CMS Cougar Communication
12/14/2025
Message from Principal Scharmann
Dear Students, Parents, and Families,
As we head into the final week before winter break, I want to take a moment to recognize the hard work, dedication, and spirit our students and staff have shown throughout this busy season. Classrooms remain full of energy and learning as students complete projects, demonstrate their progress, and celebrate how far they’ve come since the start of the year.
I encourage families to help students finish the week strong while also finding time to enjoy the excitement of the season. Consistent routines, rest, and reflection all help ensure a positive close to 2025 and a smooth start to the new year ahead.
On behalf of everyone at Christensen Middle School, I wish you and your loved ones a joyful holiday season and a restful winter break. We look forward to welcoming everyone back in January, refreshed and ready for a great 2026.
Thank you for your continued partnership and support of our CMS community.
Brian Scharmann (he/him)
Principal
Christensen Middle School
Spreading Joy Through Shop With a Cop
Each year, Livermore police officers partner with local schools to bring holiday joy to students and families in need through the Shop With a Cop program. We’re proud to share that Christensen’s own Mr. Scharmann and Ms. Gomes help coordinate this incredible districtwide effort.
This annual event pairs students with officers for a fun morning of shopping, smiles, and community connection, ensuring that every child can experience the magic of the season. If you’d like to contribute to making this year’s event possible, donations can be made directly through the GoFundMe link below:
Donate to Shop With a Cop 2025
Your generosity helps brighten the holidays for local children and strengthens the spirit of kindness that makes Livermore such a special community.
Message from Counselor, Ms Allen
Hello Parents!
As we head into the holiday season, many of us are looking forward to some quality time with family. These breaks offer a great chance to strengthen your connection with your kids and keep those lines of communication open.
Here’s a simple but powerful idea to keep in mind:
One Question Can Make a Big Difference: “How do you feel?”
According to Dr. Christian Waugh and his research team at Wake Forest University, one of the simplest steps toward emotional well-being is also one of the most effective: just asking someone to name how they're feeling.
This strategy is part of what psychologists call affect labeling — the act of putting feelings into words. Research shows that when people label their emotions, it can help decrease the intensity of negative feelings and boost positive ones.
Why does this work? Naming emotions encourages self-reflection. To answer the question “How do you feel?”, kids must pause to recognize what they're experiencing and why. That reflection not only increases emotional awareness, but can also lead to problem-solving and a greater sense of control — all of which support mental health and happiness.
So this holiday season, as you're sharing meals, car rides, or quiet moments, try asking your child how they're feeling. It’s a small question with the potential to open big doors for connection, understanding, and emotional growth.
Wishing you and your family a joyful and meaningful holiday season!
Dawn Allen
Message from Athletic Director, Mr. Moore
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.
- 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, David Moore, at dmoore@lvjusd.org if you have any questions.
Community Food Resources
Save The Date
Spirit Week, 12/15-12/19
Monday 12/15 - House Color Day
Tuesday 12/16 - Holiday Hat/Headwear Day
Wednesday 12/17 - Holiday Clothes/Ugly Sweater Day
Thursday 12/18 - PJ/Comfy Day
Friday 12/19 - Spirit Color Day
Celebrate Calafia’s 3rd Anniversary and Support Local Schools, Tuesday 12/16
Calafia Kitchen is celebrating its 3rd anniversary by giving back to our local schools! From December 15–19, a portion of all sales will be donated to support school programs across Livermore.
Each day of the week highlights a different school, and Tuesday, December 16 is Christensen Middle School Day! Stop by Calafia Kitchen on Vasco Road anytime between 8 AM and close to enjoy great food and drinks while helping raise funds for CMS and our community.
Thank you to Calafia for their continued support of Livermore schools — together, we celebrate community!
Early Release day, Friday 12/19
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Winter Break, 12/22-1/2
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Livermore Learns Parent Webinar- “Making the Transition from 8th to 9th Grade What to Expect & How to Prepare for High School”, Wednesday 1/7
This presentation is designed to help parents of 8th graders better understand the transition from middle to high school. LVJUSD administrators will discuss the: bell schedules, course selection process, graduation requirements, educational programs and pathways, extracurricular activities, and mental health and wellness resources at the high schools. Please share with families of 8th graders.
CMS School Site Council Meeting, Tuesday 1/13
The first CMS School Site Council meeting will be held virtually on Tuesday, January 13 at 3:00 PM.
Join us at this link: Google Meet.
Winter Concert: Orchestra, Tuesday 1/13
Our Winter Orchestra Concert will be held in the Gym from 6:30PM-7:30PM.
LHS Freshman Expo, Wednesday 1/14
As we approach the midpoint of the school year, it may feel early to begin thinking about your student’s freshman year of high school. However, the course registration process for the 2026–2027 school year begins soon, and we want to ensure you have the information and support you need every step of the way.
The Livermore High Freshman Expo will be on Wednesday, January 14th from 6:00-7:00 pm in the Athletic Complex on Cowboy Alley. The Course registration window, where students make their course requests for the 2026-2027 school year, will be open from January 12th – 23rd.
The Freshman Expo is an opportunity to learn about our course offerings, academic pathways, and student support programs. Families will be able to speak with teachers and staff, ask questions, and get assistance with the online registration process. We are committed to guiding you and your student through this process so that it feels smooth, supportive, and informative.
You will receive a follow-up email with more detailed information about course registration and the Freshman Expo on January 5th. Until then, feel free to look through the LHS Course Catalog (linked here) or use the attached Expo Flier as a reminder.
Winter Orchestra Band, Thursday 1/15
Our Winter Orchestra Band will be held in the Gym from 6:30PM-7:30PM on Thursday 1/15.
Note the date of this concert has been changed from Wednesday 1/14 to Thursday 1/15.
No School, Monday 1/19
ELAC Meeting, Tuesday 1/20
There will be a virtual English Learners (ELAC) parents' meeting from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday 1/20.
Join us at this link: Google Meet.
AMC 8 Math Test, Thursday 1/22
CMS is excited to offer the AMC 8 Math test after school on Thursday 1/22/2026 for students who are interested. A new practice test will be delivered each week to students who have registered all the way up to the test.
There will be no cost for students to take the AMC 8, but pre-registration is required.
For those who are interested in taking the AMC 8 with us, students must complete this short Google form from their LVJUSD Google account: https://forms.gle/rFP8ax4M1ZtyUBru5.
T2 Progress Reports emailed to Families, Friday 1/23
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ASB Dance , Friday 1/30
🕺💃 More info to follow...
Race to the Flagpole, Saturday 1/31
Sign up to run a 10K, 5K, or 1-mile fun run in Livermore Granada Boosters Race to the Flagpole. This annual tradition serves as the organizations largest fundraiser to support the award of student athlete scholarships.
Have You Heard the Good News?
Students of the Week, Week of 12/1
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 - Emiliano Morales
7th grader - Emmanuel Bernal
8th grader - Nicolas Rodrigues
We are so proud of these students for setting a great example for their peers—way to go, Cougars!
Students of the Week, Week of 12/8
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 - Katie Harr
7th grader - Pransh Duara
8th grader - Kylie Goins
We are so proud of these students for setting a great example for their peers—way to go, Cougars!
Staff Spotlight
This week we’re featuring one of our amazing 6th Grade Core teachers—new to CMS this year! Mrs. Kuhre’s birthday is November 12, and when she’s not in the classroom you can find her spending time with her horses and dog, traveling, and going on “Road Trips!” Their favorite movie series is Fast Five, and her advice to her middle school self would be to keep playing piano and violin. If she weren’t a teacher, she’d love to be a writer or a doctor. And of course—she enjoys going out to eat with friends! Be sure to say hello when you see Mrs. Kuhre around campus!
Helpful Information From CMS
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)
To purchase any or all of the above items online, please visit the Christensen Middle School Web Store by clicking on the shopping cart icon https://christensen.livermoreschools.org/. To pick up your prepaid merchandise, please bring a copy of your receipt to the CMS front 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.
Girls Who Code Club Returns to CMS!
We’re excited to share that the Girls Who Code Club is back at Christensen Middle School! In partnership with Lawrence Livermore National Lab (LLNL), this club offers students a fun and supportive environment to explore coding, collaborate with peers, and learn from LLNL mentors.
Meetings will take place every Tuesday after school from 2:45–4:00 PM in Room 204, beginning Tuesday, January 6, 2026.
Although it’s called Girls Who Code, students of any gender are welcome to join. To participate, students must use their LVJUSD Google account to complete the interest form:
We can’t wait to see our CMS coders back in action!
Math Club Returns to CMS
Math Club at CMS is open to all students and meets every Monday after school from 2:40‑3:40 in Room 905. In Math Club, we work together to tackle challenging problems from MathCounts, and we also hold practice competitions to help prepare students who want to compete district‑wide. It’s a great place to build problem‑solving skills, make math fun, and deepen understanding — come join us and be part of a team!
LVJUSD Math Counts Competition, Saturday 1/31
If you enjoy problem-solving and want to challenge yourself in math, check out MATHCOUNTS! This nationwide competition — supported locally by the Livermore Valley Joint Unified School District — gives middle school students a chance to build math skills, compete, and lay a foundation for future STEM paths.
The 2026 MathCounts competition for our district will take place on Saturday, January 31, 2026. You can learn more and register using the link below:
LVJUSD MathCounts Information and Registration
To get ready for the competition (or just to have fun with challenging math problems), join Math Club at CMS! Math Club is open to all students and meets every Monday after school from 2:40–3:40 PM in Room 905. We work together to solve MathCounts-style problems, hold practice competitions, and build teamwork and problem-solving skills.
Order your 2025-2026 CMS Yearbook
The only way to guarantee your CMS 2025-2026 yearbook order is to purchase one from the Varsity Yearbook Order Center.
The price is $35 until February 1. The price will increase after February 1 to $40. Yearbook sales will end on April 6, 2026. There will only be a limited number of copies available for purchase after this date. The prices include shipping to CMS in June.
Books will be sold directly through the publisher. Use a credit card to order your yearbook. Go to www.YearbookOrderCenter.com or call 1-866-287-3096 and use School Code16490.
If you want to verify your yearbook order, please visit the Varsity yearbook website at www.yearbookordercenter.com. Click Find Your Order. You will enter the email address used when you placed your order. The school number is 16490.
Helpful Information From LVJUSD
Livermore Library’s Winter Reading Program- All ages are invited to participate in the Winter Reading Program December 1st to January 15th.
Encourage students to register on the Beanstack app (see QR code on flyer) or visit a local branch to pick up a paper game board. Readers earn raffle tickets for time spent reading and can enter to win a variety of prizes.
Chromebook Insurance Deadline Extended
The order window for families to purchase Chromebook insurance through School Device Coverage (SDC) has been extended through the end of December. Once the window closes, no new policies may be purchased until the beginning of next school year. The policies are between SDC and the family, any changes to the student device (swapped for repair) must be communicated to SDC by the parents.
LHS Boys Volleyball Clinic, 1/1-1/3
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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 2025-2026 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.
Save the Date - 2026 Science Odyssey
- February 25, 2026 Student presentations are due to judges - times TBD
- February 26, 2026 Student project exhibits, a planetarium show, trashion show, live music and community partner exhibits will be held at Joe Michell TK-8 between 5-7 pm.
CMS PTA
CMS PTA Gingerbread Decorating Contest
Get ready to show off your holiday creativity! The CMS PTA Gingerbread Decorating Contest is here. Bring your decorated gingerbread creation to the library between December 8–15 to be part of the display.
Once all entries are in, online voting will take place December 16–17, and winners will be announced December 19.
Prizes:
- 1st Place – $40 Amazon Gift Card
- 2nd Place – $20 Amazon Gift Card
- 3rd Place – $10 Starbucks Gift Card
All entries must be picked up by December 19. Any remaining houses will be discarded. We can’t wait to see your festive and creative designs!
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 Spirit Wear Fundraiser
Show your school spirit with new CMS spirit wear while helping raise money for the CMS PTA. Order at www.1stplacespiritwear.com
CMS PTA Socials
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Christensen Middle School
Email: bscharmann@lvjusd.org
Website: https://www.livermoreschools.org/Domain/101
Location: 5757 Haggin Oaks Avenue, Livermore, CA, USA
Phone: 925-606-4702