CMS Cougar Communication

Dear Students, Parents, and Families,

We are now into the second half of the school year, and we want to thank our students and families for the continued engagement, communication, and support that make Christensen Middle School such a strong community.

As the year progresses, we remain focused on maintaining consistent routines, high expectations, and a positive school climate where students feel supported and challenged. Our staff continues to work closely with students to encourage growth, resilience, and academic progress.

We appreciate your partnership and look forward to finishing the school year strong together.

Thank you for your continued partnership and support of our CMS community,

Brian Scharmann (he/him)
Principal
Christensen Middle School

PARENT TIPS: It's a great time to reinforce/teach your kids organization skills which are important for student success:

• Time for a backpack sort-through?
• Create an organized work space.
• Is there a "quiet" space to do homework?
• Does your child have a clear understanding of your expectations (chores, etc.)?
• Teach your child to break projects into chunks (smaller more manageable steps).
• Encourage your child to make to-do lists.
• Model and teach time-management skills.
• Model and teach "planning ahead" skill sets.

Good luck!

Ms. Allen, Counselor

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.

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.

• 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, David Moore, at dmoore@lvjusd.org if you have any questions.

We’re planning to host a CMS Career Day on March 20, 2026, and we’d love your help finding volunteers from a variety of careers—especially those our students have said they want to learn more about.

In case you missed it, a Volunteer Interest Form was sent to families on 12/22. If you—or someone you know (family, friends, or community partners)—would be interested in speaking with students about your career, we encourage you to complete and share the form.

Student interest survey results are guiding our planning, and we’re excited to bring this experience to CMS. Thank you for your support!

There will be no school on Monday, January 19, in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.

There will be a virtual English Learners (ELAC) parents' meeting from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday 1/20.

Join us at this link: Google Meet.

• ELAC Flyer 1_20_2026
• CMS ELAC Agenda 1_20_2026
• Anuncio del Comité Asesor del Condado de CMS (ELAC)

The CMS PTA General Meeting will be held on Wednesday, January 21, at 7:00 PM and will be held online. We invite all CMS families and community members to join us to stay informed, share ideas, and support our school community. Please use the following link to join the meeting: CMS PTA General Meeting Google Meet.

CMS is excited to offer the AMC 8 Math test after school on Thursday 1/22/2026 for students who are interested. A new practice test will be delivered each week to students who have registered all the way up to the test. The test will begin at 2:45PM in the MPR.

There will be no cost for students to take the AMC 8, but pre-registration is required.

For those who are interested in taking the AMC 8 with us, students must complete this short Google form from their LVJUSD Google account: https://forms.gle/rFP8ax4M1ZtyUBru5.

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Monday, 1/26 - House Color Day

Tuesday, 1/27 - The Upside Down Day (Wear black)
Wednesday, 1/28 - Thinking Cap Day (Wear a hat/beanie day)
Thursday, 1/29 - Sleepover in Starcourt Day (PJ/Comfy Day)
Friday, 1/30 - Spirit Color Day

The CMS ASB-sponsored “Stranger Things” themed dance for CMS students will take place on Friday, January 30, 2026, from 6:30-8:00 p.m. in the MPR.

The dance event participation will be added electronically to the student’s ID account number prior to the dance for those students who purchase the item online at our RevTrak web store from January 23-29, 2026, for $7 or pay $10 cash or check in person during lunchtime from January 27-29 only. The opportunity to purchase online will expire on January 29 at 11:55 p.m. The shopping cart icon located on the CMS website is your link to RevTrak. Dance event participation purchases made on Friday (dance day) will cost $20 at the door.

Students who earned a 4.0 GPA on their CMS November 2025 Trimester 1 report card will have the dance admission added to their ID card account automatically. RevTrak cannot honor free dance admission for 4.0 GPA students.

Students must present their current photo ID card at the door to enter the dance. School staff will scan eligible student ID cards at the door to enter the dance. Students can request a replacement ID card in the school office Mondays through Thursdays.

Important Reminder for All Students: To be eligible to attend school dances, students must not have any suspensions from school and must not have past due fines with the CMS library. Students with outstanding fines or missing materials will not be allowed to attend the dance. Please visit the library to clear any fines or return items. Dance eligibility guidelines will be enforced.

Please note that backpacks and outside food or drinks are not permitted at school dances. For everyone's safety and enjoyment, all personal belongings should be left at home, and refreshments will be available for purchase at the event. Please send small denomination paper currency with your student if they plan to purchase food.

Students attending the dance must conform to the school’s dress code policy. Student faces must be visible—no masks. The clothing should not be obstructive, revealing, offensive or violent. Please do not bring any items containing sharp/pointed objects or materials that may accidentally strike another person. Inappropriate props will be kept in the office.

Student Agreement: I realize that school dances are exciting events, and at the same time, I agree that one’s own safety as well as the safety of others is vitally important. Therefore, I agree, not to use alcohol and /or other illicit or prescribed drugs that would cause impairment prior to, during, or after the dance. I am aware that students may be searched upon entry to the dance. Tickets may be canceled at any time by Administration. Furthermore, I understand that I am accountable for my own actions. Should this agreement be violated, the consequences for students will be loss of the privilege to attend all remaining school activities and could include suspension. I further understand that if I appear at the dance under the influence of drugs or alcohol, I will not be admitted and will be detained until a parent, guardian, or authorities arrive to take responsibility. Students that show up late may not be permitted entry to the dance.

If you enjoy problem-solving and want to challenge yourself in math, check out MATHCOUNTS! This nationwide competition — supported locally by the Livermore Valley Joint Unified School District — gives middle school students a chance to build math skills, compete, and lay a foundation for future STEM paths.

The 2026 MathCounts competition for our district will take place on Saturday, January 31, 2026. You can learn more and register using the link below:
LVJUSD MathCounts Information and Registration

To get ready for the competition (or just to have fun with challenging math problems), join Math Club at CMS! Math Club is open to all students and meets every Monday after school from 2:40–3:40 PM in Room 905. We work together to solve MathCounts-style problems, hold practice competitions, and build teamwork and problem-solving skills.

Sign up to run a 10K, 5K, or 1-mile fun run in Livermore Granada Boosters Race to the Flagpole. This annual tradition serves as the organizations largest fundraiser to support the award of student athlete scholarships.

The first CMS School Site Council meeting will be held virtually on Tuesday, March 3 at 3:00 PM.

Join us at this link: Google Meet, agenda to follow.

The East Bay Regional Park District is hosting a free All Abilities Day designed especially for Special Education students and their families. This event focuses on creating an inclusive and accessible environment where individuals of all abilities can participate and enjoy hands on activities.

All Abilities Day will take place on Wednesday, May 13, 2026 from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm at Ardenwood Historic Farm. Families are invited to attend and enjoy a welcoming day centered on connection, exploration, and fun.

Congratulations to our Cougar Kudos winners this week! 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 - Aleena Hazrati

• 7th grader - Rajveer Shivarkar

• 8th grader - Ellie Rickert

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 this week! 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 - Srivatsa Ravada

• 7th grader - Noah Kremer

• 8th grader - Kylie Sexton

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

Community member Ann Brown has partnered closely with Christensen Middle School through her work with the CMS pocket forest and as an active member of the Tri Valley Air Quality Climate Alliance. Through this partnership, Ann has supported our school community by helping bring science learning to life for students, supporting hands on lessons, and contributing to the development and care of our native plant forest.

This month, we are pleased to recognize Ann Brown for her ongoing commitment to CMS and her positive impact on our students and staff. Her willingness to share her expertise, collaborate with teachers, and engage students in meaningful, real world learning experiences has enriched our science curriculum and strengthened our connection to environmental stewardship. Ann’s work helps students better understand climate, air quality, and the importance of caring for our local ecosystem.

We are grateful for Ann Brown’s time, dedication, and partnership, and we thank her for the important role she plays in supporting learning and sustainability at CMS.

This year's spelling bee was a fantastic event, showcasing the hard work and talent of 30 student participants. Congratulations to our 7th and 8th grade students advancing to the district spelling bee, Avery Xing Yu Au, Delaney Amador, and Rishi Gara. In 6th grade, our finalists were Ritisha Kiran Reddy and Diya Menon.

A special congratulations to our all school spelling bee champion, 6th grader Diya Menon.

Well done to all students who participated and to the spelling bee committee for a great event. More information about district spelling bee dates for advancing students will be shared soon.

We are proud to highlight CMS alumnus Shree Manickaraja, who has published his first book, Project Py: Foundations of Beginner Friendly Programming. The book introduces readers to the basics of computer programming using Python, with clear explanations and beginner friendly examples designed to build confidence and foundational skills. Shree’s work reflects curiosity, dedication, and a strong commitment to learning, and it serves as an inspiring example for our current students.

Copies are available on Amazon for those who would like to learn more or purchase a copy for $10. Congratulations to Shree on this exciting accomplishment.

For this STAFF SPOTLIGHT, we are excited to recognize one of our amazing paraeducators! Ms. Dimits has been at CMS for 10 years offering a helping hand, a kind word, or steady support making a lasting impact on our CMS community. In her free time, you can find her swimming, walking, reading, or hanging out with friends. When you see her on campus, make sure you thank her for all she does.

To stay up to date on the latest information regarding 8th grade promotion and related activities be sure to check out the CMS 8th GradeClass of 2026 Events: January 11, 2026 Update

A P.E. uniform is required. All students are expected to have a gray t-shirt and royal blue shorts or purchase the Christensen P.E. attire at a very reasonable cost. (A gray t-shirt, royal blue shorts, gray sweatshirt, and gray sweatpants without logos are also acceptable.) Athletic shoes with white/light soles are also required.

T-shirts - $10.00 (Youth Large, Adult S-XXL) Shorts - $10.00 (Youth XL, Adult S-XXL)

To purchase any or all of the above items online, please visit the Christensen Middle School Web Store by clicking on the shopping cart icon https://christensen.livermoreschools.org/. To pick up your prepaid merchandise, please bring a copy of your receipt to the CMS front office.

Please write your child’s last name across the back of their P.E. shirt and on the nametag on the front of their shorts. No other writing is permitted on the clothes students wear in P.E.

We’re excited to share that the Girls Who Code Club is back at Christensen Middle School! In partnership with Lawrence Livermore National Lab (LLNL), this club offers students a fun and supportive environment to explore coding, collaborate with peers, and learn from LLNL mentors.

Meetings will take place every Tuesday after school from 2:45–4:00 PM in Room 404, beginning Tuesday, January 6, 2026.

Although it’s called Girls Who Code, students of any gender are welcome to join. To participate, students must use their LVJUSD Google account to complete the interest form:

Girls Who Code Interest Form

We can’t wait to see our CMS coders back in action!

Math Club at CMS is open to all students and meets every Monday after school from 2:40‑3:40 in Room 905. In Math Club, we work together to tackle challenging problems from MathCounts, and we also hold practice competitions to help prepare students who want to compete district‑wide. It’s a great place to build problem‑solving skills, make math fun, and deepen understanding — come join us and be part of a team!

The only way to guarantee your CMS 2025-2026 yearbook order is to purchase one from the Varsity Yearbook Order Center.

The price is $35 until February 1. The price will increase after February 1 to $40. Yearbook sales will end on April 6, 2026. There will only be a limited number of copies available for purchase after this date. The prices include shipping to CMS in June.

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 Code16490.

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

Livermore High School junior Siyona Chamkura is hosting Glow and Grow workshops as part of her Girl Scouts Gold Award project. These interactive sessions are designed for girls ages 10 to 13 and focus on skincare, media literacy, and self love. Participants will engage in hands on activities while learning how to build healthy habits, recognize unrealistic beauty standards, and boost self confidence. Workshops will take place in Room 4 at Livermore High School from 4:00 to 5:30 PM. For questions, please contact Siyona at siyonaa.2194@gmail.com.

LVJUSD Special Education Parent Newsletter

Please see the flyers and further information below for two upcoming Community Conversations, for parents and providers of children with disabilities, coming up in Hayward on January 17 and Oakland on January 24. Please share widely with your SPED families and anyone who might be interested. The goal of the Community Event is to increase understanding of inclusion supports and needs for families.

• Oakland Flyer Espanol PDF 1.pdf
• Oakland Flyer English PDF 1.pdf
• Hayward Flyer English PDF 1.pdf
• Hayward Flyer Espanol PDF 1.pdf

RSVP Here:

• ·Hayward Community Conversation - Saturday, January 17, 11am - 1pm - bit.ly/CommunityConvoHayward
• Oakland Community Conversation - Saturday, January 24, 11am - 1pm - bit.ly/CommunityConvoOakland

The Student Transit Pass Program provides FREE Youth Clipper Cards to eligible middle and high school students. The Youth Clipper card provides unlimited free rides on LAVTA/Wheels. Students can add cash value to the Clipper card for 50% off BART fares and youth discounts on other transit systems that use Clipper. The pass makes it easier for students to travel to and from school.

All students attending middle and high schools in the Livermore Valley Joint Unified School District are eligible to receive a free Clipper card good for unlimited rides on Wheels and Rapid buses during the 2025-2026 school year.

The Student Transit Pass Clipper Card CMS students received this year or in past years is valid through the student’s high school graduation date if the student remains enrolled in a participating Alameda County school and is under the age of 19.

New Christensen students should complete the online application for a Youth Clipper Card at https://stpp.formstack.com/forms/lvjusd_christensen. All fields marked with an asterisk (*) are required including Parent or Guardian Signature. The office will verify the information submitted online and on the printed applications received in the office.

When CMS receives the youth clipper cards, the office will contact the students regarding the distribution of the cards.

• February 25, 2026 Student presentations are due to judges - times TBD
• February 26, 2026 Student project exhibits, a planetarium show, trashion show, live music and community partner exhibits will be held at Joe Michell TK-8 between 5-7 pm.

Several of our current PTA board members are reaching the end of their terms, and we are looking for parents and guardians who may be interested in stepping into leadership roles. Most positions involve a relatively low time commitment and offer a great way to support our school community.

One position is especially critical: PTA Treasurer. A treasurer is required for the PTA to operate next year. The good news is that our current treasurer will remain involved for an additional year to support and mentor the incoming treasurer, making this a manageable transition.

If you are interested, or if you know someone who would be a great fit, please complete the interest and nomination form below. You are welcome to nominate someone else, and we will follow up with them to share more about the role.

PTA 2026–27 Interest and Nomination Form:
https://forms.gle/kZiHN8F4g3uaDXXa7

Thank you for considering supporting CMS and our students through the PTA.

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

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Email: bscharmann@lvjusd.org
Website: https://www.livermoreschools.org/Domain/101
Location: 5757 Haggin Oaks Avenue, Livermore, CA, USA
Phone: 925-606-4702