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Our Wild Cat Motto: Be Responsible, Be Respectful!
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Saturday 5/11/2024 Newsletter
Hello, Madrona Families!
Thank you, Madrona PTSA, Wildcat Families, and Madrona Leadership Students, for an outstanding Teacher & Staff Appreciation Week! Our teachers and staff greatly enjoyed PTSA's 80s decorations in the staff lounge, treats, and handmade student gifts that celebrated their work! Students and families are at the center of everything we do, and our staff truly makes a difference in our students' and families' lives. Thank you for all YOU do to support your student's success!
Also, thank you to the Wildcat families who attended Open House this past Tuesday! Students excitedly showed family members what they had learned or created all around campus. Students performed a piece in Band, showed off their Science and Social Science projects, demonstrated their Robotics equipment, hands-on Science activities or solved complex Math problems, and proudly shared a Poem or Essay in their ELA class.
Annual State Testing starts this week with the 8th-grade Science Test. Help your student get rest, hydrate, and eat healthy meals to ensure they perform their very best. It is important that students try their very best and demonstrate all that they know!
- Our 8th-graders are scheduled to take their California Science Test (CAST) in their Science class this Thursday, May 16 (or) Friday, May 17. We will observe a block bell schedule (from 8:40 am to 3:16 pm).
- Our 6th, 7th, and 8th graders will take their California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP) Math and English Tests the week of May 20- 23, adjusted bell schedule days - 8:40 am to 1:30 pm, with minimum days for teacher collaboration and professional development. We have enrichment activities planned for students from 1:30 to 3:16 pm. Please complete the following survey to confirm your students' interest in staying on campus and participating in enrichment sessions.
- For students that attend Torrance High School 1st or 1st and 2nd periods - we have created a separate testing schedule for you. THS TESTING SCHEDULE
A Very Happy Mother's Day Weekend to all of our Madrona Wildcat Moms!
Warm regards,
Sue Key, Ed.D., Proud Principal
Madrona Middle School
Make sure to scroll through the newsletter and open the link to view all of our weekly updates.
Volunteer Needed for the 8th-Grade Picnic & Dance
Would you like to volunteer for your 8th-grade student's upcoming picnic and dance? Please see the flier for more information and the sign-up link.
Our Madrona PTSA has excellent ideas for next year - fantastic events and fundraising initiatives are anticipated for 2024-25!
Our Last Mid-Day Mingle for the 2023-24 School Year!
Madrona's 2024 Open House
Academics & Activities
Mrs. Bloomfield's Algebra 1 students completed a hands-on M & M activity, which deepen their conceptual understanding on statistics.
Mrs. Ton's Science 7 students continued learning about Electrical Charge and Bonding Structure and used their Periodic Table of The Elements to made calculations.
Ms. Wooldrige's Social Studies 8 students are currently working on their Constitution Simile Project that completes the comparison: "The three branches of government under the Constitution are like..." Students are working in collaborative pairs to design and create an illustration for their simile, complete with an explanation of how each are related to the elements of the US Government (The Constitution, The People, The Executive Branch, The Legislative Branch, The Judicial Brach, and Checks and Balances).
Wildcats Represent Madrona at the Los Angeles County Math Field Day!
Congratulations to 8th grader Paarth Joshi, 7th grader Ryan Quach, and 6th grader Takumi Tominaga on their success at the Los Angeles County Math Field Day! These students had the distinction of representing Torrance Unified at the Competition. Takumi's 6th grade team received a Bronze in Conceptual Understanding and Procedural Skills; Paarth's 8th grade team received a Bronze in Conceptual Understanding and a Silver in Problem Solving; and Ryan's 7th grade team received a Gold in Conceptual Understanding, a Bronze in Problem Solving, and First Place Overall!!! Congratulations again to these amazing Wildcats!
From L to R: Paarth Joshi, Takumi Tominaga, Ryan Quach.
2024 State Testing, Minimum Days & Enrichment Participation Survey
Encourage your student to do well by eating healthy balanced meals and by getting rest in preparation for the 2024 State Testing!
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The following week, Monday May 20 through Thursday, May 23, students in Grades 6, 7 & 8 will take their California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP) Math and English Computer Adaptive Test (CAT) and Performance Task (PT) first thing in the morning during Period 1. Students who have high school classes, please see schedule below. Anyone that is absent will complete missed tests during our make-up week (students will be notified). The rest of the day, students will report to their classes based on the schedule below and then have a shortened lunch from 1:00-1:30 pm.
For students that attend Torrance High School 1st or 1st and 2nd periods - we have created a separate testing schedule for you. THS TESTING SCHEDULE
After lunch, students may be picked for a minimum day/an early out (or) stay for our Enrichment Program from 1:30 p.m. to 3:16 p.m.
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Sign your student up for Enrichment program - May 20-23 - 1:30 p.m.-3:16 p.m.) We ask that you complete the following survey to let us know if you would like your student to stay at Madrona for one or all days. This also helps us plan activities and supply needs. We take attendance for all students who participate.
Published Poets 2024 Creative Communications Winners!
Congratulations to this year’s published poets! The following students’ poems were selected for publication in a national middle school poetry competition hosted by Creative Communications. Top ten winners will be announced in June on PoeticPower.com.
Bravo to these outstanding literary artists!
Madrona Library End-of-the-Year Reminders!
Wildcats! Our Librarian Ms. Osejo asks that you prepare for end of the school year by being mindful of book and Chromebook turn-in guidelines and due dates.
8th-graders must turn in all books, Chromebooks, and textbooks before June 5.
Reading Stats!
April Week 4 Reading Stats!
Top Reader = Vivian Chun = 1,110 minutes
Top Class = Mrs. Young P6 = 24,435 minutes
Everyone = 593,546 minutes
Go Team!
SHOUT OUTS
- Congratulations to Madrona Art Club member Daria Gnateko whose original anime artwork was a finalist in the Torrance Sister City Association’s Annual Anime Art Contest. Bravo!
- Congratulations to our Smash Bro eSports team: Tyler Homma, Kei Nakanishi, and Yakoob Miller for defeating Jefferson 3-0 this week! Way to go! ~ Mrs. Ton
- Thank you to our PTSA and families for the breakfast, lunch, snacks, treats, and gifts during Teacher Appreciation Week! You really spoiled us! ~ Mrs. Ton
- Thank you to Dominic Tran’s family for a delicious lunch! ~ Mrs. Ton
- Thank you to all the families that attended Open House! ~ Ton
- Thank you to Brian Tang, Jake Joo, Meredith Capulong for cleaning and helping me set up my room for Open House. ~ Mrs. Bloomfield
- Thank you to all of the parents and students who came to Open House Tuesday evening. It was great to see all of you. ~ Mrs. Bloomfield
- Thank you to PTSA and all of the parents who helped to make this Teacher Appreciation week AMAZING. We were truly spoiled. ~ Mrs. Bloomfield
- Thank you to my students for the wonderful cards and gifts this past week! You've definitely made me feel appreciated :) ~ Ms. Fu
- Thank you to my Period 5 class who helped clean and set up the classroom for Open House-Mrs. Miskimen
- Thank you to all who attended Open House.-Mrs. Miskimen
- Thank you to Dominic Tran and family for buying my lunch-Mrs. Miskimen
- Congratulations to my Super Science students who scored 100% on their Unit Cell Test: Dylan Chae, Ryuji Miyanishi, Maya Patel, Alex Lee and Erin Shin. This was not an easy test. Great job!
- Thank you Logan Park and Kat Nickell for always sweeping my floors. I appreciate your help!-Mrs. Miskimen
- Thank you PTA for the food all week long.-Mrs. Miskimen
- Mrs. Fisher wants to thank my students and their parents for making me feel so appreciated this past week!
- Thank you to Robin Sakabe for helping to translate for another student last week. Very helpful! ~ Ms. Wulpern
- Shout out to Hannah Rose Schafer for being an outstanding reading buddy in ELA. Bravo! To Rachel and Erin Shin for helping to clean up the Madrona campus. Thanks! - H.
- Shoutout to all the Leadership students and your week long gifts to staff for teacher's appreciation week. ~ Mr. Stuckey
- Shout out to our Leadership Students whose the handmade gifts made Teacher & Staff Appreciation Week very special!
Important Dates
May 2024
- 5/14 - ELMAC (ELD Parent Meeting), Room 14
- 5/15 - 5/16 - CAST Science State Testing 8th Grade Only (EVERYONE Regular 3:16 pm out
- 5/17 - Madrona Robotics Team Compete in TUSD Combat Bots Competition @ Hull (4:30-6 pm)
- 5/20- 5/23 - CASSPP Math and English Language Arts State Testing (1:30 pm Minimum Days - and we will have Afterschool Enrichment from 1:30 - 3:16 for student(s) who would like will stay on campus)
- 5/21 - NO LATE START - due to testing
- 5/24 - Regular Friday Bell Schedule
- 5/20-5/24 - Spirit Week!
- 5/24 - Quarter 4 Assembly
- 5/27- Memorial Day (No School)
- 5/29- Visit by Fern and Hickory Elementary 5th-grade students
- 5/31- Music Program Performance 6:00 pm
June 2024
- 6/7 - 8th-grade Dance (see 8th-grade schedule)
- 6/10 - 8th-grade Locker Clean-Out (Tutorial Period)
- 6/11 - 6th-grade Locker Clean-Out (Period 5); 7th-grade Locker Clean-Out (Period 6)
- 6/12 - 8th-grade Picnic w/Promotion Practice at Madrona (Period 3 & 4) - see schedule
- 6/13 - Last Day of School - 8th grade out at 11:00 am; 6 & 7th grade out at 12:00 pm
- 6/13 - 8th-grade Promo Practice Period 1-4
- 6/13 - 8th-grade Promotion - 3:30 pm @Zamperini Field/Torrance High School, 8th-graders must arrive before 3:00 pm
5/20-5/24 - Spirit Week!
Rising 7th-Grade Family Reminders from the Health Office!
The Madrona Health Office has sent reminders to all rising 7th grade parents regarding immunization requirements for the 2024-25 school year. It is important to send the health office your child's updated vaccination record now so there will be no issues with school entry or schedule delays in the Fall. Any questions, please email madronahealthoffice@tusd.org.
8th-Grade (THS Rising 9th-Grade) Student Information
8th-grade End-Of-The Year Activities
Important Save-The-Date Info for 8th-grade Families!
Here is a list of our 8th-grade students' End-Of-The-Year Activities.
Please keep in mind that although the majority of dates and times are set, dates and times are subject to change as needed.
Late Start Tuesdays - Free Student Tutoring in the Cafeteria
Starting this TUESDAY! Free Student Tutoring in the Cafeteria on Late Start Tuesdays, sponsored by Madrona California Junior Scholarship Federation (CJSF).
Students! Get help from Madrona students while YOU help them earn their service hours for CJSF. Students will be there to answer questions about classwork and help you with your homework!
Not Returning Next School Year? We Need Your Help!
- If you have not already done so, please send an email to madronainfo@tusd.org if your student will NOT be attending Madrona Middle School or Torrance High School next school year. Please be sure to include the name of your student, school/city/state where your student will be attending.
- This is necessary in order to make sure records are forwarded to the correct school and to help with class schedules.
- Your 8th Grader will not be attending Torrance High School in the Fall/August 2024
- Your 6th/7th Grader will not be returning to Madrona Middle School in the Fall/August 2024
Madrona PTSA News
8th Grade Activities - 85% to our goal!
We have raised $4680 of our $5500 goal so far. Although the original deadline has passed, the direct donation link will remain active so you have not missed out if you have not had a chance to contribute yet!
Your donation will help fund:
8th Grade Dance at Ken Miller Auditorium - June 7th
8th Grade Picnic - June 12th
8th Grade Promotion - June 13th
Expenses include the dance venue, food & drinks, decorations, games, photo booth, music and more!
Madrona PTSA is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization and your donation may be tax deductible. Suggested donation amount: $25
Thank you in advance for your generosity!
TUSD News and Community Resources
Districtwide Wellness Week May 13-17
Our 2024 Wellness Week is quickly approaching and will be held throughout our District from May 13-17. We invite students, families and our staff to join together to practice wellness habits. In addition to activities planned at many of our schools, we encourage you to view our Torrance Unified Family Guide for activities to do at home, including a chance to set and track personal goals for a chance to win prizes! For more information, visit: WellnessWeek.tusd.org.
Does Your Family Need to Travel During the School Year?
- Vacations or any travel for 5 school days or more: notify us at least one week in advance to madronaattend@tusd.org so Independent Study Contracts may be prepared.
- Specify the exact dates the student will be away from school.
- Students must bring in completed work upon return to have the absences excused.
- If you have any questions call310-533-4562 Ext 8791 Or email at madronaattend@tusd.org
SUPPORT US ALL YEAR LONG!
Sign up for Ralphs Community Contribution Program ad NO added cost to you. Use Madrona's Organization ID UF902. Click here The program requires registration each September to stay active!
Contact Us!
General Email: madronainfo@tusd.org
School Website: https://www.tusd.org/schools/madrona
Address: 21364 Madrona Avenue, Torrance, CA, USA
Main Phone #: (310)533-4562
Follow Us On Social Media & Online to keep up to date on events and activities at our school, please follow us on Instagram and Facebook or visit our school website.