On a recent visit to Madison Elementary School, I was reminded once again why this campus holds such a special place in our PUSD community. Under the leadership of Principal Dr. Elisa Perez, Madison continues to strengthen the connection between home and school, with families and educators working side by side to support every child. The sense of belonging is unmistakable. Parents are partners, not just participants, and together they have built a culture rooted in care, collaboration, and trust.
During my visit, I saw several of the school’s family-centered programs in action. Through coordination with PUSD’s Farm to School staff, the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank’s BackPack Program provides students with nutritious food to take home over the weekend, ensuring that learning is not interrupted by hunger. The Young & Healthy Mobile Dental Clinic, in partnership with the Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC, was also on site offering preventive dental care and screenings for children right on campus. It is an incredible example of meeting families where they are and removing barriers to essential health services.
Madison also partners with The Laundry Truck LA, a mobile laundry service that provides families with free, convenient access to clean clothes. For many, this simple service brings not only relief but dignity, helping students come to school with confidence and pride.
Watching families and staff work together to coordinate these supports was deeply inspiring. This is what community looks like in action: connected, compassionate, and committed to every child’s success.
— Nancy Carol “NC” Inguanzo, Community Engagement Manager
