Jaguar Tales
January 14, 2024
Hello, Jaguar Family!
We hope you are staying safe and warm this weekend. Please be reminded that there is no school scheduled this Monday, January 15, 2024, in observance of MLK Jr. Day. The current plan is for school to resume on Tuesday, January 16, 2024. However, please be aware that RRISD is closely monitoring the weather to determine if changes to normal operations are necessary. If any changes are made that affect normal operations, you will receive communication from RRISD first. Conditions permitting, you will also receive communication from Cedar Valley shortly after.
Have a great weekend! Go Jags!
Larissa Ortiz
Cedar Valley Middle School Principal
Larissa_ortiz@roundrockisd.org
512-428-2307
The Multicultural Fair 2024
The return of the Cedar Valley Multicultural Fair was a HUGE success. This event provides cross-curricular collaboration between our World Languages teacher and our World Cultures teachers. This was a great opportunity for our students (and staff) to LEARN about other cultures and a great way to CELEBRATE the diversity that lives within our school.
A BIG thank you for everyone who had a hand in planning and making this event come to life. We want to thank our students for their efforts and participation to make this a successful event. A special thank you goes to the parent volunteers who helped prepare their students, provided supplies, provided food, and/or gave their time to volunteer at the event. Lastly, special thanks to the World Languages Department for their behind-the scenes planning and guidance. Thank you! ¡Gracias! Merci!
Photos will be included next week.
Chess News: CeVMS 8th Grader Represents RRISD in Local Austin Chess Competition
Eighth grade CeVMS student Rahul M. placed second in a field of contestants in Austin Grandmaster Chess Academy Open last weekend, Jan. 6, 2024, earning 178 rating points in the under 1400 section of the tournament. Way to represent Cedar Valley Middle School, Rahul!
For more information about joining the CeVMS chess team see Mr. Hendrick in Room 3019 or e-mail him at layne_hendrick@roundrockisd.org
CeVMS YEARBOOK 2023 - 2024
All the things you need to know about ordering the Cedar Valley yearbook and portraits this year are noted below. You can always find the most up to date information here.
We will begin dropping little hints at the theme and look of this year’s book between now and the distribution day in May. The first hint is…it will be a SENSational book!
Ordering a Yearbook
Yearbooks are currently available for purchase and have been selling fast! Click here to order your Jaguar Yearbook. The only way to guarantee a copy is to pre-order online! Seriously, don’t wait until it is too late! The last day to order a yearbook with personalization on it (your name, activity/sports icons, etc…) is Friday, January 26th!
Advisory Competition
Help your child’s Advisory class win a donut party and a special featured class photo in the yearbook by purchasing the yearbook no later than Friday, January 19th.
8th Grade Student Recognition Ads
Don’t forget about those special pages in the back of the yearbook full of adorable pictures and sweet words from parents. Click HERE then scroll down to Recognition Ads to create and order your ad. This is a great way to congratulate and honor your child as you send them off to high school!
FINAL deadline to purchase and create the recognition ads is February 8th. Space is limited for these special ads, so please don’t wait until there is no more real estate for your precious babies!
Blasts from the Past
If you missed your chance to purchase a 2022 or 2023 yearbook, you are in luck. The yearbook staff is selling some extra books ordered over the summer that were never claimed. The 2022 book is $10 and the 2023 book is $25 (half off)! Supplies are limited, so click HERE if you would like to reserve one of these amazing books.
If you have any questions, please contact Cedar Valley’s Yearbook advisor, Kathleen Johnston at Kathleen_Johnston@roundrockisd.org.
Medications at School
We are seeing more loose pills in a Ziploc bag or unlabeled inhalers found on campus and brought to my clinic every week. This is a friendly reminder that medications, by prescription or over the counter, should not be brought in by students. Cough drops are considered medications, too. If you wish your child to take Rx or OTC medications at school, please fill out the Request to Administer Medication form by clicking here after reading the medication administration procedure entirely. Certain medications for immediate use in a life-threatening situation or for enzymes used in cystic fibrosis can be self-carried at school or school functions with permissions from parent, physician and the school nurse. If you have any questions or need an Emergency Medication Self-carry Agreement form, please feel free to contact the campus nurse at mina_shimomura@roundrockisd.org.
No School - Monday, Jan. 15, 2024
Spirit Night at Marco's - Jan. 17, 11am-11pm
Don’t feel like cooking lunch or dinner??? SPIRIT DAY AND NIGHT at Marco’s Pizza is Wednesday, January 17th from 11am-11pm at the 10019 W Parmer store location. In store and online orders for pick up will be accepted. Online orders can use code JAGUARS to give CeVMS credit. www.Marcos.com Thank you for your support!
Cedar Valley Cheer/Mascot Informational Meetings
There will be two Cedar Valley Cheer/Mascot Informational Meetings held on Monday, January 22nd and Tuesday, January 23rd for the 2024-2025 school year. If you are interested in being on the team, attendance is MANDATORY with parent/guardian and student at one of the above dates. Meetings will be held in the Lecture Hall from 6:00pm - 7:30pm.
Questions? Please contact Jaye Price at jaye_price@roundrockisd.org or Dena Inness at dena_inness@roundrockisd.org
PTA GENERAL Membership Meeting
Please join us for next PTA General Membership Meeting. It will be Wednesday, January 17th at 8pm in the Cedar Valley MS library. Click here to RSVP. Looking forward to seeing you there!
SOUPer Bowl Staff Appreciation Lunch
PTA is treating our "souper" staff to a "Souper Bowl" lunch on January 25th. Please see the sign up genius for ways you can help the PTA spoil our staff. If you want to donate money for the luncheon, donate here.
*UPDATED STAAR Testing Dates - Spring 2024*
**Please notes have been updated since they were last shared on Jan. 1. Please update your calendars accordingly.**
Our students will be taking the state-mandated STAAR tests this Spring. We kindly ask that our families avoid scheduling appointments on the days when their students are testing. Also please note, campus visitors will be limited on these days.
April 16 - ELA STAAR - Grades 6, 7, and 8
April 22 - Social Studies STAAR -Grade 8 only
April 23 - Science STAAR - Grade 8 only
April 26 - Math STAAR - Grades 6, 7, and 8 (includes Algebra 1 EOC)
More information about the STAAR tests can be found here.
If you have campus-specific questions about the STAAR test, please contact the campus testing coordinator, Jennifer_Bingham@roundrockisd.org.
Transition Information for 8th Graders
Round Rock HS Events
Dragon Blast - Academy Night
On January 24th from 6:00 to 8:00 pm, Round Rock High School invites 8th students and parents to explore the different programs of study offered at RRHS at our annual Academy Night. A schedule of events is below:
6:00 to 6:30 / 7:15 to 8:00 Counselors are available for questions (come and go) - 1100 Cafeteria
6:30 p.m. Advanced Academics Information Session - 1100 Cafeteria
6:00 - 8:00 p.m. Teachers and students will be available for questions about the following programs of study and academy-related clubs in the main gymnasium:
Automotive Technology
Band
Biomedical Sciences
Business Management
Choir
Computer Science
Culinary Arts
Cybersecurity
Dance
Debate
Drone Aviation
Education and Training
Engineering
Fashion Design
Finance
Game Programming and Design
Graphic Design and Illustration
Health Science Theory and Practice
Journalism: Newspaper / Yearbook
Law Enforcement
Law and the Legal System
Literary Magazine
Marine Corps JROTC
Marketing
Orchestra
Print Shop
Theater
The campus will be open, and we encourage you to visit a few of our different facilities. RRHS Students will be available to assist in finding locations and answering questions.
MCJROTC - 1000 Building
Automotive Technology - Auto Shop, 1000 Building
Theater - Ford’s Theater, 100 Building
Printshop - Printshop Lab, 900 Building
Culinary - Culinary Kitchens, 1140 & 1403
Law Enforcement and Law and the Legal System - Courtroom, 1408
Health Science: Theory and Practice / Biomedical - 2300 Hallway
Business Management - Round Rock Co-op Store
A+ Credit Union will also have the school branch open, so stop by and find out about opening an account for you and your student.
We look forward to seeing you on January 24th between 6:00 and 8:00 p.m. In the meantime, feel free to check out our site here to learn more about these Programs in preparation for Academy Night!
AVANT Test for Placement and Credit (Language Testing)
Language testing is available for students to earn credits toward their graduation requirements in Languages Other Than English (LOTE).
Students at CeVMS should contact Ms. Liz Guidry (7th grade counselor) for a permission form to register for the Spring testing date of March 22, 2024. The completed permission form is due by March 8, 2024.
Majestics Dance Clinic
(Click on PDF below the image for full flyer)
Arrival and Dismissal Safety
1. Please use the designated drop off lanes for arrival and pick up.
2. If you choose to drop off and/or pick up along the street, we ask that everyone use the crosswalk. Do not cross in the middle of the street.
3. If you drop off and/or pick up on Cornerwood near the staff and visitor parking lot, students should use the crosswalk within the parking lot. We have seen students dart out in the middle of the parking lot, in front of moving cars. This is very dangerous.
Everyone plays a role in ensuring student safety. Please help us out!
When to Keep Your Child Home From School
We are seeing increased cases of stomach symptoms this week. The American Academy of Pediatrics, the Texas Department of State Health Services, and RRISD recommend that students be kept home from school if any of the following conditions exist:
Signs of severe illness, including fever, irritability, difficulty breathing, crying that doesn’t stop with the usual comforting, or extreme sleepiness.
Diarrhea or stools that contain blood or mucus.
Vomiting two or more times in 24 hours, unless a physician feels the cause of vomiting is not an infectious disease, writes a note the student is in no danger of becoming dehydrated.
Mouth sores and drooling until a physician or the health authority does not feel the condition is infectious.
Fever, rash, or a change in behavior, until a physician has determined that the problem is not caused by an infectious disease.
Fever: Students with a temperature of 100ËšF or above will be sent home. To prevent the spread of a contagious disease, ill students must be symptom-free and fever-free without the use of temperature reducing medications for 24 hours before returning to school.
Prohibited Items
New Yard Signs Are Here!
Our new yard signs have arrived! They can be purchased on our campus e-store. Simply make the purchase online under the student's name and have your student bring their proof of purchase and their ID to the main office to pick it up.
Cost: $10 (includes tax) + $1.50 processing fee
Includes the sign and the yard stake
Volunteers Needed!
One of the best ways to show your student that education is important to you is by volunteering at their school. There are lots of different ways to contribute your time, support and resources.
Please fill out the Volunteer Interest Form below to help us match your interests with the school's needs (such as Staff Appreciation, Dances, Pet Clinic, etc).
This does NOT commit you to anything other than possibly receiving emails when we need help in your areas of interest.
Expectations for Students at RRISD Events
Be Safe:
- Stay SEATED in the bleachers unless going to the restroom or concession stand.
- Items prohibited on campus are prohibited at games.
- Unsafe behavior such as horseplay, fighting, and running could result in being removed from the event.
Be Responsible:
- Follow guidelines for food & drinks.
- Throw away all trash before leaving the stands/gym.
- Call for a ride at the end of halftime. If a student is picked up after 15 minutes of the game ending, it may result in loss of privilege to attend the next game/ event.
These expectations apply to all RRISD extracurricular events. We hold high expectations for students as a spectator at Cedar Valley, but even higher ones when you are visiting another gym or stadium in Round Rock ISD.
Please be aware that students may be asked to leave the event if these expectations are not met. This will also result in losing privileges to attend other events for the school year.
Jag Lobby Reminders
In order to help things run smoothly, we ask that you please remember the following...
Lunch Cart: If you are dropping off a lunchbox for your student you may leave it on our lunch cart in the Jag Lobby. The cut off is 10:45 am, at which point the cart is taken to the cafeteria for students to collect their lunch during their lunch period. After this time students have to be called from class, causing a disruption to the teacher, classroom, and student's instructional time.
Deliveries: From 11:00am-2:00pm we are unable to deliver to classrooms. Any items dropped off during these hours cannot be delivered until 7th period.
Outside food: Fast food/restaurant food is discouraged as it creates a conflict with our supplier contracts.
Student pick up cut off time: Please take note that the latest we can call for students is 3:15 pm. After this time, we are preparing for after school dismissal.
Attendance Policies & Procedures For All Student Absences
- Students should bring their absence notes to the Attendance Office(in Jag Lobby) when they return to school from their absence(s).
- It is not necessary to call the school and report an absence.
- Students can communicate with their teachers and keep up with their assignments through Schoology.
- Absence notes are required to the Attendance Office no later than 2 days of return from absence.
- Absence notes should be from the parent/guardian and/or a medical provider if seen stating the student's name, specific date(s) missed, and reason for the absence.
- Late notes are still required to avoid possible truancy, but will remain coded as unexcused.
- Emails are not accepted as parent/guardian notes in middle or high school.
- However, we will take scanned medical notes.
- RRISD excuses student sickness and death in the immediate family.
- Please do not contact or send attendance notes for student absences to the teachers or school nurse.
- Filling out district covid reporting is recommended, but does not act as a campus absence note.
Please direct all attendance correspondence to the Attendance Office:
Dana Harrison
E-mail: dana_harrison@roundrockisd.org
Phone: 512-428-2305
Upcoming Events
All events at Cedar Valley can be found on the Cedar Valley Master Calendar.
Did you know that you can add the Cedar Valley Master Calendar to your calendar? Simply click on this link to access it and add it to your calendar!
Join PTA Today!
Visit our Cedar Valley PTA Online Store to purchase your annual PTA membership, make donations, and purchase your Cedar Valley merchandise at our one stop shop!
Cedar Valley Middle School
Vision: Fostering an inclusive community of lifelong learners
Website: https://cedarvalley.roundrockisd.org/
Location: 8139 Racine Trail, Austin, TX, USA
Phone: 512-428-2300
Facebook: facebook.com/rrisd.cedarvalley
Twitter: @cevmsjags
We are here to help:
Front Office Staff
Administrative Associate - Principal's Office: Ms. Jannina Johnson, 512-428-2316
Administrative Assistant - Assistant Principals' Office: Ms. Allison Chappelle, 512-428-2303
Administrative Assistant - Counseling Office: Ms. Marilyn Beal, 512-428-2348
Attendance: Ms. Dana Harrison, 512-428-2305
Receptionist: Ms. Allison Samuelson, 512-428-2301
Registrar: Ms. Vicky Escruceria, 512-428-2315
Counselors
8th Grade Counselor: Ms. Gabrielle Kerr
7th Grade Counselor:Ms. Elizabeth Guidry
6th Grade Counselor: Ms. Heather Mills
Administration
Principal: Ms. Larissa Ortiz8th Grade Assistant Principal: Ms. Jennifer Bingham
7th Grade Assistant Principal: Mr. Andrew Carroll
6th Grade Assistant Principal: Ms. Sherrin Gorman