CMS Cougar Communication

Dear Students, Parents, and Families,

It has been a great first couple of weeks at Christensen Middle School! It has been wonderful having students back on campus, settling into their routines, reconnecting with friends and staff, and getting the 2026–2027 school year underway.

I have been especially impressed with the positive energy our students have brought to campus. The beginning of a school year always comes with some adjustments, but our students and staff have done a great job getting into the rhythm of the year and making Christensen a welcoming place to learn each day.

As we settle into our routines, I also want to highlight a couple of important safety reminders. We are seeing more students riding e-bikes and e-scooters to school, and it is important that students and families understand the rules that apply to these vehicles. Please take a few minutes to review the e-bike and e-scooter safety information included in this newsletter with your student, including helmet requirements, traffic laws, and age restrictions.

We also need everyone’s help keeping our parking lot and the areas around campus safe during drop-off and pick-up. These are very busy times of day, with cars, students walking, and students riding bikes and scooters all sharing the same space. Please slow down, be patient, follow the flow of traffic and staff directions, and remain especially alert for students crossing or riding through the area. A few extra seconds of patience can make a big difference in keeping everyone safe.

There is a lot happening at CMS in the coming weeks, including Back to School Night this Thursday, August 27, so please take a few minutes to look through this week’s newsletter for important updates, reminders, and upcoming opportunities.

Throughout the year, we will continue to communicate through text messages, phone calls, emails, and these newsletters. Please make sure we have your most current contact information so you do not miss anything important.

Thank you to our students, staff, and families for helping us get the year off to such a great start. I am excited about what is ahead and look forward to a great year together!

Brian Scharmann (he/him)
Principal
Christensen Middle School

Have you set up your Schoology parent account yet? If not, we encourage you to do so! A parent account allows you to see your child's grades, upcoming assignments, and any overdue work — all in one place. You can even link multiple children to a single login. It is also a great way to communicate directly with your child's teachers and stay engaged in their school experience.

If you already have an account from last year, simply log in at https://app.schoology.com/login. If you have forgotten your password, select "Forgot Password" and you will be on your way.

If you have never created an account, keep an eye out for a direct email from Ms. Shiffrin Chi with your personalized access code and step-by-step instructions to get set up.

For video tutorials and more information, visit the LVJUSD [Schoology Parent Portal](https://www.livermoreschools.org/departments/community-engagement/parent-engagement/schoology-for-parents).

Registration is now open for anyone interested in participating in our athletics programs this year! Here are the requirements for being cleared to participate in Christensen Middle School athletics:

1. Register for all sports that the athlete is planning on playing this year HERE.
2. All athletes planning on participating will need to have an updated physical. We require a signed physical by a doctor within the last 12 months. Here is a link to a physical form that can be used: LVJUSD Physical Form. Other forms signed by a doctor may be acceptable but must specifically clear athletes for participation in sports. Physical forms will only be accepted through Home Campus (link above).
3. CMS athletes must have received a 2.0 GPA on the previous trimester's final report card. Incoming 6th graders are not held to this requirement until an official grading period has been completed.

The tentative start dates for the athletic programs we offer are listed below. More specific information for each sport will be communicated through the morning announcements and this newsletter as each season approaches.

• Cross Country (Co-ed) - August
• Boys Basketball - August
• Girls Basketball - October
• Boys Volleyball - January
• Girls Volleyball - February
• Wrestling (Co-ed) - March
• Golf (Co-ed) - April/May
• Track and Field (Co-ed) - April/May

Please reach out to our Athletic Director, Sydney Mendoza, at smendoza@lvjusd.org if you have any questions.

Hello! I am so incredibly excited to be joining the Christensen community this school year! I hope to meet many of you at Back to School Night this Thursday! For now, I wanted to provide some simple back-to-school reminders to help make sure your student is set up for a great year!

1. Develop a healthy sleep routine! Set up a bedtime routine with your student(s) to settle down before going to sleep (for example: brush teeth, take a bath/shower, read a book for 20 minutes, lights off). Choose a bedtime and stick to it, and consider having electronic devices turned off or put away by a certain time each evening.

2. Did you know breakfast is the most important meal of the day? Please make sure your student has breakfast to power their brain before heading to school! Students can also grab breakfast at school before 0 period or 1st period. Packing snacks in their backpack can also help them recharge throughout the day!

3. Attending school is not only the law, but it is also your student’s full-time job! Each student is given a planner and, with the fast-growing world of technology, they also have calendars on their phones. Please set up a check-in system at home to ensure they are utilizing these important tools to keep track of due dates and deadlines. Throughout the year, we will work on organization skills, but keeping track of deadlines and due dates is #1 when it comes to school and beyond—now is the time to start making it a habit!

4. Mental Health Matters! Middle school is an exciting time, but it can also be filled with big emotions, adjustments, and challenges. I visited students in their classes last week to introduce myself and make sure they know how to request a meeting with me. I will also be out during passing periods, lunch, and before and after school! I have also created a Counseling/Wellness Referral Form for parents and community members to complete if you notice something and would like a check-in for your student.

The best way to contact me is via email at sfeinberg@lvjusd.org. Please don’t hesitate to reach out for absolutely anything! If it is not something I can assist with, I would be more than happy to redirect you to the right person. I am eager to get to know all of our students and am looking forward to a great school year!

Families are reminded to keep their student’s emergency contacts and mailing address current so we can reach the right people quickly when needed and ensure important school information is sent to the correct address.

If you need to update your student’s emergency contacts or mailing address, please contact Mrs. Francine Laronde in the CMS office at flaronde@lvjusd.org. She can help guide you through the process and let you know if any additional documentation is needed.

Check out the September 1 edition of “What’s On in the Library”! This month, Mrs. Grasseschi shares a review of Out of My Mind, recommends The Bletchley Riddle, and highlights upcoming library activities. Students can also participate in Book Door Dash beginning September 1 and stop by during lunch on September 15–16 for Make a Bookmark Day. Be sure to check it out and see what’s happening in the CMS Library!

Looking for your next great read? CMS students can now use Book DoorDash to have library books delivered right to their homeroom! Search the library catalog for a book you want, click and hold “Book DoorDash,” and let the library know where to deliver it. The library will take care of the rest!

More books. Less waiting. Happy reading, Cougars!

As more students ride e-bikes and e-scooters to school, we want to make sure everyone is riding safely and legally. Please review the Livermore Police Department’s Rules of the Road with your student. Important reminders include wearing a helmet when required, following bicycle and traffic laws, and understanding that different types of e-bikes, scooters, mopeds, and dirt bikes have different age, licensing, and riding requirements. For example, Class 3 e-bike riders must be at least 16 years old, and off-highway motorcycles/dirt bikes may not be ridden on public roads, sidewalks, or parks.

Families are encouraged to review the attached guide together so students understand the rules before riding to school.

Regular attendance matters for both student success and our schools. In California, school funding is based on Average Daily Attendance (ADA), which means that when a student is absent—even for an excused absence—the district does not receive funding for that day. Improving average daily attendance by just 1% could mean approximately $1.5 million in additional funding for our schools.

Whenever possible, please schedule appointments and other activities outside of the school day and help us make every day count at CMS!

Support the CMS AVID program by dining at Panda Express on Thursday, August 27, from 9:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. at 4223 First Street in Livermore. Panda Express will donate 20% of eligible event sales to support AVID and help prepare students for success in high school and college.

Order online or through the Panda Express app using fundraiser code 3862989, or order in person and show the fundraiser flyer on your phone or bring a paper copy.

Grab some friends and put your knowledge to the test at CMS AVID Trivia on Friday, September 18, from 2:45–4:00 PM in the CMS MPR! Students can create a team of 5–7 people and compete, or just come watch and support their friends. Admission is $1, cash only, and food and drinks will also be available for purchase. Proceeds benefit the CMS AVID Program. Students interested in playing can sign up using the QR code on the flyer or check their school email for the registration information.

Save the date! CMS will be participating in LVJUSD Community Service Day on Saturday, September 19, from 8:00 AM–1:00 PM.

This is a great opportunity for CMS students, families, staff, and community members to come together, lend a hand, and help make a positive impact on our campus and community.

More information about the CMS projects and how to participate will be shared as it becomes available.

Picture Make-Up Day will be held on Wednesday, September 30, during PE classes. Students who were absent on the original picture day or need to have their school photo retaken will have an opportunity to do so during their PE period.

Tuesday, October 6, through Friday, October 9, will be early release days at CMS, with all students dismissed at 1:31 p.m. Zero period will meet at its regular time of 7:30 a.m.

After-school groups will not meet, and the Library will be closed after school on these days. Please make arrangements for your student to leave campus promptly at 1:31 p.m.

CMS ASB will host a student dance on Friday, October 16, from 6:30–8:00 p.m. outside in the CMS quad. All CMS students are invited to join us for an evening of music, dancing, and fun with friends.

Additional information about the dance theme, ticket sales, and purchasing deadlines will be shared as the event gets closer.

A huge thank you to Jordan Yang for completing an Eagle Scout Service Project here at CMS! Jordan designed and led the construction of new planter beds and a picnic table, creating an outdoor space where students can gather and where science classes can grow and study plants. The project brought together youth and adult volunteers for more than 240 hours of service from planning through completion.

We are incredibly grateful to Jordan and everyone who helped make this project possible. The finished space looks fantastic and will be enjoyed by CMS students for years to come!

Looking for a way to support our teachers and classrooms? Many of our teachers have created Amazon Wish Lists with supplies and materials that can help enhance the student experience throughout the year.

If you would like to contribute, you can view our CMS Teacher Amazon Wish Lists here:

• Ms. Bauman
• Ms. Cunningham
• Ms. Garner
• Ms. Gorton
• Ms. Hutson (Science)
• Ms. Hutson (STEM)
• Ms. Ngo
• Ms. Ramirez
• Ms. Vago

Thank you for your continued generosity and support of our teachers and students. Every contribution is appreciated!

Christensen Middle School is hiring! We currently have two opportunities to join our Cougar community. Know someone who would be a great fit? Please share!

Yard Duty Supervisor: We’re looking for someone who enjoys working with middle school students and can help us keep campus safe, welcoming, and well supervised during lunch and other assigned times.

This is a part-time, 0.25 FTE position working approximately two hours per day:

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday: 11:00 AM–1:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:30 AM–12:30 PM

The position pays $20.49–$27.47 per hour. Responsibilities include supervising students, helping reinforce school expectations, supporting student safety, and assisting with needs that come up during lunch and around campus.

👉 Learn more and apply: https://careers.livermoreschools.org/jobs/644196-yard-duty-supervisor-2025-2026-0-25-fte-569

ESN Paraeducator: We are also looking for a paraeducator to join our Extensive Support Needs (ESN) program and help support students throughout their school day.

This is a part-time, 0.75 FTE, 10-month position working from 8:15 AM–2:45 PM. The position pays $25.59–$34.31 per hour, with an additional 5% stipend for ESN paraeducators. Benefits are provided in accordance with the current CSEA contract.

Paraeducators work alongside teachers and other staff to support students academically, behaviorally, physically, and socially while helping maintain a safe and positive learning environment.

Applications for this position close Monday, August 24.

👉 Learn more and apply: https://careers.livermoreschools.org/jobs/internal/6b8cd38f-4f5b-49d8-911f-cef809e00ae3

Applications are now open for SWE++, a free 10-week computer science program hosted by the UC Berkeley Society of Women Engineers. The program is designed for middle school and non-male-identifying students who are new to coding and interested in learning the foundations of Python programming. No prior coding experience is necessary.

The program meets Saturdays from September 12 through November 14, from 10:00 AM–12:00 PM, on the UC Berkeley campus.

Applications are due Monday, August 31 at 11:59 PM.

Apply for SWE++ Fall 2026

This is a great opportunity for students interested in exploring computer science in a supportive, hands-on environment!

Project Noether, a student-run organization dedicated to encouraging girls in math and STEM, is hosting a free online math contest for middle school girls on Saturday, September 19.

The contest will take place on Zoom from 2:00–2:45 PM, followed by optional activities and an awards ceremony. Students will have the opportunity to challenge themselves, build confidence, and practice skills such as logical thinking, pattern recognition, and number sense. Twelve winners will receive prizes, including awards for the top students in each grade level.

• Date: Saturday, September 19
• Time: 2:00–4:00 PM
• Cost: Free
• Register: Sign up here

Learn more at projectnoether.org

Raise some dough for CMS! Families can support Christensen Middle School by purchasing a Crumbl gift card. A portion of every gift card sold comes back to CMS to help fund important programs and activities for students. Gift cards are delivered by email and can be used at any Crumbl location nationwide. Thank you for supporting our school community!

Learn more or purchase here: successfund.com/53n9k

Looking for an easy, fun outing for the whole family? We’ve partnered with Lost Worlds Indoor Entertainment Center for a fundraiser that lets you play and support Christensen Middle School at the same time. 💥 20% OFF WEEKDAYS: Use code CMS20 and receive 20% off weekday activities, and Lost Worlds will give back to CMS.

It’s a great way to plan a family night, celebrate a birthday, or just burn some energy while giving back to our school.

• 📍 6538 Patterson Pass Road
• 🌐 Visit lostworlds.rocks
• 🎟 Enter code CMS20 on weekdays

Have fun while supporting CMS. Thank you for continuing to show up for our students in big and small ways!

🚓🦺

All students in grades 3-12 are issued an LVJUSD Chromebook as an essential learning tool. Because we recognize that accidental damage can occur as devices travel between school and home throughout the year, we encourage families to consider optional Chromebook insurance through School Device Coverage. Replacement costs without insurance can be as much as $399 per device.

Basic Annual Policy: $22 per device
Covers:

• Accidental damage

• Cracked Screen

• Liquid Submersion

• Fire

• Flood

• Loss and Theft

Expanded Annual Policy: $32 per device

Covers:

• Everything from basic policy

• Power Adapter Replacement

Not covered on either policy:

• Standard Wear and Tear

• Cosmetic Damage

• Abuse

Policies can be purchased online at https://schooldevicecoverage.com/signup or by texting “SDC” to 888-277-8111. Coverage begins on August 1 and extends through July 31, 2027. Additional information can be found on our Chromebook Insurance webpage.

Families are encouraged to take one minute to see whether they need to complete a meal application for the 2026 to 2027 school year.

Not every family needs to complete an application. You can quickly check whether your household should apply by reviewing the eligibility chart and directions on the district website.

If your family does need to apply, only one application per household is needed.

Having a current application on file may qualify students and families for valuable benefits, including up to $240 per student in SUN Bucks, reduced SAT, AP, and IB testing fees, reduced photo package costs, and discounts on PG&E and internet service.

Even though school meals are available to all students, completing an application when eligible helps ensure your family can access these additional benefits.

Thanks to the continued efforts of our Child Nutrition Department, free breakfast and lunch will once again be available to all students through the Universal Meals Program. Each student can receive one free breakfast and one free lunch each school day, regardless of eligibility or application status.

Breakfast will be available before school at the following times:

• Elementary: 8:00 a.m. - 8:25 a.m.
• Middle*: 8:00 a.m. - 8:20 a.m.
• High: 8:00 a.m. - 8:35 a.m

If your student attends zero period, your school site will send more information regarding breakfast availability.

Lunch schedules vary by school. Please refer to your school’s bell schedule for specific times.

Our Livermore Learns Parent Education Program continues to provide helpful resources for families. Direct links to some of our most popular webinars focused on key transitions throughout a student's educational path are included below. Our entire library of recordings, including presentations on mental health challenges and social-emotional learning, is available on our Livermore Learns webpage.

• TK/K Readiness/ Preparación Para TK/Kínder
• Making the Transition from 5th to 6th Grade/ Haciendo la Transición del 5º al 6º Grado
• Making the Transition from 8th to 9th Grade/ Haciendo la Transición de 8° a 9° Grado

This quick-start flyer helps families navigate Schoology Learning by showing how to view grades, monitor activity, and message teachers. Families can use this guide to stay engaged with their student’s academic progress all year long. Access the full guide here: SGY-Back-to-School-Parents-flyer.

In addition to regular emails, texts, and newsletters from your student’s teacher(s) and principal, we strive to keep you informed of school highlights, student achievements, opportunities for students and families to engage in their schools and our community, and much more!

We encourage you to take advantage of the following resources to stay connected throughout the school year:

• Follow us @LivermoreSchools on Facebook and Instagram.

• Watch for Peachjar emails featuring digital flyers specific to your child’s school and grade level.

• Download our free Livermore Schools District App from the App Store or Google Play. The app provides quick access to district and school communications, calendars, menus, attendance information, and other helpful resources. Information about setting up your personalized account will be shared soon.

The latest Tri Valley SELPA newsletter is now available! Families are encouraged to check it out for helpful information, resources, and updates related to special education.

Parents and caregivers of students receiving special education services are invited to join the Tri Valley SELPA for coffee, pastries, and an opportunity to connect on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, at the Pleasanton Unified School District Offices.

We hope families who are able to attend will take advantage of this opportunity to connect with the SELPA team and other parents.

Looking for meaningful work close to home? LVJUSD offers a variety of part-time, full-time, and substitute positions in a student-focused and educational environment. Many positions are ideal for parents looking to work close to home during school hours. Prior experience is not required for many roles, and training is provided. Current opportunities include:

• Yard Duty Supervisors: Main duties include providing supervision and monitoring student safety during recess and/or lunch at elementary and middle schools.

• Campus Supervisors: Main duties include student supervision, monitoring student safety, and campus security throughout the school day at our comprehensive high schools.

• Paraeducators: Main duties include providing classroom instructional and behavioral support to students in our special education program under the guidance of a certificated teacher and/or program specialist.

• Substitute Positions (Varied): Several opportunities for on-call, hourly work provide the ultimate flexible schedule! Positions include certificated and classified roles such as teachers, child nutrition assistants, custodians, groundskeepers, before-and-after school program assistants, office staff, student testing administrators, yard duty supervisors, and paraeducators.
  
  

Visit our job vacancies and applications webpage to learn more about current openings.

We encourage parents, guardians, school staff and community members to join the CMS PTA. Please go to the Join Andrew Christensen PTA website (https://jointotem.com/ca/livermore/andrew-christensen-pta/join/register).

Show your support for our students by joining the CMS PTA. Our mission is to provide a positive middle school experience for every student and we are committed to putting students first. Members are not required to attend any meetings, but are encouraged to. Only PTA members can vote at the general meetings.

We appreciate your support.

Our PTA is looking for a volunteer to help coordinate this year’s Reflections Art Program. The commitment is short-term—only through the end of October—and your help will make it possible for CMS students to participate!

The volunteer chairperson will help advertise the program, share submission information with participating students and families, and organize a small group of judges to select entries to advance to the PTA district level.

Reflections gives students the opportunity to showcase their creativity, earn scholarship funds, and potentially have their artwork featured in the National PTA’s virtual gallery.

Interested or want to learn more? Contact Raelene at cmscougarspta@gmail.com.

Show your CMS pride with brand-new spirit wear and save up to 35% off sitewide during our Back-to-School Sale! A portion of every purchase benefits the CMS PTA and supports programs and activities for our students.

Shop now before the sale ends on September 7!

Shop here: https://1stplace.sale/9302

😎

Email: bscharmann@lvjusd.org
Website: https://christensen.livermoreschools.org/
Location: 5757 Haggin Oaks Avenue, Livermore, CA, USA
Phone: 925-606-4702