Jaguar Tales
December 8, 2023
Hello, Jaguar Family!
We are in the homestretch of the Fall semester. We are staying the course to ensure a strong finish to a great semester. We want to remind all families that Thursday is the last day for students. There is no school on Friday, Dec. 15. School will resume for students on Thursday, January 4, 2024.
Have a great weekend! Go Jags!
Larissa Ortiz
Cedar Valley Middle School Principal
Larissa_ortiz@roundrockisd.org
512-428-2307
Cedar Valley MS Named Jostens 2023 National Yearbook Program of Excellence
Congratulations to the Cedar Valley Middle School’s yearbook program for recently achieving the Jostens 2023 National Yearbook Program of Excellence award at the Gold Level. The National Yearbook Program of Excellence recognizes engaging yearbooks that reflect a broad representation of the student body while helping students develop 21st century skills such as communication, collaboration, and information and communication technologies (ICT) literacy.
The Cedar Valley Middle School award-winning yearbook program is led by students under the direction of Kathleen Johnston, the Cedar Valley Middle School yearbook advisor.
Have you ordered your yearbook from our award winning program yet? Copies will be sold out soon! Click here to order your Jaguar Yearbook!
Orchestra Students Perform for Brookdale Community
CeVMS Chess Team Excels in NYOS Winter Chess Classic
This past Saturday Dec. 2 at the 2023 Austin Area NYOS Winter Chess Classic, a team of chess players from Cedar Valley Middle School brought home the first place team trophy in the K-12 Elite section of the tournament. The chess team members were as follows: Srikar P., Esha P., Ishaan C., and John X. In the 6-12 U1000 section of the tournament CeVMS competitors earned a third place trophy. Team members were Arjun P., Harshul M., and Anton N. CeVMS chess coach and chess club sponsor is CeVMS teacher Layne Hendrick.
In the K-12 Elite individual competition the CeVMS team members finished as follows:
Srikar P. in first place with 5.0 points,
Esha P. in third place with 3.0 points,
Ishaan C. in fifth place with 2.0 points, and
John X. in fifth place with 2.0 points.
In the 6-12 U1000 individual competition these CeVMS team members finished as follows:
Arjun P. in third place with 3.5 points
Harshul M. in fourth place with 3.0 points, and
Anton N. in 7th place with 1.0 point
Congratulations on a great team effort. Go Jags!
*If you are interested in competing on the chess team you may contact Mr. Hendrick in room 3109 or contact him by e-mail at layne_hendrick@roundrockisd.org
Reflections Results
Thank you to everyone that participated in Reflections at the school level! There were so many amazing entries and your hard work showed! We had 9 students that advanced to the Council level. We are so excited to announce that two of those…Akshara A. (Literature) and Dayul H. (Visual Arts) received an Overall Award of Excellence and have advanced to the State level.
Below are the scoring results for all of our students at the Council Level. Congratulations!
Scoring: HM (Honorable Mention - Bronze medal); AM (Award of Merit - Silver medal); AE (Award of Excellence - Gold medal); OAE (Overall Award of Excellence - only one per age group/category, advances to State level)
Student: Kirthna N.
Category: Photography
Score: AM
Student: Hiroshi G.
Category: Music Composition
Score: AM
Student: Naveen B.
Category: Literature
Score: AM
Student: Akshara A.
Category: Literature
Score: OAE
Student: Nila M.
Category: Literature
Score: AE
Student: Erin Y.
Category: Literature
Score: AE
Student: Asher J.
Category: Visual Arts
Score: AE
Student: Prakruti R.
Category: Visual Arts
Score: HM
Student: Dayul H.
Category: Visual Arts
Score: OAE
Staff Appreciation Chili Luncheon
Our Jag Staff is back from Thanksgiving break and working hard for our students! The PTA plans to treat them to a chili luncheon Tuesday, December 12th. PTA will provide the chili. We could use your help to provide bread, dessert, and drinks. Don’t want to shop - you can help us with a monetary donation to help with the cost of the chili. Non-perishable donations can be dropped off in the Jag Lobby on Monday, December 11th or before 9am on Tuesday, December 12th. We appreciate your support!
Lost and Found
The lost and found is overflowing with unclaimed items. All students should check the lost in found in the cafeteria by Monday, Dec. 11. All unclaimed items will be donated.
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.
Ordering a Yearbook
Yearbooks are currently available for purchase and have been selling fast! Click here to order your Jaguar Yearbook. The $5 discount promo code ends this Friday, 12/15, so order now. The only way to guarantee a copy is to pre-order online! Seriously, don’t wait until it is too late!
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! Space is limited for these special ads, so please don’t wait until there is no more real estate for your precious babies!
The deadline to PURCHASE recognition ads is December 15th! Parents have until February 8th to create the ad.
Clubs and Organizations Photos
1st Photo Texas will be on campus January 9th and 10th to photograph all of our amazing clubs.These photos are not for purchase; they are strictly for the yearbook. Students involved with any club or organization will receive more information from the designated sponsors when we return in January.
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.
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.
Transition Information for 8th Graders
Early College HS Family Information Night - Dec. 12, 6:30pm
Students and their families interested in becoming incoming Eighth-grade students and their families are invited to in-person information sessions to learn more about student life and how to apply at ECHS or for the P-TECH program. Information about the IB® programme offered at McNeil, Westwood and Stony Point high schools will also be presented.
Rising Round Rock ISD freshmen can graduate with their high school diploma, certifications, and a free two-year Associate of Arts (AA), Associate of Science (AS) degree, or Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree.
Tuesday, December 12, 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Chisholm Trail MS
> Add FREE College Info Night reminder to your calendar
McNeil HS Events
Event: McNeil Academy Elective Fair
Date: January 25, 2024
Time: 6p-8p
Location: McNeil HS (Cafeteria)
McNeil HS Advanced Academic Night
Thursday, January 11, 2024 · 6:00 – 8:00pm
Time zone: America/Chicago
Google Meet joining info
Video call link: https://meet.google.com/pgr-remb-toy
Or dial: ‪(US) +1 662-608-3304‬ PIN: ‪164 822 048‬#
More phone numbers: https://tel.meet/pgr-remb-toy?pin=9276969574155
For more Information, please contact Sonya_Baker@roundrockisd.org.
Greece Summer 2025 Trip Information
More spots have opened up for our trip to Greece in Summer 2025!!
Give the gift of travel and exploration to your child! For this week until December 10, you get a $200 DISCOUNT for enrolling!
Mrs. Fooshee is hosting a NON-SCHOOL Sponsored excursion to Greece in July 2025. Students gain so much from world travel: compassion, networking, perspective, growth and independence, better academic performance and so much more! All 6th, 7th, & 8th graders are welcome (siblings and those going into 9th grade next year)! It's going to be quite the experience!
GREECE 2025 - $200 OFF UNTIL DEC. 10! Click to enroll!
2024 Spelling Bee
Registration is open for the 2024 Cedar Valley Middle School Spelling Bee! Students can register at https://forms.gle/AEKv1YJbdxR331od7 .
Registration for this year's bee closes on Thursday, December 14, 2023. Registered participants will complete the preliminary bee online. Instructions for the online preliminary bee will be emailed to students after registration. The online preliminary bee must be completed by Thursday, January 4, 2024.
Students who qualify to move forward in the competition will be notified via email on Friday, January 5, 2024.
The remaining rounds of the 2024 Cedar Valley Middle School Spelling Bee will be held in person beginning at 3:45 pm on Thursday, January 11, 2024 in the lecture hall.
Questions? Please email Robin_Brown@roundrockisd.org.
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
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