Jaguar Tales
January 20 2024
Hello, Jaguar Family!
I hope everyone has been able to stay warm during this up-and-down Central Texas weather. I also hope everyone's property has been cooperative during the freezing temps. Unfortunately, despite the preventative measures taken, our school building did sustain damage due to the freezing weather on Monday night. We had a pipe burst in the nurse's office which caused flooding in the main office suite. The district staff was quick to respond and repair efforts remain on-going. The nurse clinic has been temporarily relocated and will remain in the relocation site until all repairs are complete. The main office staff is currently working out of the library until it is determined we can return to our offices (estimated middle of next week).
For the time being, if you need to get a hold of counselors, administration, or other main office staff, please call the main line: 512-428-2301 or email the staff member directly (links to email addresses are located at the very bottom of this newsletter).
If you need to get a hold of the nurse, please call 512-428-2311 (same number as before) or email her at mina_shimomura@roundrockisd.org.
I am very grateful for the quick action taken by both the Cedar Valley custodial team and the RRISD maintenance department. I am also grateful to the nurses, office staff, and library staff who have been very flexible through it all. I am most grateful that no damage was done to student and teacher areas, as this allowed us to continue normal operations with no disruption to instruction.
The repairs will be on-going and we appreciate your patience if this causes any inconveniences for anyone. Thank you for your understanding.
Have a great weekend! Go Jags!
Larissa Ortiz
Cedar Valley Middle School Principal
Larissa_ortiz@roundrockisd.org
512-428-2307
2024 Cedar Valley MS Spelling Bee Results
The 2024 Cedar Valley MS Spelling Bee was held on January 11th. Seventeen students successfully moved from the online preliminary round to the in-person rounds. After 66 rounds and 505 words, the following students were the school spelling bee winners:
1st - Akshera V.
2nd - Anvi R.
Both Akshera and Anvi advanced to the Austin Regional Spelling Bee! Congratulations!
The Multicultural Fair 2024
Again, a big thank you to EVERYONE involved in making the Multicultural Fair 2024 a success! Cedar Valley students have so much talent and it was great to see it on display. The photos below only show a fraction of the talent and participation from this amazing day.
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!
Ordering a Yearbook
Yearbooks are currently available for purchase and have been selling fast! Click here to order your Jaguar Yearbook. The only way to guarantee a copy is to pre-order online! Seriously, don’t wait until it is too late! The last day to order a yearbook with personalization on it (your name, activity/sports icons, etc…) is Friday, January 26th!
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!
FINAL deadline to purchase and create the recognition ads is February 8th. Space is limited for these special ads, so please don’t wait until there is no more real estate for your precious babies!
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.
Cedar Valley Cheer/Mascot Informational Meetings
There will be two Cedar Valley Cheer/Mascot Informational Meetings held on Monday, January 22nd and Tuesday, January 23rd for the 2024-2025 school year. If you are interested in being on the team, attendance is MANDATORY with parent/guardian and student at one of the above dates. Meetings will be held in the Lecture Hall from 6:00pm - 7:30pm.
Questions? Please contact Jaye Price at jaye_price@roundrockisd.org or Dena Inness at dena_inness@roundrockisd.org
SOUPer Bowl Staff Appreciation Lunch
PTA is treating our "souper" staff to a "Souper Bowl" lunch on January 25th. Please see the sign up genius for ways you can help the PTA spoil our staff. If you want to donate money for the luncheon, donate here.
*UPDATED STAAR Testing Dates - Spring 2024*
**Please notes have been updated since they were last shared on Jan. 1. Please update your calendars accordingly.**
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.
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)
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.
Transition Information for 8th Graders
Round Rock HS Events
Dragon Blast - Academy Night
On January 24th from 6:00 to 8:00 pm, Round Rock High School invites 8th students and parents to explore the different programs of study offered at RRHS at our annual Academy Night. A schedule of events is below:
6:00 to 6:30 / 7:15 to 8:00 Counselors are available for questions (come and go) - 1100 Cafeteria
6:30 p.m. Advanced Academics Information Session - 1100 Cafeteria
6:00 - 8:00 p.m. Teachers and students will be available for questions about the following programs of study and academy-related clubs in the main gymnasium:
Automotive Technology
Band
Biomedical Sciences
Business Management
Choir
Computer Science
Culinary Arts
Cybersecurity
Dance
Debate
Drone Aviation
Education and Training
Engineering
Fashion Design
Finance
Game Programming and Design
Graphic Design and Illustration
Health Science Theory and Practice
Journalism: Newspaper / Yearbook
Law Enforcement
Law and the Legal System
Literary Magazine
Marine Corps JROTC
Marketing
Orchestra
Print Shop
Theater
The campus will be open, and we encourage you to visit a few of our different facilities. RRHS Students will be available to assist in finding locations and answering questions.
MCJROTC - 1000 Building
Automotive Technology - Auto Shop, 1000 Building
Theater - Ford’s Theater, 100 Building
Printshop - Printshop Lab, 900 Building
Culinary - Culinary Kitchens, 1140 & 1403
Law Enforcement and Law and the Legal System - Courtroom, 1408
Health Science: Theory and Practice / Biomedical - 2300 Hallway
Business Management - Round Rock Co-op Store
A+ Credit Union will also have the school branch open, so stop by and find out about opening an account for you and your student.
We look forward to seeing you on January 24th between 6:00 and 8:00 p.m. In the meantime, feel free to check out our site here to learn more about these Programs in preparation for Academy Night!
Exciting New From McNeil HS...
We just received the official word and are excited to announce that McNeil High School is now recognized as an IB World School by the International Baccalaureate Organization. Please help us congratulate all of those who put in the many hours of hard work to make this opportunity possible for our amazing students and community!
We are now fully authorized to offer the full IB Diploma Programme to our first class of students (juniors) starting Fall of 2024.This year’s sophomores will be our first graduating class of IB Diploma Programme students (Spring of 2026).
IB Cohort #1 - Juniors (2024-2025 school year); Seniors (2025-2026 school year).
IB Cohort #2 - Juniors (beginning 2025-2026 school year); Seniors (2026-2027 school year), etc.
Interested in learning more about the IB programme at McNeil High School? Access the IB presentation HERE. Many parents have already filled out the IB intent form for their student to indicate interest in participating in the program. The IB Diploma Programme Coordinator and counselors have those names and will start meeting with students soon. If you have not done so already and your student would be interested in participating in the IB Programme at McNeil High School, please fill out the intent form.
Students at McNeil’s feeder schools will attend the McNeil for the IB Programme. Students attending feeder schools for Round Rock High School have a choice of whether to transfer to McNeil High School or Stony Point High School to participate in the IB Programme.
Please contact your current school counselor for general questions. For more information about McNeil's IB Programme, you may contact the McNeil HS IB Coordinator: emilee_hinegardner@roundrockisd.org.
AVANT Test for Placement and Credit (Language Testing)
Language testing is available for students to earn credits toward their graduation requirements in Languages Other Than English (LOTE).
Students at CeVMS should contact Ms. Liz Guidry (7th grade counselor) for a permission form to register for the Spring testing date of March 22, 2024. The completed permission form is due by March 8, 2024.
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.
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
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. 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