CMS Cougar Communication

Dear Students, Parents, and Families,

I hope you are enjoying the long weekend and finding some time to rest and recharge. These pauses in the school calendar are important, especially during the busy middle stretch of the year.

We are proud of the steady effort our students continue to show each day. As we move through the second half of the school year, our focus remains on strong routines, high expectations, and a positive school climate where students feel supported and challenged.

Enjoy the remainder of the weekend, spend time with family and friends, and we look forward to welcoming everyone back ready to continue the important work ahead.

Thank you for your continued support and partnership.,

Brian Scharmann (he/him)
Principal
Christensen Middle School

Hi Parents,

In my recent presentation titled The Masks That We Wear, students explored how they often present one version of themselves to the world while experiencing very different thoughts or emotions on the inside. Although this is perfectly normal (we all do it at least to a degree), during the junior high years, it’s common for students to “mask” stress, sadness, or anxiety in an effort to fit in, avoid judgment, or appear confident.

Families play a vital role in helping students feel safe enough to remove those masks. Creating opportunities for open conversations, listening without immediately trying to fix the problem, and normalizing a wide range of emotions can make a meaningful difference. Simple check-ins like, “How are you really feeling today?” can open the door to important conversations.

If you have questions or concerns about your child’s social or emotional well-being, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Dawn 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!

Join us Sunday, February 15 from 4:00 to 8:00 pm at Panera, 4685 1st St in Livermore, for a CMS PTA fundraiser. It’s the perfect excuse for soup or mac and cheese on a cozy evening. Use code FUND4U when ordering online, in the app, or at the kiosk, and 25 percent of net sales will be donated back to our school. Online orders placed all day count toward our total. Bring the flyer or show the digital version to make sure CMS gets credit. Let’s raise some dough together.

There will be no school on Monday, February 16 in observance of Presidents Day.

🍔 Skip cooking and grab a burger for a great cause. Join us Wednesday, February 25 from 4:00 to 9:00 pm at Habit Burger and Grill, 2150 Portola Ave in Livermore, and support the Christensen Middle School PTA. Use code GIVEBACK in the app, online, or at the kiosk, or show the flyer at the register, and 20 percent of net sales comes right back to our school.

Dinner is handled. PTA wins. Everybody’s happy. See you there!

🏁

Child Nutrition is excited to announce that National School Breakfast Week is coming fast! Happening March 2nd- March 6th, we have a fun promotional menu planned that is packed with new and special items that students are sure to love. As a reminder, breakfast is free to all students, so make sure to arrive before the bell from March 2nd through March 6th to grab school breakfast during this special week.

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.

Give back to Christensen Middle School and enjoy a great meal while you are at it. Help raise funds for the Christensen Middle School AVID program when you order from Pizza Guys on Wednesday March 11, 2026. CMS will receive 20 percent of the proceeds from all fundraiser orders.

No flyer is needed at the time of purchase. Just mention “CMS fundraiser” when ordering in person or include it in the comments of your online order.

Join us for an evening of talent, energy, and entertainment at the Christensen Middle School Talent Show!

• 📅 Date: Thursday, March 19
• 🕕 Time: 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
• 📍Location: CMS MPR

Come support your fellow students as they take the stage to sing, dance, act, and showcase their unique talents. It’s going to be a night to remember!

Popcorn, snacks, and drinks will be available for purchase—students are encouraged to bring small denomination cash if they’d like to buy refreshments.

We can’t wait to see you there!

Make dinner easy and support our school at the same time. Join us for a CMS PTA Dine Out at Melo’s Pizza and Pasta on Thursday March 19th from 11:00AM to 9:00PM at 4433 First Street.

Bring your family and friends and enjoy a great meal while giving back to our school community. A portion of proceeds from the day will support PTA programs and activities that benefit CMS students.

We hope to see many Cougar families there for a fun and delicious way to support our school.

Skip cooking and support the Christensen Middle School Library at the same time. Join us at Dave’s Hot Chicken on Wednesday, March 25, from 4:00 to 8:00 PM for a CMS fundraiser night. Dave’s will donate 20 percent of all food and beverage sales back to our school.

Order in person and scan the fundraiser code at the register, or order online through the Dave’s app or website using the code GIVE. Every meal helps support our students and programs, so bring a friend and make it a CMS dinner night.

Join the Family Resource Centers Network of California for an Evidence Based Practices webinar focused on Visual Supports on March 31, 2026 from 10:00 to 11:30 am

FRCNCA Visual Supports (VS) Web…

This session will introduce visual supports as an evidence based practice for families, including what they are, why they are effective, and practical examples that can be used at home to support daily routines. Parent support staff will also learn strategies they can share with other families. Presenters include Nicole Mann, M. Ed, Autism Preschool Educational Specialist, and Tavia L. Lawson, B.B.A, Family Support Specialist. Registration is available through the link on the flyer.

Students interested in health care careers are invited to attend the Black Men in White Coats Youth Summit 2026, a hands on, inspiring event designed to introduce young people to the medical field.

Open to students in grades 6 to 12, as well as college students and families, the summit includes grade level workshops, interactive simulations, mentorship and networking with physicians and health care professionals, and a raffle for participants who are present.

The summit will be held Saturday, April 11, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Las Positas College in Livermore. Registration and breakfast begin at 7:45 a.m. Registration opens January 26, 2026.

This is a wonderful opportunity for students of all backgrounds to explore future pathways in health care and connect with professionals in the field. See the flyer QR code to register and learn more. The event is supported by partners including Kaiser Permanente.

There will be a virtual English Learners (ELAC) parents' meeting from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday 4/28.

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 - Riley Specht

• 7th grader - Anthony Cason

• 8th grader - Samuel Sprowl

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 - Belle Alvarenga

• 7th grader - Lexi Esen

• 8th grader - Nishant Sahoo

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

This month, we are pleased to recognize Erika Simonds, one of our dedicated paraeducators, for the meaningful impact she has on our students and staff each day.

Erika plays an essential role in supporting students both academically and socially. Whether she is providing targeted assistance in the classroom, helping students stay organized and engaged, or offering steady encouragement during challenging moments, she consistently shows patience, professionalism, and care.

Her calm presence, flexibility, and willingness to step in wherever needed help create supportive learning environments where students feel understood and capable. Erika builds strong relationships with students and staff alike, and her collaboration with teachers ensures that students receive the individualized support they need to succeed.

We are grateful for Erika’s commitment to our school community and the positive difference she makes every single day. CMS is better because of her dedication and heart for students.

This week we proudly celebrate National School Counseling Week, February 2 through 6, and recognize the incredible impact of our very own Ms. Allen, whose care, expertise, and steady presence make a difference for students every single day.

At CMS, Ms. Allen helps students navigate challenges, set goals, build confidence, and feel connected. Whether she is leading small groups, meeting one on one with students, partnering with families, or collaborating with staff, she is always working behind the scenes to make sure every Cougar has what they need to thrive.

If you see Ms. Allen this week, please join us in thanking her for the compassion and dedication she brings to our school community. We are so lucky to have her.

Congratulations to 6th grader Callen Isselhardt, 7th grader Alexandra Esen, and 8th grader Maya Lange, three of our talented students who participated in the PTA Reflections Art Contest! Through their artwork, they explored this year’s theme "I Belong" and showcased impressive creativity and thoughtfulness. Their creativity and hard work was inspiring and we are proud of you for representing CMS.

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: February, 8 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!

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.

Christensen families, we are excited to partner with CityServe for our upcoming City Serve Drive. From February 2 to 25, 2026, our Christensen community will join other Livermore Valley Joint Unified School District schools in collecting care kit items to support neighbors in need.

Our site focus is conditioner. Donations can be dropped off in the CMS office throughout the month. All items collected will be combined at the end of February and used to assemble care kits for individuals experiencing homelessness.

This is a simple and meaningful way for students and families to make a direct impact in our community. Thank you for helping Christensen Middle School show what it means to care for others.

The Livermore Youth Council is inviting students to take the stage for Livermore’s Got Talent, a fun community showcase celebrating student skills and creativity.

Students in elementary, middle, or high school can sign up to perform a three minute act. Prizes will be awarded to the top three performers, and all participants will receive a souvenir. Sign ups are open now with an official deadline of February 20, and the form will close early once 25 students have registered.

The event takes place on March 7 from 2 to 4 PM at the Livermore High School Theater, 600 Maple Street in Livermore. Families can use the QR code on the flyer to register.

Encourage your student to share their talent and be part of this exciting community event!

On Saturdays in February, middle and high school students are encouraged to attend Science on Saturdays at Las Positas College’s Mertes Center for the Arts from 10-11 am (doors open at 9:30 am). For more information on topics and presenters, visit: education.llnl.gov.

Students who love music have a great opportunity to earn financial support for their musical growth. The Rotary Club of Livermore is offering 2025 Music Scholarships for Livermore middle and high school students.

Several scholarships from 100 to 500 dollars will be awarded, and one outstanding high school senior may receive up to 1000 dollars. Students apply by submitting an application, a teacher evaluation, and optionally a short recording.

The application deadline is March 7, 2025, with awards announced by April 10 and a recognition ceremony on April 23. This year's application is available here: https://www.livermore-rotary.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Rotary-Music-Scholarship-Application-2025.pdf.

If your student is passionate about music and considering it as part of their future, this is a wonderful opportunity to apply. Contact the CMS office if you would like a copy of the application or support getting started

The UC Berkeley chapter of the Society of Women Engineers is hosting a free, one day Tech Conference for female and non binary identifying students in grades 6 through 8 on Saturday, April 25, 2026 from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM on the UC Berkeley campus.

Tech Day is designed to give students hands on exposure to computer science and technology through interactive hardware and software workshops, engaging STEM and career panels, and opportunities to connect with current UC Berkeley STEM students.

Applications are open now and close on March 29 at 11:59 PM PST.

Learn more: https://swe.berkeley.edu/techday.html
Apply here: https://tinyurl.com/Sp26TechDayApp

Families can also subscribe for updates and future outreach events through UC Berkeley SWE using the links provided on the website.

If you have a student who is curious about technology, engineering, or computer science, this is a great opportunity to explore those interests in an inspiring college setting.

Two exciting community art opportunities are now open through the Livermore Art Association.

• Spring Awakenings is a call for art in collaboration with the Livermore-Amador Symphony. Artists of all ages and experience levels are invited to submit original work inspired by music and the theme of renewal. Selected pieces will be featured in connection with a live symphony concert on April 11, 2026, at 7:30 PM at the Bankhead Theater. The deadline to enter is February 16, 2026. Learn more and submit at www.livermoreartassociation.org/spring-awakenings-2026.
• Light of the West is part of the Livermore Reads Together 2026 program and invites artists to explore themes of discovery, resilience, mystery, and illumination in the American West, inspired by the community-chosen book Silver Lies by Ann Parker. Artwork will be exhibited at the Livermore Public Library March 1–31, 2026. The entry deadline is February 24, 2026. Details and entry information are available at www.livermoreartassociation.org/livermore-reads-2026.

Both opportunities are open to community artists and students. Visit the Livermore Art Association website for full guidelines, entry forms, and exhibition details.

Bay Area students in grades K–12 are invited to participate in the 2026 Growing Up in America Art, Essay, and Video Contest, hosted by AACI in partnership with NBC Bay Area. For more than 30 years, this contest has provided students with a platform to share their voices and perspectives.

This year’s theme, Growing Healthy Connections, encourages students to reflect on relationships in their lives, including honest communication, respect for boundaries, appreciation of differences, and self-acceptance.

The submission portal opens March 1, with entries due by March 15 at 11:59 PM PDT. Winners will be announced in May. Prizes include a $1,000 Grand Prize and nine $500 Best in Class awards.

Full contest guidelines and flyers, available in four languages, can be found at aaci.org/gua.

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.

Looking for an easy, fun outing for the whole family? We’ve partnered with Lost Worlds Indoor Entertainment Center for a fundraiser that lets you play and support Christensen Middle School at the same time. 💥 20% OFF WEEKDAYS: Use code CMS20 and receive 20% off weekday activities, and Lost Worlds will give back to CMS.

It’s a great way to plan a family night, celebrate a birthday, or just burn some energy while giving back to our school.

• 📍 6538 Patterson Pass Road
• 🌐 Visit lostworlds.rocks
• 🎟 Enter code CMS20 on weekdays

Have fun while supporting CMS. Thank you for continuing to show up for our students in big and small ways!

Our CMS PTA Membership Drive is underway, and we would love your support. We have over 600 students at CMS, but fewer than 150 members in our PTA. A stronger PTA means more opportunities and resources for our students.

PTA helps fund programs and activities that directly benefit students, including fun runs, ice cream parties, and campus benches. Membership is just $16, and there is no requirement to volunteer or attend meetings. Joining is simply a way to support our school community.

Families who join by February 14 will be entered into a drawing for one of three prizes:

• $50 gift card to Hop DeVine
• $50 gift card to First Street Alehouse
• Wine tasting for four at Wood Family Vineyards

Please consider joining PTA today and helping make a difference for our students and school.

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.

The Reflections program the CMS PTA has been running for the six years. It's a great program that supports the fine arts at CMS. The theme for next year is I Belong and CMS usually starts collecting entries in early November. We can't continue CMS PTA Reflections without your help. The chairperson's job is more behind the scenes and so appreciated. It's also a great way to be more involved in your child's school. If interested, please email cmscougarspta@gmail.com or abauman@lvjusd.org. The current CMS Reflections chair is happy to get you started, but has an exciting 8th grader and cannot continue being a CMS chairperson.

Support our school and treat yourself at the same time. The Christensen Middle School PTA is partnering with See's Candies for a sweet fundraiser, and ordering is open now through March 20.

Families can place orders online using the fundraiser link or by scanning the QR code on the flyer or going to: https://www.yumraising.com/store/spring-2026-christensen-pta-spring-fundraiser-4653/DiaBar72919. Every purchase helps support programs and opportunities for students at Christensen Middle School.

Thank you for supporting our school community and sharing a little sweetness along the way.

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

😎

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