Ridge Relay

As we near the holiday break, take a break from some cooking and order Dream Dinners. Get yummy dinners and support CRMS. See information below and order by this Sunday, December 11th.

We want to wish good luck to our One Act Play team at contest tomorrow, Saturday, 12/10 at 2:00pm at Rouse HS. The performers and tech crew won many awards and recognitions at contest last weekend to advance to District competition, and we can't wait to see them perform this awesome show one more time.

Shout-out to all of our student performers who have done an amazing job with winter concerts. It's awesome to see all of the student talent in band and choir as they spread holiday joy! We have one more Winter Concert next week--6th Grade Band on Tuesday, December 13th in the CRMS gym. And we also are excited to see our basketball teams play one more time next week before the holiday break. They are having great seasons so far and we wish them luck as they continue to play Eagle strong through February!

Thank you PTA for partnering with Snickerdoodle Pups to bring puppies to CRMS for some love and stress relief for our teachers and staff. It was pure joy and we are grateful for our community! And to all of our parents who baked and donated cookies for our annual faculty Cookie Exchange. It was a huge hit and much appreciate by all of our teachers and staff!

Please do not forget that next Friday, December 16th is a half-day so we will release MS students at 1:05pm. We will not serve lunches that day but if a student needs to grab a lunch, we will have sack lunches available for students in the cafeteria before they leave.

Go Eagles! And Viper Strike at their State Semi-Final playoff game on Saturday - Go Vipers!

Join us for a Spirit Night with Dream Dinners NW Austin to support CRMS. Order 3 medium-sized prepared meals for $60 and Dream Dinners will donate $10 from each order to the PTA. Pick up your meals at the school on December 14 from 5-6 PM. All orders must be placed by Sunday, December 11 at 5:00 PM

Order link: https://dreamdinners.com/session/947118

CRMS Yearbooks are on sale now! Click here to get yours today for the lowest price of the year; $40 until January 1st! (Goes up to $45 after 1/1/23.) Additionally, there are 8th Grade Shouts Outs available for purchase which allow families to design a special message with photos and text for their current 8th grader.

Note: We apologize for the typo in the Nov. 11 Ridge Relay of saying it was $35. That was our understanding, but Balfour determined it would start at $40 and go up to $45 after 1/1/23.

Thank you to those of you who were able to join us for our first PTA coffee talk in October to preview and have a thoughtful conversation about the challenging but important topic of Bullying Awareness. Mrs. Cote and I took your questions and feedback and debriefed with our admin and counseling team. We worked to make some adjustments to the video and our lessons, and now we would like to offer another opportunity for parents to preview and give input before moving forward.

The second and final opportunity for parents to join us for a preview of our follow-up lessons took place on Thursday, December 1st at 4:45pm at CRMS. At the coffee talk sponsored by our CRMS PTA, we will also have a CRMS administrator and counselor in attendance to answer questions you may have at that time.

In January, CRMS students will be shown video clips only as part of a bullying awareness lesson only if a parent chooses to opt IN their child. To opt IN your child, please complete the Opt IN Form by Monday, January 2, 2023.

"8th Grade Parents--save the dates! Information will begin to be updated on the VHS Counseling Website as the dates get closer. Be sure to check there for all VHS related information!

**These dates are accurate as of 10/14

January 12 // 8th Grade Family Night (5:30pm) & Viper Night (6pm)

• counselors will provide a high school academic planning overview to 8th grade families

• students and families will have the opportunity to further explore course options by continuing on to Viper Night

• Viper Night will include an elective fair, club & org fair, breakout sessions, and student panels

January 18 - 19 // Four-Year Planning & Course Selection Overview with VHS Counselors (2 days at each school)

• VHS counselors will visit Canyon Ridge Middle Schools to provide a high school academic planning overview to 8th grade students

• students will submit tentative course requests

• students and their parent/guardian will be emailed a PDF copy of these tentative requests

• choices are editable - a new PDF copy of updated courses will be emailed after each edit

January 24 - 25 // 8th Grade Individual Student/Counselor Conferences (Jan 25 - CRMS)

• VHS counselors will meet individually with 8th grade students to review four-year plans and course selections

January 27, 4pm

• deadline to lock in initial course selections for the 2023-24 school year while there will be additional change opportunities, finalizing your requests as early as possible provides the highest likelihood of being placed in the classes you want

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 3, 2023.

*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]

*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.

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

• When you email the school, please include the student's first and last name and ID #. Student nicknames can cause confusion with attendance coding.

• 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 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 over 1100 students so it will take 1-2 business days to show the update. We appreciate your patience and understanding that our team is working tirelessly to support all of our Eagles!

Thank you CRMS community for joining PTA—your donations are funding teacher gifts that directly support students in CRMS classes! #StrongerTogether

These hotspots are intended for those who have limited or no internet access at home, which impacts their ability to do homework. The hotspots connect them to the internet through cellular networks instead of your traditional cable/broadband networks that may not be available or affordable to some students.

Here's the link to a form the students/families need to fill out to request a hotspot.

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 2022/2023 testing. Testing date for spring 2023 is February 3, 2023 on the CRMS campus. The deadline to register for spring testing is January 20, 2023. Testing slots are limited due to the nature of the test and classroom capacity. Once the slots are full, your child can be added to the fall 2023 list. Testing is open to all grade levels, but recommended for 7/8 graders.

Did you know that virtual learning is still offered in Leander ISD as a school of choice? If you know of a Leander ISD student that may benefit from virtual learning they are still enrolling students in grades K-8. Here is the informational flier with more details. Reach out the remotelearning@leanderisd.org with any questions.

Did you know that we have student-created clubs at CRMS like D&D gaming for students?!?! Along with Library/Book Club, Eagle Allies, Art club and so much more! Check out our clubs & activities website and if there is something new you want to add there is a link at the top to help you get a new club started too:

https://sites.google.com/leanderisd.org/crmsclubs/clubs-home

Our students love our outdoor “recess” time after lunch each day but our basket of sports equipment is almost empty. If you have any sports equipment in your garage that you would like to clean out and donate, we will gladly accept footballs, volleyballs, soccer balls, kick balls and basketballs. It does not need to be new--we welcome used equipment that we can put to good use for all of our students. Please drop off your donations anytime during school hours in the front office. Thank you for helping to provide for this valuable outdoor time for our Eagles!

The South Location of the Leander ISD PTA Clothes Closet is up and running! This resource provides free clothing to families with students who reside within the LISD boundaries in grades PRE-K through the SELF (18+) program. The South Location can be found at River Place Elementary School in Portable #3 & #4. See flyer for address, shopping dates, and shopping hours.

If you would like to contribute to the clothes closet, you may donate gently used shoes and clothing at the green bin outside of Four Points Middle School located near the football field. Additionally, you can help out by purchasing off of their Amazon Wish List.

To complete or renew your volunteer registration, click the appropriate link:

New volunteer in LISD | Returning LISD volunteer

Back-to-School Resources:

• Back-to-School CRMS Parent 2022 Webinar for all families Recording (from 8/8/22)
• CRMS Virtual Open House 2022

We are reaching out to let you know of some updates we have made to cell phone practices currently in use on our campus for 2022-23.

Cell phones are everywhere. They can be handy tools, but also insidious distractions. We have seen a rise in student violations with regards to the use of cell phones, AirPods, and social media on campus, which directly impacts our campus culture, student learning, and safety.

Campus Cell Phone Expectations

Maintaining the integrity of the learning environment is our top priority, which is why these changes will be implemented. We will begin using new practices, detailed below, so that students know what to expect and teachers have a consistent system to help students manage expectations.

At CRMS, students will be permitted to bring cell phones or other items used for communication. However, cell phones and all functions within the cell phone (i.e. cameras, AirPods/headphones, smart watches, and all other applications) are prohibited during class unless permitted under Section 504 or within a student’s IEP. When students walk into each classroom, they will have a secure location to safely store their silenced cell phone for the class period. Phones and AirPods/headphones may be used on school grounds before school, during lunch, and after school as long as students are not violating the District’s acceptable use guidelines.

We are aware that special circumstances arise and sometimes an important call must be made or received. Students are advised to communicate with their teachers if there are extenuating circumstances on a particular day. In the event of a true emergency, family members should call the main office at 512-570-3500 if they need to get in touch with a student.

Why the change?

We looked at data and at policies from a half dozen other school districts. We learned some important things. 95% of all middle and high school students have phones they bring to school. Some teachers allow students to use phones as part of their instruction, and others do not. However, nearly all teachers agree phones distract students in class. Most students want to be able to carry their phones, but they agree their phones can be distracting in classes. Parents want to be able to contact their kids during the school day, but they also recognize students remain focused on classwork at school.

Keeping these things in mind, the campus came to consensus on the changes above for the 2022-2023 school year. As these new rules are implemented, the CRMS team will meet periodically to gauge the impact of the changes, and suggest adjustments that need to be made as needed.

Check out these short videos for more information:

• https://youtu.be/la1lRcq2-LU

• https://www.edutopia.org/video/theres-cell-phone-your-students-head

According to the Leander ISD Student Code of Conduct, students are required to follow the expectations around proper usage of technology. This extends to the use of personal devices while on an LISD campus. Below are the expectations copied from the handbook for your reference.

1. Violating any of the prohibited behaviors/conduct listed in the LISD Technology Resource Acceptable Use Guidelines.

2. Recording the voice or image of another without the prior consent of the individuals being recorded, or administrative approval, in any way that disrupts the educational environment or invades the privacy of others.

3. Copying, downloading, reproducing, distributing, retransmitting, redisplaying, or modifying items from the District’s website.

Acceptable Use Guidelines

Student Code of Conduct

Campus Guidelines

If a student violates the cell phone procedure during class, in the halls, restroom, etc., the following consequences will apply consistent with the gravity of the infraction.

• 1st Offense: The student may pick up his/her phone from the Counseling Office after the dismissal bell at the end of the school day.

• 2nd Offense: The student’s parent may pick up the student’s phone from the Receptionist after the dismissal bell at the end of the school day.

• 3rd Offense: The student will be assigned appropriate consequences, and the student’s parent may pick up the student’s phone from the Receptionist after the dismissal bell at the end of the school day.

• 4th Offense: The student will be assigned appropriate consequences, and the student’s parent may pick up the student’s phone from the Receptionist after the dismissal bell at the end of the school day.

Student Pick Up Rules

If you will be picking up your child from school early, please call the school 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 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.

Transportation Changes

If you need to change your child’s transportation for the end of the school day, please call the school to let us know. Parents must call to make the change – students are not permitted to make their own changes. Transportation changes will not be accepted after 2:00pm.

Beginning this 2022-23 school year, meals for Leander ISD students will be provided by Sodexo, a food-services provider committed to improving the quality of life of students within districts they serve through quality food services.

All students who qualify for free and reduced-price (F&R) meals during the 2022-23 school year will receive breakfast and lunch at no cost. Due to a partnership with USDA, reduced-price meals will be free for the 2022-23 school year.

For elementary students who do not qualify for F&R meals, prices are remaining the same as they were in 2019. The cost of breakfast is $1.50 and lunch is $2.90. For secondary students, the cost of breakfast is $1.75 and lunch is $3.15.

Parents who would like to apply to find out if they are eligible for F&R meals for their children can visit our Child Nutrition Services website for more information.

We recognize that there have been some bus delays, issues with SMART Tag, and weather in the past few days. We know this has been frustrating for our families and apologize for the inconvenience. We appreciate your patience and support as we are working out the kinks with our new system and expect to be on track with expected pick-up and drop-off times soon. Please go here for information and to sign up for the SMART Tag portal.

Bus Routes & Bus Stops

2022-23 Bus Route Information will be available after Friday, August 5, 2022. To maximize efficiencies and ensure students arrive at their respective campuses safely and on time, bus stops will be located on main roads and centralized, near neighborhood parks, pools, mailboxes and campuses, wherever feasible. This will potentially reduce the number of bus-stops in a sub-division from prior years, reduce the number of miles on each route and the time it takes to run the route.

Get Ready for Smart-Tag

After a successful pilot roll-out at several LISD Campuses, Smart-Tag will roll out district-wide for the 2022-23 School Year. This system provides real-time route information to drivers, campuses, and families letting them know where the bus is, approximate arrival time, if a student loaded the bus and also ensures they do not get on the wrong bus or off at the wrong stop. Find out more information here. And you can get a jump start and pre-register with Smart-Tag.

We are looking for community members to join our CRMS team as a substitute. It is a great position that doesn’t require teacher certification or a specific college degree where you can support students and teachers, get paid, follow the school calendar to be off during holidays with your children and have the flexibility to choose what days (or even half-days) you work. Email Wendy Sturdevant or visit the substitute site for more information today!

For the most up-to-date information regarding LISD’s COVID-19 protocols, including a quick reference guide and frequently asked questions, visit our COVID-19 Health Protocols page.

Beginning last school year, 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/

*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

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 2022-2023:

• 6th: Leah Cox / Staci Cote
• 7th: A-K Leah Cox & L-Z Cassandra Ricks / Sabrina Anderson
• 8th: Cassandra Ricks / Katie Young

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