Ridge Relay

• Tomorrow, Friday, December 20th is a 1/2 day early release for students. The Middle School Early Release is at 1:05pm. Here is the 1/2 day bell schedule. Please note that students will not have lunch at school, but a sack lunch is available for students to grab if needed in the cafeteria to take home with him before they leave. Due to the 1/2 day at 1:05pm and abbreviated bell schedule, we will not be able to do any early student pick-ups after 12:10, so please plan accordingly.

*Reminder: Only parents/emergency contacts listed in HAC are allowed to pick up a student for early pick-ups at school. If you need to add an emergency contact for your student, you must make that request in writing to the campus registrar at least 24 business hours beforehand.

• Students have no school: December 23 through January 6, 2025 for holiday break. Students will return to class for second semester on Tuesday, January 7th.

*All Leander ISD campuses will close on Friday, December 20th at 2:00pm and will reopen on January 6th. We hope you have a wonderful holiday break & we will see students back on campus on Tuesday, January 7th, 2025!

Go Eagles! And Go Vipers!

Mrs. Wendy Sturdevant

In response to feedback gathered earlier in the year, we have developed three proposed versions of the Academic Calendar for the 2025-2026 school year. Please watch this brief (10-minute) video, which compares the versions, and then complete the feedback survey to share your thoughts. This survey will remain open until January 7th, 2025.

Families, some students may have a different schedule for the spring semester. There are various reasons for changes in schedules, so we encourage all students and parents to check the HAC to view their child’s schedule. Classes designated with C1-C6 are full year classes. Classes that show as C4, C5, C6 are spring semester classes. If you have questions, please reach out to the grade level counselor. Have a wonderful break! We look forward to seeing students back on campus January 7, 2025.

Read-A-Thon paperwork collection starts at our Library Club meeting on Friday, January 10th.

You will need to pick up 2 sheets of paper before then and be sure to complete them fully to return them at our meeting starting at 8:15.

We will not accept early forms.

We will take forms after January 10th if there is still space available.

You may pick up the forms between now and break (or, if you think you might lose them, you can get them when you come back in January.

January 10th is the FIRST FRIDAY after we get back from break, so be sure to get the forms before then so you have time to find pledges and complete the forms.
Forms MUST BE handed DIRECTLY to Mrs. Wright- they cannot be left in the office or in her box or delivered from someone else.

We have over 90 people officially in Library Club this year, and only about 70 spots (due to fire code), so on January 10th, we accept forms on a first-come, first-serve basis. Members of Library Club get priority to turn in forms, which is why we start accepting them during the club meeting. Remember - we cannot take forms before January 10th.

Read A Thon is on February 28th this year - it's a Friday, and the event lasts from 4:20 that afternoon until 9:30 that night.

Want to print your own permission form? The permission form/friend preference form link is here.
Need to print your own pledge form? The pledge form link is here.
Need a short version of key information? The short info card link is here (one for you, 5 more for fun)

Viper Camp is coming on February 6th. Our 8th graders will be headed over to Vandergrift to visit and if you would like to order a t-shirt for that day, please see the link here. Students also have this link in their 8th-grade Google Classroom. Shirts need to be ordered by January 20th and will be delivered to Canyon Ridge. These shirts are not mandatory to order, but there will be no additional shirts to order after January 20th.

For our Incoming Freshmen Class of 2029! Get your Vandegrift Class of 2029 T-Shirt for Viper Camp: The Vandegrift High School PTSA is excited to offer all of our incoming Freshmen an option to purchase the “Second to None” Vandegrift High School Class of 2029 T-shirt that you can wear to Viper Camp on February 6th! T-shirts will be delivered back to your school prior to Viper Camp. You don’t want to miss this opportunity as these will not be sold again! Consider purchasing two for as they grow or keep one as a memento!

Join the VHS PTSA and get a discount on your T-Shirt! Different bundles are available to purchase at our online store at MemberHub. HARD DEADLINE to order t-shirts is MONDAY, JANUARY 20th at 9:00pm – do not wait, order now!

It is hard to believe it is already time to start thinking about high school but we don't want you to miss any of the upcoming dates for transition information for 8th to 9th grade. Mark your Calendars for...

VHS Course Selection Timeline PDF

• February 25th, 2025 6:00 PM: Parent / Guardian Webinar // Registration Link
• February 26th & 27th, 2025: 8th Grade Student Informational Sessions during Social Studies classes
• March 3, 2025 5:00 - 7:30 PM: Viper Night at VHS

• • Elective fair

  • Club & Organization fair

  • Student Panels

  • Breakout Sessions - International Baccalaureate (IB), ACC Dual Credit, AP Capstone

  • Students and parents are encouraged to take advantage of this evening to explore and learn more about ALL Vandegrift has to offer!

• March 4th - 5th (CRMS) // March 7th (FPMS), 2025: Student Meetings with VHS Counselors - High School Counselors will meet with 8th grade students individually at their middle school campus to verify their course selections

Mark your calendars for our 2025-2026 Parent/Student annual webinars for course registration information...

• Incoming 7th graders (current 6th graders): January 28 at 5:30pm (Zoom link, passcode: 7thEagles)
• Incoming 8th graders (current 7th graders): January 28 at 6:30pm (Zoom link, passcode: 8thEagles)
• Incoming 6th graders (current 5th graders): February 18th at 5:30pm (Zoom link, passcode: GoEagles)

The City of Leander and Leander ISD are thrilled to announce our annual essay and video contest honoring the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. This year’s theme, “Marching Towards A Better Tomorrow,” invites you to reflect on how you can make a positive impact in your community and beyond.

Dr. King and the civil rights movement taught us that ordinary people taking extraordinary action can change the world. We invite all Leander ISD students to share how they are “Marching Towards A Better Tomorrow” by submitting either a written essay or a recorded video by December 31, 2024.

This contest is a wonderful opportunity to explore Dr. King’s messages, showcase your creativity, and practice the skills you’ve learned in the classroom. Plus, more than $1,000 in prizes will be awarded to the top entries!

Contest Details

• Who Can Enter: All Leander ISD students
• How to Submit: Use this Google Form to submit. If your video is too large to attach, upload it to Google Drive or YouTube and share access with leandermlkday@gmail.com.
• Deadline: December 31, 2024
• Prizes: Over $1,000 in prizes will be awarded!

More information here.

Hello Families, We are excited to share that the December Special Programs Newsletter is here! This month, you can find valuable information about Inclusive Schools Week, the latest Collaborative Partners episodes, helpful community resources, and a special letter from the editor. Take a moment to check it out and stay connected with all the ways we’re supporting families this season

So thankful for our incredible volunteers and LISD for donating, building and painting our brand new Little Free Library at CRMS that will be accessible to our Eagle students and community year-round!

6A Div. II State Championship

Austin Vandegrift (14-1) vs. Southlake Carroll (15-0)

Saturday, Dec. 21st

3:00 pm

GAME LOCATION: https://attstadium.com/

TICKETS: TICKET LINK FOR STATE CHAMPIONSHIP

SPECIAL VANDY CODE: 6AD2V24

Remember, you must use our code as it's a discount code and our school gets credit for it in our revenue share.

Also, if you wanted a shirt to wear to the game, see link below!

https://www.myclubgear.com/vandegrift

PARKING PRICES
• Parking is only available for purchase on event day, not in advance. All parking is credit card only. There is NO cash parking at AT&T Stadium.
o $25.00 per car paying with credit parking at the stadium.
o $50.00 per Bus & RV parking at the stadium

HOW TO LISTEN/WATCH IF YOU CAN'T ATTEND:

The video and audio broadcast details for our state championship game on Saturday are different from what we've seen in the first 5 games of the 2024 playoffs.

UIL has sold exclusive video broadcast rights of the championship round games to FanDuel Sports Network Southwest (f.k.a. Bally Sports). That means no video will be available on either NFHS or VYPE. Details here.

The good news is that our normal VYPE audio crew will be providing a free audio broadcast at the following two links:

• On VYPE.com - https://www.vype.com/3pm-6a-dii-football-state-championship-vandegrift-vs-southlake-carroll
• On VYPELive.com - http://vypelive.com/web/g/15258

The bad news is that you can only see the video coverage by subscribing through https://fanduelsportsnetwork.com/. If you live in their regional market area (which includes Texas) this channel is either already included in your cable package or available for subscription over the web for $19.99/month. Unfortunately, for remote Viper fans that don't live in their regional market, they can't register an account for themselves. It is blocked by zip code. We recommend that remote Viper fans try to troubleshoot this in advance of the game.

OTHER NOTES:

AT&T STADIUM BAG POLICY
• AT&T Stadium adheres to the NFL Bag Policy, see website for details.
• All fans will be subject to the stadium’s clear bag policy and will be searched upon entering the stadium.
• All fans will be subject to security screenings including walkthrough metal detectors & bag checks upon entry into the stadium.

The Canyon Ridge Middle School Yearbook is on sale now! Books can be purchased from the Jostens online store for $45 through May 2, 2025.

If you bought a ticket online to our October Glow Party that had to be postponed, you have 3 options:

1. Keep the online ticket and it will be applicable to be used on February 14th rescheduled date.
2. If you wish to receive a refund for your student's Glow Party admission or activity tickets you will need to complete this form by December 20, 2024. Refunds will take a few days to process. If you have any questions please contact Candice Palmer at 512-570-3526 or candice.palmer@leanderisd.org.
3. If you are unable to attend the rescheduled date on February 14th, but are not worried about receiving a refund for the ticket cost, your ticket money will be donated to Student Council as part of their annual fundraiser.

CRMS Clubs and Organizations Site

Updates:

• Eagle Allies started on Monday 11/18/24 and is regularly meeting. See Mrs. Eaves or Mrs. Hubbard for more information.
• Art Club is meeting the last Thursday of each month. Contact Mrs. Abouelela for more information or join Google classroom: w77uvwb
• Our next Library Club meeting is December 6th - Future meeting dates are: 12/6, 1/10, 1/17, 2/7, - 2/28 is Read A Thon, 3/14, and 4/25) from 8:15 - 8:55

Gamers Welcome

We are looking for some game masters to help with this first-ever event on Saturday, January 11th from 9:00 to noon. Activities will include the chance to showcase original student-created games, to learn how to play longer strategy games, and to pop in and play shorter games. Game masters will be at a game station, invite others to play and teach them how, if needed, and play that game at that station during their shift.

Any CRMS students or background-checked community members are encouraged to help support some D&D players, and we need enthusiastic, positive leaders to manage various game stations for 90-minute shifts (games vary - they include chess, Uno, building challenges, Apples to Apples, Exploding Kittens, and others).

We are also hoping to provide some pre-packaged snacks for volunteers and participants.

Since this is our first-ever Game-A-Palooza, we don't know what to expect for attendance, but we'd like to avoid registration and let people drop in as they like. If you might be interested in attending, being a game master, or donating snacks for this event, please fill out this form to help us plan a great experience!

Each year, LISD offers students an opportunity to take an Exam for Acceleration (EA) at no cost to the family. LISD offers four EA testing windows each school year. Click this link for more information and dates. Students and parents can request the exam through their grade level counselor. The third testing window of 24/25 and the deadline to register is listed below.

Testing Window Three:

• Time: February 24-March 7, 2025 (The specific dates will be selected by the CRMS campus and communicated to those who register.)

• Registration Deadline: January 31, 2025 by noon

• Location: CRMS

• Logistics: Arranged with student's counselor & UTHS

Note: Students who pass an Exam for Acceleration in the March 2025 testing window will complete the 2024-2025 school year in his/her current class. Students will receive their acceleration in the 2025-2026 school year.

Step into a world of wonder and possibility at the Wrinkle in Time Gala, benefiting LEEF, Saturday, Jan. 25, 2025, at The Crossover. Inspired by the timeless story of adventure through space and time, we’re preparing for an unforgettable night in support of Leander ISD students and staff.

The 2025 LEEF Gala will feature:

• Student Art Gallery
• Live Auction
• WOW Packages & Campus baskets
• Entertainment & More

Save the date, be among the first to secure your tickets and sponsorships, and join us for this stellar night where every moment will make a difference!

Get Tickets

Want to be a CRMS Cheerleader? Join Now for 2025-2026

Cheerleading helps build and maintain school spirit by energizing crowds at games and events. The enthusiasm of cheerleaders boosts school pride and creates a positive atmosphere. Cheerleaders play a key role in enhancing school events, from sports games to pep rallies. Their presence adds excitement and can make events more enjoyable and memorable. By supporting teams and participating in school activities, cheerleaders contribute to a positive and inclusive school culture. The coaches this year are Marlena Ruiz and Hannah Allred. Please reach out to either of us with any and all things cheer and spirit!

Process starts with Mandatory Parent/Candidate Meeting

You are invited to a Zoom webinar.

When: Feb 10, 2025, 6:00 PM
Topic: Cheer 2025-26 Mandatory Parent/Student Zoom Meeting
Please click the link below to join the webinar:
https://leanderisd.zoom.us/j/86174655573
Passcode: CRMSCheer

Want To Be A Dyami Dancer?

Please read over the enclosed information regarding the Canyon Ridge Dance Team, our tryout requirements, and other important information about how to become a CRMS Dance Team Member.

Process starts with Mandatory Parent/Candidate Meeting

You are invited to a Zoom webinar.

When: Feb 28, 2025, 6:00 PM
Topic: Dyami Dance 2025-26 Mandatory Parent/Student Zoom Meeting
Please click the link below to join the webinar:
https://leanderisd.zoom.us/j/84511686401
Passcode: Dyami

Do you have an 8th-grade student who would benefit from obtaining their high school diploma while also earning an associate degree tuition-free? Leander ISD’s Early College High School makes this possible through the district’s partnership with Austin Community College at the San Gabriel Campus!

ECHS combines high expectations, academic rigor through inquiry-based instruction, and individualized student supports to prepare our scholars for academic success.

LISD ECHS is now accepting applications for its fourth cohort, which will then be selected through a blind lottery process later in the spring for incoming 2025–26 9th-graders. The deadline to apply is Friday, March 14, 2025.

Learn More

Apply Now

Attention Parents! Has a teacher or staff member at CRMS made a difference that you believe merits recognition? If so, nominate him or her to receive the Golden Eagle Award. Each week, from the Eagle community's nominations, a worthy faculty or staff member will be awarded the Golden Eagle. Recipients of the Golden Eagle Award have the privilege of keeping the coveted Golden Eagle statue in their office or classroom until the next faculty or staff member is recognized. Please nominate someone today!

Golden Eagle Award Nomination Form

Earlier this Fall, we updated you on our new vending machines at CRMS so we want to also share with you the flyer with directions and contact information if there are any questions/concerns.

The district has added vending machines that are being stocked with the same snacks/drinks that are sold in the cafeteria during lunches. The intent is for students to access during the school day when the cafeteria is not open for times like end-of-school-day when students may have practices/events. Students can use their school ID# (or cash) to purchase from these machines so it uses money from their "lunch accounts" so you may notice more snack purchases. We have noticed these machines are popular purchases so please have conversations with your student(s) about what your expectations are with the amounts being purchased. Please note that we will be telling students that they cannot leave class and miss instructional time to purchase extra snacks.

All tickets for all high school and middle school athletic events hosted at LISD facilities will be sold online only. There will be NO cash sales at the gate.

Tickets can be purchased through link on the athletics webpage:

https://www.leanderisd.org/athletics_ticketspasses/

Important Attendance Reminders:

• Absence notes should be emailed to crmsattendance@leanderisd.org within 48 hours of the absence.
  

• When you email the school, please include the student's first and last name and ID #. Student nicknames can cause confusion with attendance coding.Please note why the student was absent or what kind of appointment they had (medical/dental) otherwise it will be unexcused due to lack of info.

• If you will be picking up your child from school early, please call the school (512-570-3500) ahead of time to let the Receptionist know. This allows our Receptionist time to get a pass written ahead of time and helps to move the process along more quickly. The latest a student may be picked up early is 4pm due to our end-of-day dismissal.
  

• The only people who will be permitted to pick up a child will be parents/guardians and those individuals listed as an emergency contact in your Home Access Center (HAC). Due to safety reasons, we are no longer allowing a parent to call in and give permission for someone to pick up your child during the school day other than those listed in HAC.

  We do not allow early pick up after 4:00pm.

• If you feel like there is an error for a particular class period, please email the teacher directly first. For example, if your student was tardy and the teacher accidentally already marked the student absence, email the teacher because the attendance office has to have it in writing from the teacher before attendance can update anything

• There is a turn around time in updates if a student was with the nurse, AP, counselor, etc. It is not necessary to email the attendance office. Please remember that we have 1000 students so it will take 2-4 business days to show the update. We appreciate your patience and understanding that our team is working tirelessly to support all of our Eagles!

Leander ISD has partnered with MySchoolBucks as our new online store. You can easily pay online for school items and add money to your student's lunch account. We are adding new items to the store everyday.

Create your free MySchoolBucks account to conveniently and securely pay for your student’s school fees online or with the mobile app.

With MySchoolBucks you’ll be able to quickly browse school items in our School Store, be notified when fees are due, and make payments from anywhere!

Get Started Today:

1. Go to myschoolbucks.com or download the mobile app
2. Create your free account and add your students using their school name / student ID or birthdate
3. Add school items or invoices to your cart
4. Check out using your credit / debit card or electronic check.

We appreciate you using this online option as a way to help reduce the amount of physical cash and checks that our staff would need to handle for these school fees.

If you need assistance with your account, you can find helpful how-to videos and answers to commonly asked questions by visiting myschoolbucks.com. Or, you can contact MySchoolBucks directly by logging into your account to start a chat conversation or give them a call at (855) 832-5226.

Thank you,

Leander ISD

Please Note:

• $$$ account for snacks, additional food
• Snacks may not always be available all year long due to staffing shortages
• For the 24/25 school year, students who qualify for reduced price, breakfast will be free and lunch will be reduced.
• You must apply each year for free/reduced lunch.

2024-25 Leander ISD Important Bus Information: Register to Ride

All eligible students will be required to REGISTER to RIDE the bus for the 2024-2025 school year. Please use the link provided to be sure that your student is registered to ride the bus if you are planning to utilize LISD transportation services.

Reminder: All Middle School students need a laptop/device for school. If you do not own your one, you can get one from the district:

Middle School Students: $40.00 per year, decrease to $20.00 starting December 1st

A non-refundable security deposit is required to participate in this program. Sign up and pay for your student's 2024-2025 non-refundable security deposit now. All students who pay, will be issued their device the first few days of the 2024-2025 school year. Students who qualify for Free and Reduced meals will not need to pay the annual deposit but will need to turn in a signed acceptance form or register through EdPay. Click on this website: mLISD Information and Payment Website for more information and to pay the security deposit.

Hardship Scholarship opportunities are available. Please contact your child’s counselor or send an email to mlisd@leanderisd.org for more information. Please include the following information in your email:

• The student’s name

• Campus

• Student ID number

• Parent phone number

Click here for more information regarding scholarships.

mLISD Quick View Information Brochure -English

mLISD Quick View Information Brochure -Spanish

Middle School Student’s spring 2024 STAAR score results should be available to parents on the Texas Education Agency Family Portal beginning June 14th.

Directions for Accessing your Child’s STAAR Report Card from TEA:

• Click on the TEA Family Portal Login
• If you know your child’s unique access code, found at the bottom of STAAR reports from previous administrations, enter that code in the Access Code box. Enter the date of birth using the drop-down menus. Click on the blue Go button to access results.

• If you do not know your child’s unique access code, you can still access STAAR results if you know your child’s social security number and date of birth. Click on “How do I look up my access code?” link below the Sign-On Button and enter the following information:
• TSDS ID or PEIMS ID (often same as social security number)
• Child’s date of birth
• Child’s legal first name
• Click “Search”

Additionally, results may be accessed through the Home Access Center (HAC) after June 14th:

• Log into your Home Access Center (HAC) account.
• Select the Grades tab
• Select Texas Test Scores
• Click on the link to STAAR English/Spanish – this will log you into the parent portal and you will see assessment results.

Randall's has agreed to add CRMS to the Good Neighbor Support program and it is SO easy! Email below, then do your regular shopping and Randall's will donate back to the CRMS PTA.

Simply copy/paste the below message to send an email to good.neighbor@randalls.com with the following:

Hello,

Please link my customer account connected to phone number [type your Randall's phone number] with Good Neighbor Charity #14216 for Canyon Ridge Middle School PTA.

Thank you,

[type your name]

AP/Counselor by grade-level for 2024-2025:

• 6th: Brian Bass / Staci Cote
• 7th: Dr. Ashley Thompson1 / Kimberly Mills
• 8th: Leah Cox / Jillian Baaklini

Email: Wendy.Sturdevant@leanderisd.orgg
Website: crms.leanderisd.org
Location: Canyon Ridge Middle School, Country Trails Lane, Austin, TX, USA
Phone: 512-570-3500
Twitter: @Sturdevant_CRMS