Photo of Dr. Sue Key

Dr. Sue Key

Principal

Greetings, Madrona Wildcat Families!

After a fantastic 2025-26 school year, we are so excited to get the next one underway. To our returning 7th and 8th-grade families - we look forward to welcoming you back! And to our incoming 6th graders and new 7th and 8th-grade families - a warm welcome to Madrona! We can’t wait to have your student on campus in just a few short weeks.

We are thrilled to share that Madrona has been named South Bay’s BEST Public Middle School for 2026! Following our FAVORITE school recognition 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.

With just 20 days until the first day of school, please take a moment to review the updates and upcoming events below.

Action Required: PowerSchool Registration & Annual Updates

The PowerSchool Parent/Family 2026-27 (Annual) Online Registration window opened Saturday, August 1 (check your email for TUSD communication regarding PowerSchool access).

All families (new and returning) must log in to PowerSchool to:

  • Verify 2026-27 home address, emails, and phone numbers, health/medical information, and emergency contacts and authorized student release authorizations
  • Complete new school year acknowledgment of school & district policies.

Access and review important school resources, including our:

  • 2026–27 School Handbook
  • School Bell Schedule & Campus Map (updated for 2026-27)

Support Our School: We request that all Madrona families fill out the Torrance Unified School District Annual Educational Benefit Form. Completing this form annually helps secure vital funding for academic counseling, reading recovery, and socio-emotional support programs, and can qualify your family for free resources.

Additional information in preparation for the 2026-27 School Year:

Wildcat Welcome Orientation
For Incoming 6th Graders & New-to-Madrona Students
Monday, August 17• 9:00–11:00 AM

  • Guided school tour, fun activities and tips for navigating multiple classes and responsibilities - led by our student leaders/mentors!
  • While students are engaging with our student leaders, parents/guardians are invited to join our New-to-Middle School Meeting from 9:15–10:15 AM in the Cafeteria with our Madrona PTSA and school administration. We’ll share opportunities to volunteer, upcoming events and programs to support your student's successful transition to middle school.

Schedule Pick-Up for Current 7th and 8th-Grade Madrona Students
Monday, August 17 • 1:00–3:00 PM

  • Student pick up of class schedules
  • Self-guided tour of campus/class room locations
  • Test out new locker assignments!

First Days of School - Thursday, August 20

  • Campus Opens Early: 8:00 AM (Thursday & Friday, Aug. 20–21), instead of 8:15 AM.
  • First Bell: 8:30 AM
  • Period 1 Late Bell: 8:40 AM

The early 8:00 am campus opening will help ease traffic and give students extra time to find their classes and lockers.

Save-the-Date (for additional events, see the "Important Dates" section below)

  • Wednesday, August 19: Class schedules will be viewable mobile app and online via Parent/Student PowerSchool portal (Note: schedule adjustments may occur through the first few weeks due to ongoing enrollment leveling). Core subjects (ELA, Math, Science & Social Studies) classes are guaranteed, while Electives are subject to availability, as only one class is offered per elective and most are shared between grade levels.
  • Tuesday, September 15: Back to School Night (5:15 pm/Gym - Madrona PTSA Association Meeting & Principal Welcome, 5:30-6:30 pm Classroom visits). We will still be observing the Late Start Tuesday Bell Schedule (9:20 am/first bell)

Note: Wednesday, September 16 is a special Late Start Schedule due to the 9/15 Back to School Night

Stay Connected

Keep an eye out for our weekly Madrona Wildcat Family Newsletter, your family source for learning spotlights, after-school clubs, sports tryouts, school volunteer opportunities, and district resources.

Middle school is a unique space where students experience the most academic, social-emotional and physical development, as well as build friendships and discover new talents. We look forward to partnering with you to support your student's journey!

See you soon, Wildcats!

With gratitude,

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