Cunha Intermediate School
Week of January 5th to January 9th
Welcome back students, families, and staff! We hope everyone had a restful break. A lot of things are happening this month including new opportunities for students. Please encourage your child to get involved and develop a new or existing interest.
8th Grade Science Fair Help
Parents of 8th grade students: please check in with your child about their Science Fair project. Their data is due on Tuesday, January 13th, and the final project is due on Tuesday, February 3rd. There is help afterschool on the following dates:
- Wednesday, Jan 14 at 3:15 in C106
- Tuesday, Jan 20 at 3:15 in C106 (Mr. Felts, Cunha + High School Science teachers will be attending to offer help)
- Thursday, Jan 22 at 2:15 in C106 (All Cunha Science Teachers)
- Thursday, Jan 29 at 2:15 in C106 (All Cunha Science Teachers)
- Friday, Jan 30 at 12:30 in C106 (All Cunha Science Teachers. Mr. Murray and Mr. Owen will stay longer than an hour if necessary)
- Monday Feb 2 at at 3:15 in C106 (Mr. Murray and Mr. Owen will stay longer than an hour if necessary)
Youth Cinema Project
Attention all aspiring directors, writers, and filmmakers! We are excited to announce our very own Film Program for the first time ever at Cunha in partnership with the Youth Cinema Project. This free program gives students hands-on experience with professional filmmaking equipment while learning from Hollywood professionals. They will create their own content, work in real production roles, and develop valuable skills in storytelling and collaboration.
The program meets Mondays and Wednesdays from 3:30-5:00 PM in Room D4 starting January 12th. Students, see Ms. Angst with any questions or to sign up. Don't miss this chance to bring your creative vision to life!
Peer Helpers Club
Peer Helpers met for the first time this week. Students are welcome to join the meetings on Wednesdays during lunch in Room A5.
Tech Balance: A Weekly Guide for Families
We're excited to introduce a new weekly feature in our newsletter designed to help families navigate the digital world together. "Tech Balance" will offer practical tips, conversation starters, and research-backed strategies for fostering healthy technology habits at home. Each week, we'll explore topics like screen time management, social media wellness, digital citizenship, and creating tech-free moments that strengthen family connections. Our goal is to empower both parents and students to make mindful choices about technology use while recognizing that devices are an important part of modern learning and social life. We look forward to partnering with you in raising digitally responsible and balanced teens.
As the name suggests, balance is key. Click here for 5 tips on how to help your child balance technology use in their lives.
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 Shelter in Place.
SHELTER IN PLACE is implemented to isolate students and staff from the outdoor
environment and prevent exposure to airborne contaminants or threats posed by wildlife
or other environmental hazards. The procedures may necessitate closing and sealing doors,
windows, and vents; shutting down the classroom/building heating, ventilation, and air
conditioning systems to prevent exposure to the outside air; and turning off pilot lights.
SHELTER IN PLACE is also used during a medical emergency like cardiac arrest or other similar
life-threatening emergency for privacy and clear access to the individual by emergency
personnel.
SHELTER IN PLACE is considered appropriate for, but is not limited to, the following
types of emergencies:
■ External chemical release
■ Fire in the community
■ Hazardous material spills
■ Unhealthy air quality outside
■ Wildlife on or near campus posing a danger
■ High winds or severe weather
■ Tornado
■ Tsunami- yellow and green zones
■ Medical emergency
Do not come to campus during a Shelter in Place. Classes continue as normal, and clear roads are essential for emergency responders to access the area.
Cunha Athletics Boosters (CAB) Updates
Cunha Basketball Celebrates Tournament Wins
As we return from winter break and kick off the new year, the Cunha Athletic Boosters are proud to celebrate an exciting start to 2026 for Cunha Basketball. Both the 7A Boys and 8A Boys teams brought home championships at the Yamagishi “Shoot for the Cure” Basketball Tournament. It was an incredible showing of teamwork, determination, and Cub pride. Congratulations to the players and coaches on these well-earned victories.
Coming Up Next
Basketball Picture Day is next week - see the attached Picture Day schedule for team times and details
Basketball Playoffs are just around the corner - Playoff schedule released Friday, 1/16 AM. More details can be found here: https://www.teamsideline.com/sites/adal/schedules.
6th Grade Basketball Assessments will take place following the playoffs
Thank you to our athletes, families, coaches, and supporters for making Cunha Athletics such a positive experience for our students.
Show Your Cunha Pride!
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!
Follow us on Facebook and Instagram: @CunhaAthleticBooster
Find out how to register for each sport, watch games via Hudl Fan, buy merch and more here! https://www.cunhaathleticboosters.org
Go Cubs!
Upcoming Events
Monday, January 12th
- Homework Help and Tutoring at 3:30 in Library
- Youth Cinema Project at 3:30-5:00 in Room D4
Wednesday, January 14th
- Science Fair Tutorials at 3:15 in C106
- Homework Help and Tutoring at 3:30 in Library
- Youth Cinema Project at 3:30-5:00 in Room D4
Thursday, January 15th
- Homework Help and Tutoring at 2:30 in Library
Monday, January 19th
- Martin Luther King Jr. Day - No School
Tuesday, January 20th
- Science Fair Tutorials at 3:15 in C106
Wednesday, January 21st
- Homework Help and Tutoring at 3:30 in Library
- Youth Cinema Project at 3:30-5:00 in Room D4
Thursday, January 22nd
- Science Fair Tutorials at 2:15 in C106
- Homework Help and Tutoring at 2:30 in Library
Friday, January 23rd
- HMBHS Presentation for 8th Grade Students during 4th period
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
