Jaguar Tales
April 7, 2024
Hello, Jaguar Family!
Like many in central Texas, we are looking forward to tomorrow's total solar eclipse day. We continue to monitor the weather to determine whether or not we will be able to watch outside 🤞. Please read more about our plans in the information below.
Also, please be reminded, there is no school for students on Wednesday, April 10, 2024. This day is a staff development day for our staff. Following this day off for students, classes will resume on Thursday, April 11, 2024.
See you tomorrow! Go Jags!
Larissa Ortiz
Cedar Valley Middle School Principal
Larissa_ortiz@roundrockisd.org
512-428-2307
Cedar Valley Band Celebrates BIG Success at UIL
This week, the Cedar Valley MS Jaguar Bands competed in the UIL Concert and Sightreading Evaluation at Georgetown High School. UIL is a culmination of a months-long process where students prepared 3 concert pieces, along with practicing the skills to read a fourth piece after a short rehearsal.
The Honors, Symphonic & Concert Bands all received the highest ratings possible from all six judges, leading to a superior rating for Concert and Sightreading. This is the first time since 2017 that all three competing groups have brought home a "sweepstakes" trophy. Additionally, Cedar Valley Middle School was only one of two schools, out of 26, to earn perfect ratings for all 3 bands at this year's contests.
The monumental success of this year's competition is a testament to hardworking students enrolled in the band program and the support of their families. The Cedar Valley Bands are directed by Pete Alvarado and Jeff Owen. We are grateful to their many hours and dedication to prepare our students for great success.
LEAP Dance Company Performance at the RRHS Dragonettes Spring Show
Assistant Principal Appreciation Week
Last week was Assistant Principal Appreciation Week. We are grateful for our Cedar Valley assistant principals for their dedication to making Cedar Valley a great place for kids and staff. We are thankful for their long hours supporting teachers, staff, and school operations.
Thank you, Mr. Carroll, Ms. Bingham, and Mrs. Gorman!
Paraprofessional Appreciation Day - Apr. 3
On Wednesday, we celebrated the hard work and dedication of our Educational Assistants. These individuals are integral to the work we do and it would be impossible work without them. Thank you, educational assistants for the work you to do support student learning each and every day!
Our AMAZING educational assistants:
Ms. Bynum
Ms. Lobo
Ms. Harris
Ms. Jeremias
Ms. L. Smith
Ms. Green
Ms. Hearne-Nelson
Ms. Castillo
Ms. Koefoot
Ms. Collins
Ms. White
Ms. Telagamsetty
School Librarian Appreciation Day - Apr. 4
On Thursday, we also celebrated the work of our school library staff. Together, Mrs. Turner and Mrs. Blankenship have developed an inviting and positive environment for students to explore their love for reading in the library. They also support teachers with their lessons, as well as students and their assignments.
Thank you, Mrs. Turner and Mrs. Blankenship!
Cedar Valley Eclipse-Watching Plans
Weather permitting, on April 8, 2024 our school will be participating in the viewing of the solar eclipse that will take place at about 1:32 - 1:41 pm. We plan to be outside by 1:15 with the students who have permission to participate.
- Our amazing science teachers have provided lessons on solar eclipses and the exciting things to expect.
- In order to view the eclipse and ensure that all students receive lunch, there will be a revised bell schedule on April 8.
- Eclipse viewing glasses have been provided by the Round Rock Learning Community and will be distributed to students during 7th period on Monday.
- Students are encouraged to bring towels and/or blankets to watch the solar eclipse with their 7th period class outside. No collapsible chairs, please.
- Students will be expected to stay with their 7th period class.
- Students who do not have permission to view the eclipse will report to their 7th period class, then at the time that others are going outside, will report to the lecture hall. There will be no eclipse viewing in the lecture hall.
- Plan B in case of inclement weather (rain) is to watch a live stream of the total solar eclipse in their 7th period class. This is only for students who have permission.
- If the weather is cloudy, but there is no rain and the field areas are dry, we will take the students outside.
Thank you to everyone who has helped to prepare this unique learning opportunity for our students. A special shoutout to our Cedar Valley science teachers for their work behind-the-scenes!
Signing Out Students on Mon. April 8
Please be advised that on the day of the solar eclipse, Monday, April 8, we will not be able to retrieve students from their outside viewing activities during our altered seventh period (1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.)
If you need to pick your student up early on April 8, please be aware that wait times will be considerable. We do not advise student pick ups after 12:00 p.m. on that day.
Thank you for helping to make this day run as smoothly as possible.
No School - Wed. April 10
STAAR Testing Dates - Spring 2024
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.
Test 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)
STAAR makeup dates:
ELA- April 17
SS- April 24
Science- April 25
Math- April 29
extra day (if needed)- April 30
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.
Vaccine Clinic Information
For the 6th-grade Parents:
For those students missing immunization records required to enter the 7th grade. Mrs. Rochelau has sent you a couple of emails. If you did not receive the reminder emails, your child is up to date and we have already received his or her immunization record.
For eligible students who still need the state-required vaccines, the Round Rock ISD is offering a free vaccine clinic on April 10 and May 11. Please see the flyer for the details and eligibility.
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, and here is a little sliver of the cover.
Ordering a Yearbook
Yearbooks are almost sold out. Click here to order your Jaguar Yearbook. We will not order extra books to sell in person on campus this year; the only way to guarantee a copy is to pre-order online! Seriously, don’t wait until it is too late!
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.
Updated RRISD COVID-19 Guidelines
The Texas Department of State Health Services has updated its school exclusion criteria to align the requirement for COVID-19 with those for other respiratory viruses like flu. Students now only need to be excluded from school until they have been fever-free for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication. You can find the current school communicable disease chart at www.dshs.texas.gov/idps-home/school-communicable-disease-chart.
Please keep your child home if your child has a fever over 100F and/or diarrhea or vomiting. Your child may return to school once he or she is fever-free for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medications. Once your child can tolerate food and liquid without diarrhea and vomiting, he or she may return to school.
Thank you for keeping Cedar Valley healthy.
Round Rock Learning Community - Immigration Info. Night - Apr. 29, 5:30pm
(Click on the flyer below for more info.)
Cedar Valley Summer Sports Camps
Please see the attached flyer for finalized information on Cedar Valley's sports camps for this summer! Registration is now open and will close on May 24, 2024, at 11:30PM. Please make sure to register before then.
If you have any questions, please reach out to Coach Banks or Coach Davila:
kaytlynn_banks@roundrockisd.org
marcos_davila@roundrockisd.org
MHS IB Programme Information Meetings
Dragon Fan Appreciation Night - May 15
Little Dragon Football Camp - May 13-15
(For grades K-5)
RRHS Cross Country Kick Off - May 15
MHS Summer Camps
McNeil summer camp registrations are coming soon and many are already open for sign-ups. There are camps for elementary ages through middle/high school, and all are led by McNeil coaches. Go to: https://roundrockisd.store.rankone.com/Camp/List to view camp information and updates as new camps are posted.
CeVMS PTA Nominating Committee Report
In accordance with our Bylaws the Cedar Valley MS PTA Nominating Committee presents this report:
The Cedar Valley MS PTA’s Nominating Committee offers the following nominations for the 2024-2025 school year:
President: Lareina Stainthorp
Treasurer: Marilyn Diaz
Secretary: Natalie Paprocki
VP1: Donna Gracian
VP2: Barbara Williams
VP3: Carmen Padua
Voting will take place at the April 17th General PTA meeting. We will be accepting nominations from the floor in addition to those on the slate. Please attend the meeting to vote on your new PTA Officers. RSVP here to attend the meeting.
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.
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. Cristol Alvarez, 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