Cunha Intermediate School
Week of February 2nd to February 6th
The Next Generation: 5th Grade Family Night
The MU was packed on Wednesday night as we opened our doors to the incoming students and families. Transitioning to middle school is a huge milestone, and seeing the gym filled with eager (and maybe a little nervous) faces reminded us why this community is so special.
The Inside Scoop: Parents and students heard directly from administrators and counselors about what to expect in middle school.
Student Guides: Our Leadership students led tours and gave the real "boots on the ground" perspective of life in the hallways.
Getting Involved: Parents connected with our booster groups and PTO, ensuring they’re ready to support the school from the jump.
Science Fair: 8th Grade Innovation on Display
On Thursday, the gym transformed into a hub of discovery for our annual Science Fair. A huge shout out to Cunha' Science Department and our esteemed volunteers for evaluating all of the projects in a very short amount of time. Our 8th graders have spent weeks researching, testing, and pivoting their projects, and that hard work was on full display.
The Winners’ Circle: Please click below for the full list of award winners and congratulate them if you see them. A massive congratulations to Jessie Brown (Overall Winner) and Lucy Stariha (Runner Up) and Violette Martinez (Coastside Award)!
What’s Next: All of the award recipients will be representing our school at the county level competition. We know they’ll make us proud!
Beyond the trophies, the fair is about critical thinking. Seeing students show off what they've learned to their peers and families shows just how much they’ve grown as thinkers this year.
All Abilities Club
We would like to share a community program offered by the Half Moon Bay Library that may be of interest to families with children and adults with special needs:
All Abilities Club is held after regular library hours to provide a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment for youth, adults, and their families. The All Abilities Club takes place on the second Friday of every month. Participants enjoy activities, dinner, and opportunities for meaningful connection with other families and library staff in a supportive setting.
Coastside Summer Camp Fair - Tomorrow!
Tech Balance Weekly:
- Be an "Online Ally": Regularly check in on who your child is chatting with and the "vibe" of their favorite games. Treat their digital health just as seriously as their physical health.
- Practice the "Graceful Exit": Middle schoolers often feel trapped in group chats. Role-play specific phrases they can use to step away from a heated conversation without losing face.
- Screenshots are Receipts: Teach your child that if they experience bullying, they should ignore the bully, take a screenshot of the evidence, block the user, and immediately tell a trusted adult.
- Encourage "Upstanding": Remind kids that even a small private message of support to a victim can stop a bad situation from spiraling.
- Digital Bedtimes: Help your child set boundaries by "putting devices to bed" at a specific time each night to ensure they get a mental break from social pressures.
Check out the tips here: Cyberbullying and Online Harms
The Big Five
The Big Five is a common emergency plan adopted by all San Mateo County school districts and law enforcement agencies. It provides five immediate action responses in any given emergency: Shelter in Place; Drop, Cover, and Hold On; Secure Campus; Lockdown/Barricade; and Evacuation. For parents, understanding these terms will aid your decision making process in potentially stressful situations. This week, we'll cover Evacuation.
EVACUATION is implemented when conditions make it unsafe to remain in the building.
This action provides for the orderly movement of students and staff along prescribed routes
from inside school buildings to a designated outside area of safety.
EVACUATION is considered appropriate for, but is not limited to, the following types of
emergencies:
■ Bomb threat
■ Chemical accident
■ Explosion or threat of explosion
■ Fire
■ Earthquake
In the event of an explosion, earthquake, or other event causing falling debris, EVACUATION
will be preceded by a “DROP, COVER, and HOLD ON” protocol. Students and staff should
drop to the floor, duck under a desk or table, cover the head with arms and hands, and
hold onto furniture.
During an "Evacuation" incident, please safely make your way to campus. Staff and students have practiced the protocol for an evacuation. Please follow the directions of the staff. We understand that it can be a scary situation and folks want to get to their children as quickly as possible. With your help, we can release all students to their trusted adult in a timely fashion and without panic.
Please take this time to double check your emergency contacts. We are not able to release your child to anyone that is not listed as an emergency contact in the school system. You do not want to wait until a crisis situation to find out.
Cunha Athletics Boosters (CAB) Updates
Show Your Cunha Pride!
Our future Cubs were excited to kick things off! Fifth graders loved shopping for Cunha gear at the 5th Grade Information Night and getting ready for the years ahead.
Cunha swag and individual sports gear are available now! Check out the full selection at cunhaathleticboosters.org/shop and show your Cub spirit on and off the field!
6th Grade Basketball
The 6th grade basketball season starts next week! The home game schedule is attached, so mark your calendars and come cheer on our teams.
7th & 8th Grade Basketball Photos
Don’t forget to purchase your basketball photos!
Visit my.photoday.com
Access Code: CunhaBball26
Stay Connected
Follow Cunha Athletic Boosters on Instagram and Facebook @CunhaAthleticBoosters to stay up to date on schedules, games, and announcements. You can also find schedules and more information on our website:
CunhaAthleticBoosters.org
Curious about CAB Meetings?
Want to know what happens at CAB meetings? Check out our meeting minutes here:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1Ocuu5BWifT3AGL8CmGqOCKwzhsT61Ig-
Upcoming Events
Monday, February 2nd
- Homework Help and Tutoring at 3:30 in Library
- Youth Cinema Project at 3:30-5:00 in Room D4
Wednesday, February 4th
- Homework Help and Tutoring at 3:30 in Library
- Youth Cinema Project at 3:30-5:00 in Room D4
- Progress Report Grades available in PowerSchool
Thursday, February 5th
- Homework Help and Tutoring at 2:30 in Library
- Board Meeting at 6:00 in Library
Yearbooks
Calling All Artists!
We're excited to announce our yearbook art contest with the theme "Greetings from Half Moon Bay" (think vintage postcards, beach vibes, and that classic "wish you were here" feeling). Whether you're into painting, drawing, photography, digital design, or any other medium, we want to see your creative take on what makes our coastal town special. Your artwork should be sized at 8.5"x11", and all students in grades 6-8 are welcome to enter. The winning design will be featured in this year's yearbook, and the artist will receive a free copy to keep forever. Submissions are due by March 20, 2026, so start brainstorming your ideas and show us Half Moon Bay through your eyes!
Donate a yearbook, Treering will match it!
Buy a yearbook: https://bit.ly/cunhayearbook. Passcode: 1016935141791594
If you have previously purchased a yearbook through Treering and need to add this school or year on your account, please follow these instructions: https://help.treering.com/s/article/Update-School-and-School-Year-for-Your-Child.
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
