CMS Cougar Communication

Hello CMS Students and Families,

I hope you are enjoying the holiday weekend! With just two weeks remaining in Trimester 2, now is the time for students to check Schoology, connect with teachers, and finish any outstanding assignments. Every effort can make a difference in improving grades and ending the trimester on a positive note. Families, please continue to encourage your students to stay focused and reach out if they need support. Let’s finish these final two weeks strong!

The next Cougar Communication will be sent on Sunday, 3/2. I hope you find the following information helpful.

Here's to a great week,

Brian Scharmann (he/him)

Principal
Christensen Middle School

Dear CMS Community,

Due to ongoing concerns regarding the misuse of the Croce campus, which has impacted both safety and cleanliness, the principal at Croce has informed us that campus gates will be locked after school hours from 3:15 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

This schedule will still allow time for students to meet their siblings at Croce before the gates are secured to prioritize student safety.

If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out to Ms. Burkholder at Croce Elementary.

Thank you for your understanding and support.

Hi Parents!

As partners in your child’s education, your involvement plays a crucial role in their success. Here are some practical ways you can support their educational goals:

• Encourage Consistent Homework Habits: Help your child create a designated study space, free from distractions, and set a daily routine for completing homework. For example, you could set aside time after dinner each evening for studying.
• Stay Engaged with Their Progress: Regularly check your child’s grades on the school portal, review their assignments, and attend parent-teacher conferences to stay informed about their strengths and areas for growth.
• Communicate with Teachers: If your child is struggling in a subject, reach out to their teacher for strategies and resources. For example, ask about extra practice materials or tutoring opportunities.
• Set High Yet Realistic Expectations: Encourage your child to aim for their best, such as studying for tests in advance or turning in projects on time, while also understanding that mistakes are a part of learning.
• Celebrate Achievements: Acknowledge your child’s successes, both big and small. Whether it’s earning a good grade, completing a challenging assignment, or showing growth in a skill, positive reinforcement goes a long way.
• 
  

Dawn Allen, Counselor

If your student wants to participate in girls volleyball (February), wrestling (March), golf (April), or track and field (April), please make sure they have done the following:

1. Register for all sports that the athlete is planning on playing this year at athleticclearance.com.
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. Physical forms will only be accepted through athleticclearance.com.
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.

It is time to start planning the 8th grade promotion dance. We are looking for people to help plan an awesome event for our 8th graders! If you are interested in helping please email cms.2025.promotion@gmail.com to find out how you can get involved!

Our 8th graders are nearing a major milestone as they prepare to leave middle school and step into their next adventure. To celebrate, we’re organizing a special 8th Grade Promotion Dance—an evening filled with fun, friends, and lasting memories!

To make this event truly spectacular, we’re asking 8th-grade families to consider a flat contribution of $40 per student (though any amount is appreciated). 100% of donations will go toward food, entertainment, and decorations to create an unforgettable night for our students.

Make your contribution here: my.cheddarup.com/c/8th-grade-promotion-dance-copy

If you can give a little extra to support other families, your generosity would mean so much.

Thank you for helping us send off our 8th graders in style!

There is no school on February 17, in observance of Presidents' Day.

We want to see more families riding their bikes to CMS. That’s why we’ve invited the BikeMobile to provide free tune ups & repairs for parents and children.

The BikeMobile can fix flat tires, adjust brakes and gears, and even replace broken or worn out parts like chains, seats, and tires. The only thing it can’t do is replace missing wheels or gears. While the mechanics work on your bike they’ll explain how to keep it running smooth. Bike or no bike, everyone is welcome to attend to learn about maintenance, safety, and more! This is a first come, first serve event. Space is limited to 20 people.

Bring your bikes to CMS blacktop on February 18th between 2:30 and 4:30. We look forward to seeing you there!

Also, be sure to connect with the BikeMobile on Facebook and Instagram

The 2024-2025 8th Grade Panoramic picture day is scheduled for the afternoon of Wednesday, February 19. All 8th grade students who are present on this day will be included in the photograph. Students should dress appropriately, as the LVJUSD dress code will be strictly enforced.

The school will display a copy of the photo in the school library.

Panoramic picture ordering information will be available before picture day. If you would like to purchase a copy for your student, the cost for the panoramic picture will be $25 and the laminated picture will be $30. Families wishing to order the panoramic will place their order on the Dorian Studio website. To order, visit the Dorian website at https://www.dorianstudio.com/search/account/45b92391-a724-49d6-9ac1-4673775f6300/ beginning on January 29, 2025.

The American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC) Bay Bridge and East Bay Chapters, in partnership with Bay Area LEEDS, invite you to "Design Your Future" at this year’s Introduce a Girl to Engineering Day! This exciting event aims to inspire and empower young girls to explore the world of engineering through hands-on activities, mentorship, and interactive learning experiences.

To sign up, students should complete the short Google form here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf7KTyV7txbfH8xF5yeoZyoJ_DIAfqYoW0Ed2iEvZbi9JfmVg/viewform?usp=header.

Tickets on Sale Now for LVEF’s Make Time for Music - Festival of Choirs: Come and enjoy a musical showcase of middle and high school choirs on Friday, February 21 at 7pm in the LHS Theater. Make Time for Music - Festival of Choirs is a fundraiser hosted by Livermore Valley Education Foundation benefitting LVJUSD music programs. Purchase your tickets HERE. Link to flyer is available for anyone to view.

The Carbon Garden: Sowing Seeds for Carbon Caption at Las Positas College

🏁

The 2025 Black Men in White Coats Youth Summit will be held on March 1st at Las Positas College in Livermore. Middle school, high school, college students, and parents from all cultural backgrounds are invited to attend. The organization seeks to provide underrepresented minority youth with exposure to the medical field through robust discussion topics led by content experts including:

• Discussions with dynamic speakers and diverse physician panelists
• Hands on simulation activities
• Educational breakout sessions covering an array of topics including:
• Networking and communication skills
• Hands on CPR training
• Workshops and support for parents & guardians
• Educational guidance from local counselors including how to get into college and medical school

For more information, visit the BMWC Summit webpage

The CMS School Site Council (SSC) will meet virtually on March 4, 2025 fat 3:00PM.

To join the meeting, please use the following link: https://meet.google.com/rzo-ktsz-kha.

The agenda is available here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1yWzH9iSHrwB3gslOxRIzqtHu1Lw8A1Us2mExwSz2zqk/edit?usp=sharing.

Are you concerned about the impact of smartphones, social media, and technology on today’s youth? Join Teen Esteem+ for an important conversation about the struggles of growing up in a digital age.

• 📅 Date: Tuesday, March 4, 2025
• ⏰ Time: 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM
• 📍 Location: Pleasanton Library, 400 Old Bernal Avenue

A panel of experts will discuss key topics, including insights from The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt, the effects of social media on mental health, and practical ways to help kids navigate the online world safely.

This event is free and open to parents, grandparents, caregivers, and anyone invested in the well-being of our youth. 📩 RSVP by scanning the QR code in the flyer or emailing info@teenesteem.org. For more information, visit www.teenesteem.org.

Enjoy a delicious meal while supporting Christensen Middle School PTA! On Tuesday, March 11th, from 4-8 PM, 25% of event sales at Chipotle (4691 1st St, Livermore, CA 94551) will be donated to the PTA to help fund programs and activities for our students.

To participate, show this flyer in person or order online for pickup using code WJPT32Q at checkout.

Thank you for helping us make a difference—every bite counts!

Our Leadership students will host an elective fair on Friday, March 14, during both lunches to help students make informed choices for their electives for the 2025-2026 school year.

Mark your calendars for the CMS AVID Dine-Out Night at Pizza Guys (1545 N. Vasco Road) on March 19th, from 11 AM to 8 PM. Enjoy delicious pizza while supporting a great cause—20% of sales will be donated back to our school! Thank you for your support, and we’ll see you there!

2025 Science Odyssey:

• Save the date! The 2025 Science Odyssey will be held on April 9th-10th at Joe Michell TK-8! This is an incredible opportunity for students in grades TK-12 to showcase their passion for science and engineering with our community. Principals and teachers, please mark your calendars and share the attached flyers with your students and families.

• April 9, 2025: Student presentations are due to judges (exact times TBD)
• April 10, 2025: Science Odyssey Showcase
  Join us from 5:00 - 7:00 pm for student project exhibits, a planetarium show, a Trashion Show, live music, and community partner exhibits

• Ways to Participate:

• Science Odyssey Project for Judging – Open to students in grades 1-12. Registration is now open and closes on Friday, February 28th.
• Trashion Show – Open to students in grades K-12. Registration is now open and closes on Wednesday, March 26th.

For more information and to register, please visit: https://www.livermoreschools.org/scienceodyssey. Flyers with registration details for both the Science Odyssey projects and the Trashion Show are included in the attachments folder.

🌿✨ Calling All Future Fashion Designers! ✨🌿

Get ready to strut your stuff at the 6th Annual Trashion Show, part of the 2025 LVJUSD Science Odyssey! On April 10th at Joe Michell K-8 School, students K-12 will showcase their creativity by designing outfits made from recycled, repurposed, and found materials.

Categories include: 👗 High Fashion – Think Project Runway with a recycled twist! 🦸 Fantasy/Fiction – Bring your favorite characters to life! 🌍 Around the World – Celebrate global cultures through sustainable style!

Prizes will be awarded for Most Creative and Best Use of Recycled Materials in each category.

Check-in begins at 4:30 PM, the show starts at 5:30 PM, and awards will be presented at 6:30 PM.

Registration is open now through March 26th on the District website. Don’t miss your chance to turn trash into treasure! ♻️👠

The Society of Women Engineers at UC Berkeley invites middle school (6th-8th grade) female and non-binary identifying students to Tech Day, a free, day-long conference designed to introduce and inspire young minds in the world of technology.

• 📅 Date: Saturday, April 26, 2025
• 📍 Location: UC Berkeley Campus

Through engaging workshops, hands-on activities, and mentorship opportunities, participants will gain valuable exposure to STEM fields and connect with like-minded peers and professionals.

• Apply now: tinyurl.com/Sp25TechDayApplication
• Stay updated: tinyurl.com/Sp25TechDayNewsletter
• For more details, visit: swe.berkeley.edu/techday.html

Don’t miss this opportunity to explore the possibilities of a future in technology!

The CMS English Language Advisory Committee (ELAC) will meet virtually on April 29, 2025 from 6:30-7:30 p.m. To join the meeting, please use the following link: https://meet.google.com/gfh-mxvx-tkm.

The agenda is available here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1pNK17o4oGuxT5BRCaErG5g0StgJxr2jbZq5RGZBE8P4/edit?usp=sharing

Congratulations to our PBIS students of the week! These students were selected for being SAFE!

Congratulations to:

• 6th grader - Vrinda Karthikeyan

• 7th grader - Sparrow Wise

• 8th grader - Lillyana Angeles

Congratulations to our PBIS students of the week! These students were selected for being KIND!

Congratulations to:

• 6th grader - Alondra Cruz-Avila

• 7th grader - Ryan Thompson

• 8th grader - Zoey Polonsky

Congratulations to CMS' own Aadhya Guruprasad for earning 2nd place overall in the LVJUSD Spelling Bee! Her hard work and dedication were on full display as she competed against top spellers from across the district. We are so proud of her achievement—way to go, Aadhya!

The LVJUSD MathCounts competition was an exciting showcase of talent, and our CMS students made us proud with their outstanding performances! More than 30 students represented CMS, tackling challenging problems with skill and determination.

In the 7th and 8th grade division, Vanya Chen earned an impressive 3rd place finish, followed by Eugene Baker in 5th and Nishant Sahoo in 6th. Their combined efforts, along with teammate Vivaan Burman, led to a strong 3rd place team finish.

Meanwhile, in the 6th grade division, Wes Pereira contributed to a 3rd place finish as part of a combo school team.

We are incredibly proud of all our MathCounts participants for their dedication and hard work. Congratulations to our CMS mathletes!

Local real estate agent (and former LVJUSD teacher) Deborah Byrnes has partnered with us to recognize a CMS staff member each month for their contributions and service to our school community.

This month, we are proud to celebrate the incredible dedication of Ms. Vinodhini Gnanasekaran, a paraeducator in our Extensive Support Needs class. Ms. Vino consistently goes above and beyond to support our students, providing them with the care, patience, and encouragement they need to thrive. She fosters a welcoming and inclusive environment where every student feels valued and empowered to reach their full potential.

Ms. Vino’s unwavering commitment and kindness make a lasting impact on both students and staff, and we are incredibly fortunate to have her as part of our CMS family. Congratulations, Ms. Vino, on this well-deserved recognition!

Please take a moment to give a Shout Out to a deserving CMS staff member. Please complete this 3 question Google Form to give a Shout Out. Gratitudes will be shared with staff in our weekly internal newsletter.

Homework Club will be offered on Wednesdays from 1:30PM to 2:30PM. Homework club meets in the MPR and is a quiet place to get work done with support offered by CMS staff members.

The only way to guarantee your CMS 2024-2025 yearbook order is to purchase one from the Herff Jones Yearbook Order Center.

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 Code 16490. Yearbook sales will end on April 7, 2025.

If you want to verify your yearbook order, please visit the Herff Jones 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.

Calling all students who love nature and getting their hands dirty—our CMS Garden Group is welcoming new members!

The group meets every Tuesday during both lunches in the school garden area. No gardening experience is needed—just an interest in plants and making our campus a greener, more beautiful place.

Students interested in joining can complete this Google Form to sign up. We hope to see you out in the garden soon! 🌱

We’re excited to announce that CMS will continue its partnership with Lawrence Livermore National Lab (LLNL) to offer the Girls Who Code club this year! Meetings will be held every Thursday after school from 2:45-4:00 PM in Room 204.

Although it’s called Girls Who Code, students of any gender are welcome to join. If your student is interested, they can sign up using this Google Form.

Support the CMS AVID program by attending a Giants game!

Here is some information about the fundraiser:

• Monday - Thursday games in April and May (some exclusions apply)
• Seating Areas: View Reserve and Bleachers
• $15 tickets

• Link: https://fevo-enterprise.com/group/GiantsschoolfundraisingNG
• Promo Code: christensenms

The latest edition of the CMS 8th Grade Class of 2025 Events newsletter with specific dates and details for our 8th graders is available here: https://secure.smore.com/n/qn0ycu.

We are cooking up some big (and fresh!) things come March for Breakfast at secondary sites. We are excited to announce our Fresh Baked Menu across Secondary Sites.

• Middle Schools: Every Tuesday:... Fresh Baked Bagels with Cream Cheese (types will alternate weekly between Jalapeno Cheddar, Everything, and Cinnamon Raisin).
  

Dear 8th Grade Students,

Exciting news! If you're passionate about leadership and making a difference at Livermore High School, now is your chance to get involved.

My name is Lauren Mattingly, and I’m the ASB/Leadership teacher at LHS. We are thrilled to announce that applications are now open for our Class of 2029 Freshman Officers—earlier than ever before! This means our incoming officers will have a head start on planning for an incredible year, including Homecoming in early September.

Why Join LHS Leadership?

✔️ Be a voice for your class and help shape school events
✔️ Gain leadership experience and teamwork skills
✔️ Start your role over the summer and hit the ground running in the fall

How to Apply

📅 Deadline to Apply: February 24th
📌 Find the application and all the details on our ASB website by scanning the QR code on the attached flyer or visiting this link: ASB Application & Elections.

Got Questions? Meet Us at EXPO!

📅 Date: February 12th
🕔 Time: 5:00-6:30 PM
📍 Where: Livermore High School

Stop by to meet me and current Leadership students! We’ll be there to answer any questions you have about the program and the application process.

We’re looking for dedicated and enthusiastic students to join our team, and we encourage all interested 8th graders to apply. Don’t miss this opportunity to make your mark at LHS! See you at EXPO!

The Education Office of the Consulate General of Spain and the California Department of Education would like to invite all California students to participate in the 2024–2025 “Escribo en Español” writing contest. “Escribo en Español” encourages students in grades three through grade twelve to further their Spanish writing skills by providing awards for the best prose and poetry. The theme for this year’s contest is “El planeta en peligro." All the necessary documents to participate can be found here. If you have any additional questions, please direct them to Sonia Cabrerizo Diago e Inés García Sal by email at escriboenespanol@educacion.gob.es.

Hey Christensen Middle School students! The 30th Annual Growing Up in America (GUA) Art, Essay & Video Contest is here, and we want to see your creativity! Hosted by AACI in partnership with NBC Bay Area, this year’s theme is "Facing My Fears."

Fear can protect us, but it can also hold us back. Share your experiences, stories, and reflections on courage and overcoming fear through art, essays, or videos for a chance to win cash prizes!

• 🏆 Cash prizes available
• 📅 Deadline: March 15, 2025
• 🌎 Open to all Christensen Middle School students

Don’t miss this opportunity to showcase your talent! Submit your work at www.aaci.org/gua.

Calling all young poets! The City of Livermore and Poet Laureate Peggy Schimmelman invite middle and high school students (ages 13+) to participate in the Teen Poet of the 2nd Semester Contest.

Theme: "On the Outside." Interpret this however you like—being outdoors, feeling excluded, keeping a secret— get creative! Any style of poetry is welcome.

🏆 Winner Receives:

• ✔ A certificate from the City
• ✔ A $25 gift card to a downtown business
• ✔ Public recognition (featured in print, social media, and a public library display)

📅 Deadline: May 2, 2025

🌳 Bonus Opportunity!
Submit a poem mentioning “My favorite tree” by March 31, and it may be featured at the City’s Arbor Day celebration, with a chance to read your poem at the event!

📩 How to Enter: Email your poem to Poet_Laureate@LivermoreCA.gov using a personal email (school emails cannot be accepted). Include your name, grade, school, and teacher’s name.

Don’t miss this chance to showcase your poetry—get writing and submit your poem today! 🎉

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

😎

program the CMS PTA has been running for the past five years. It's a great program that supports the fine arts at CMS. The theme for next year is Made By 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 exiting 8th grader and cannot continue being a CMS chairperson.

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