Ridge Relay

In this week leading up to Thanksgiving break, it is a good time to pause, reflect and share our thankfulness with those around us. If you have not recently, I encourage you to take the time to send a note of gratitude to your student(s)' teachers. Your kind words of appreciation for their hard work and dedication mean so much to them as educators.

Reminder: Students have no school, next week: Monday through Friday, November 25-29th for holiday break.

Please note: The district landscape team has put down winter rye seed on the CRMS Fields this morning. Therefore all fields at CRMS (stadium and back practice fields) are CLOSED until Tuesday, November 26th. The track will still be open in the evenings and weekends. And students will still be given outdoor recess time at school, but we must stay on the track, basketball courts, courtyard, etc. and all stay off the fields so that they can hopefully grow healthy grass for the Spring.

On a personal note, I would like to express my gratitude for your continued support of CRMS. You have my sincerest thanks for the support you show to our students, teachers, staff and Eagle community. We have had an amazing, successful fall at Canyon Ridge and that is due to the encouragement of all of you - from the bottom of my heart, thank you all! I hope you each have a lovely, restful Thanksgiving break!

Go Eagles!

Mrs. Wendy Sturdevant

The Canyon Ridge Middle School Yearbook is on sale now! Books can be purchased from the Jostens online store for $45 through May 2, 2025. Also available for purchase are 8th Grade Shout Outs (yearbook ads) for $30. The 8th Grade Shout Out is only available for purchase by 8th grade students. It is a 1/8-page yearbook ad that contains a photo and a brief message. This year the Shout Outs are being designed by the CRMS Yearbook Staff to fit the theme of our yearbook better. With your purchase receipt, you will receive further instructions on how to upload your photo and message for the Shout Out. The deadline to purchase and submit your 8th Grade Shout Out is December 6th.

Hi, Eagle families! Chick-fil-A is generously giving back a percentage of sales to CRMS for the next three Wednesdays! Dine with them from 5-8 pm on 11/20, and make sure to mention CRMS when ordering to support our school. Thank you for helping out!

We have a HUGE ask! Every year, your CRMS PTA hosts a staff Cookie Exchange! What is this? Our staff is welcomed into our Winter Wonderland (our decorated lecture hall) filled with tables that have been stocked full of holiday cookies to warm their hearts and bellies! They grab a box and select one dozen treats to take home (or snack at their desk throughout the day)!

How can you help? We need bakers. Not a baker? We will gladly accept goodies from local bake shops (please, no grocery store baked goods). SIGN UP TODAY

If you're making a big batch - great! Small batch - no problem! Just sign up for the number of dozen you can provide so we can plan accordingly! WE ARE SO GRATEFUL FOR YOUR PARTICIPATION! WE CAN'T DO THIS WITHOUT YOUR HELP!

Now is the perfect time to stock up on easy, yummy meals for the holiday season!

Place your order and Dream Dinners will donate 10% of all sales from the event to CRMS PTA.

Order online by 12/1/24 and pick up at CRMS on 12/5/24 (during the Eagle basketball game night).

All Pro Dads started at CRMS! This new opportunity this year is for dads (or any adult figure in the student's life) to spend time with their children (boy or girl) at school, strengthen their relationship, connect with other CRMS parents and learn more about our school. We will host the sessions about once a month for dads to connect at school and get involved at CRMS.

Join us for our next meeting December 6th at 8:05am to learn more and talk about what you want to do to get more connected as a parent at CRMS.

Please RSVP here so we can plan accordingly for breakfast.

We want to wish the VHS Volleyball team Good Luck at STATE this week and also to the VHS Football team as they continue their play in the playoffs this Thursday. And Congratulations to our STATE Silver Medalists VHS Band and Vision team. We are so proud of all of our former Eagles and community. We hope you all will continue to support the Vipers in all of these playoff events. Go Vipers and Go Eagles!

Our annual Volleybrawl game for volleyball vs football players fundraiser game is on Friday, December 6th. Mark your calendars now and get ready for the fun tradition!

If you bought a ticket online to our October Glow Party that had to be postponed, you have 3 options:

1. Keep the online ticket and it will be applicable to be used on February 14th rescheduled date.
2. If you wish to receive a refund for your student's Glow Party admission or activity tickets you will need to complete this form by December 20, 2024. Refunds will take a few days to process. If you have any questions please contact Candice Palmer at 512-570-3526 or candice.palmer@leanderisd.org.
3. If you are unable to attend the rescheduled date on February 14th, but are not worried about receiving a refund for the ticket cost, your ticket money will be donated to Student Council as part of their annual fundraiser.

Leander ISD’s curriculum team will host a webinar for families to learn more about accelerated Math Pathways at 5 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 19.

Topics will include placement into our different Math Pathways, the curriculum for our Math Pathways, and the sequence of Math courses from 5th grade through high school.

There will be an opportunity to pose questions at the end of the session. These questions will help create a public-facing FAQ. This webinar will be recorded and made available on the district website.

Questions? Please email Alicia Westcot, the senior director of math and science curriculum.

Zoom Information:

• 5 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 19
• Webinar Link
• Password: LISD

Parents, the second newsletter from the CRMS counseling office is available via the link below. The newsletter serves to highlight CRMS students, provide an overview of guidance lessons, insights from the counselor’s book study, middle school tips, and upcoming dates. Enjoy!

Counseling Newsletter – The Echo

Reflecting Positivity through CRMS Counseling Services

Volume 7 Issue 2

November 2024

Leander Independent School District is excited to announce a series of “Empowering Parents” engagement opportunities. To keep the community informed, LISD will provide an update on the new police department’s development. In addition, these meetings will also provide a platform for community members. We hope #1LISD will share ideas about the vision and mission for the police department’s formation.

Recognizing the interconnectedness of safety, security, emergency response, student support, and health services, the district aims to foster a comprehensive understanding of how these elements work together to ensure a safe and innovative learning environment for all students.

Scheduled speakers for the event will include:

• Shā Rogers, Executive Director of Safety & Security
• Miguel Escobedo and Nick Short, Emergency Services
• Bryan Miller and Paula Martinez, Student Support Services
• Cristin Wicketts, Health Services
• Steve Clark, Counseling Services

The meetings are set to take place from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. on the following dates:

• Monday, November 18 at Danielson Middle School, Leander
• Wednesday, November 20 at Vandegrift High School, Austin
• Tuesday, December 10 at Support Services Building, Cedar Park

In addition to presentations, attendees will have the opportunity to participate in a live, open ThoughtExchange to share their thoughts and insights. Following these meetings, a virtual session will be scheduled in January to allow the public to process the collected feedback and address any additional questions. By that time, the district hopes to provide more clarity regarding Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) licensing and the next steps in the police department’s development.

LISD encourages all community members to attend and contribute to these important discussions as the district works towards enhancing safety and support for its students and families. Your voice matters in shaping the future of our community’s safety initiatives!

We had a wonderful turn out and celebration for our Veterans Day Ceremony on November 11th. You can watch the community slide show followed by our in person ceremony here. The slide show was on loop before the ceremony, so you can jump to about 30min to see the video of the ceremony.

Thank you to Franki, Kenzie, and our band for your wonderful performances, and a special thank you to Ms. Miller and our students for your heartfelt words honoring our Veterans. We would also like to express our gratitude to our PTA and the National Junior Honor Society for their support in hosting the breakfast for our Veterans and this ceremony.

Hello Families,
We are excited to share that the latest Special Programs Newsletter is here! This month, you can find valuable information about: the new Collaborative Partners podcast, upcoming events, planning for school breaks, updates from the Special Programs Parent Advisory Council and academic resources.

Check out the latest episode of the new Collaborative Partners podcast, featuring special guest Lisa Robertson, Low Incidence Disability Coordinator. Lisa joins our Parent Liaison to explore essential Special Programs resources and share practical strategies for building community connections. Join us in the ongoing conversation about empowering families and fostering collaboration to build meaningful futures.

CRMS Clubs and Organizations Site

Updates:

• Eagle Allies started on Monday 11/18/24. See Mrs. Eaves or Mrs. Hubbard for more information.
• Art Club is meeting the last Thursday of each month. Contact Mrs. Abouelela for more information or join Google classroom: w77uvwb
• Our next Library Club meeting is December 6th - Future meeting dates are: 12/6, 1/10, 1/17, 2/7, - 2/28 is Read A Thon, 3/14, and 4/25) from 8:15 - 8:55

It’s that time of year when the district reviews the current academic calendar and finalizes the academic calendar for the following year. Input from the #1LISD community is crucial to ensure that we develop the 2025–2026 school year calendar to best meet the needs of everyone in the district.

There are two different formats for providing feedback. You may choose to engage in both of the options below to provide feedback or choose the one that works best for you. Our goal is to collect as much feedback as possible.

Option 1: Online Survey

Complete the Academic Calendar Survey. The survey will close Dec. 3, 2024.

Option 2: Community Listening Sessions

We will hold two listening sessions, one in person and another via Zoom.

• Via Zoom: Monday, Nov. 4, at 6 p.m. (click to RSVP*)
  *After registering, you will receive a confirmation email with information about joining the meeting.
• In Person: Monday, Nov. 11, at 6 p.m. (no RSVP needed)
  Reed Elementary: 1515 Little Elm Trail, Cedar Park, TX

Whichever way you choose to provide your feedback, please know that we are eagerly anticipating your thoughts. We look forward to hearing from you and working together to shape our academic calendar. Read More

Gamers Welcome

We are looking for some game masters to help with this first-ever event on Saturday, January 11th from 9:00 to noon. Activities will include the chance to showcase original student-created games, to learn how to play longer strategy games, and to pop in and play shorter games. Game masters will be at a game station, invite others to play and teach them how, if needed, and play that game at that station during their shift.

Any CRMS students or background-checked community members are encouraged to help support some D&D players, and we need enthusiastic, positive leaders to manage various game stations for 90-minute shifts (games vary - they include chess, Uno, building challenges, Apples to Apples, Exploding Kittens, and others).

We are also hoping to provide some pre-packaged snacks for volunteers and participants.

Since this is our first-ever Game-A-Palooza, we don't know what to expect for attendance, but we'd like to avoid registration and let people drop in as they like. If you might be interested in attending, being a game master, or donating snacks for this event, please fill out this form to help us plan a great experience!

Each year, LISD offers students an opportunity to take an Exam for Acceleration (EA) at no cost to the family. LISD offers four EA testing windows each school year. Click this link for more information and dates. Students and parents can request the exam through their grade level counselor. The third testing window of 24/25 and the deadline to register is listed below.

Testing Window Three:

• Time: February 24-March 7, 2025 (The specific dates will be selected by the CRMS campus and communicated to those who register.)

• Registration Deadline: January 31, 2025 by noon

• Location: CRMS

• Logistics: Arranged with student's counselor & UTHS

Note: Students who pass an Exam for Acceleration in the March 2025 testing window will complete the 2024-2025 school year in his/her current class. Students will receive their acceleration in the 2025-2026 school year.

Step into a world of wonder and possibility at the Wrinkle in Time Gala, benefiting LEEF, Saturday, Jan. 25, 2025, at The Crossover. Inspired by the timeless story of adventure through space and time, we’re preparing for an unforgettable night in support of Leander ISD students and staff.

The 2025 LEEF Gala will feature:

• Student Art Gallery
• Live Auction
• WOW Packages & Campus baskets
• Entertainment & More

Save the date, be among the first to secure your tickets and sponsorships, and join us for this stellar night where every moment will make a difference!

Get Tickets

In our last RR, we updated you about our new Vending Machines at CRMS, so we wanted to also share with you the flyer with directions and contact information if there are any questions/concerns.

The district has added vending machines that are being stocked with the same snacks/drinks that are sold in the cafeteria during lunches. The intent is for students to access during the school day when the cafeteria is not open for times like end-of-school-day when students may have practices/events. Students can use their school ID# (or cash) to purchase from these machines so it uses money from their "lunch accounts" so you may notice more snack purchases. We have noticed these machines are popular purchases so please have conversations with your student(s) about what your expectations are with the amounts being purchased. Please note that we will be telling students that they cannot leave class and miss instructional time to purchase extra snacks.

Attention Parents! Has a teacher or staff member at CRMS made a difference that you believe merits recognition? If so, nominate him or her to receive the Golden Eagle Award. Each week, from the Eagle community's nominations, a worthy faculty or staff member will be awarded the Golden Eagle. Recipients of the Golden Eagle Award have the privilege of keeping the coveted Golden Eagle statue in their office or classroom until the next faculty or staff member is recognized. Please nominate someone today!

Golden Eagle Award Nomination Form

All tickets for all high school and middle school athletic events hosted at LISD facilities will be sold online only. There will be NO cash sales at the gate.

Tickets can be purchased through link on the athletics webpage:

https://www.leanderisd.org/athletics_ticketspasses/

Important Attendance Reminders:

• Absence notes should be emailed to crmsattendance@leanderisd.org within 48 hours of the absence.
  

• When you email the school, please include the student's first and last name and ID #. Student nicknames can cause confusion with attendance coding.Please note why the student was absent or what kind of appointment they had (medical/dental) otherwise it will be unexcused due to lack of info.

• If you will be picking up your child from school early, please call the school (512-570-3500) ahead of time to let the Receptionist know. This allows our Receptionist time to get a pass written ahead of time and helps to move the process along more quickly. The latest a student may be picked up early is 4pm due to our end-of-day dismissal.
  

• The only people who will be permitted to pick up a child will be parents/guardians and those individuals listed as an emergency contact in your Home Access Center (HAC). Due to safety reasons, we are no longer allowing a parent to call in and give permission for someone to pick up your child during the school day other than those listed in HAC.

  We do not allow early pick up after 4:00pm.

• If you feel like there is an error for a particular class period, please email the teacher directly first. For example, if your student was tardy and the teacher accidentally already marked the student absence, email the teacher because the attendance office has to have it in writing from the teacher before attendance can update anything

• There is a turn around time in updates if a student was with the nurse, AP, counselor, etc. It is not necessary to email the attendance office. Please remember that we have 1000 students so it will take 2-4 business days to show the update. We appreciate your patience and understanding that our team is working tirelessly to support all of our Eagles!

Leander ISD has partnered with MySchoolBucks as our new online store. You can easily pay online for school items and add money to your student's lunch account. We are adding new items to the store everyday.

Create your free MySchoolBucks account to conveniently and securely pay for your student’s school fees online or with the mobile app.

With MySchoolBucks you’ll be able to quickly browse school items in our School Store, be notified when fees are due, and make payments from anywhere!

Get Started Today:

1. Go to myschoolbucks.com or download the mobile app
2. Create your free account and add your students using their school name / student ID or birthdate
3. Add school items or invoices to your cart
4. Check out using your credit / debit card or electronic check.

We appreciate you using this online option as a way to help reduce the amount of physical cash and checks that our staff would need to handle for these school fees.

If you need assistance with your account, you can find helpful how-to videos and answers to commonly asked questions by visiting myschoolbucks.com. Or, you can contact MySchoolBucks directly by logging into your account to start a chat conversation or give them a call at (855) 832-5226.

Thank you,

Leander ISD

Please Note:

• $$$ account for snacks, additional food
• Snacks may not always be available all year long due to staffing shortages
• For the 24/25 school year, students who qualify for reduced price, breakfast will be free and lunch will be reduced.
• You must apply each year for free/reduced lunch.

2024-25 Leander ISD Important Bus Information: Register to Ride

All eligible students will be required to REGISTER to RIDE the bus for the 2024-2025 school year. Please use the link provided to be sure that your student is registered to ride the bus if you are planning to utilize LISD transportation services.

Reminder: All Middle School students need a laptop/device for school. If you do not own your one, you can get one from the district:

Middle School Students: $40.00 per year

A non-refundable security deposit is required to participate in this program. Sign up and pay for your student's 2024-2025 non-refundable security deposit now. All students who pay, will be issued their device the first few days of the 2024-2025 school year. Students who qualify for Free and Reduced meals will not need to pay the annual deposit but will need to turn in a signed acceptance form or register through EdPay. Click on this website: mLISD Information and Payment Website for more information and to pay the security deposit.

Hardship Scholarship opportunities are available. Please contact your child’s counselor or send an email to mlisd@leanderisd.org for more information. Please include the following information in your email:

• The student’s name

• Campus

• Student ID number

• Parent phone number

Click here for more information regarding scholarships.

mLISD Quick View Information Brochure -English

mLISD Quick View Information Brochure -Spanish

Middle School Student’s spring 2024 STAAR score results should be available to parents on the Texas Education Agency Family Portal beginning June 14th.

Directions for Accessing your Child’s STAAR Report Card from TEA:

• Click on the TEA Family Portal Login
• If you know your child’s unique access code, found at the bottom of STAAR reports from previous administrations, enter that code in the Access Code box. Enter the date of birth using the drop-down menus. Click on the blue Go button to access results.

• If you do not know your child’s unique access code, you can still access STAAR results if you know your child’s social security number and date of birth. Click on “How do I look up my access code?” link below the Sign-On Button and enter the following information:
• TSDS ID or PEIMS ID (often same as social security number)
• Child’s date of birth
• Child’s legal first name
• Click “Search”

Additionally, results may be accessed through the Home Access Center (HAC) after June 14th:

• Log into your Home Access Center (HAC) account.
• Select the Grades tab
• Select Texas Test Scores
• Click on the link to STAAR English/Spanish – this will log you into the parent portal and you will see assessment results.

Randall's has agreed to add CRMS to the Good Neighbor Support program and it is SO easy! Email below, then do your regular shopping and Randall's will donate back to the CRMS PTA.

Simply copy/paste the below message to send an email to good.neighbor@randalls.com with the following:

Hello,

Please link my customer account connected to phone number [type your Randall's phone number] with Good Neighbor Charity #14216 for Canyon Ridge Middle School PTA.

Thank you,

[type your name]

AP/Counselor by grade-level for 2024-2025:

• 6th: Brian Bass / Staci Cote
• 7th: Dr. Ashley Thompson1 / Kimberly Mills
• 8th: Leah Cox / Jillian Baaklini

Email: Wendy.Sturdevant@leanderisd.orgg
Website: crms.leanderisd.org
Location: Canyon Ridge Middle School, Country Trails Lane, Austin, TX, USA
Phone: 512-570-3500
Twitter: @Sturdevant_CRMS