Jaguar Tales
October 13, 2023
Hello, Jaguar Family!
This week provided our campus with an opportunity to practice patience and flexibility, but more than that, it allowed us to see what we're made of. And seeing what we're made of is something to be admired.
Due to system-wide issues with the PSAT testing platform on Wednesday morning, it was looking like our 8th graders would have to test on another day. Luckily the system was restored and our students were able to take the PSAT - phew! In the moments of determining a plan forward, our students and staff were so flexible and patient. Everyone worked together to get the plan back on track to provide our students the opportunity to test. Our teachers were calm and confident, and our staff was willing to help in any way possible. Our students were also calm and ready to give their best effort... all with a smile. Every student I spoke to before the test had a positive attitude. Every. Single. One.
While these situations are never fun in the moment, it gave us an opportunity to see just how AMAZING our students and staff really are. It was another reason to be proud to be Jag!
Have a great weekend!
Larissa Ortiz
Cedar Valley Middle School Principal
Larissa_ortiz@roundrockisd.org
512-428-2307
Cross Country District Championship Meet
Congratulations to the Jaguar Cross Country Teams. Last week, on October 4, the district cross country meet was held at Stony Point HS and we are so proud of their accomplishments!
- Leo B. is the district champion and was the 1st overall finisher (out of 94 boys). Wow! Way to go Leo!
- Talia J. was the first finisher from CeVMS and 7th overall runner (out of 81 girls). Nice work, Talia!
- The Cedar Valley Boys team finished in 2nd.
- The Cedar Valley Girls team finished in 3rd.
You all are such dedicated runners and your hard work pays off. You represented Cedar Valley well!
Cedar Valley Chess
Congratulations to Cedar Valley Middle School chess team leader, Ishaan C., for his first place individual finish in the monthly Austin Scholastic tournament's K-12 U1000 section during this school year. His rating improved over 200 points. Amazing result!
He will be leading the CEVMS chess team this year in other competitions. Way to go, Ishaan!
Jaguar Football!
The Jaguars won 3 out of their 4 games against the Hopewell Hornets this week.
- The 7B Jaguars won 28 to 0 - record 5-0
- The 7A Jaguars lost 8 to 26 - record 2-2
- The 8B Jaguars won 18 to 12 - record 4-0
- The 8A Jaguars won 22 to 0 - record 2-2
The Jaguars next games are against the Canyon Vista Mustangs- 7th grade plays on Monday (10/16) atthe Kelly Reeves Athletics Complex and the 8th grade plays on Tuesday (10/17) at Canyon Vista MS. We hope to see you there!
Lady Jaguar Volleyball!
Our Lady Jags Volleyball teams took on Walsh MS Thursday night. Way to go, Lady Jags!
- 7A: 13-25, 19-25
7B: 25-21, 21-25, 13-25
- 8A: 25-19, 21-25, 25-23
- 8B: 26-24, 25-19
The Lady Jags take on Deerpark MS next Thursday night (10/19) - 7th grade plays at home and 8th grade plays away at Deerpark. Please come cheer them on!
Unity Day - Oct. 18 - Wear Orange!
Unity Day will be Wednesday, October 18th. Let's wear ORANGE to unite against bullying and show that we stand for kindness, acceptance and inclusion.
Unity Day is celebrated in October, and orange is a color commonly identified with the month and the autumn season. It is also a color that is associated with safety and visibility. It is a color described as warm and inviting, and its vibrancy makes an impactful statement.
School Dance - Oct. 20, 2023
Día de los Muertos
All-School Dance
Friday, October 20th, 4-6pm
(sponsored by Spanish Club)
We need Volunteers and Donations to make this all-school dance successful.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Wednesday - Friday LUNCH
Buy Discounted Wristbands at Lunch
Bring $5 CASH
Friday
Attire: Wear Bright Colors!!!
Lunch: Get Your Wristband
3:35pm Take ALL of your belongings directly to the SMALL GYM
Buy food and game tickets, while you wait for the dance to start.
4:00pm DANCE TIME!!!
Take your money and phone with you.
Leave everything else in the Small Gym! (It will be locked until 5:45 pm.)
All food must be eaten in the hallway seating area.
Try all of the activities and games.
Have fun and be respectful of others and the school!
5:45-6:00 pm Parent/Guardian Pickup (Parking lot by cafeteria)
Expected Price List
Wristbands (to enter dance): $5 at LUNCH (Wed-Fri), $7 at DOOR
$1 Game Tickets
$1 Drinks, Candy & Chips
$2 Pizza, Pan Dulce & Snow Cones
NOTE: Cash Only
Red Ribbon Week - Oct. 23-27
8th Grade Washington D.C. Trip Info.
May 26th-May 30th, the US History teachers are organizing a trip to Washington D.C. for the 8th-grade class in order to help bring American History and our government to life. For more information, click on the flyer below covering some of the basic costs, dates, and information of the trip to allow interested parents and students to begin planning. An informational parent meeting will take place on Tuesday, October 24th at 6 p.m. at Cedar Valley Middle School, with representatives from Close Up. This meeting is a second opportunity for parents who were not able to attend the meeting in August. We will cover the same information, and if you have already attended, you won't need to attend this one unless you have additional questions. If you have any immediate questions, please contact Eric Gerhardstein for more information.
Academic UIL
Every year the RRISD Middle Schools engage in an Academic UIL competition in 12 different subjects. Here is a list of the 12 different subjects, along with the coaches and their practice schedules. If you are interested in competing, please have your students complete this form (students must be logged into their RRISD accounts to complete it). Teachers/coaches will host practices to introduce students to the different topics and prepare them for the RRISD meet, which will be hosted at Walsh Middle School on January 20th. If you have any questions, please contact the coach of a specific subject or the Cedar Valley UIL Coordinator Eric_Gerhardstein@roundrockisd.org.
Trick or Treat Staff Appreciation Event
Jag Staff will get to Trick or Treat for School Supplies and we will be serving them Chick-Fil-A sandwiches for lunch. We would love it if you would like to help us provide supplies using our Amazon wishlist. If you would prefer to shop locally, we will have a box in the Jag lobby to collect supply donations. If you don't want to shop, you can make a cash donation and we will do the shopping for you. Thank you so much for helping the Cedar Valley PTA spoil our amazing staff!
8th Grade Visits to High School
On November 14th, 8th grade students will take school buses and visit either McNeil or Round Rock High School. They will be grouped in groups of 25 with an adult chaperone and will tour their high school campus. By default, it is the expectation that students will participate in this visit, but if you choose to opt your student out from the trip, please do so by filling out this Form and they will instead stay at Cedar Valley. You do not need to fill out this form unless you want to opt out of the high school visit. Students attending must go to the campus they are zoned for based on the address information we have on file.
Volunteers Needed for the Book Fair
The book fair will be in the Cedar Valley library from October 23-27, 2023 from 7:45am-4pm and until 5pm on Wednesday. We need VOLUNTEERS to help the librarian process sales. Parents can set up an eWallet for your student to shop. Hope to see you there!
Book Fair - Oct. 23-27
For more information, please visit https://bookfairs.scholastic.com/bf/cedar_valley.
Happy reading!
7th & 8th Grade Girls Basketball Tryouts
7th and 8th grade Girls' Basketball tryouts will be October 25-27, 2023!
All students must have a physical form on file and all RankOne online forms completed in order to be eligible to participate in tryouts. Any required form missing by the start of tryouts will result in ineligibility to tryout. This is non-negotiable. Below is the physical form and the link to the RankOne online forms.
All physicals must be completed by medical personnel. A physical is good for one year from the date of exam. If your student's doctor cannot provide a copy of the original physical and/or your student cannot be seen by their regular doctor before tryouts, below are some doctor offices that might be able to see them:
Ally Medical Emergency Room - Round Rock
2105 E Palm Valley Blvd, Round Rock, TX 78665CVS Minute Clinic(s)
https://www.cvs.com/minuteclinic/clinic-locator/tx/roundrock/ (Any location)
All students interested in trying out for the team must attend all three days to be considered:
7th Grade will tryout October 25-27 from 7AM into 1st Period Girls' Athletics.
8th Grade will tryout October 25-27 from 8th Period Girls' Athletics until 5PM.
Physicals can be emailed to Coach Banks at: kaytlynn_banks@roundrockisd.org. All RankOne questions can also be directed to Coach Banks.
Please don't hesitate to reach out if any questions or concerns arise. Thanks!
NJHS Benefit Concert - Nov. 9
Texas Stars - RRHS Night
Come out to support the Texas Stars AND Round Rock Dragon Nation! Next week is the Stars’ opening weekend, Friday 10/13 and Saturday 10/14, at 7 pm. Use this link to buy discounted tickets and a portion of the sales goes back to Round Rock Dragon Nation!
MHS FFA Invites you....
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
CeVMS Hoodie Pre-Orders
Cooler weather is on the way! The CeVMS 2023 - 2024 hoodies will be available for pre-order 10/02/2023 - 10/15/2023 on the CeVMS PTA Store website.
Hoodies will be heather gray, soft fleece with the 30th anniversary logo on the front and GO JAGS down the right sleeve. Hoodies are $30 each, are available in adult sizes XS - 3XL, and can only be purchased via pre-order.
Hoodie delivery is estimated for the first week in November and will be distributed to your student via their advisory teacher.
Questions can be directed to membership@cevmspta.org. If you have not already joined the PTA, be sure to add a parent and/or student membership during check out. Every membership counts. GO JAGS!
Spirit Day with Pizza Hut - Oct. 18
On Wednesday, October 18th order from11:00am - 11:00pm from any Round Rock location and CeVMS will get 20% of your order back. Use coupon code “hutgives” in the coupon field for online orders. See the flier below for more details.
Reflections Program
The 2023-2024 PTA Reflections theme is “I Am Hopeful Because…”
The deadline for all entries is October 26, 2023. Choose one or more of the 6 categories to create new original pieces of artwork to express your creativity!
Not familiar with the Reflections Program? Check out these short videos to learn more about it! Reflections Program Introduction and 2023-2024 Reflections Call for Entries. Please download the Rules for participation requirements and to ensure your art meets the requirements for each art category.
For more information visit www.txpta.org/reflections or email reflections@cevmspta.org with any questions. Student Program Rules Packet (English/Spanish). Student Entry Form (English/Spanish). Click Here for the digital entry form.
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.
The Just for Jags Direct Donation Campaign started Monday, September 18th and is a major fundraising effort for PTA. Nothing to sell or buy, just your tax-deductible contributions direct to PTA.
Did you know that Cedar Valley PTA school contributions benefit EVERY student at CeVMS? Help PTA continue our current support level and make it grow! CeVMS PTA uses these funds throughout our campus for software and technology purchases, classroom supplies and innovative learning materials, staff appreciation, scholarship opportunities, and SO MUCH MORE! Get additional information or make your donation today here.
Flyers and envelopes will go to students through their advisory classrooms. Cash, check, and credit card donations accepted. Find out if you can double your donation through your employer! Contact donations@cevmspta.org with any questions. We appreciate your support!
Attention 8th Grade Jaguars! The 8th grade Class of 2028 T-Shirts are available for pre-orders! Pre-orders will be accepted until 10/22 with estimated delivery before fall break. All sales help us find the 8th grade dance in May. Get yours before it’s too late!
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.
School Pictures
School picture day has come and gone!If an order form never made it home, you can simply go to the website, prepayorders.com, enter the flyer code, 501723F25, and take care of your picture orders. Retakes/make-ups scheduled for November 9th.
Ordering a Yearbook
Yearbooks are currently available for purchase and have been selling fast! Click here to order your Jaguar Yearbook. There are only a handful of books left to purchase with the $5 discount promo code. The price will steadily increase throughout the year. The only way to guarantee a copy is to pre-order online! Seriously, don’t wait until it is too late!
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! There is limited space in the book for these ads, so please don’t wait until there is no more real estate for your precious babies!
The deadline to purchase Recognition Ads is February 8th!
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 that were 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.
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.
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.
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
10/16 - Rubik's Cube Club Meeting, Room 4104, 7:45am
10/16 - Future Cities Club, Room 1121-A, 3:35pm
10/16 - French Club Crepe Day, FAC Kitchen, 3:40pm
10/16 - 7th Grade Football vs. Canyon Vista at Kelly Reeves Athletic Complex, 5pm
10/17 - Chess Club, Room 3109, 3:35pm
10/17 - Debate Club, Lecture Hall, 3:35pm
10/17 - 8th Grade Football vs. Canyon Vista at Canyon Vista MS, 5pm
10/18 - Unity Day - Wear Orange!
10/18 - Spirit Night at Pizza Hut (for delivery) - more details coming soon
10/19 - Robotics Club, Room 1121-A, 3:35
10/19 - Table Top Games Club, Room 2115, 3:35pm
10/19 - Girls Volleyball vs. Deerpark (7th Home, 8th Away), 5:30pm
10/20 - Calm Amidst Chaos Club, Library, 3:45pm
10/20 - School Dance, 4-6pm
10/23 - 6th Grade SPOT Ceremony, Lecture Hall, 7:45 am (by email notification)
10/23 - Rubik's Cube Club Meeting, Room 4104, 7:45am
10/23 - Future Cities Club, Room 1121-A, 3:35pm
10/23 - 7th Grade Football vs. Walsh at Walsh MS, 5pm
10/23 - Girls Volleyball vs. Pearson Ranch (7th Away, 8th Home), 5:30pm
10/24 - 7th Grade SPOT Ceremony, Lecture Hall, 7:45 am (by email notification)
10/24 - GSA Club, Room 2115, 3:40pm
10/24 - 8th Grade Football vs. Walsh at the Kelly Reeves Athletic Complex, 5pm
10/24 - Washington DC Trip Parent Meeting, Cafeteria, 6-7pm
10/25 - 8th Grade SPOT Ceremony, Lecture Hall, 7:45 am (by email notification)
10/26 - FCA Meeting, Lecture Hall, 7:45am
10/26- Robotics Club, Room 1121-A, 3:35
10/26 - Table Top Games Club, Room 2115, 3:35pm
10/27 - StuCo Meeting, Lecture Hall, 7:40am
10/27 - Calm Amidst Chaos Club, Library, 3:45pm
11/9 - Picture Retake Day
11/10 - Staff Development Day; No school for students
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. Gorman