Cunha Intermediate School
Week of September 29th to October 3rd
Parent/Teacher Conferences
Parent/Teacher Conferences are at the end of this month, October 28th-30th (schedule below)! Please take advantage of this time to connect with our staff, receive updates on your child’s progress, and to discuss potential interventions to support their continued academic, social, and emotional successes at Cunha.
We will be using an online signup process starting on Monday, October 13th at 7:00 am. Instructions will be shared in the next newsletter. Appointments are limited to 10 minutes with each teacher.
Note: You may schedule appointments with only the teachers that you’d like to meet with. It is not required to meet with all of your child’s teachers.
October 8th is International Walk to School Day
We encourage students to walk, bike, skateboard, or scooter to school with a parent, trusted adult, or friend.
Why participate?
- Walking and rolling to school is fun!
- Physical activity is healthy and improves focus at school.
- Active Transportation helps reduce traffic congestion and air pollution.
If you don't have a safe route to school or the distance is too far, consider carpooling or using public transportation.
Whether you walk, roll, or drive to school, please travel safely!
Historical Figures Week
Congratulations to the 8th graders for finishing their Historical Figures projects. We recognize the hard work that students and teachers put into making this a success.
Reclassification Ceremony
Thank you to all who attended our Reclassification Ceremony. This is a huge accomplishment for our bilingual students, and we are so proud of them. We were moved by the student speeches and the show of support from all of the families that came.
Dangers of Chatbots for Teens
AI chatbots like ChatGPT, Character.ai, and Snapchat My AI have become increasingly popular with teens, with 72% having used AI companions, but they pose serious mental health risks. Because these chatbots are designed to mirror users' thoughts and preferences, they can:
- reinforce negative thinking patterns
- provide dangerous advice about self-harm, eating disorders, and substance use
- encourage emotional dependence on artificial rather than real relationships
Research has shown that 53% of ChatGPT's responses to simulated 13-year-olds were harmful, and tragic cases have linked teen suicides to unhealthy attachments with AI companions. Parents should have open, nonjudgmental conversations with their teens about AI use, watch for warning signs like social withdrawal or preferring AI over human interaction, and emphasize that chatbots cannot replace professional mental health support or genuine human connections. If you notice concerning changes in your child's behavior or mental health, don't hesitate to seek professional help.
Source: Newport Healthcare, "The Hidden Dangers of AI Chatbots for Teen Mental Health" (https://www.newporthealthcare.com/resources/industry-articles/ai-chatbots-teen-mental-health/)
Parent Teacher Organization (PTO)
The first dance of the year is next Friday, October 10 from 6:30-8:30 pm. Please review the SignUps and consider volunteering.
Dance SnacksAlso, the Cunha PTO Voluntary Tuition Drive is extended through today, Friday, October 3. Thank you to those who reached out after experiencing issues with the link. Donations can be made by cash, check to Cunha PTO or online at CunhaPTO.org. Please have your student return the blue donation envelope to their homeroom teacher even if you donated online.
Cunha Athletic Boosters (CAB)
Our brand new Hudl camera has been installed! Visit this link to watch live games, or recordings of volleyball matches: https://fan.hudl.com/usa/ca/half-moon-bay/organization/186195/manuel-f-cunha-inte
Parents of Cunha athletes, please have your child complete this survey: https://bit.ly/cunhasportssurvey. The information collected is used for features in the yearbook.
Fall Sports Calendar
Stay up to date with this season’s games and meets.
Save the Dates
Fall Fest at Farallone View – October 11, 11 AM–4 PM
Don’t miss the fun! Our very own principal, Mr. Guzman, will be in the dunk tank—a perfect chance to show your school spirit.
Pumpkin Fest -- October 18-19
Sign up now to enjoy the festivities with a view while serving up pie for our student athletes. We need YOU to make each season a success!
Share Your Photos & Videos
We’d love to feature our athletes! Please text scores, highlights and/or pictures to Breanna at 831-682-1398.
Stay Connected
Follow us on Facebook and Instagram: @CunhaAthleticBoosters
Learn more about: becoming a BGCC member, registering your athlete, and purchasing team apparel
Want to get involved? Email us anytime at cunhaathletics@gmail.com
Upcoming Events
Monday, October 6th
- Homework Club 3:20-4:20 pm in the Cunha Library
Wednesday, October 8th
- International Walk and Roll to School Day
- Fall Picture Retakes
- Homework Club 3:20-4:20 pm in the Cunha Library
Thursday, October 9th
- Homework Club 2:20-3:20 pm in the Cunha Library
- Board Meeting 6:00 pm in the Cunha Library
Friday, October 10th
- End of Quarter 1
- First Dance
Monday, October 13th
- Outdoor Ed
- Homework Club 3:20-4:20 pm in the Cunha Library
Wednesday, October 15th
- ELD Heal Farm Field Trip
- Homework Club 3:20-4:20 pm in the Cunha Library
Thursday, October 16th
- 8th Grade Hearing Screening
- Homework Club 2:20-3:20 pm in the Cunha Library
Friday, October 17th
- Minimum Day Dismissal 12:49 pm
Yearbooks
Donations Requested
Parents, if you have cameras, lenses, or other photography equipment that you no longer use. Please consider donating to Cunha's yearbook program. We are currently looking for a sports photography lens, so we can capture better pictures of our Cubs in action during games and spirit activities.
Buy a yearbook: https://bit.ly/cunhayearbook. 10% off sale ends October 31st.
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.
Cubs in Action
Hazel Health
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.
Say Something Anonymous Reporting System
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
Parent Groups
Parent Teacher Organization (PTO)
Learn more about the Cunha PTO here: https://cunhapto.org/
Monthly meetings are held on the third Tuesday of every month at 6:00 pm in Room D1. All are welcome!
English Learner Advisory Counsel (ELAC)
Parents of English Learners are invited to join ELAC! Contact Jazmin in the front office for more information.
Cunha Athletic Boosters (CAB)
Purchase Cunha spirit gear and help support the sports program that impacts hundreds of students!