Jaguar Tales
October 21, 2023
Hello, Jaguar Family!
This week our students participated in Unity Day which served as a good opportunity to revisit our message on showing kindness and standing up against bullying. Our students and staff joined in by wearing orange and going for a unity walk outside. The message of unity is one we want to go far past one day in October - it is one we want to live every day!
As we look ahead to next week, there is a lot in store. Our volleyball teams will have their last game of the season. Please come out and support them if you can!
In our Fine Arts Department, you can catch the Cedar Valley dancers at Intersection on Thursday night and our Varsity Theatre UIL students performing/ competing on Saturday. We wish them well!
This coming week is also Red Ribbon Week where we encourage our students to be drug-free. There will be plenty of opportunities for students to join in the fun dress up days. More details can be found below.
Lastly, the Cedar Valley book fair launches this week. We can't wait to see everything our students will pick put to add to their reading collections. We love to see our students read! More information can be found below.
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.
Unity Day 2023
Region Orchestra Audition Results
On Friday Oct 13 and Saturday 14 , 45 of Cedar Valley MS orchestra’s students tried out for the Region Honor Orchestra audition. It was a very difficult competition, and it is the biggest honor to all the young musicians who made it. Regardless of whether the students made it or not, we really appreciate their hard work. The following Cedar Valley Middle School Orchestra students made the Region Honor Orchestra 2023. Congratulations!
- Trevin H.
- Bella Z.
- Elizabeth K.
- Lina M.K.
- Waverly W.
- Isaac J.
- Dhanya S.
- Shayan R.
- Isabelle W.
- Yang (Andrew) C.
- Elton Y
- Angelina K.
- Ally H.
- Kirthna N.
- Abby F.C.
Shout Out to our Yearbook Staff!
Our yearbook staff works hard behind the scenes to capture memorable moments. This means keeping track of many school events, working after hours, and telling the story through photos and yearbook spreads. We appreciate the work they do capture all of the memories!
Jaguar Football!
The Jaguars took on the Canyon Vista Mustangs this week.
- The 7B Jaguars won 34 to 8
- The 7A Jaguars won 34 to 6
- The 8B Jaguars lost 40 to 26
- The 8A Jaguars lost 41 to 0
The Jaguars next games are against the Walsh Wildcats- 7th grade plays on Monday (10/23) at Walsh MS and 8th grade plays on Tuesday (10/24) at the Kelly Reeves Athletics Complex. We hope to see you there!
Lady Jaguar Volleyball!
Our Lady Jags Volleyball teams took on Deerpark MS Thursday night. Way to go, Lady Jags!
The Lady Jags take on Pearson Ranch MS next Monday night (10/23) - 7th grade plays away at Pearson Ranch and 8th grade plays home. Please come cheer them on!
Red Ribbon Week - Oct. 23-27
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!
Book Fair Hours:
- Monday - Friday - 7:45-4:00
- Open Late on Wed. 10/25 - until 5pm
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!
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.
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
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.
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.
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
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
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
October 23-27 is Red Ribbon Week!
October 23-27 is the Cedar Valley Book Fair!
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)
10/25 - Book Fair open till 5pm
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
10/26 - Dance Intersection, McNeil PAC, 7pm
10/27 - StuCo Meeting, Lecture Hall, 7:40am
10/27 - Calm Amidst Chaos Club, Library, 3:45pm
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 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
10/31 - 8th Grade Football vs. Pearson Ranch at Pearson Ranch MS, 5pm
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
11/9 - 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. Sherrin Gorman