1 Maximum Arcuri (6:46)
#2 Yovanni Anaya (6:47)
#3 Beau Benedict (7:01)
#4 Landen Rico (7:03)
#5 Timothy Lee (7:31)
#6 Aldo Martinez (7:32)
#7 Mirai Choi (7:49)
#8 Jacob Kuba (7:51)
#9 Enzo White (7:54)
#10 Hinano Kimura (8:02)

Thank you Kaci K. & Amber M. for helping with my Red Ribbon Week Door Decorating- it looks awesome! ~Ms. Fu

A huge thank you for all my PLTW families that support our Skecher’s Walk last weekend by registering as a walker! I appreciate you! ~Mrs. Ton

Congratulations to our Mario Kart esport team: Ryan Sor, Aston Chen, Daisy Ramos, and Jacob Quezada for defeating Magruder 2-0 in our first match of the season! Good luck as we play Calle next week. ~Mrs. Ton

Thank you Emma Arai, Karina Aoki, Mason Kim, and Andrew Yamamoto for representing Madrona and hosting an information table for PLTW and the Regatta at the Torrance Tomorrow Partnership Breakfast at West High! Super proud of you for engaging with industry leaders, admin, and students! ~ Mrs Ton

Mrs. Miskimen's Super Science Students who scored 100% on their Heat Energy Quiz: Yovanni Anaya, Carl Baldauf, Beau Benedict, Henry Carlson, Rio Castaneda, Isaac Ha, Layla Joo, Jacob Kuba, Kaci Kuwada, Zoey Magsayo, Jett Thury, Joshua Vigil, Logan Villafania,

Mrs. Miskimen's Super Science Students who complete ALL 75 assignments for Quarter #1:
Yovanni Anaya, Carl Baldauf, Beau Benedict, Henry Carlson, Layla Joo, Kaci Kuwada, Leo Lee, Bruno Levy, Otoha Margraf, Kallen Poots, Grace Ramirez, Landen Rico, Jett Thury, Donovan Tran, Joshua Vigil,

Congrats to my 5th period Public Speaking Class. I am so proud of you. You did an amazing job and I'm going to miss you. Leading the way was: Henry Carlson(100%), Jude Bartel, Ryan Hashemian, Kiana Kim, Chiha Park, Roman Perez, Lance Rico, Landen Rico, Joshua Vigil, and Andrea Villarica. Take the skills you learned and apply them to your future. Best of luck. Speaking in public is no easy task. Job well done. I loved your creativity and being vulnerable. ~ Mrs Miskimen

Miskimen's Super Science Students who scored 100% on their Heat Transfer Quiz Period 1: Yovanni Anaya, Carl Baldauf, Beau Benedict, Henry Carlson, Rio Castaneda, Layla Joo, Isaac Ha, Jacob Kuba, Kaci Kuwada, Zoey Magsayo, Jett Thury, Joshua Vigil, and Logan Villafania. ~ Mrs Miskimen

Miskimen's Super Science Students who completed ALL 75 assignments for Quarter #1. This was a huge accomplishment. I am so proud of you.
Yovanni Anaya, Carl Baldauf, Beau Benedict, Henry Carlson, Layla Joo, Kaci Kuwada, Leo Lee, Bruno Levy, Otoha Margraf, Kallen Poots, Grace Ramirez, Landen Rico, Donovan Tran, Jett Thury, Joshua Vigil, Luke Chun, Madeline Frye, Mason Gonsalves, Katherine Jung, Timothy Lee, Alyssa Richardson, Dawn Shin, Alicia Tseng, and Enoch Yang. Great job!!! Mrs Miskimen

Miskimens' Super Science Students who scored 100% on their Heat Transfer Quiz period 4: Mirai Choi (who also had all 75 assignments turned in), Eugene Chong, Luke Chun, Mason Gonsalves, Adelle Hernandez, Mia Ishida, Jaden Javier, Katherine Jung, Zoey Pinkston, Alyssa Richardson, Dawn Shin, Alicia Tseng, Andrea Villarica and Ellie Yoo. Great job!

Miskimen's Super Science students who turned in ALL 75 assignments (I missed in previous shout out) Angelo Cardenas, Enzo White, Leanne Park, and Zoey Magsayo. Great job!!

To Patricia Delgado, Kaia Kinzinger, and Emily Hovsepian for outstanding performances in the MET2’s production of Annie. Bravo! ~Mr. H

Shout out to Jackson Concannon and family for the yummy sweets on Mid Day Mingle! Everyone enjoyed them -Madrona Front Office

It was non-stop action in 8th-grade PE! Mr. Amadio's students showed off their strategic moves during super-engaging rounds of Capture the Flag this week. Thank you, Mr. Amadio!

We need your help addressing a growing safety concern. We have observed a number of students riding bicycles and e-bikes unsafely, including riding on campus before and after school, as well as families reporting recklessly riding through our neighborhood streets.

Please take a moment to speak with your child about traffic laws, local helmet requirements, and the serious dangers of reckless riding. Remind them that bikes and e-bikes must be walked while on school grounds. Thank you for your partnership in keeping our students safe!

Get ready for Wildcat Volleyball! Coach Stephanie McGurk and our Boys and Girls teams are busy preparing for another fantastic intramural season. Check out the upcoming schedule, and bring your Madrona spirit and join us for our home opener on November 12!

Shout-outs from Coach Amadio & Coach Lujan:
Congratulations to the Madrona boys soccer team with a victory over Magruder with a score of 2 to 1. Goals scored by Ray Nago and Sena Takahashi. The boys finished with a record of 3 and 2. Great season boys. Way to end the season with a great game and a win.

Congratulations to the Madrona girl soccer team with a win over Magruder with a score of 5 to 1. Goals scored by Maya Gordon, Nathalia Rios and a hat trick and 3 goals scored by Nyla Schnebelen. Great season girls. Way to end the year strong with a victory.

Way to Go! Congratulations, Wildcats!

• October 26-28 - Red Ribbon Celebration Days
• Thursday, Oct 27 - Madrona vs. Calle (eSports Game 2)

• Tuesday 11/10: Madrona vs. Richardson (eSports Game 4), PTSA Board Mtg (5:30 PM – 6:30 PM)

• Wednesday 11/11: No School - Veteran's Day

• Thursday 11/12: Volleyball @home vs Lynn (Girls First 4:15pm)

• Friday 11/13: TNT Jump Squad Assembly - PTSA Give-Back Event (Blacktop)

• Tuesday 11/17: Madrona vs. Bert Lynn (eSports Game 5), School Site Council (3:30 PM – 4:30 PM, Zoom)

• Wednesday 11/18: Fire Drill/Evacuation Period 3 @ 10:45am

• Thursday 11/19 - Volleyball away vs Casimir (Boys First 4:15 pm)

• Monday 11/23-Friday 11/27 - Thanksgiving Break/No School

More dates & events to be added during the school year. See TUSD 2026-27 School 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 report directly to their next class depending on when they return or join our designated supervised study hall.

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

• 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)

Each week, TUSD will provide a new, practical digital parenting tip, such as device controls, screen time, AI at home, and more! These tips are designed to help families support safe, responsible, and healthy technology use at home. Family Tech Tips

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.

At the start of this school year, students completed the i-Ready assessment in Reading and Math. i-Ready Inform is an adaptive assessment that identifies student strengths and growth areas, helping teachers tailor instruction throughout the year.

To access your student's score report through their Clever login, please view our family guide in your preferred language:English | Spanish | Japanese | Mandarin

For more information about how to read your child’s results, please review this i-Ready Family Center Article: Understanding Your Student's i-Ready Inform Results.

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
  
  

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!

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 Building Bridges shared some great resources for families. The flyers are attached, and here’s a quick look at what’s included:

• Free Flu Clinic: TUSD is hosting a free flu clinic by Kaiser for TUSD students & families on Wednesday, November 18, 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM at the Family Welcome Enrollment Center, 2336 Plaza del Amo.
• Immunization Van: The Partners for Healthy Kids mobile van visits the Family Welcome Enrollment Center once a month with free vaccines for students, plus flu shots & health screenings for adults. The next visit is Thursday, November 5, 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM.
• Healthy Bags Food Distribution: TUSD families can sign up to pick up a free bag of groceries every Wednesday, 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM, at 2201 Plaza del Amo (corner of Martina St. & Plaza del Amo). Bags are first come, first served. Sign up using the QR code on the flyer.
• Food Resources: A list of free local food pantries & distributions that any TUSD family can use.
• BrightLife Kids: Free coaching & support for parents of kids ages 0 to 12, with no insurance or referral needed. The flyer is in English & Spanish.
• South Bay Parent Education Series: Free sessions for parents of tweens & teens. The next one is Thursday, January 14 at 6:00 PM.
• Sponsor a Family: You know your school’s families best! Nominate any family that could use extra support this season. Confidential nominations are due by Friday, November 6.
  
  

If you have questions, Dr. Nancy Gutierrez at Building Bridges at gutierrez.nancy@tusd.org.

Students! Enter the Torrance Chamber of Commerce Small Business Art Contest! See flier for details. Entries due October 29 to Madrona Principal Dr. Key's office - TCC will be picking up entries from Madrona.

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.

Shop, Save & Give Back to Madrona! Support our school marquee fundraiser! Join Sports Basement’s Basementeer program for free! You'll save 10% on every order, and Sports Basement will donate 10% of profits from your purchases back to Madrona Middle School.

Basementeer (Shopper) Benefits:

• 10% Off: Basementeers receive 10% off every item, every day!

• 10% Back to Madrona Middle School: 10% of Sports Basement's profits from their purchases support your organization!

• Free Membership: Madrona Middle School supporters and staff can sign up for a free Basementeer membership (a $25 value!) Sign up HERE!
  

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

This program helps pay for staff lunches and refreshments during student free staff professional development days.

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.

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.

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.

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