Madison Middle School

This week, our AVID students participated in an exciting field trip to Oceanside’s Frontwave Arena. Students toured the facility—including the court, locker rooms, owner’s box, and suites—and heard directly from arena leadership about careers in the sports and entertainment industry, including the differences between working for smaller organizations versus major professional teams. Each student received a voucher for two tickets to a Clippers game later this season!

AVID stands for "Advancement Via Individual Determination," and the program strives to provide students with real-world learning experiences that build college and career readiness while expanding their vision for future opportunities. Madison currently has three classes of AVID for 7th and 8th graders, and as a teaching staff, we are actively working on how to use AVID teaching strategies in all classrooms.

In this weeks' newsletter check out important information about...

• 8th grade events
• Bus pass requirements
• VUSD Better Together Survey
• Inclusive Youth Basketball Camp
• Girls on the Run Program
• Community events and more!

Thank you for reading!

Tom Berger

Principal

Jan. 26

• Late Start (School hours from 10:00am to 3:35pm)
• Spirit Week (Wear mismatching shoes 👞👟)
• Field Hockey (4:00 - 5:00pm / The Field)
• Varsity and JV Basketball Games ( 4:30 and 5:30 pm /Gym)

Jan. 27

• Regular Schedule (School hours from 9:00 am to 3:35 pm)
• Spirit Week (Wear Blue 💙)
• Field Hockey (4:00 - 5:00pm / The Field)
• BGCV Boys Basketball (4:30pm / GYM)

Jan. 28

• Regular Schedule (School hours from 9:00 am to 3:35 pm)
• Spirit Week (Wear Animal print 🐆 )
• Field Hockey 4:00 - 5:00pm / The Field)
• Ballet Folklorico (3:35 - 4:45pm / GYM)

Jan. 29

• Regular Schedule (School hours from 9:00 am to 3:35 pm)
• Spirit Week (Wear Bright Colors 🧡❎🍏 )
• Field Hockey (4:00 - 5:00pm / The Field)
• School Tour for Incoming 5th graders (6:00 pm / Gym)

Jan. 30

• Regular Schedule (School hours from 9:00 am to 3:35 pm)
• Spirit Week (Anything but Back Pack!!! 🧺)

• February 5 Madison School Tour
• February 7 Youth Basketball Camp at Madison Middle School!
• February 10 School Site Council Meeting
• February 11 Dessert with the Principal (Updates and Open Forum)
• February 12 ELAC Meeting ( change date precious Feb 5)
• February 16 -20 President's Week (No School)
• February 25 Minimum Day Schedule
• March 11 & 12 Parent / Teacher Conf. (Minimum Day Schedule)
• March 18 Spring Band Concert
• March 19 ELAC Meeting
• March 30 to April 3 Spring Break (No School)

To see previous broadcasts, visit Madison's Vimeo channel.

Join us for a series of important Community Safety & Wellness Forums designed to inform, empower, and support our families and community. All forums will be held at the Vista Innovation Center from 5:00–6:30 PM. Spanish interpretation will be available.

📍 Vista Innovation Center
836 Olive Avenue, Vista, CA 92083

Forum Schedule:
• Human Trafficking – January 28, 2026
Facilitated by Vista Unified School District Social Workers

• Suicide Prevention – February 3, 2026
Facilitated by Lifeline and Vista Unified School District Social Workers

• Firearm Violence Prevention – February 11, 2026
Facilitated by School Resource Officer Hernandez and the Vista Sheriff’s Department

We encourage families and community members to attend, learn, and engage in these meaningful conversations that help keep our students and community safe.

Bus Capacity and New Transportation Requests: All bus routes at Madison are nearing capacity. All new Transportation applications will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis, and families will be notified as soon as a seat becomes available.

Bus Pass Requirements: Only students who have a transportation application on file will receive a bus pass. Students must have their bus pass with them to board the bus. Students without a bus pass will be denied transportation beginning on February 2, 2026. Fill out the School Bus Pass Applications 25/26 email it to joseescamillia@vistasusd.org. You can also request and receive replacement bus passes at this email address.

We appreciate your cooperation and understanding as we work to ensure safe and equitable transportation for all students. If you have questions or need assistance with the transportation application, please call us at 760-726-6656.

Mental Health Matters and at Madison, we want to do our best to support your child's social and emotional growth! We are excited to inform you of the following Free Mental Health Webinars for parents and caregivers that is sponsored by a partnership with San Diego County Office of Education and Rady Children's Health. We hope you might be able to participate in these great opportunities!

During the first week in February, you will be receiving a message via Parent Square with information for the high school your student is assigned to next year. If you would like to apply for a different high school in the district, the necessary information will be provided in that letter. You can also click this link: Intra-District Transfers, on the VUSD website for transfer requests. If your child is interested in Mission Vista High School, please complete the application found on the Magnet Schools page of the VUSD website: Application for Magnet Schools. The deadline to apply is February 27, 2026 by 4:30pm.

This week, our 8th-grade students will participate in their first high school field trip, visiting Vista Unified’s three high schools and learning about the wide range of academic, extracurricular, and enrichment opportunities available. We encourage families to talk with their students about what interested them at each school and to possibly attend one of the scheduled family tours listed on the flyers below, as students are most successful when they are engaged and informed in choosing the high school that is the best fit.

Last week, all 8th-grade students received a letter in their math classes outlining behavior expectations and eligibility requirements for participation in end-of-year activities and the Knott's Berry Farm Trip. The letter is linked below for your reference; please reach out to us if you have any questions. Thank you for supporting your students in meeting academic expectations and making positive choices.

This Thursday we’re hosting a school tour for incoming 5th graders! We’d love for you to help spread the word to friends and community members who are looking for a middle school. We can’t wait to welcome future families and share what makes our school special.

Register for either of our two dates HERE.

On Saturday, February 7, 2026, in partnership with SYNC – Synergy Youth & Community, Inc., we are excited to welcome former NBA players Olden Polynice, Jud Buechler, and Dominic McGuire for a special event dedicated to elevating inclusion on and off the court. This camp brings students of all abilities together to learn, play, and grow side by side while building confidence, teamwork, leadership, and basketball skills in a supportive, fun environment. Morning and afternoon sessions are available for grades 3–8 and 9–12, and Vista Unified students may attend for free using the code VUSD-SYNC2026. We invite families to join us for this inspiring day of community, belonging, and play. Register by CLICKING HERE.

Join us for a Pancake Breakfast in support of Make-A-Wish San Diego as part of Big Give: many hearts, one community. On Saturday, February 7, 2026, from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., gather at American Legion Post 365 in Vista to enjoy a delicious breakfast of pancakes, eggs, sausage, juice, and coffee for just $10 per plate. All proceeds will directly support our Make-A-Wish ambassadors, Ezra and Eliza, helping bring hope and joy to children with critical illnesses. Scan the QR Code for opportunities to donate, even if you can’t attend in person. Come hungry, bring family and friends, and help us make wishes come true. For the flier, CLICK HERE

Girls on the Run is a fun, confidence-building program that inspires girls to be joyful, healthy, and confident. Through interactive lessons and physical activity, girls develop essential life skills while learning the power of teamwork, resilience, and self-belief.

Practices begin Feb. 26 at 3:40pm by the girls' locker room.

Registration deadline: Feb. 20, 2026

The cost is FREE! Parents are welcome!

The conference will open with a keynote by Dr. Nikki Elliott (University of San Diego), From Intention to Impact – Equity-Driven Leadership for Meaningful Inclusion, followed by a featured panel focused on postsecondary pathways for students with special needs, facilitated by CSU San Marcos faculty and partners.

happening Wednesday, February 11, 2026, from 9:00 AM–3:30 PM at California State University San Marcos.

CLICK HERE FOR REGISTRATION LINK.

More Info on Conference Website: SDNCSEC 2026

More in-person bike safety classes have been added for students who plan on riding a bike to school. Students must take the class before riding their bike to school.

Next class: January 27 @RBV

Each year, we open this district-wide survey to staff, students, and parents to gather honest feedback on our progress toward our shared vision, values, and graduate portraits. Your perspective is incredibly important to us as we work to create the best possible environment for your children.

We invite all parents and guardians to complete this annual survey by January 30, 2026.

• Time Commitment: The survey takes approximately 15-20 minutes to complete.

• Parent/Guardian Survey Link: https://ucsd.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6ArWyxpmFHpG61w

Thank you for investing your valuable time to share your input.

Our STEM2Career Expo is on Wednesday, March 25th from 5:00-7:00 at RBV. If your child is in TK-12th grade and would like to sign up for the STEM Challenge (Zip Line Racers), the deadline is Friday, January 30th at 3pm! Click here to sign up.

All students who bring phones to school are required to keep them in the pouches while on campus. Please review the parent letter for detailed information and expectations regarding their use. This is our second year using Yondr pouches, and they have proven to be an effective tool in helping students stay present and maintaining a positive campus environment.

Miss a week? Click HERE for previous newsletters.