Jaguar Tales
October 28, 2023
Hello, Jaguar Family!
We hope everyone is staying safe and dry as our area gets some much-needed rain. We had a week filled with so many opportunities for our students to get involved and showcase their talents. Volleyball season wrapped up and football season is close to wrapping up soon. We are so proud of the effort they show on the court, on the field, and in their classes.
In our fine arts programs, we have seen our students receive outstanding recognitions and have seen their talents on display. We are incredibly proud of their hard work and dedication, as they pursue their passions. Please don't forget, you can catch our Varsity Theatre group in action today and Monday night (more info. below).
Special thanks to our Student Council for organizing a successful Red Ribbon Week. It was a lot of fun! We hope to gather some photos to share next week.
We have much more coming up in the weeks to come. Stay tuned!
Have a great weekend!
Larissa Ortiz
Cedar Valley Middle School Principal
Larissa_ortiz@roundrockisd.org
512-428-2307
Safety - We need your help!
For safety reasons, we have need the cooperation of all visitors to please utilize the designated visitor parking spaces when visiting the campus. We know your visit may be short (signing out your child or dropping something off), but we need to be sure to keep the fire lane clear. In case of an emergency, our first responders to need to have the fire lanes clear to provide them the access they need to the campus (at a moment's notice). Unfortunately, we have already had a few medical emergencies this year and we all need to work together to ensure smooth and swift action is able to take place. Thank you for your cooperation.
Día de los Muertos Dance
The Spanish Club would like to express their gratitude to everyone who supported El Día de los Muertos Dance. We deeply appreciate all the donations and the valuable time you dedicated. The overwhelming support from parents was truly amazing. According to the custodians, hosting this event was a pleasure, and they wouldn't have said so without your assistance. A special thanks goes to the Cedar Valley PTA for their unwavering support and guidance, and gracias to all the staff who contributed. We'd also like to extend our gratitude to our talented students who performed El Jarabe Tapatío by El Mariachi Nuevo Tecalitlan and, of course, to the photographers for capturing these wonderful memories.
Choir Contest Results
Last weekend, members of the Cedar Valley advanced choir competed for a place in the TMEA Region 26 Honors Choir. We had 36 singers place, another record for our school and the region! Congratulations to all of our talented students.
7th Grade Treble Choir:
Anika B.
Izzie B.
Aashi G.
MaKenzy H.
Laynie H.
Prajna H.
Harine J.
Savannah J.
Dhanya K.
Rylee M.
Srishti M.
Scarlett Q.
Madison S.
Madeline S.
Varenyaa S.
Ashmika T.
Vivian V.
Sruthi V.
Tenor Bass Choir:
Lewellyn A.
Daniel D.
Vihaan I.
Miles M.
Kyle R.
Atharv S.
Vincent S.
Bryan S.
8th Grade Treble Choir:
Carolina B.
Kate B.
Lina E.
Olive J.
Tvisha K.
Ava K.
Krithi M.
Jax R.
Greeshma S.
Addison W.
Jaguar Football!
Our 7th B Team finished the season as District Champs and the only undefeated team in the district with a record of 7 wins and no losses.
The 7th grade A team has their final game on Monday Vs Pearson Ranch and currently has a record of 4 wins and 2 losses.
The 8th grade B Team also finished the season as district champions with a win over Walsh this week and a season record of 5 wins and only 1 loss.
The 8th Grade A team just beat Walsh this week who was the only undefeated team in our district by a score of 14-12 on a last minute, game winning touchdown. Record currently is 3-3.
Monday’s final game of the season is “PINK OUT PEARSON”, please come out and show your support!!!
Lady Jaguar Volleyball!
7A: 25-10, 25-23
7B: 25-14, 25-18
8A: 25-15, 25-8
8B: 25-9, 25-11
The 8th grade A Team completed the season with an undefeated 8-0 record winning the title of District Champions! The 8th grade B Team finished the season with a 6-2 record coming in a three way tie for 2nd place, and the 7th grade A and B Teams both finished with a 7-1 record tying for the title of District Champions! We are very proud of our Lady Jaguar Volleyball Teams and their hard work this season.
Level II and Level II Dancers Perform at Intersection
Pink Out Pearson - Wear Pink on Monday (10/30)!
Varsity Theatre Presents Gathering Blue
You have two opportunities to catch the UIL Theatre performance!
- Saturday, Oct. 28, 11am, Stony Point HS PAC (Free!)
- Monday, Oct. 30, 6:30pm, Cedar Valley Cafeteria
- Students - $4.31 w/ fees
- Adults - $6.31 w/ fees
All tickets will be sold ONLINE ONLY - NO CASH ACCEPTED
Scan this QR Code to purchase tickets from the RRISD Fine Arts Box Office
Boys Basketball Tryouts - Nov. 2 & 3
Halloween Dress Up Info.
Students and staff are welcome to dress up in costumes on Tuesday, October 31. We ask that costumes be school appropriate and meet the following requirements:
- Costumes must follow the RRISD dress code (p. 47 of Student Code of Conduct)
- Staff must be able to identify students
- Costumes must not hinder student’s ability to walk in the hall or participate in class, including PE. (no inflatable costumes)
- Props and accessories should stay at home (ex: wands, weapons, etc.)
Students who prefer not to dress up are encouraged to wear purple to show their Cedar Valley spirit.
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!
PSAT Scores
PSAT scores (for the 8th graders) will be available to view on Nov. 6. The scores can be viewed by logging in to the student's College Board account or by using the BigFuture School mobile app.
If you need help with logging in, please contact the College Board staff.
For more information about scores, please visit this site.
TAG Referral Window - Nov. 6-Dec. 8
The referral window for students to be considered for gifted services is from November 6, 2023 through December 8, 2023 at 4:30 p.m. You will find the registration link on the Round Rock ISD TAG website. On the morning of November 6th at 8:00 a.m. the links will be live and you can submit registration requests. After completing the online form, you will receive email confirmation of your referral for gifted services. Please keep a copy of the confirmation email for your records.
TAG Referral Information:
TAG Referral Information – English
TAG Referral Information – Spanish
If you have inquiries after reviewing the material, please join the RRISD TAG Department for a virtual Question and Answer session.
Date: November 13, 2023
Time: 5:00 – 6:00 p.m.
>> Join the Google Meet
Please feel free to reach out to our TAG counselor Heather_mills@roundrockisd.org if additional assistance is needed.
CAABSE Fall Symposium - Nov. 4
The Capital Area Alliance of Black School Educators (CAABSE) is hosting their annual fall symposium on November 4 and is open to all RRISD staff, MS/HS students, and all parents/guardians. Topics include, but are not limited to classroom instruction and engagement, parent advocacy skills, and student leadership.
Check out the attached event flier with descriptions of the available sessions and additional details.
All interested may register for free at this link: tinyurl.com/CAABSE23attend. See you there!
School Pictures & Retake Day Info.
Students should have received their pre-ordered photos or a flyer with proofs and order directions this week during science classes. Picture retake day is scheduled for Thursday, Nov. 9 during lunch and advisory on the cafeteria stage.
NJHS Benefit Concert - Nov. 9
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.
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
Reflections Program - Deadline Extended!
The 2023-2024 PTA Reflections theme is “I Am Hopeful Because…” The deadline for all entries HAS BEEN EXTENDED TO MONDAY, October 30th, 2023 at 10am.
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.
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!
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
All students should have received either their pre-ordered pictures or a flier with order information last week during their science class. If you have questions about photos, click HERE for details from 1st Photo Texas. If you missed picture day back in September, or you were unhappy with your photos, mark your calendars for retake/make-up day on 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!
Name Change Request
We want to honor the name students prefer to go by in the yearbook. However, we are required to use students' legal names as noted in their school registration unless we have it in writing from a parent/guardian that it is okay to use a different name. If you approve or wish for a name other than your child's legal name to appear in the yearbook, please click HERE to make your official name change request no later than Friday, 12/1.
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.
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
10/28 - District Band Auditions, CeVMS, 8am-2pm
10/28 - Varsity Theater UIL Competition, SPHS PAC, 11am
10/30 - Rubik's Cube Club Meeting, Room 4104, 7:45am
10/30 - Future Cities Club, Room 1121-A, 3:35pm
10/30 - French Club Meeting, Room 3104, 3:40pm
10/30 - 7th & 8th Grade Football vs. Pearson Ranch at Kelly Reeves Athletic Complex, 5pm
10/30 - Varsity Theater UIL Public Performance, CeVMS Cafeteria, 6:30pm
10/31 - Chess Club Meeting, Room 3109, 3:35pm
10/31 - Debate Club Meeting, Lecture Hall, 3:35pm
11/2 & 11/3 - Boys Basketball Tryouts (see info. above)
11/2 - Robotics Club, Room 1121-A, 3:35
11/2 - Table Top Games Club, Room 2115, 3:35pm
11/3 - NJHS Meeting, Lecture Hall, 7:45am
11/3 - Calm Amidst Chaos Club, Library, 3:45pm
11/6 - Rubik's Cube Club Meeting, Room 4104, 7:45am
11/6 - Future Cities Club, Room 1121-A, 3:35pm
11/6 & 11/7 - TTAP Testing
11/7 &11/8 - 7th grade field trip (by designated day)
11/7 - Spanish Club Game Day, Room 3112, 3:45pm
11/8 - Spirit Night at Chipotle
11/9 - FCA Meeting, Lecture Hall, 7:45am
11/9 - Veteran's Day Assemblies (6th grade - 1st period, 7th grade - 2nd period, 8th grade - 3rd period)
11/9 - Picture Retake Day (during lunch and advisory)
11/9 - Robotics Club, Room 1121-A, 3:35
11/9 - Table Top Games Club, Room 2115, 3:35pm
11/9 - NJHS Benefit Concert (see info above), 5:30pm
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. Sherrin Gorman