CMS Cougar Communication
8/9/2026
Message from Principal Scharmann
Dear Students, Parents, and Families,
We are just a few days away! The first day of school is Wednesday, August 12, and our staff is excited to welcome everyone back to Christensen Middle School for the 2026 to 2027 school year.
We have been busy getting classrooms, schedules, and campus ready, and we cannot wait to have students back with us. Whether you are returning to Christensen or joining our school community for the first time, we are looking forward to a great year together.
We also know that starting a new school year can come with some nerves. As a reminder, campus will be open Tuesday evening, August 11, for any students who would like one last chance to walk around, find their classrooms, and feel a little more comfortable before Wednesday morning. Families are welcome to stop by if that would help make the first day a little easier.
There is a lot of important information in this week’s newsletter as we get ready for Wednesday, so please take a few minutes to look through the updates and reminders below.
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.
It is going to be a great year at Christensen. I am excited to get started and look forward to seeing everyone Wednesday morning!
Brian Scharmann (he/him)
Principal
Christensen Middle School
Message from Athletic Director, Ms. Mendoza
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:
- Register for all sports that the athlete is planning on playing this year HERE.
- 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).
- 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.
Wheels Bus Updates for the 2026–27 School Year
Wheels has made substantial schedule changes to Livermore fixed-route bus services, with many departure times moving 5–10 minutes earlier. Families are encouraged to review updated routes and schedules at https://www.wheelsbus.com/students/middle-high-school-students. When viewing an individual route, advance the calendar beyond the first day of school to see the new fall schedule.
All LVJUSD students are eligible for the Student Transit Pass Program, which allows students to ride Wheels services free year-round. There is no income eligibility requirement, and the Clipper card is also free.
Wheels’ Summer Youth Ride Free promotion continues through August 31, allowing students to ride at no cost without a pass or verification. This is a great opportunity for students to practice their route during the first few weeks of school.
Beginning September 1, students must pay the required fare when boarding unless they are using a Student Transit Pass. Families are encouraged to use a Clipper card, which offers a discounted youth fare of $2.25 and allows parents to manage accounts for their children and other family members.
Save The Date
Campus Open for Visitation, Tuesday 8/11
First Day of School, Wednesday 8/12
The first day of school will be Wednesday, August 12, 2026 and will follow our Wednesday bell schedule. Please reference the CMS Bell Schedule for more information.
PERIOD 0 7:30 – 8:10
PERIOD 1 8:25 – 9:05
PERIOD 2 9:09 – 9:49
BREAK 9:49 – 9:55
PERIOD 3 9:59 – 10:44
PERIOD 4A 10:48 – 11:28
PERIOD 4B 11:23 – 12:03
4A LUNCH 10:44 – 11:19
4B LUNCH 11:28 – 12:03
PERIOD 5 12:07 – 12:47
PERIOD 6 12:51 – 1:31
Textbook and Planner Distribution Begins, Thursday 8/13
On Thursday, August 13, we will begin the distribution of textbooks during class time. Every CMS student will receive one complimentary CMS 2026-2027 Student Planner as part of our commitment to student success.
Picture Day, Friday 8/14
Welcome Back General PTA Meeting, Wednesday 8/19
Back to School Night, Thursday 8/27
CMS AVID Panda Express Fundraiser, Thursday 8/27
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.
No School, Monday 9/7
Helpful Information From CMS
Join the CMS Team!
Christensen Middle School is hiring a 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.
Know someone who would be a great addition to our Cougar community? Please share!
👉 Learn more and apply: https://careers.livermoreschools.org/jobs/644196-yard-duty-supervisor-2025-2026-0-25-fte-569
Online Annual Enrollment Update
Our District has an online enrollment update process, providing parents electronic access to important school forms (emergency contact information, free and reduced lunch application, Parent’s Rights, Secondary Disciplinary Policy, etc.). Student information must be updated yearly as part of the enrollment update process. Each family will receive via email or US mail the necessary steps to register your child for the current school year. If you do not receive your online enrollment instructions by August 1 or need assistance, please contact the CMS office at 925-606-4702.
If you do not have computer access, a computer is available in the CMS office. Also, if your family has moved over the summer, please call the office as soon as possible. The online enrollment update process must be completed before students receive their schedules.
P.E. Clothes
A P.E. uniform is required. All students are expected to have a gray t-shirt and royal blue shorts or purchase the Christensen P.E. attire at a very reasonable cost. (A gray t-shirt, royal blue shorts, gray sweatshirt, and gray sweatpants without logos are also acceptable.) Athletic shoes with white/light soles are also required.
T-shirts - $10.00 (Youth Large, Adult S-XXL) Shorts - $10.00 (Youth XL, Adult S-XXL)
Sweatshirts - $20.00 ( Youth Large, Adult S-XL) Sweatpants - $20.00 (Youth Large, Adult S-XL)
To purchase any or all of the above items online, please visit the Christensen Middle School Web Store by clicking on the store front icon https://christensen.livermoreschools.org/ or click HERE to go directly to the PE Clothes webpage. To pick up your prepaid merchandise, please bring a copy of your receipt to the CMS office.
Please write your child’s last name across the back of their P.E. shirt and on the nametag on the front of their shorts. No other writing is permitted on the clothes students wear in P.E.
TDAP Booster: No Shot/No School
Meet Our New Counselor, Ms. Feinberg
We are excited to welcome Ms. Sara Feinberg to Christensen Middle School! Ms. Feinberg brings nine years of experience as a high school counselor and holds a master’s degree in Counseling Psychology from the University of San Francisco. She is looking forward to supporting CMS students with problem-solving, organization, academic growth, navigating difficult conversations, and celebrating their successes. Please feel free to reach out to her at sfeinberg@lvjusd.org. Be sure to say hello and help us welcome Ms. Feinberg to the Cougar community!
Explore Big Ideas with Neon Clear STEM Enrichment
Registration is now open for the Neon Clear STEM Enrichment Program, an opportunity for middle school students who love asking questions, solving mysteries, and exploring how the world works.
Students dive into fascinating topics including astrophysics and exoplanet detection, artificial intelligence, biotech and genetic engineering, cryptography, perception, animal communication, and logical reasoning. Neon Clear brings advanced science and technology concepts to a middle school level through hands on labs, puzzles, real scientific tools, and engaging projects designed to build creative and critical thinking skills.
If your student is curious, loves a challenge, or enjoys figuring out why things work the way they do, this may be a great fit.
Enrollment is very limited.
Helpful Information From LVJUSD
Alameda County Student Transit Clipper Card Program
The Student Transit Pass Program provides FREE Youth Clipper Cards to eligible middle and high school students. The Youth Clipper card provides unlimited free rides on LAVTA/Wheels. Students can add cash value to the Clipper card for 50% off BART fares and youth discounts on other transit systems that use Clipper. The pass makes it easier for students to travel to and from school.
All students attending middle and high schools in the Livermore Valley Joint Unified School District are eligible to receive a free Clipper card good for unlimited rides on Wheels and Rapid buses during the 2026-2027 school year.
The Student Transit Pass Clipper Card CMS students received this year or in past years is valid through the student’s high school graduation date if the student remains enrolled in a participating Alameda County school and is under the age of 19.
New Christensen students should complete the online application for a Youth Clipper Card at https://stpp.formstack.com/forms/lvjusd_christensen. All fields marked with an asterisk (*) are required including Parent or Guardian Signature. The office will verify the information submitted online and on the printed applications received in the office.
When CMS receives the youth clipper cards, the office will contact the students regarding the distribution of the cards.
Review and/or Purchase Optional Chromebook Insurance for 2026-27
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.
Meal Applications and Family Benefits
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.
Universal Breakfast & Lunch
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.
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.
Parent Education Videos on Preparing for Pivotal Educational Transitions
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.
Schoology Learning Back-to-School Tips for Parents
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.
Stay Connected
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.
Tri Valley SELPA Newsletter
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.
Coffee and Pastries with Tri Valley SELPA
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.
Join our LVJUSD Team!
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.
CMS PTA
Join the CMS PTA!
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.
CMS PTA Back-to-School Spirit Wear Fundraiser
The first day of school is almost here! 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
CMS PTA Socials
😎
Christensen Middle School
Email: bscharmann@lvjusd.org
Website: https://christensen.livermoreschools.org/
Location: 5757 Haggin Oaks Avenue, Livermore, CA, USA
Phone: 925-606-4702