CMS Cougar Communication

Dear Students, Parents, and Families,

It’s hard to believe how quickly the school year is moving! With Trimester 1 coming to a close on Friday, November 6, now is an important time for students and families to check in on academic progress and make sure everything is on track for a strong finish.

I encourage families to take a few minutes to review their student’s grades and missing assignments in Schoology. If there are assignments that still need to be completed, now is the time for students and families to communicate with teachers about what can be made up, upcoming deadlines, and any additional support that may be needed. Waiting until the final days of the trimester can make it difficult to address concerns, so please be proactive in reaching out. Our teachers want students to be successful and are here to help!

As we approach the end of the trimester, I also want to emphasize the importance of regular school attendance. Every day matters, and each day at CMS provides opportunities for students to learn, connect with classmates and teachers, and build important academic habits. Missing even a day or two can make it challenging to keep up, particularly as we approach the end of a grading period. We appreciate your help in ensuring students attend school consistently and arrive on time, ready to learn.

There is still time to make meaningful progress before the trimester ends. Completing missing work, asking for help, attending school regularly, and building consistent study habits can all help students finish Trimester 1 strong.

This newsletter includes upcoming events, activities, athletics information, safety reminders, and ways for families to stay connected to CMS.

Thank you for your continued partnership and support,

Brian Scharmann
Principal, Christensen Middle School

Dear Parents,

As we progress through the school year, the Livermore Police Department would like to remind everyone to be mindful of the residents living in the neighborhoods surrounding our schools, particularly during morning drop-off and afternoon pick-up times.

Please be considerate when parking and avoid blocking driveways, parking in red zones, or parking near fire hydrants. Additionally, please do not block ADA-accessible curb ramps located at intersection corners, as these are essential for pedestrians, particularly those with disabilities.

We understand that school drop-off and pick-up times can be busy but taking a few extra moments to park legally and safely helps protect our students, maintain access for emergency vehicles, and minimize disruptions to nearby residents.

Thank you for your cooperation and for helping keep our school neighborhoods safe and accessible for everyone.

Officer Harrison, Livermore Police Department

District Halloween Costume Protocols:

• No weapons or replica weapons

• No blood or gore

• No skates or roller blades

• Costume masks may be worn during parades only

In addition, all costumes must comply with the District's student dress code policy (AR 5332), which states: "Clothing, accessories, and jewelry shall be free of writing, pictures, symbols or any other insignia which are crude, vulgar, profane, obscene, libelous, slanderous, or sexually suggestive. Clothing, accessories, or jewelry that degrade any cultural, religious, or ethnic values, that advocate racial, ethnic, or religious prejudice or discrimination, or that promote sex, the use of tobacco, drugs, or alcohol, or any unlawful acts are prohibited."

Our Adventure Zone fundraiser is underway, and there’s still time to help! Funds raised support school activities, student recognition, innovative learning tools, and more. Families can continue sharing their donation pages and inviting friends and family to contribute through Monday, October 19.

🍕 Congratulations to Ms. Mendoza’s, Ms. Ramirez’s, and Ms. Midwood’s 3rd-period classes! They earned pizza parties on Monday 10/26 for having the highest percentage of completed and returned Epic Passes. Thank you to our students, families, and teachers for participating!

Let’s keep the momentum going! Visit epicstartshere.com to register or sign in and support CMS.

Have you set up your Schoology parent account yet? If not, we encourage you to do so! A parent account allows you to see your child's grades, upcoming assignments, and any overdue work — all in one place. You can even link multiple children to a single login. It is also a great way to communicate directly with your child's teachers and stay engaged in their school experience.

If you already have an account from last year, simply go to this link to log in. If you have forgotten your password, select "Forgot Password" and you will be on your way. If you are still having issues, please email Ms. Shiffrin Chi.

If you have never created an account, keep an eye out for a direct email from Ms. Shiffrin Chi with your personalized access code and step-by-step instructions to get set up.

For video tutorials and more information, visit the LVJUSD Schoology Parent Portal

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.

Our athletic seasons are underway! For game and meet schedules throughout each sports season, please visit the CMS website calendar.

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 Basketball - October
• Boys Volleyball - January
• 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, Sydney Mendoza, at smendoza@lvjusd.org if you have any questions.

Speak Up, Stand Together, Stop Bullying! To mark this important month, all of our students were invited to take a meaningful stand against bullying by signing our school pledge: "Speak Up, Stand Together, and Stop Bullying!" By signing the pledge, students made a personal commitment to:

• Speak Up when they see someone being treated unfairly or unkindly.

• Stand Together as a united school community where everyone feels included and valued.

• Stop Bullying by choosing empathy, respect, and kindness every day.

Pledge Reminders & Resources: In return for signing the pledge, each student received a commemorative bracelet along with an informational card packed with helpful tips on how to handle bullying, support peers, and seek help when needed. We encourage you to ask your child about their bracelet and discuss the pledge card together at home! Creating a safe, supportive, and welcoming environment takes all of us working together—students, staff, and families. Thank you for your continued partnership in talking with your children about empathy, respect, and looking out for one another.

If your student did not have a chance to sign the pledge and receive a bracelet, it is on the wall in the Library all month and can still be signed! Let’s all work together to keep Christensen Middle School a safe and welcoming place for all!

LVJUSD’s October Special Education Newsletter is now available and includes important updates, resources, and information for families of students receiving special education services.

Families are also invited to meet fellow parents and learn more about Special Education in LVJUSD on Thursday, November 12, from 5:30–7:00 p.m. in the District Office Board Room, 685 E. Jack London Blvd., Livermore. We hope to see you there!

Join us from 5–8 p.m. at Stampede Bar & Grill, 1790 First Street in Livermore, for dinner, football, and fun! Cheer on the 49ers as they take on the Commanders while supporting our student musicians. A portion of all food purchases will benefit the Christensen Middle School Music Program. Bring family and friends!

We invite all students, staff, and families to participate as we celebrate kindness, inclusion, and belonging with activities throughout the week, including Take the Pledge, Chalk the Walk, Wear Orange, and Random Acts of Kindness

Be sure to wear ORANGE on Wednesday, October 21, as we come together for Unity Day and demonstrate our commitment to kindness, inclusion, and bullying prevention!

Friday, October 23, is a non-student day as LVJUSD staff participate in professional development and collaboration activities. These opportunities allow our educators to strengthen instructional practices, share ideas, and continue improving the learning experience for our students.

There will be no school for students on Friday, October 23. Classes will resume on Monday, October 26.

This year's official theme is “Make A Difference. Be A Hero. Stay Drug Free.” As Red Ribbon Week approaches, please take a moment to review the helpful resources and printable materials linked below.

On Tuesday, October 27, Teen Esteem will be at CMS to present its “Who’s Your O-G Influencer?” assembly to our 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students. The presentation focuses on the influences middle school students encounter online and encourages students to recognize the positive “O-G Influencers” in their lives, such as family members, teachers, coaches, counselors, and good friends. It also includes messages around anti-bullying, empathy, students’ influence on others, and safely navigating online conversations involving AI and chatbots.

Our next Christensen Middle School Site Council meeting will be held virtually on Tuesday, November 3, from 3:00 to 4:00 p.m.

The School Site Council brings together parents, staff, students, and administration to review school data, discuss priorities, and help guide the development and implementation of our school plan. All CMS families are welcome to attend.

Video call link: https://meet.google.com/rzo-ktsz-kha

CMS Site Council Agenda 11/3/2026

Join us for a CMS PTA Dine Out at Teriyaki Madness on Thursday, November 5, from 10:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m. Stop by 4543 Livermore Outlets Drive for a delicious meal and help support our CMS PTA!

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The CMS AVID program is excited to host our 4th Annual Thanksgiving Food Drive Contest from November 9–13! This is a wonderful opportunity for our Cougar community to come together and support local families in need. All donations will benefit Tri-Valley Haven.

Students are encouraged to bring nonperishable food and essential household items to their first-period classes. Requested donations include soups, pasta, canned fruits, beans, peanut butter, oatmeal, snacks, diapers, wipes, and toiletries. Gluten-free and sugar-free items are also welcome!

To add a little friendly competition, the first-period class that collects the most items per student will win a prize!

Thank you for helping us spread kindness and make a difference in our community this Thanksgiving season! 🧡

There will be no school on Wednesday, November 11, in observance of Veterans Day.

Take a night off from cooking and support our CMS AVID program! Join us at Chipotle in Livermore on Wednesday, November 18, from 5:00–9:00 PM, and 25% of event sales will be donated directly to our AVID program!

📍 Location: Chipotle, 4691 First Street, Livermore

🌯 How to Participate:

• In Person: Show the fundraiser flyer when ordering.
• Online: Order ahead for pickup using promo code ETHAEEK at checkout.

It's an easy and delicious way to support our AVID students and the opportunities our program provides. Thank you for supporting CMS!

CMS will be closed for Thanksgiving Break from Monday, November 23, through Friday, November 27. Classes resume Monday, November 30.

CMS will be closed for Winter Break from Monday, December 21, through Monday, January 4. Classes will resume on Tuesday, January 5, 2027.

We wish all our Cougar families and staff a wonderful, restful holiday season and a Happy New Year!

CMS is excited to offer the AMC 8 mathematics competition after school on Friday, January 22, 2027, for students who are interested in participating.

CMS students will receive a new practice test in their math class each week beginning the week of October 26 and continuing through the test date. Registered non-CMS students may pick up a preparation packet from the CMS front office.

Pre-registration is required. The requested donation is $25 for CMS students and $50 for non-CMS students. Payment may be made through RevTrak. Limited scholarships are available for families experiencing financial hardship; please contact the CMS front office for more information.

To participate, please complete the AMC 8 registration form using your LVJUSD Google account.

Our next Christensen Middle School English Learner Advisory Committee (ELAC) meeting will be held virtually on Thursday, January 28, from 6:30–7:30 PM via Google Meet.

ELAC provides parents and guardians of English Learner students an opportunity to learn more about our English Learner program, ask questions, share feedback, and help advise the school on programs and services that support English Learners. All families of English Learner students are encouraged to participate.

Google Meet: https://meet.google.com/wzn-qegw-qwk

Agenda to follow

Congratulations to our Cougar Kudos winners! 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 - Sophia Eshia

• 7th grader - Callen Isselhardt

• 8th grader - Jacob Short

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! 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 - Taylor Figueroa

• 7th grader - Carter Bergeron

• 8th grader - Jordyn High

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

September marks Mental Health Awareness Month! To celebrate, Christensen students participated in a lunchtime hands-on reflection activity with their friends. Using paper, colorful pens, and stickers, students decorated their responses to several prompts, including “What is something that gives you hope when things get tough?” and "Write a reminder to yourself or a friend that they matter!" We loved seeing their creativity and powerful insights on resilience and hope! To keep the positivity going, we rolled the whiteboard with their answers back out, a week later, during Friday's lunch to create a "Take What You Need" board! Students were able to grab fun, colorful notes featuring encouraging messages like "You got this!" and "Every day is a new opporitunity to have a good day!" written by their peers!

This month, we are proud to recognize Annie Bauman, one of our outstanding eighth-grade Core teachers.

Annie creates a classroom environment that is both beautiful and deeply purposeful. Her room is, without question, one of the most thoughtfully designed and welcoming spaces on campus—a place where students immediately feel that care, creativity, and learning matter.

Beyond the space itself, Annie brings the same intention to her work with students. She sets clear expectations, builds meaningful relationships, and creates engaging learning experiences that help students feel supported and capable. Her calm, positive presence and attention to detail make her classroom a place where students can thrive.

We are grateful for Annie’s dedication to her students and the pride she takes in creating such an exceptional learning environment. CMS is a better place because of her.

Meet Ms. Albert, our health tech, who is celebrating her first year at Christensen! Her favorite part of working at CMS is the friendly staff, and we’re happy to have her on our Cougar team. A self-described “Late-Night Legend,” she would love to meet the Golden Girls. Her go-to feel-good song is “Faithfully” by Journey—which was also her wedding song!

Her favorite quote sums up her appreciation for life’s sweet moments: “All you need is love. But a little chocolate now and then doesn’t hurt.” — Charles M. Schulz

Please join us in welcoming Ms. Albert to CMS!

CMS welcomed Superintendent Limoges for a Listening Tour conversation with our students. Together, they explored our school’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats through a SWOT analysis, sharing what’s working well and where they see room for improvement. Thank you to our students for sharing their perspectives and to Superintendent Limoges for listening to their ideas!

The competition heated up at our Staff Chili Cook-Off, with 11 different chilis vying for the top spot! Congratulations to Mrs. Bernstein for taking third place, Ms. Feinberg for earning second, and our first-place champion, Austin Gomes, whose chili was voted the best of the bunch!

Thank you to everyone who cooked, tasted, and voted. It was a delicious way to spend time together and celebrate our CMS staff. Congratulations, Austin—enjoy those bragging rights!

CMS sixth grader Ryder helped make a difference at Arroyo Seco Elementary on Friday by pitching in to clean up campus. With a tree shedding plenty of leaves, his efforts helped lighten the workload for the school’s custodial team. Principal Nebo shared this photo and her appreciation for his help!

Thank you, Ryder, for showing kindness through action and helping care for our school community. We’re proud to see our Cougars making a positive impact beyond CMS!

Ever wanted to program a robot, compose digital music, or build your own video games? Now’s your chance! The CMS Coding Club is kicking off, and absolutely no experience is needed.

• When: Every Tuesday at 2:45 PM
• Where: CMS Room 404

Swing by our first meeting on Tuesday, November 3 to see what it's all about and start creating!
Click HERE to sign up now!

Check out the October Library Newsletter for a student book review of Across the Desert, new books about the branches of the U.S. military, a staff spotlight on Ms. Theresa Jennings, upcoming library events, and important reminders about lost books and fines.

Looking for a way to support our teachers and classrooms? Many of our teachers have created Amazon Wish Lists with supplies and materials that can help enhance the student experience throughout the year.

If you would like to contribute, you can view our CMS Teacher Amazon Wish Lists here:

• Ms. Bauman
• Ms. Cunningham
• Ms. Garner
• Ms. Gorton
• Ms. Grasseschi (Library)
• Ms. Hutson (Science)
• Ms. Hutson (STEM)
• Ms. Ngo
• Ms. Ramirez
• Ms. Vago

Thank you for your continued generosity and support of our teachers and students. Every contribution is appreciated!

Christensen Middle School is hiring, know someone who would be a great fit? Please share!

Yard Duty Supervisor: We’re looking for someone who enjoys working with middle school students and can help us keep campus safe, welcoming, and well supervised during lunch and other assigned times.

This is a part-time, 0.25 FTE position working approximately two hours per day:

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday: 11:00 AM–1:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:30 AM–12:30 PM

The position pays $20.49–$27.47 per hour. Responsibilities include supervising students, helping reinforce school expectations, supporting student safety, and assisting with needs that come up during lunch and around campus.

👉 Learn more and apply: https://careers.livermoreschools.org/jobs/644196-yard-duty-supervisor-2025-2026-0-25-fte-569

The only way to guarantee your CMS 2026–2027 yearbook is to purchase one through the Varsity Yearbook Order Center.

Yearbooks are $35 through February 1, 2027. The price will increase to $40 after February 1. Online yearbook sales will end April 2, 2027, and only a limited number of copies will be available after that date. The purchase price includes shipping to CMS in May.

To order, visit www.YearbookOrderCenter.com or call 1-866-287-3096. Use CMS School Code 16490. All purchases are made directly through the publisher using a credit card.

To verify an existing order, visit www.YearbookOrderCenter.com and select Find Your Order. Enter the email address used to place the order and CMS School Code 16490.

Families of current eighth-grade students may also purchase an 8th-grade dedication ad for $5. Visit the same website, enter School Code 16490, and scroll to the bottom of the page to select Start Your Ad. The deadline to purchase an eighth-grade dedication is March 22, 2027.

Support CMS AVID with a spooky treat! Candy-filled Halloween Hands will be available for purchase during both A and B lunches, 10/19 through 10/22, for $3 each, cash only. Halloween Hands will be delivered to second period classes on Friday 10/30. Thank you for supporting our AVID students!

CMS is excited to offer the AMC 8 mathematics competition after school on Friday, January 22, 2027, for students who are interested in participating.

CMS students will receive a new practice test in their math class each week beginning the week of October 26 and continuing through the test date. Registered non-CMS students may pick up a preparation packet from the CMS front office.

Pre-registration is required. The requested donation is $25 for CMS students and $50 for non-CMS students. Payment may be made through RevTrak. Limited scholarships are available for families experiencing financial hardship; please contact the CMS front office for more information.

To participate, please complete the AMC 8 registration form using your LVJUSD Google account.

Art Buds is a student-run volunteer initiative creating art kits to bring comfort and creativity to children receiving care at UC Davis Children’s Hospital. Families are invited to donate new, non-toxic art supplies to support this meaningful effort. See the flyer for the supplies list and more information.

California students in kindergarten through 12th grade are invited to submit artwork or poetry with a California coastal or marine theme to the 25th annual Coastal Art & Poetry Contest. Entries can be submitted online by 5pm on January 28, 2027. For prize information, rules, contest flyer, entry form (and helpful links for teachers and students), please visit https://www.coastal.ca.gov/art-poetry/.

Raise some dough for CMS! Families can support Christensen Middle School by purchasing a Crumbl gift card. A portion of every gift card sold comes back to CMS to help fund important programs and activities for students. Gift cards are delivered by email and can be used at any Crumbl location nationwide. Thank you for supporting our school community!

Learn more or purchase here: successfund.com/53n9k

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!

Did you know that breakfast and lunch are FREE for all students every school day? That's right! Every CMS student can enjoy a nutritious breakfast and lunch at no cost, and no application is required!

We encourage all students to take advantage of this great opportunity to fuel their bodies and minds for a successful school day.

🥪 View Our Breakfast and Lunch Menus to see what's being served each day!

We look forward to seeing our Cougars in the cafeteria!

Thanks to The Jake Fahnhorst Real Estate Team, a $5 donation will be made to LVEF for each new follower to LVEF’s Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn pages in the month of October! It’s never been easier to support public education in Livermore! Follow today!

• March 17, 2027 Student presentations are due to judges - times TBD

• March 18, 2027 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

The Science Odyssey Logo Contest is now open and accepting entries. To register for the Logo Contest please have participants fill out this form 2027 Science Odyssey Logo Contest. The contest will close on Wednesday, October 28th at 4:00pm.

Get creative, Cougars! Paint or decorate a real or artificial pumpkin and bring it to the CMS library October 19–26. No carving, please! Drop-off will not be available October 23.

Voting will take place October 27–28, and the winner will be announced October 30. Prizes include:

• 1st place: $40 Amazon gift card

• 2nd place: $25 Starbucks gift card

• 3rd place: Two ice cream tokens to Meadowlark Dairy

Please pick up your pumpkin by October 30. Any pumpkins left behind will be discarded. Thank you to our PTA for organizing this fun fall tradition!

Get creative, Cougars! Bring your decorated gingerbread creation to the CMS library December 7–14 to display and enter our PTA contest.

Online voting takes place December 15–16, and the winner will be announced December 17. Prizes include:

• 1st place: $40 Amazon gift card

• 2nd place: $25 Starbucks gift card

• 3rd place: Two ice cream tokens to Meadowlark Dairy

Please pick up your creation by December 17. Thank you to our PTA for organizing this sweet celebration of student creativity!

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.

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