CMS Cougar Communication

Dear Students, Parents, and Families,

We are settling into the school year, and it has been wonderful to see students building routines, making connections, and getting involved in the many opportunities CMS has to offer. I was also proud to see more than 40 volunteers join us for Community Service Day this past Saturday to help care for and improve our campus.

We have now passed the halfway point of Trimester 1, and progress reports will be emailed to families by Thursday, October 1. Please take time to review your student’s progress with them and reach out to their teachers with any questions.

This newsletter includes upcoming events, activities, athletics information, safety reminders, and ways for families to stay connected to CMS.

Thank you for your continued partnership and support,

Brian Scharmann
Principal, Christensen Middle School

Our CMS ASB Cookie Dough Fundraiser begins Tuesday, September 8, and will remain open through Friday, September 25. Our goal is to raise $20,000 to support school dances, special events, lunchtime activities, and other opportunities for CMS students.

To participate, visit www.shopfund.com, select Parents and Sellers, create an account, and share your student’s personalized link with family and friends. Our goal is for each student to find five online supporters.

Thank you for supporting CMS!

Have you set up your Schoology parent account yet? If not, we encourage you to do so! A parent account allows you to see your child's grades, upcoming assignments, and any overdue work — all in one place. You can even link multiple children to a single login. It is also a great way to communicate directly with your child's teachers and stay engaged in their school experience.

If you already have an account from last year, simply go to this link to log in. If you have forgotten your password, select "Forgot Password" and you will be on your way. If you are still having issues, please email Ms. Shiffrin Chi.

If you have never created an account, keep an eye out for a direct email from Ms. Shiffrin Chi with your personalized access code and step-by-step instructions to get set up.

For video tutorials and more information, visit the LVJUSD Schoology Parent Portal

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:

1. Register for all sports that the athlete is planning on playing this year HERE.
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. 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).
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.

Our athletic seasons are underway! For game and meet schedules throughout each sports season, please visit the CMS website calendar.

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.

• Cross Country (Co-ed) - August (Note that Cross Country photos will be right after school on 9/24!)
• Boys Basketball - August (Note that Boys Basketball photos will be right after school on 9/24!)
• Girls Basketball - October
• 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, Sydney Mendoza, at smendoza@lvjusd.org if you have any questions.

Welcome to the start of the "'ber" months! This time of year brings a fresh season of growth for our middle schoolers—along with unique challenges as they navigate new routines, changing weather, and academic demands. September also marks Suicide Prevention Awareness Month and Self-Care Awareness Month, making it an ideal time to focus on our students' mental health and emotional well-being.

Middle school is a period of rapid development, and seasonal shifts alongside busy schedules can sometimes bring heightened stress, anxiety, or mood changes. As parents and community members, you play a vital role in creating a strong support system where our young people feel safe, valued, and understood.

What to Watch for at Home

• Changes in Routine: Noticeable shifts in sleeping habits, appetite, or personal hygiene.

• Emotional & Social Withdrawal: Pulling away from family, dropping out of favorite activities, or isolating from friends.

• Increased Irritability or Fatigue: Persistent moodiness, unexpected outbursts, or frequent complaints of being constantly exhausted.

• Somatic Signs: Frequent headaches or stomach aches without a clear physical cause, often linked to stress or anxiety.

How We Can Partner Together

• Keep Conversations Open: Ask open-ended questions about their day, validate their feelings without immediately trying to "fix" them, and let them know it is always okay to ask for help.

• Encourage Healthy Habits: Support balanced routines around sleep, snacks/ meals, personal hygiene, screen time, outdoor activity, and stress relief.

• Reach Out for Support: You are never alone in supporting your child. If you notice persistent changes in your child's behavior or well-being, please reach out. I am happy to provide resources, check- in with your student, and collaborate with your family to best support their growth!

There is so much value in partnering to keep our middle schoolers safe, supported, and thriving. Let's work together to make this autumn a healthy and positive season for our entire community!

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Check out the September 1 edition of “What’s On in the Library”! This month, Mrs. Grasseschi shares a review of Out of My Mind, recommends The Bletchley Riddle, and highlights upcoming library activities. Students can also participate in Book Door Dash beginning September 1 and stop by during lunch on September 15–16 for Make a Bookmark Day. Be sure to check it out and see what’s happening in the CMS Library!

Looking for your next great read? CMS students can now use Book DoorDash to have library books delivered right to their homeroom! Search the library catalog for a book you want, click and hold “Book DoorDash,” and let the library know where to deliver it. The library will take care of the rest!

More books. Less waiting. Happy reading, Cougars!

On Monday, September 21, all CMS students will participate in a presentation and hands-on waste sorting activity during their PE classes, provided by our partners at Livermore Sanitation. Students will learn what belongs in the landfill, recycling, and compost bins, and why proper sorting helps protect our community and environment.

We want to see more families riding their bikes to Christensen Middle School! That’s why we’ve invited the BikeMobile to CMS to provide free bike tune-ups and repairs for students and families.

The BikeMobile can fix flat tires, adjust brakes and gears, and even replace broken or worn-out parts such as chains, seats, and tires. While the mechanics work on your bike, they’ll also explain how to keep it running smoothly.

Bike or no bike, everyone is welcome to stop by and learn more about bike maintenance, safety, and more!

This is a first-come, first-served event, and space is limited to 20 participants.

Bring your bike to the CMS blacktop near the bike cage after school on Tuesday, September 22. We look forward to seeing you there!

Support the Christensen Middle School AVID Program at Chick-fil-A on Wednesday, September 23 from 5:00–10:00 p.m.! Stop by the Chick-fil-A at 1754 N. Livermore Ave. for dinner and mention Christensen Middle School when ordering. Up to 20% of sales will be donated back to support our AVID program. We hope to see you there!

Our next Christensen Middle School English Learner Advisory Committee (ELAC) meeting will be held virtually on Thursday, October 1, from 6:30–7:30 PM via Google Meet.

ELAC provides parents and guardians of English Learner students an opportunity to learn more about our English Learner program, ask questions, share feedback, and help advise the school on programs and services that support English Learners. All families of English Learner students are encouraged to participate.

Google Meet: https://meet.google.com/wzn-qegw-qwk

A meeting agenda will follow.

Trimester 1 progress reports will be emailed to families no later than Thursday, October 1. Progress reports provide an important update on your student’s academic progress. Please review the report with your student and contact their teacher directly if you have any questions or concerns.

Join us for a CMS PTA Dine Out at Cali Burgers ’N Shakes on Tuesday, October 6, from 11:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m. Stop by 4587 Livermore Outlets Drive for lunch, dinner, or a treat, and help support our CMS PTA!

Tuesday, October 6, through Friday, October 9, will be early release days at CMS, with all students dismissed at 1:31 p.m. Zero period will meet at its regular time of 7:30 a.m.

After-school groups will not meet, and the library will be closed after school on these days. Please make arrangements for your student to leave campus promptly at 1:31 p.m.

Our next Christensen Middle School Site Council meeting will be held virtually on Tuesday, October 13, from 3:00 to 4:00 p.m.

The School Site Council brings together parents, staff, students, and administration to review school data, discuss priorities, and help guide the development and implementation of our school plan. All CMS families are welcome to attend.

Video call link: https://meet.google.com/rzo-ktsz-kha

Agenda to follow.

CMS ASB will host a student dance on Friday, October 16, from 6:30–8:00 p.m. outside in the CMS quad. All CMS students are invited to join us for an evening of music, dancing, and fun with friends.

Additional information about the dance theme, ticket sales, and purchasing deadlines will be shared as the event gets closer.

It’s also our CMS dance night, so make dinner easy while supporting CMS AVID! Visit Mountain Mike’s Pizza at 1472 N. Vasco Road in Livermore from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m., and 20% of eligible sales will benefit our AVID program. Grab pizza before the dance or pick up a late dinner afterward! Dine in, order carryout, or get delivery. Present the flyer when purchasing and use code AVID26. Lunch buffet and alcohol purchases are excluded, and the fundraiser cannot be combined with other offers or discounts. Thank you for supporting our students!

On Tuesday, October 27, Teen Esteem will be at CMS to present its “Who’s Your O-G Influencer?” assembly to our 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students. The presentation focuses on the influences middle school students encounter online and encourages students to recognize the positive “O-G Influencers” in their lives, such as family members, teachers, coaches, counselors, and good friends. It also includes messages around anti-bullying, empathy, students’ influence on others, and safely navigating online conversations involving AI and chatbots.

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Join us for a CMS PTA Dine Out at Teriyaki Madness on Thursday, November 5, from 10:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m. Stop by 4543 Livermore Outlets Drive for a delicious meal and help support our CMS PTA!

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Congratulations to our Cougar Kudos winners! 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 - Ananya Yenduri

• 7th grader - Luna Romasky

• 8th grader - Graham Smoak

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! 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 - Nehemiah Awage

• 7th grader - Luca Siemering

• 8th grader - Logan Nielsen

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

Our 7th graders turned thermodynamics into a delicious experiment last week! By transferring thermal energy from their ice cream mix into the ice surrounding it, they mastered liquid-to-solid phase changes AND enjoyed a well-earned frozen treat afterward.

Thank you to everyone who joined us for Community Service Day this past Saturday! More than 40 volunteers came out to support Christensen Middle School, giving their time and energy to help care for and improve our campus. We are grateful for this wonderful show of community pride and partnership.

Trivia Night was a great success! More than 100 CMS students joined us for an afternoon of friendly competition, teamwork, and fun. Thank you to everyone who participated and helped make it such a memorable event.

Looking for a way to support our teachers and classrooms? Many of our teachers have created Amazon Wish Lists with supplies and materials that can help enhance the student experience throughout the year.

If you would like to contribute, you can view our CMS Teacher Amazon Wish Lists here:

• Ms. Bauman
• Ms. Cunningham
• Ms. Garner
• Ms. Gorton
• Ms. Grasseschi (Library)
• Ms. Hutson (Science)
• Ms. Hutson (STEM)
• Ms. Ngo
• Ms. Ramirez
• Ms. Vago

Thank you for your continued generosity and support of our teachers and students. Every contribution is appreciated!

Christensen Middle School is hiring, know someone who would be a great fit? Please share!

Yard Duty Supervisor: We’re looking for someone who enjoys working with middle school students and can help us keep campus safe, welcoming, and well supervised during lunch and other assigned times.

This is a part-time, 0.25 FTE position working approximately two hours per day:

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday: 11:00 AM–1:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:30 AM–12:30 PM

The position pays $20.49–$27.47 per hour. Responsibilities include supervising students, helping reinforce school expectations, supporting student safety, and assisting with needs that come up during lunch and around campus.

👉 Learn more and apply: https://careers.livermoreschools.org/jobs/644196-yard-duty-supervisor-2025-2026-0-25-fte-569

The only way to guarantee your CMS 2026–2027 yearbook is to purchase one through the Varsity Yearbook Order Center.

Yearbooks are $35 through February 1, 2027. The price will increase to $40 after February 1. Online yearbook sales will end April 2, 2027, and only a limited number of copies will be available after that date. The purchase price includes shipping to CMS in May.

To order, visit www.YearbookOrderCenter.com or call 1-866-287-3096. Use CMS School Code 16490. All purchases are made directly through the publisher using a credit card.

To verify an existing order, visit www.YearbookOrderCenter.com and select Find Your Order. Enter the email address used to place the order and CMS School Code 16490.

Families of current eighth-grade students may also purchase an 8th-grade dedication ad for $5. Visit the same website, enter School Code 16490, and scroll to the bottom of the page to select Start Your Ad. The deadline to purchase an eighth-grade dedication is March 22, 2027.

Support CMS AVID with a spooky treat! Candy-filled Halloween Hands will be available for purchase during both A and B lunches, 10/19 through 10/22, for $3 each, cash only. Halloween Hands will be delivered to second period classes on Friday 10/30. Thank you for supporting our AVID students!

California students in kindergarten through 12th grade are invited to submit artwork or poetry with a California coastal or marine theme to the 25th annual Coastal Art & Poetry Contest. Entries can be submitted online by 5pm on January 28, 2027. For prize information, rules, contest flyer, entry form (and helpful links for teachers and students), please visit https://www.coastal.ca.gov/art-poetry/.

Raise some dough for CMS! Families can support Christensen Middle School by purchasing a Crumbl gift card. A portion of every gift card sold comes back to CMS to help fund important programs and activities for students. Gift cards are delivered by email and can be used at any Crumbl location nationwide. Thank you for supporting our school community!

Learn more or purchase here: successfund.com/53n9k

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!

All students in grades 3-12 are issued an LVJUSD Chromebook as an essential learning tool. Because we recognize that accidental damage can occur as devices travel between school and home throughout the year, we encourage families to consider optional Chromebook insurance through School Device Coverage. Replacement costs without insurance can be as much as $399 per device.

Basic Annual Policy: $22 per device
Covers:

• Accidental damage

• Cracked Screen

• Liquid Submersion

• Fire

• Flood

• Loss and Theft

Expanded Annual Policy: $32 per device

Covers:

• Everything from basic policy

• Power Adapter Replacement

Not covered on either policy:

• Standard Wear and Tear

• Cosmetic Damage

• Abuse

Policies can be purchased online at https://schooldevicecoverage.com/signup or by texting “SDC” to 888-277-8111. Coverage begins on August 1 and extends through July 31, 2027. Additional information can be found on our Chromebook Insurance webpage.

Looking for meaningful work close to home? LVJUSD offers a variety of part-time, full-time, and substitute positions in a student-focused and educational environment. Many positions are ideal for parents looking to work close to home during school hours. Prior experience is not required for many roles, and training is provided. Current opportunities include:

• Yard Duty Supervisors: Main duties include providing supervision and monitoring student safety during recess and/or lunch at elementary and middle schools.

• Campus Supervisors: Main duties include student supervision, monitoring student safety, and campus security throughout the school day at our comprehensive high schools.

• Paraeducators: Main duties include providing classroom instructional and behavioral support to students in our special education program under the guidance of a certificated teacher and/or program specialist.

• Substitute Positions (Varied): Several opportunities for on-call, hourly work provide the ultimate flexible schedule! Positions include certificated and classified roles such as teachers, child nutrition assistants, custodians, groundskeepers, before-and-after school program assistants, office staff, student testing administrators, yard duty supervisors, and paraeducators.
  
  

Visit our job vacancies and applications webpage to learn more about current openings.

Help LVEF raise its awareness in our community by following their Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn! The more informed our community is about the support LVEF provides for LVJUSD, the more money they will be able to raise to fund staff grants and larger, districtwide needs like the $22,000 recently granted for high school math programs!

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.

Our PTA is looking for a volunteer to help coordinate this year’s Reflections Art Program. The commitment is short-term—only through the end of October—and your help will make it possible for CMS students to participate!

The volunteer chairperson will help advertise the program, share submission information with participating students and families, and organize a small group of judges to select entries to advance to the PTA district level.

Reflections gives students the opportunity to showcase their creativity, earn scholarship funds, and potentially have their artwork featured in the National PTA’s virtual gallery.

Interested or want to learn more? Contact Raelene at cmscougarspta@gmail.com.

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