CMS Cougar Communication

Dear Students, Parents, and Families,

We now have just three weeks remaining in the school year, and the end is quickly approaching! This is an important time for students to stay focused and finish strong. We encourage all students to attend school consistently, stay current with assignments, monitor their grades, and reach out to teachers for support when needed.

As we move through these final weeks, expectations remain the same. Students are expected to be respectful, responsible, and engaged in learning each day. Making good choices now will help ensure a positive and successful finish to the school year.

Thank you for your continued support and partnership as we help our students close out the year successfully.

Thank you for your continued support and partnership.

Brian Scharmann (he/him)
Principal
Christensen Middle School

Hi Parents!

As you know, the junior high years can bring noticeable mood swings and emotional ups and downs. One moment your child may seem happy and talkative, and the next they may be frustrated, withdrawn, or overwhelmed. While this can be confusing (and sometimes challenging), it is a normal part of adolescent development. Students at this age are experiencing rapid physical, emotional, and social changes, and they are still learning how to understand and manage their feelings.

During the school day, these shifts can be triggered by a variety of factors—academic pressure, friendship dynamics, feeling left out, or even just a tough class period. Often, students don’t yet have the words or skills to fully explain what they’re feeling, which can come across as irritability or shutting down.

At home, your support plays an important role in helping your child navigate these moments. Try to approach mood changes with curiosity rather than immediate correction. Simple statements like, “I notice you seem a little off today—do you want to talk?” can open the door without adding pressure. It’s also helpful to remember that not every mood needs to be “fixed.” Sometimes, listening and validating their feelings is exactly what they need.

Encouraging healthy habits—like consistent sleep, regular meals, physical activity, and downtime—can also help stabilize emotions. Over time, with support and practice, students begin to build the skills they need to manage their emotions more effectively.

If you ever have concerns about your child’s emotional well-being, don’t hesitate to reach out to me!

Dawn Allen

Check out the latest Special Education Newsletter for families which is linked below! This newsletter includes important updates, resources, and opportunities for families to stay connected and informed.

Included in this edition is information about the upcoming Year in Review Webinar on May 20 via Zoom. This webinar will provide an opportunity to celebrate the work completed this year, build connections with families, and share plans for the 2026 to 2027 school year.

Families are also invited to provide input through a survey to help guide future workshop series for the 2026 to 2027 school year. In addition, updated program descriptions are now available on the district’s Special Education website.

Please take a few minutes to review the resources below:

• Special Education Newsletter
• Special Education Website

The 8th Grade Promotion Dance is coming up on May 22, and the CMS 8th Grade Dance Committee is excited to create a fun and memorable evening for our students as they celebrate the move on to high school.

Families are invited to help with after school setup, during the dance, or cleanup afterward. If you are available to volunteer, please join the final planning meeting on Monday, May 11 at 7:00 PM in the CMS quad. The committee will walk through the plan for the evening and make sure everything is ready to go.

Families are also encouraged to consider making a donation to help support the event. A suggested contribution of $40 per student helps cover food, decorations, and entertainment. Additional contributions are greatly appreciated and help support other students.

Donation link: https://2026-8th-grade-promotion-dance-cms.cheddarup.com

The committee is also still in need of items for the food station. Families who are able to help can visit the Amazon wishlist here: https://www.amazon.com/registries/gl/guest-view/IXNOTLFAXJ1P?ref_=cm_sw_r_apin_ggr-subnav-share_WWVHVW7B0D9QQFFZNFZN_1&language=en-US

This event is entirely organized and funded by parent volunteers, and your generosity and support make a big difference. Thank you for helping create a fun and celebratory experience for all of our 8th grade students.

The Alameda County Transportation Commission (Alameda CTC) is conducting a short survey to better understand how students in grades 6–12 travel, what challenges they face, and what improvements would make the biggest difference.

We’re asking both students and their caregivers to participate.

Take the survey by May 15: https://bit.ly/actcsurvey4

Takes 6–8 minutes | Available in English, Spanish, and Simplified Chinese

Please tell us whether you’re a student (grades 6–12) or a parent/caregiver at the beginning of the survey to be directed to the right questions. Multiple members of your household can respond.

Your responses will be kept private.

Our students will take the English Language Arts/literacy (ELA) and Mathematics CAlifornia Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP) tests beginning May 5, 2026. Our eighth grade students will also take the Science assessment beginning April 27, 2026.

These online California Common Core State Standards based tests include both a multiple choice/short answer section, as well as a performance task.

The CMS testing schedule is as follows:

• April 27-May 1 – CAlifornia Science Test (CAST) in Science 8th Gr. Class
  
• May 4-8 – CAASPP English Language Arts (ELA) Test, All grades in Core Class
  
• May 11-15 – CAASPP Math Test, All Grades in Math Class
  
• May 18-22 – CAASPP Make Up Testing

For additional CAASPP information, please go to the LVJUSD website State Testing – CAASPP page. We encourage our students to do their best on these tests!

The East Bay Regional Park District is hosting a free All Abilities Day designed especially for Special Education students and their families. This event focuses on creating an inclusive and accessible environment where individuals of all abilities can participate and enjoy hands on activities.

All Abilities Day will take place on Wednesday, May 13, 2026 from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm at Ardenwood Historic Farm. Families are invited to attend and enjoy a welcoming day centered on connection, exploration, and fun.

Take a night off from cooking and support a great cause! Join us on Thursday, May 14, from 10:00 AM–10:00 PM for a Pizza Guys Dine Out Fundraiser. Just mention CMS when you order, and a portion of your purchase will go directly to support our AVID program.

Join us for Open House at Christensen Middle School on Thursday, May 14, 2026! We invite all students and families to come on campus, visit classrooms, and see the great learning happening across CMS. The evening will begin with a welcome for new and incoming 6th grade families in the gym from 5:45 to 6:00 PM, followed by classroom visits from 6:00 to 7:00 PM. We look forward to seeing you there!

This year the eighth grade trip to Six Flags Discovery Kingdom will take place on Friday, May 15. In order to take part in this activity, students must have passing grades in all classes on their report card at the end of the second trimester, February 27, 2026. Students must continue to maintain passing grades during the third trimester to attend. Students who do not meet the participation guidelines will be restricted from attending the 8th Grade Field Trip.

Six Flags Discovery Kingdom permission slips will go out at the start of Trimester 3. Permission slips and field trip emergency form and money are due no later than Friday, April 3. The cost is $100 for ticket and transportation or $50 for transportation only (for students with season passes). Permission slips are available and payments can be made via the 8th Grade Activities Information section of the CMS website.

Students attending the Six Flags Discovery Kingdom trip should report to their first period class at the usual time. Students enrolled in 0 period should attend 0 period. Buses will return to CMS at approximately 6 p.m. for parent pick-up. Students not attending the Six Flags Discovery Kingdom Trip will receive an alternate schedule for the day.

Six Flags Discovery Kingdom only accepts card payments at all locations including restaurants, retail stores, games, ticket windows, and parking toll booths. You can either pay for purchases using a Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, or a debit card. Only have cash? You can convert your cash to a prepaid debit card at one of the multiple kiosks located throughout the park and anywhere in the U.S. where Visa is accepted.

Outside food and drink is not allowed in the park, so students will need to plan on purchasing lunch.

More information on their policies can be found on their website: https://www.sixflags.com/discoverykingdom/plan-your-visit/park-policies.

Speech and Language Pathologist Appreciation Day is Monday, May 18, and we’re celebrating the incredible impact of Ms. Bonetti and Ms. Cooper. Through their expertise, patience, and creativity, they help students find their voices, build confidence, and strengthen communication skills that last a lifetime. Their work makes a meaningful difference in both the classroom and beyond. Be sure to take a moment to thank them for all they do to support our students!

We have a traditional blue promotion gown ready for each of our 8th grade students to borrow for their promotion ceremony. Gowns will be distributed after school on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, to allow families to have the weekend to use the gowns in photographs, etc. Gowns will be collected at the conclusion of the ceremony in yellow bins as students and families exit the quad.

Families of incoming 9th graders are invited to attend Livermore High School’s Class of 2030 Sports Info Night on Tuesday, May 19 at 7:00 PM in the LHS Gym.

This is a great opportunity to:

• Meet coaches
• Learn about summer workouts
• Review tryout dates
• Get information about athletic registration

If your student is interested in participating in high school athletics, this event is a helpful first step to get connected and prepared for the upcoming school year.

All 8th graders are invited to attend the 8th Grade Promotion Dance on Friday, May 22, from 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. In order to participate in this activity, students must have passing grades in all of their classes by Thursday, May 21, 2026.

Eighth grade students attending the dance must present their current CMS photo ID card at the door for admittance. Students who do not adhere to the District dress code will not be permitted to enter the dance.

There will be no school on Monday 5/25 in observance of Memorial Day.

The Promotion Ceremony begins promptly at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 28, in the CMS Courtyard.

A blue promotion gown will be provided to each student to borrow for use during the ceremony. Gowns will be returned at the end of the evening.

In order to participate in this activity, students must have passing grades in all of their classes for the third trimester. We encourage our eighth graders to see this event as one for which they "dress for success." Jeans, flip flops, and hats are not appropriate for this event and are not permitted at the ceremony. Note that it is possible for students not to have the grades for the Six Flags trip but still be able to participate in the other two promotion-related activities.

Promoting students need to arrive in the gym no later than 5:30 p.m. on the night of promotion, May 28. All students are expected to be dress code appropriate. In addition, all students must wear the royal blue Promotion Ceremony Gown. This is an important event and we want to ensure that all students are dressed appropriately.

There will be no reserved seating at the promotion ceremony. The gates will remain locked on the day of promotion until 5:15 p.m. We ask that all families respect the handicap seating areas and are considerate of others. We have limited seating with the chairs available. We also ask that families do not bring noisemakers (as they can create distractions), balloons (which can obstruct the view), or animals to the ceremony. Thank you for your cooperation.

We look forward to seeing you at the promotion ceremony. Please call the office at (925) 606-4702 if you have any questions.

Students may not bring their backpacks on the last day of school. All students will be released to go home at 12:25 p.m. on Thursday, May 28. We will not be releasing 8th graders early. If you need to sign your child out before 12:25, please remember those students who are promoting will be rehearsing until approximately 11 a.m. It is important that all students who are participating in promotion be at the rehearsal.

The Alameda County Fair will host a sensory friendly morning on Wednesday, July 8 at 11:00 AM, offering a quieter and more supportive fair experience for individuals who benefit from reduced noise and lighting. The event is designed for guests with autism, PTSD, or other sensory sensitivities and will include designated quiet zones and a calmer environment throughout the fairgrounds.

Guests attending the sensory morning are welcome to stay and enjoy the fair for the rest of the day as it transitions into the regular fair experience. Attractions available during the sensory morning include the Sensory Activation Vehicle, the Safeway Barn and animals, fair food, exhibits, shopping, and live entertainment. Sensory friendly rides with minimal music and visual effects will also be available.

Capacity for this event is limited and special tickets are required. Families can reserve tickets here:
https://q.me-qr.com/c9vzrmdx

Congratulations to our Cougar Kudos winners this week! These students were recognized for consistently demonstrating the CMS Core Values of Be Respectful, Be Responsible, Be Safe, and Be Kind.

Congratulations to:

• 6th grader - Gustavo Avila

• 7th grader - Mark Gines

• 8th grader - Henry Colburn

We are so proud of these students for setting a great example for their peers—way to go, Cougars!

Congratulations to our Cougar Kudos winners this week! These students were recognized for consistently demonstrating the CMS Core Values of Be Respectful, Be Responsible, Be Safe, and Be Kind.

Congratulations to:

• 6th grader - Michael Ramos

• 7th grader - George Watase

• 8th grader - Lucas Dabu

We are so proud of these students for setting a great example for their peers—way to go, Cougars!

Join us at Oracle Park to watch the San Francisco Giants and support Christensen Middle School at the same time. For select Monday through Thursday games, families can purchase View Reserve or Bleacher seats for just $15 per ticket. Even better, $5 from every ticket sold goes directly back to CMS.

This is a great opportunity to enjoy a game together while giving back to our school community.

🎟 Tickets are available at: https://www.gofevo.com/group/GiantsschoolfundraisingNG, use promo code: Christensen2026

You can also scan the QR code on the flyer to purchase tickets

We hope to see lots of Cougar families at the ballpark. Go Giants and go Cougars! 🧡🖤

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!

Axis Bridge, a program of Axis Community Health, is offering free rapid access to counseling, psychiatry, and connection to care for residents of Livermore, Dublin, and Pleasanton

Axis Bridge Flyer for community.

This community service provides short term counseling for individuals age 5 and up, as well as families, regardless of insurance status.

Services are designed to help prevent the escalation of symptoms and provide guidance in navigating the mental health system, including connections to longer term treatment when needed

Appointments are available via video, telephone, or in person.

Families can call (925) 568-2080, Monday through Thursday from 11am to 7pm, or Friday from 9am to 5pm to learn more or schedule support

Additional non urgent mental health services are also available through Axis Community Health.

Stop Waste Ambassador Program for Middle & High Students- Apply by 5/10! Middle and high school youth clubs and groups are encouraged to apply for the this program highlighting waste reduction and climate efforts in Alameda County. Click link to apply. Awards and showcase ceremony will take place mon Saturday, May 30th at StopWaste.

Students in grades 6 to 12 in Alameda County are invited to participate in the PSA Contest, Together for Tomorrow. Students may submit a poster or drawing, video, or 3D work connected to the theme Together for Tomorrow. Submissions are due May 17, and cash prizes are available up to $120.

Application: https://tinyurl.com/PSAcontest26
Rules and Regulations: https://tinyurl.com/26rulesregulations

Looking for something fun and engaging this summer? Las Positas College is offering a variety of summer camps for middle and high school students, as well as recent graduates. Camp options include Basic Car Inspection and Maintenance for Teen Drivers, Jazz Camp, Public Safety Camp, Interior Design, 3D Modeling, and Character Design.

For full details and registration information, visit www.laspositascollege.edu/summercamps/.

We’re excited to partner with Art Buds, a student-led initiative from Granada High School that creates art kits for children facing medical challenges at UC Davis Children’s Hospital. These kits are designed to bring comfort, creativity, and a sense of joy during difficult times.

Our CMS community is invited to support this meaningful effort by donating new, non-toxic art supplies. Families can contribute by purchasing items directly from the Art Buds Amazon wish list or by dropping off donations in the school office.

👉 Amazon Wish List: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/1C080WCN3LCAR?ref_=wl_share

All collected supplies will be used to assemble art kits that “spark creativity and provide comfort” for pediatric patients.

Thank you for helping us spread a little extra kindness and creativity to children who need it most!

👏

The Reflections program the CMS PTA has been running for the past six years. It's a great program that supports the fine arts at CMS. The theme for next year is What My Culture Means to Me, and CMS usually starts collecting entries in early November. We can't continue CMS PTA Reflections without your help. The chairperson's job is more behind the scenes and so appreciated. It's also a great way to be more involved in your child's school. If interested, please email cmscougarspta@gmail.com. The current CMS Reflections chair is happy to get you started, but has an exciting 8th grader and cannot continue being a CMS chairperson.

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.

Show your school spirit with new CMS spirit wear while helping raise money for the CMS PTA. Order at www.1stplacespiritwear.com

😎

Email: bscharmann@lvjusd.org
Website: https://www.livermoreschools.org/Domain/101
Location: 5757 Haggin Oaks Avenue, Livermore, CA, USA
Phone: 925-606-4702