Cunha Intermediate School

Our students tackled the IXL Benchmark testing today, which helps us pinpoint exactly where they are in their learning journey for math and English. These assessments aren't about "pass or fail", but they do identify specific skills they’ve mastered and areas where they can grow.

8th Grade Parents:

Hopefully, you were able to attend the HMBHS Parent Night last night. You should have seen a Course Request Form come home by now. The deadline to turn one in is next Friday, February 6th, and it should be dropped off in the Cunha office.

The counselors have had many conversations this week with students about their high school and post-secondary plans. You can use the links below to see what their classes will look like over the next four years, and/or encourage your child to make an appointment with their counselor.

Stop by the Half Moon Bay Library on Saturday, February 7th, from 10 AM to 1 PM to find the perfect fir for your child this summer at the Coastside Summer Camp Fair. Whether your middle schooler is into STEM, surf, or theater, you can meet local organizers and lock in your plans early. Got a high schooler? High school students can even scout out summer job opportunities!

Helping your middle schooler navigate the world of digital friendships can feel like a full-time job for any parent. These tips from Common Sense Education offer practical ways to help your child set healthy boundaries, trust their gut in tricky online situations, and keep their communication respectful.

Key Takeaways:

• Digital Communication is Key: For middle schoolers, "hanging out" happens online as much as in person; parents should encourage kids to reflect before they post to avoid digital drama.

• Trust the Gut: A major takeaway for students is learning to recognize the "red flag feeling" which is the intuition that tells them an online interaction has become inappropriate or unsafe.

• Open Lines of Communication: The best way to support your child is by being a "tech ally" rather than a "tech police," creating a space where they feel comfortable coming to you when things go wrong online.

Check out the tips here: Relationships and Communication

The Big Five is a common emergency plan adopted by all San Mateo County school districts and law enforcement agencies. It provides five immediate action responses in any given emergency: Shelter in Place; Drop, Cover, and Hold On; Secure Campus; Lockdown/Barricade; and Evacuation. For parents, understanding these terms will aid your decision making process in potentially stressful situations. This week, we'll cover Lockdown/Barricade.

LOCKDOWN / BARRICADE is implemented when the imminent threat of violence or gunfire is identified on the campus, or the school is directed to do so by law enforcement. During LOCKDOWN/BARRICADE, students are to always remain in designated classrooms or lockdown locations. Do not evacuate until room is cleared by law enforcement or site administration. This response is considered appropriate for, but not limited to, the following types of emergencies:

■ Gunfire

■ Threat of extreme violence on the classroom

During a LOCKDOWN / BARRICADE, remember that immediate safety from the violent intruder is the priority and guides all actions, above all other concerns.

LOCKDOWN / BARRICADE:

■ Is a response to an immediate danger; it is not preceded by any warning

■ Demands quick action

■ Requires common sense thinking under duress; do what must be done to best ensure survival of students and staff

■ If it is possible to safely get off campus with students, take that action immediately (Escape/Get Off Campus)

■ If it is not possible to get off campus, quickly lockdown inside a safe room and barricade the entrance (Hide/Lockdown/Barricade)

■ Once a room is secured, no one is allowed to enter or exit under any circumstances

■ Prioritize clear communication

■ In the extreme instance that a Violent Intruder is able to enter a room, occupants should be prepared to protect or defend by any means necessary (Protect/Defend)

During a "Lockdown/Barricade" incident, please remain off-campus. Clear roads are necessary for emergency access. Students will stay in their lockdown locations until it is deemed safe to move around campus. We will communicate further instructions if the situation requires an evacuation.

Basketball Updates

• Congratulations to our 8th Grade All-Stars! Jesse, Alexa, Ethan, and Sal...you rock!

• 6th Grade Basketball Assessments were a success! Teams have begun practices already. Stay tuned for the game schedule.

• Basketball Photos Are Ready! Team and individual photos are now available at my.photoday.com. Don't miss the in-game action shots as well!
  Access Code: CUNHABBALL26
  *Don’t miss the special: $30 for 6 photo downloads!

Show Your Cunha Pride!

Cunha swag and individual sports gear are available now! Check out the full selection at cunhaathleticboosters.org/shop and show your Cub spirit on and off the field!

Follow us on Facebook and Instagram: @CunhaAthleticBooster

Find out how to register for each sport, watch games via Hudl Fan, buy merch and more here! https://www.cunhaathleticboosters.org

Go Cubs!

Monday, February 2nd

• Homework Help and Tutoring at 3:30 in Library
• Youth Cinema Project at 3:30-5:00 in Room D4

Tuesday, February 3rd

• Science Fair Projects Due

Wednesday, February 4th

• Homework Help and Tutoring at 3:30 in Library

• Youth Cinema Project at 3:30-5:00 in Room D4
• 5th Grade Parent Night 6:00-7:30 in MU

Thursday, February 5th

• Homework Help and Tutoring at 2:30 in Library
• School Site Council Meeting at 4:30 in Room D1
• Science Fair Night 6:00-7:30 in Gym

We're excited to announce our yearbook art contest with the theme "Greetings from Half Moon Bay" (think vintage postcards, beach vibes, and that classic "wish you were here" feeling). Whether you're into painting, drawing, photography, digital design, or any other medium, we want to see your creative take on what makes our coastal town special. Your artwork should be sized at 8.5"x11", and all students in grades 6-8 are welcome to enter. The winning design will be featured in this year's yearbook, and the artist will receive a free copy to keep forever. Submissions are due by March 20, 2026, so start brainstorming your ideas and show us Half Moon Bay through your eyes!

Buy a yearbook: https://bit.ly/cunhayearbook. Passcode: 1016935141791594

If you have previously purchased a yearbook through Treering and need to add this school or year on your account, please follow these instructions: https://help.treering.com/s/article/Update-School-and-School-Year-for-Your-Child.

Parents, if you have awesome pictures of Cunha students, please share them here: https://bit.ly/cunhapictures. Photos submitted may be used in future newsletters and/or the yearbook.

Don't forget that each purchase of a yearbook comes with two free pages that you can customize. Custom pages are only printed in your child's yearbook.

We know that students learn best when they feel best. According to the National Center for Education Statistics: 70% of public schools say more students are seeking mental health services.

This school year, we’re proud to offer all students with $0 access to online therapy and counseling services, through our partnership with Hazel Health. Services are 100% safe and confidential.

Your student can speak 1-on-1 with a licensed therapist from the convenience of school or home, with your consent. Hazel Health provides high-quality care for all students — no matter their insurance or immigration status.

Hazel Health’s licensed therapists can help students build the tools and skills they need to succeed in and out of the classroom:

• Improve communication and confidence

• Build healthy friendships and relationships

• Develop coping skills to manage emotions

• Navigate academic stress and pressure

Hazel’s short-term online therapy program has been proven to reduce symptoms of common mental health concerns — and gives kids tools to cope with challenges they face at school and beyond. Students cannot receive care without your consent, so please take 5 minutes to sign up today at hazel.co.

The Say Something-Anonymous Reporting System (ARS) program empowers students to be Upstanders and say something to a Trusted Adult when they recognize warning signs and threats. The Tip Line allows you to submit secure, anonymous safety concerns to help someone who may hurt themselves or others.

To submit a tip, click the picture below, call 1-844-572-9669 or text 79775.

Please check out the Frequently Asked Questions for Parents here: https://bit.ly/cunhasaysomethingfaq