Madison Middle School

What a great start to the school year! It was wonderful to welcome our students back to campus and see their energy as they reconnected with friends and teachers. Throughout the first week, our school-wide focus has been on building positive relationships in the classroom and strengthening our school culture.

Next week, we will hold grade-level assemblies to review school rules and expectations while encouraging students to be their best selves and achieve their personal best. We will also continue balancing classes and ensuring that every student is enrolled in the appropriate courses. Although some schedule changes may be necessary, we have made every effort to keep students with their current teachers whenever possible.

Thank you to our students, families, teachers, and staff for making our first week a success, and please reach out to us if there is any way we can support your student.

Tom Berger

Principal

August 17

• Late Start (10:00am - 3:35pm)

August 18

• Regular Schedule (9:00am - 3:35pm)

August 19

• Regular Schedule (9:00am - 3:35pm)
• Volunteer Mandated Reporter Training (9:30 - 10:50am / Room "B")
• Bike Safety Class at Vista Magnet Middle School (151 Civic Center Dr.) 5pm to 6pm. Details below.

August 20

• Regular Schedule (9:00am - 3:35pm)

August 21

• Regular Schedule (9:00am - 3:35pm)

August 24-26

• PE Uniforms: Last Chance to buy (3:30pm -4:30pm)

• Back to School Night: 5:00pm to 7:00pm
• PTA Association Meeting

• E-Bike Assembly Class (by grade level advisory)

• No school (Labor Day)

• Make-up Picture Day

• ELAC Meeting (Elections for board )

Martes, 08 de Septiembre aqui en la escuela.

Codigo del dia de foto: EVTT8BK4M

A facility dog can be a valuable support for middle school students by providing comfort, companionship, and a calming presence throughout the school day. A facility dog can also help build positive relationships, encourage students to engage at school, and create a welcoming and supportive school environment.

On Monday, August 17, our counselor Mr. Larson will have a new partner that will accompany him to school each day. This has been months in the planning, and he has spent the last few weeks training with Persimmon. We can't wait to meet her, but there are some guidelines we need to follow as we welcome her to campus. Please read the information below for interacting with a facility dog.

Follow her on Insta: @pawswithpersimmon

All students riding a bike (e-bike or pedal powered), a scooter, or a skateboard are required to complete in-person a safety training course bike education class in order to ride to school. After completion of this course, a permit sticker will be sent to the campus where they will be able to pick it up. Read our handbook for more details.

Training sessions for the 2026 program will be held in-person only.

Wednesday, August 19, 2026

5-6 p.m.

Vista Magnet Middle School (151 Civic Center Dr.)

Saturday, September 12, 2026

9-10 a.m.

Vista Civic Center (200 Civic Center Dr.)

Wednesday, September 16, 2026

5-6 p.m.

Rancho Buena Vista High School (1601 Longhorn Dr.)

More classes will be advertised as dates are confirmed.

During data confirmation, you will be asked to acknowledge receiving a digital link to the Madison Student Handbook (English & Spanish). While there is a lot of information there, we would like to highlight three important sections: dress code, phone policy, and the tardy policy and early pick up!

*** Dress to impress, please wear appropriate school attire that meets our school expectations.

📵 Middle school is a phone-free environment. All cell phones and smart watches must remain turned off and stored in backpacks during the school day.

During the second week of school, we will be distributing Yondr pouches for student use. Using a Yondr pouch will be an expectation for all students who bring electronic devices to school.

⏰ Early Pick Up --> Due to the the heavy traffic and students & staff preparing for dismissal, students there will be no early release after 3:05 pm. Early release from school is an unexcused absence unless the reason for the absence is listed under “Excused Absences”

Food Delivery Policy

In accordance with Board Policy 5030, VUSD and Madison Middle School believe that food and beverages available to students and staff at district schools should support and promote optimal health. In order to comply with this policy students are not allowed to receive any food deliveries from any outside companies including the use of food delivery apps. Any food delivery will be turned away by Madison staff.

Thank you for your support in helping your students arrive at school on time and encouraging them to be punctual to all classes. We are excited for a wonderful school year together!

Click on the images to learn more -- information is posted in both English and Spanish.

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

• Must complete the VUSD Volunteer Application
• Review and the sign the Code of Conduct
• Must complete a TB questionnaire. If you have not had a history of TB, then you do the lab test. Please email our school nurse, Maria Mendoza, with any questions at mariamendoza@vistausd.org.
• Senate Bill 848 expanded the definition of a "mandated reporter" to include school volunteers. Consequently, all volunteers must complete mandated reporting training annually (July, 1, 2026 to June 30, 2027) before working with students. 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 token (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 might allow more flexibility. Please email your completion information to: betsabemahn@vistausd.org or bring your certificate of completion to our office.
3. If you would like to join us in person for the Mandated Reporter Training here is the date:

We have partnered with Grapevine Elementary School to support families who have siblings attending there and would like to participate in the program at that school.

---------------------------------------------

Nos hemos asociado con la Escuela Primaria Grapevine para apoyar a las familias que tienen hermanos que asisten allí y desean participar en el programa en esa escuela.

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.