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Madrona Family Memo
Our Wild Cat Motto: Be Responsible, Be Respectful!
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Saturday 5/4/2024 Newsletter
Hello, Madrona Families!
This week, May 6-10, is Teacher & Staff Appreciation Week! Thank you to our teachers and staff for their care and dedication to our students and families. All chose a career in education (whether in the classroom or as support staff) to make a difference. Teachers create thoughtful and engaging lessons - I am always inspired when observing what students learn and do while immersed in the Arts, STEM, ELA, Math, Science, Social Studies, PE, Athletics, and more. Support staff give gentle reminders, advice, and welcoming greetings, contributing to our caring school culture. I am grateful for all our staff do to make our school an excellent place for students to learn and grow.
We look forward to seeing you at Madrona's Open House this Tuesday, May 7, from 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm. We will start in the Cafeteria with the Madrona PTSA meeting from 4:30 to 5:00 pm. If you have never been to our Open House event, it is less structured than our Back to School Nights - you are welcome to walk through your student's classrooms and other teachers' classrooms on campus.
We have a Late Start (9:25 am) on Tuesday, May 7, and a Late Start (9:25 am) on Wednesday, May 8, due to the Open House taking place on Tuesday Night. We will open at the gates at 8:15 am for both Late Start days for supervised study hall in the Cafeteria.
Our Last Mid-Day Mingle for the 2023-24 School Year is this Friday, May 10! Check-in is at 12:30 pm. See the flier for early check-in and registration information.
Annual State Testing starts in a few weeks! Help your student get rest, hydrate, and eat healthy meals to ensure they perform their very best. Also, it is essential that students try their very best and demonstrate all that they know!
- Our 8th-graders are scheduled to take their California Science Test on May 16 and 17 during the block schedule (from 8:40 am to 3:16 pm)
- Our 6th, 7th, and 8th graders will take their English and Math Tests the week of May 20- 23, adjusted bell schedule days - 8:40 am to 1:30 pm, minimum days for teacher collaboration and professional development. We have enrichment activities planned for the rest of the day for students who want to stay until 3:16 pm. Please complete the following survey to confirm your student will be staying.
Go Wildcats!
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.
Teacher & Staff Appreciation Week (May 6-10)
Madrona Teacher & Staff Appreciation Week is this week, the week of May 6!
Our Madrona PTSA needs your to help to celebrate the hard work and dedication of our teachers and staff.
It's not too late to sign-up and contribute to Teacher Appreciation Week!
- SignUpGenius link for families to donate gift cards and/or food: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F044EA5AA2FA46-49140402-madrona
Please place gift cards in an envelope marked "PTSA-TAW" and drop off the envelope with a staff assistant in the main office. - SignUpGenius link for families to buy lunch for a teacher of staff member: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F044EA5AA2FA46-49143654-buyamadrona
Academics & Activities
Ms. Snider's Advanced Band (with direct instruction by Student Teacher Mr. Winters) are learning a new composition, "Tribute to Gershwin", an arrangement by Composer Jack Bullock.
Ms. Wulpern's Science 6 Students are currently furthering their understanding of Cells by creating a Cell Emoji Poster.
After the unit on Cells, students will be able to answer the essential questions:
- What traits do all living things share? How do living things develop?
- How are living things classified?
"A Celebration of Poets!”
Congratulations to our published authors whose poetry will be included in the book, "A Celebration of Poets."
- Congratulations Runa Nakamura for your poem "Brilliant Life"
- Congratulations Michael Roosa for your poem "The Hardships of Basketball"
Thank you to ELA 8 Teacher Mr. H for inspiring our 8th-grade poets to submit their work! Bravo!
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 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 or 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.
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.
Securing Bikes & Campus Cleanliness
Does your student ride a bike or electric bike to school? Gentle reminder to make sure your student locks up their bike in one of the racks located by the school gym. Thank you!
Ensuring Madrona remains the Central Area Shining Star that it is! Our staff continually remind students to clean up after themselves during snack and lunch. Unfortunately, some students are having difficulty remembering to do so. Students who receive three (or more) reminders will be asked to stay after school to participate in our restorative campus beautification assignment (we will notify you in advance). Your assistance is needed to remind students to care for their school. Thank you for partnering with us!
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 3 Reading Stats!
Top reader = Lydia Tseng = 1,069 minutes
Top class = Mrs. Young = 17, 249 minutes
Everyone = 576, 087 minutes
Fantastic job, Readers!
SHOUT OUTS
- To our Sports Management team for seeing our athletic teams through to the end of the 2023-24 School Year! Great work, Wildcats! ~Dr. Key
- To our Cross Country athletes - Way to Go! Awesome races during each grade level heat at Hull MS this past Thursday! ~Dr. Key
- Mrs. Miskimen's Super Science Students who scored 100% on their Cell Matching and Fill In Test: Dylan Chae, Mia Cortazar, Connor Custodio, Jonathan Guo, Caelen Higbee, Abby McCulloch (Scored 100% on last weeks test too), Yakob Miller, Bryce Tran, Dominic Tran, Lydia Tseng, Somaya Velasquez, Carter Abalos, Aiden Ayala, Alex Lees, Lawrence Lee, Finn Lustre, Milan Momon, Logan Park, Maya Patel, Sophia Rocha, Alexa Rojas, and Erin Shin. Great job!
- PJ Atha- for being honest about a score that was done incorrectly. You're awesome.
Camden Goff- for letting me know about something that shouldn't be happening during class. I appreciate you helping me out and for your honesty. - Mrs. Bloomfield - Thank you to my English Language Arts students for completing your Informative Research Essays. Well done! Dr. Torres
- Art Club Student Members and English students! Your artwork and English posters in McCampbell Hall are absolutely beautiful and such as wonderful display of artistry and creative critical thinking. Brilliant! ~Dr. Key
- Thank you to my Social Studies students for completing your Ancient Greece final projects. Well done!
Important Dates
May 2024
- 5/6- 5/10 - Teacher Appreciation Week!
- 5/7 - Tuesday Late Start
- 5/7 - Madrona Open House 5:00-6:00 pm (Madrona PTSA Association Meeting at 4:30 pm, Cafeteria)
- 5/8 - Wednesday Late Start (due to Open House) - We will have Study Hall starting at 8:15 if you need to bring your student(s) earlier.
- 5/10 - Our Last Mid Day Mingle for 2023-24 (12:30 pm parent check-in)
- 5/14 - ELMAC (ELD Parent Meeting), Room 14
- 5/16 - 5/17 - CAST Science State Testing 8th Grade Only (EVERYONE Regular out, block schedule more info to come)
- 5/20-5/24 - Spirit Week!
- 5/24 - Quarter 4 Assembly
- 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 if you need your student(s) to stay on campus - more info to come)
- 5/21 - NO LATE START - due to testing
- 5/27- Memorial Day (No School)
- 5/29- Fern and Hickory Elementary 5th-grade students visit!
- 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
Athletics - Cross Country
Madrona's Cross Country Team's meet was this past Thursday, May 2 at 4:00 pm at Hull Middle School. Our runners did fantastic, giving their all running in grade level heats against students from the other 7 middle schools. Excellent races, Wild Cats! Thank you to Cross Country coach, Mr. Larson for coaching and encouraging our team (pictured right).
And a big THANK YOU to Madrona's Athletic Director Mr. Waldschmidt for supporting all of our Athletic Programs this year (pictured left).
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.
Rising 8th-grade (Current 7th-grade) THS Course Offerings
Update: Confirmation of THS 8th-grader High School Course Requests will be sent from my office this month. Torrance High administration informed us that they will sending out their confirmation of scheduling notification during the summer break once their master schedule is confirmed. Thank you again for your interest and patience.
THS Language Level Placement Test Information
Rising 8th & 9th-graders (2024-25 School Year)
Students! Do you speak Japanese, Korean or Spanish at home and are interested in taking a higher level Torrance High School (THS) world languages class? Torrance High Language Teachers will be sharing Google Form Sign-up for a World Language Level Placement Test later this month - more info to come!
If you have general questions, please contact the following THS World Language teachers.
- Japanese - Mr. Stuart Jones (jones.stuart@tusd.org)
- Korean - Ms. Hannah Song (song.hanna@tusd.org)
- Spanish (for non-native speakers) - Ms. Maribel Torres (torres.maribel@tusd.org)
- Spanish for Spanish Speakers - Ms. Maribel Torres (torres.maribel@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.
8th Grade Panoramic Picture
You can still place an order! If you did not get a chance to order an 8th Grade Panoramic Picture - order online!
- Cost for picture is: $25 or $30. There will be a $7 shipping fee.
- Picture will be sent to your shipping address (not to the school)
Students! It's Not too Late to Join Madrona Clubs
Questions about Clubs? Students, please check in with the teacher advisors listed below. All students are welcome! (Meeting Dates Are Subject to Change) Thank you, Gardening Club for the beautiful poppies in bloom in your planters!
- Run Club (occasionally, after school with Mr. Estefan, 3:20 - 3:50 pm)
- Gardening Club @ lunch, Room 22, Mr. Estefan
- Ultimate Frisbee @ lunch on field, Mr. Freitas
- Chess Club @ lunch, Room 14, Mrs. Bloomfield.
- Basketball Club after school, Gym 3:30-4:45 pm
- Cinema Club @ lunch, Rm 25, Mr. Snow, Films begin at 1:00 pm
- Ultimate Frisbee after school 3:30 - 4:30 pm, meet in SC1
- Art Club after school 3:16 – 4:16 pm, Room 26, Mr. H.
- Math Club after school 3:16 - 4:16 pm, Room 24, Mr. Khan
- Cinema Club @ lunch, Room 25, Mr. Snow, Films begin at 1:00 pm
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 Fundraiser - May 9!
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
TODAY Saturday 5/4 (2:00-4:00 pm) El Camino College Dual Enrollment Workshop
Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi in conjunction with El Camino College invites K-12 students to a Dual Enrollment Workshop at El Camino College TODAY Saturday, May 4, 2024, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. This workshop will help families learn what steps they need to take to enroll their students in classes that count for high school and college credit. RSVP by clicking here or by copying and pasting this URL into their browsers: https://a66.asmdc.org/events, or calling (310) 375-0691.
Address and Specific Location: 16007 Crenshaw Blvd., Torrance, CA 90506, in the East Dining Room, Entrance on Manhattan Beach Blvd
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.