Today, Monday, January 17th is a School Holiday. All campus and district offices will be closed in observance of the Martin Luther King, Jr Holiday. It is a federal holiday in the United States marking the birthday of Martin Luther King Jr. It is observed on the third Monday of January each year. Born in 1929, King's actual birthday is January 15.

In an effort to promote, recognize, and celebrate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and the nationally honored MLK Day of Service, students are challenged to complete acts of service/kindness.

Acts of service/kindness can come in many forms. Here are some examples:

- Write a note of gratitude to a teacher, neighbor or friend.

- Volunteer for a local community charity.

- Create positive messages with sidewalk chalk in your neighborhood.

- Ask an elderly neighbor if you can rake their leaves.

- Gather and donate items to a food bank or shelter

There is no act of service/kindness that is too small! Eagles, we hope that you will join us as we do acts of service and kindness.

Everyone talks about Dr. Martin Luther King's "I Have a Dream" speech. But have you ever actually watched all of it? Below I have linked his “I Have A Dream” speech during the March on Washington, Wednesday, August 28, 1963, National Mall park in Washington, DC. Today is an opportunity to listen to this historic moment.

Follow us on social media:

Twitter: @Sturdevant_CRMS

Instagram: Canyon_Ridge_MS

Facebook: Canyon Ridge Middle School PTA

CRMS had 3 fantastic Reflections pieces that are advancing to State. Congratulations to these students on their fine work!

• Shreya Poladia, Literature, Pen is Mightier than a Sword!
• Shreya Poladia, Visual Arts, Embracing 5 Pilars of Humanity
• Delaney Shavulsky, Photography, Trash to Treasures

Thank you Board of Trustees for your support and service to LISD. We appreciate your service to kids, teachers, staff, the community & families, and campus & district administration. Thank you Rising Above and keeping students at the core of all that we do!

Standing (Left to Right):
LISD Superintendent Bruce Gearing, Ed.D.

Board Member Christine Mauer

Board Member Anna Smith

Board Member Sade Fashokun

Board Member Aaron Johnson

Sitting (Left to Right):
Board Secretary Elexis Grimes
Board President Trish Bode
Board Vice President Gloria Gonzales-Dholakia, Ph.D.

We are in need of 2 Instructional Assistants to support our students. It is a paid position here at the school in the community you live. Benefits are available and you follow the school calendar so you will get holidays and summers off.

Email Megan Prata today for more information or apply here.

Shared from the PTA:

Steve Roberts was a dad who touched the lives of everyone he met. His children are no different. Lainee is a legacy player for Roots Volleyball and lost her dad unexpectedly this past weekend. She and her triplet siblings went to elementary in the Steiner Ranch community and are now headed to college in the fall and the Roberts family could use all the help our community can give them. Shelley is the River Ridge Elementary school principal and has devoted her life to our community. Let us repay her now. Every dollar donated goes into the college funds for all three kids. Please help because they are living the unthinkable uncertainty of what the next few years will bring. Every dollar helps.

Ways to donate:

1. Check written to Roots & Wings with memo line “Roberts Education Fund.” Check delivered to 1615 Sunnyvale Street, Austin, TX 78741, so that we can take this off Shelley’s list of todos.

2. PayPal sent to Lindsay@RootsVB.org. Subject line “Roberts Education Fund.”

3. Venmo @rootsandwingstx. Subject line “Roberts Education Fund.”

4. Most corporate matching programs have us listed. Look for Roots & Wings Athletics, Eclipse Sports, or look under our EIN. Again, make sure to use “Roberts Education Fund” in the donation.

Because of the large numbers of individuals we hope will donate, we will not be writing a receipt for each donation like we usually do. Please save your donation submission as your receipt if you need one. Any large donations can receive a receipt if requested. Please let us know if you have any questions.

Thank you, Roots Volleyball Staff & River Ridge Community

Roots & Wings Athletics

EIN 47-1714167

Art students researched and chose a meal from breakfast, lunch, dinner, or dessert. Students then applied their ceramics skills to create their meal out of clay using many different sculpting techniques. The separate food items were glazed to look realistic, and their meals were assembled on their clay plate and topped off with a coat of shiny clear glaze. The results look good enough to eat!

All students and staff are invited to stop by the library to check out the outstanding pieces throughout January.

HS Art I Students

Mrs. Nora Blevins

In collaboration with volunteers and local partners, the City of Leander will honor the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. by hosting its first MLK Day Parade & Street Festival themed "Community Unity - Bright & Bold" on Jan. 17, 2022, in Old Town Leander.

There is also a curated list of titles on our Sora Digital Library for readers to learn more about the life of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

A student information session about VHS International Baccalaureate will be held at CRMS on Friday 1/21/22 during advisory class. This is an optional student info session for 8th graders. In order for a student to attend, please submit this RSVP form by Tuesday 1/18/22. If submitting the form as a parent, you will need your child's LISD login information to access the form, so please do the form with them. Specific IB questions can be directed to the coordinator at VHS, Sherilyn Green. Other questions can be directed to Staci Cote.

CRMS families, if your child is proficient in a language and would like to pursue testing opportunities to earn high school credit for this language, please contact your school counselor for information on 2021/2022 testing. Testing date for spring 2022 is February 3, 2022 on the CRMS campus. The deadline to register for spring testing is January 27, 2022. Testing slots are limited due to the nature of the test and classroom capacity. Once the slots are full, a second spring date may be considered and/or summer testing dates will be offered. Testing is open to all grade levels, but recommended for 7/8 graders.

I know it seems crazy to already be thinking about next year courses, but we will begin that process soon. Students will be getting course registration and transition information through advisory class in the coming weeks. In addition, we will be hosting parent webinars to help with all of this information too. Please plan to join us! Some CRMS courses will require an application, and those will be specified on the choice sheet. For current 8th grade students, your course transition is coordinated by VHS. The dates below are for current 6th and 7th grade students.

January 28:

Students receive a preview of the choice sheet in advisory class.

February 1:

• Parent Webinar (passcode 774990) at 5:30-6:15 for current 6th grade parents
• Parent Webinar (passcode 774990) at 6:30-7:15 for current 7th grade parents

February 4:

Students will complete a choice sheet in advisory class. Choice sheet will be brought home for a parent signature.

February 11:

Choice sheet with parent signature DUE for current 6th & 7th graders.

Students begin their high school four year plan during their 8th grade year. Over the course of this year, Mrs. Cote has been delivering four year planning student lessons as part of the 8th to 9th grade transition. Lesson resources can be found here. Thanks for partnering with us to support your child in their 8th to 9th grade transition!

Additionally, Vandegrift High School Counselors will be meeting with your child and hosting events in the spring semester for this transition. See VHS dates below and mark your calendars!

• 1/10/22 VHS Counselors to CRMS Campus for Course Registration Presentation
• 1/11/22 VHS Counselor to CRMS Campus for Review of Four Year Plan
• 1/11/22 8th Grade Family Night @ VHS (virtual)
• 1/13/22 Viper Night @ VHS (POSTPONED)
• 1/18/22 VHS Counselor to CRMS Campus for Review of 9th Grade Choice Sheet
  

*Dates subject to change. Accurate as of 1/6/2022

Attention 7th & 8th Graders, CRMS Eagle Track & Field begins on Monday February 7th. If you are going to participate in Track & Field you need to visit the CRMS Track & Field Website and fill out the Google Form to sign up. The CRMS Track & Field Information Packet and Schedules are posted on the website as well. You must have a completed LISD Physical Form turned in to the coaches to be eligible to participate. If you have any questions, please contact Coach Simmons or Coach Edwards.

Webinar for Boys & Girls Track & Field for Monday, February 7th at 6:00 PM

You are invited to a Zoom webinar.

When: Feb 7, 2022 6:00 PM

Topic: CRMS Boys & Girls Track Parent Meeting Webinar

Please click the link to join the webinar:

Passcode: 468332

Dyami Dancers Free Dance Class

• Open to all 5th, 6th, 7th and 8th grade students.
  

• Friday, Feb. 11th, 3:45-5:30pm

2022 - 2023 Dyami Dancers Audition Information:

• Mandatory parent/candidate meeting on March 1, 2022
• Dyami Dancers Audition Clinic - March 7th - March 8th
• Mandatory Team Fitting Date - April 7th
• Mandatory Summer Line Camp - July (usually the 2nd or 3rd week) TBD

Students who will be 7th or 8th graders in the 2022/23 school year are eligible to participate in cheer at CRMS! In class, we work to create an encouraging environment where cheerleaders can learn to stunt, tumble, and dance at their own level. If your student intends to be a part of the team next year, please join Coach McGrath and Coach May at the mandatory webinar on February 28th at 6pm. We will briefly discuss important dates, required forms, and answer any questions you have about the course. This webinar is required for new and current cheerleaders.

You are invited to a Zoom webinar. When: Feb 28, 2022, 6:00 PM

Topic: CRMS Cheer 2022-2023 Required Parent Meeting Please click the link below to join the webinar: https://leanderisd.zoom.us/j/81798607434 Passcode: 665504

Air Force Junior ROTC is a high school program to "develop citizens of character dedicated to serving their nation and community." AFJROTC students will present the many benefits of taking this elective in high school. This elective counts as a PE credit. In addition to physical training, students will get many leadership and community service opportunities. LISD buses VHS students over to AFJROTC at LHS for this high school program. A student information session will be held at CRMS on Friday 2/11/22 during advisory class. This is an optional student info session for 8th graders. In order to attend, please submit this RSVP form by Sunday 2/6/22. If submitting the form as a parent, you will need your child's LISD login information to access the form, so please do the form with them. Specific AFJROTC questions can be directed to Jeff Moffitt (jeff.moffitt@leanderisd.org). Other questions can be directed to Staci Cote.

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 next testing window and deadline to register is listed below.

Testing Window Three: March 7-9, 2022

Time: Arranged with student's counselor

Registration deadline: February 7, 2022

Location: CRMS

Logistics: Arranged with student's counselor & UTHS

Note: Students who pass an Exam for Acceleration in the March 2022 testing window will complete the 2021-2022 school year in his/her current class. Students will receive their acceleration in the 2022-2023 school year.

This spring, Leander ISD will consider/adopt new instructional resources for six courses: K-12 Health & PE, 6th Grade Social Studies, AP Environmental Science, Kinesiology, Marketing, and Nutrition & Dietetics. Members of our LISD community have opportunities and are encouraged to provide feedback on these resources from January 18 - February 18 through in-person viewing at Central Office and Cedar Park High School or by viewing the materials virtually on the district website. We will host three Q&A Zoom meetings with district curriculum experts that allow community members to explore the options, ask questions and provide feedback. For questions about the instructional materials selection process, please reach out to Jennifer Collins, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum.

• All 7th PACE & 8th Math STAAR Field Test: February 17th

For more information on the Field Test on 2/17/22: Field Test at CRMS letter

• 8th grade Science STAAR: May 5
• 8th grade Social Studies STAAR: May 6
• 6th grade Math STAAR: May 10
• 7th & 8th grades Math & Algebra 1 STAAR: May 12
• 7th & 8th grades Reading STAAR: May 16
• 6th grade Reading: May 17

Debate Club will take place on Tuesdays from 3:30-4:30 from now on in Room 0109 starting this Tuesday, January 11th. Everyone is welcome!

PTA has new Spirit Wear in Stock! Grab a soft, warm hoodie or a baseball tee for the cool days that are surely coming! We also have a new PTA t-shirt and girls youth PE shorts in smaller sizes. Show off your CRMS Pride and Eagles Spirit and visit our website to purchase! Eagles Spirit Wear - Canyon Ridge Middle School PTA

Yearbooks for the 2021-2022 school year are available online NOW! Don't miss out on the lowest price of the year; Order your yearbook before December 1st for $35. On December 1st, yearbook prices increase. Additionally, we are offering an opportunity for CRMS families to highlight their 8th grade students with a shout out. Shout outs are very similar to senior ads in a high school yearbook and are only available for 8th grade students. They can be purchased as an add on to the yearbook for $25. Shout outs must be purchased on or before January 31, 2022 and your short message and photos must be submitted by February 15, 2022. Our school orders a limited number of yearbooks each year. By pre ordering your yearbook now, you ensure that you will receive a yearbook. If you have any questions please email Jared.Lichtenberger@leanderisd.org .

Students from Vandegrift High School began a homework help service in 2012. Today Viper Nation Homework Help continues as a student-led, free tutoring service for elementary, middle and even high school peers in our community. To sign up your student for one of the Tuesday evening sessions, please visit https://signup.com/go/zmqysDO.

Leander ISD updated our Health Response Protocols and on August 17th, elevated to a new Yellow Stage. Please review and partner with us to keep people healthy and schools open:

• COVID-19 Update: New Health Response Protocols
• August 6th Update to COVID Notifications, Contact Tracing and Dashboard data
• August 17th Update: Mask Requirement for All
• Leander ISD COVID dashboard

CRMS Frequently Asked Questions - COVID

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/

Many have generously reached out and asked how you can donate or support the teachers/school during this time. If you are wanting to donate and unsure how, we will gladly accept donations on campus of the following:

• bottled water
• masks
• paper towels
• hand sanitizer
• Clorox wipes

Currently, there is no state funding for PPE this year, so donations will be accepted and very appreciated! You can drop off in the school front office at your convenience during school hours.

Home Access Center (HAC) provides families with an online tool where they can view helpful student information to support and guide their children through the educational process. From home or work, at any time of the day or night, parents can access the web portal to track academic achievement.

Features include:

• Grade notifications,

• Class schedules

• Attendance records.

Visit the Home Access Center page to learn more. Please allow time for our campuses to complete schedule and teacher assignments in the coming days prior to the start of the school year.

Beginning Aug. 5, Leander ISD parents can enter their home address into Infofinder to look up their child’s bus route number, pick-up/drop-off times, and bus stop locations for the 2021-22 school year. Bus routes are subject to change, so LISD parents are strongly encouraged to confirm their child’s bus information again the week prior to the start of school.

The Transportation Department will continue to use the Remind platform to communicate delay notifications and other important updates. Bus riders and their guardians will be added to a Remind “class” for their assigned bus route.

All students at CRMS must have a working computer/device with a keyboard. If you do not have your own device, that is okay! Click on this link to sign-up/re-enroll and pay the 2021-2022 mLISD non-refundable security deposit so you can get your computer as soon as possible!

Our schools and teachers use Remind to send text messages and emails to our parents. Make sure you log into Remind to set up your notification preferences, see archived messages, and send messages directly to your teachers and school staff. Download the mobile app (Google Play, Apple) for the best user experience.

Click here to learn more about Remind.

As Leander ISD Child Nutrition Services will continue to offer free breakfast and lunch meals to all students for the 2021–22 school year, low-cost meals are not being served at this time. To manage your student’s meal balance for snacks or extras beyond the meal service, please create your Titan Family Connect account (formerly MealTime). Leander ISD school menus, along with complete nutrition information, are available through Nutrislice.

School start and end times for elementary, middle and high school are listed below.

• Elementary School: 7:40 a.m.–2:55 p.m.
• Middle School: 8:10 a.m.–3:25 p.m.
• High School: 8:40 a.m.–4:00 p.m.

90-minute Early Release Schedule for 2021–22 School Year

• Elementary School: 7:40 a.m.–1:25 p.m.
• Middle School: 8:10 a.m.–1:55 p.m.
• High School: 8:40 a.m.–2:30 p.m.

*District Calendar linked below

Turn your sound on and please watch this video from CRMS students!

*Randall's will donate to CRMS PTA if you select us as your Good Neighbor Program just because you shop there! Complete this form and then e-mail to good.neighbor@randalls.com or take to any store customer service location..

*Did you know you can buy all your Amazon purchases through Amazon Smile, and they will donate to our PTA all year long?!?! It doesn’t cost you anything and you order the same way. Just set up your Amazon Smile profile to donate to PTA Texas Congress Canyon Ridge Middle School PTA.

*CRMS PTA: If you have not yet, please consider joining the CRMS PTA. Memberships start as low as $10.

*SPIRIT WEAR: Spirit Wear is restocked. Porch pickup is very close to CRMS.

Be sure to follow Canyon Ridge Middle School PTA on Facebook and join the Facebook group for your child's grade level. Thank you for your time and all of your support for our Eagles!

AP/Counselor by grade-level for 2021-22:

• 6th: Monica Diaz Carle/Sabrina Anderson
• 7th: Cassandra Ricks/Katie Young
• 8th: Leah Cox /Staci Cote

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