CMS Cougar Communication

Dear Students, Parents, and Families,

We are now a month into the school year at Christensen Middle School, and it has been wonderful to see students finding their rhythm both in and out of the classroom. This is the time when good routines really begin to make a difference—consistent attendance, completing assignments on time, and staying organized all help set the stage for success.

I also encourage families to stay engaged by talking with students about what they are learning, celebrating their progress, and helping them balance academics with activities, friends, and rest.

Thank you for your continued partnership in supporting your student’s growth. We are off to a strong start, and I look forward to all that the year will bring.

Brian Scharmann (he/him)
Principal
Christensen Middle School

Hello Christensen Parents! If you haven't already checked out our district's great resource for mental health, go to: https://www.livermoreschools.org/students-families/mental-health/local-mental-health-partners. You will find plenty of resources including timely and relevant articles. Also, read about Livermore Learns which is a parent education program designed to educate, inform and engage parents and guardians as they support your children throughout their education. Livermore Learns provides workshops, presentations, trainings, book clubs and webinars to help provide this education and support, go to: https://www.livermoreschools.org/departments/community-engagement/parent-engagement/livermore-learns.

Again, if you have any concerns regarding your student, don't hesitate to reach out to me at dallen@lvjusd.org.

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.

• Cross Country (Co-ed) - August
• 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, David Moore, at dmoore@lvjusd.org if you have any questions.

Our CMS Associated Student Body (ASB) cookie dough and gift fundraiser will be starting soon! Our fundraiser will be online and open from September 8-23, 2025. Our goal is to raise $20,000 for ASB activities including school dances, events, lunchtime activities, and more! Please help make our sale a success with these easy steps!

1. Register TODAY at https://www.shopfund.com/
2. Click on Parents and Sellers.
3. Click on Create an Account at the bottom.
4. Share custom student support links and paper catalogues that will go home with your student soon.

Recently, it was observed that some students are riding devices that appear to be electric bicycles but are actually classified as mopeds under California Vehicle Code. These vehicles can reach speeds over 20 MPH by throttle alone, and as such require an M1 driver’s license, DMV registration, and a DOT-approved helmet. They cannot be operated on sidewalks, trails, or stored in school bicycle racks.

Examples of devices not permitted include:

• Ridstar Q20 and similar Ridstar models
• MacFox models, except the M19 and M20x which are classified as bicycles
• Any device exceeding 20 MPH by throttle only
• Any device with a motor over 750 watts

For the safety of all students, please do not allow your child to ride or store these vehicles on campus. If you are unsure whether a device falls into this category, you may contact Sgt. Plute at mplute@livermoreca.gov for guidance.

Get outside and explore for California Biodiversity Week, September 6–14! Join special events at Sycamore Grove and Del Valle on September 7, and at Sunol Wilderness and Brushy Peak on September 14. Discover local plants and animals, make observations, and celebrate the amazing wildlife in our community.

Scan the QR code on the flyer to find events and sign up!

Tuesday, September 16, through Friday, September 19, are early dismissal days for CMS students. Zero period classes will meet at their regular time at 7:30 a.m. The 1:31 p.m. dismissal time is for all students.

On these early release days, Neon Clear will not meet and the Library will be closed after school. Please plan for your student to exit the CMS campus at 1:31.

The CMS staff will use this time for professional development opportunities.

Community Service Day is Saturday, September 20th, from 8 am-1 pm. Volunteers can sign up to help beautify our schools, parks, and other areas around Livermore. Visit livermoreca.gov/CSD for more information. Click here for volunteer signups.

Join us for Spirit Night at Chick-fil-A on Tuesday, September 23, from 5–9 pm! Come enjoy food and fun while supporting the Christensen Middle School AVID Program.

Up to 20% of sales will be donated back to CMS to help support our students and their mission.

Location: Chick-fil-A, Livermore Avenue & 580.

There will be a virtual English Learners (ELAC) parents' meeting from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday 9/30.

Join us at this link: Google Meet. You can also view the meeting agenda here.

Support CMS by joining us for our next PTA Dine Out at First Street Alehouse! Stop by on Tuesday, September 30, anytime between 11 am and 10 pm.

Located at 2106 First Street, First Street Alehouse will donate a portion of the day’s sales back to Christensen Middle School. Both dine-in and takeout orders count, so enjoy a great meal while giving back to our school!

Today is Picture Retake/Make-Up Day. Students and staff who missed picture day on August 15 need to be sure to see the photographer in the Gym Foyer today.

The ordering window will open on the Dorian website on September 10, 2025. Additional information will be available at a later date.

Students who need to have their picture taken or retaken should attend their PE class and wait for their teacher to take attendance. Their PE teacher will direct them to see the photographer.

Christensen Middle School will be hosting BikeMobile on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, from 1:30–3:30 p.m. on the blacktop near the bike cage. Students can bring their bikes for free repairs, adjustments, and tune-ups. BikeMobile mechanics can fix flat tires, adjust brakes and gears, and even replace parts if available. This is a great chance to get bikes ready for safe riding!

Join us on Wednesday, October 8, for our next PTA Dine Out at Melo’s Pizza & Pasta! Stop by anytime between 11 am and 9 pm at 4433 First Street in Livermore.

Melo’s will be giving 20% of sales back to Christensen Middle School, and both dine-in and takeout orders count. Enjoy a delicious meal and support CMS at the same time!

The first CMS School Site Council meeting will be held virtually on Tuesday, October 14 at 3:00 PM.

Join us at this link: Google Meet. You can also view the meeting agenda here.

The first CMS ASB Dance of the year will be on Friday 10/17 from 6:30-8:00. More information to follow!

Mark your calendars for our next PTA Dine Out at Pizza Guys! Join us on Friday, October 17, from 11 am to 8 pm at the Vasco Road location (1545 N. Vasco Road).

When you order, 20% of sales will come back to support Christensen Middle School. It’s a delicious way to give back to our school community—don’t miss it!

There will be no school for students on Thursday, October 24. While students enjoy the day off, our teachers will be on campus taking part in professional development to support their growth and learning.

Make dinner easy and support the AVID Program at Christensen Middle School! Join us at Chipotle on Wednesday, November 5, from 5–9 pm at 4691 1st Street in Livermore.

Chipotle will donate 25% of event sales back to CMS AVID. To participate, order online for pickup using code 83LHMQM or show the flyer in the restaurant.

Please note: Delivery orders and gift card purchases do not count toward the fundraise

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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 - Emma Castro
• 7th grader - Laine Isselhardt
• 8th grader - Piper Jackson

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 - Mohammad Ahmadi

• 7th grader - Vincent Erickson

• 8th grader - Loralei Gardner

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

A big thank you to the Livermore Lions Club for donating four computers to Christensen Middle School! These will be used in our STEM program with our 3D printers, giving students more opportunities to explore design, engineering, and innovation. We are so grateful for their support of our students!

This summer, Christensen Middle School partnered with Kyle Noll, a senior at Monte Vista High School and a 7th-year Boy Scout from Troop 815 in Danville, on his Eagle Scout project. Kyle transformed a previously underused area of our campus into a welcoming space for students and staff to enjoy during breaks, while also improving the gardening area near our special education classrooms.

The project included building two brand-new picnic tables, repairing and reinforcing two planter beds, and sanding and staining two existing picnic tables to match the new ones. In addition to the physical work, Kyle also raised and donated $700 to support our garden project, ensuring its growth and sustainability. Although the hands-on work was completed over two weekends, Kyle dedicated many months to planning, review, and preparation to bring his vision to life.

We are grateful to Kyle for choosing CMS as the site for his Eagle Scout project. His generosity, hard work, and leadership have created an upgraded outdoor space that our students and staff will enjoy for years to come.

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.

Support CMS teachers by helping fund their classroom projects through DonorsChoose! Each contribution, big or small, directly supports learning opportunities and resources for our students. Check out the current projects and consider making a donation to make a difference in our classrooms.

• Ms. Garner's AVID Project
• Ms. Garner's Classroom Supply Essentials

Neon Clear is back at CMS! This exciting STEAM program blends academics, athletics, arts, and adventures to give students hands-on learning and unique experiences—from STEM projects and painting to trapeze, scuba, and even flight lessons.

Program Details:

• Thursdays, 2:45–4:00 PM

• Room 204 at CMS

• Begins Thursday, September 11

Students who participate in academic, athletic, and artistic activities can even earn a scholarship toward an adventure opportunity. Space is extremely limited, so don’t wait—Register for Neon Clear 2025–26 today! Note, registration must be done by parents/guardians and student cannot register using their lvjusd.org email addresses.

Get ready for some fun! Students will have the chance to purchase temporary tattoos for staff members to wear. Tattoos are just $1 each and will be sold at both lunches on Monday (9/8), Tuesday (9/9), and Wednesday (9/10).

All tattoos purchased will be worn by staff on Friday, September 12, 2025—and they must keep them visible throughout the day!

Come join the fun while supporting AVID!

Come meet the CMS Pocket Forest on the Quad! During lunch on Mondays in September (8, 15, 22, 29), students can check out native plant species, help care for the forest, and even share ideas for future actions. It’s a great way to make friends, connect with nature, and be part of something growing right here at CMS.

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.

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.

Looking to buy an electric bike? The California E-Bike Incentive Project offers point-of-sale vouchers of up to $2,000 to help income-qualified residents purchase a new e-bike. To learn more and find out if you are eligible, visit ebikeincentives.org.

Why This Matters
Completing your Household Eligibility Form (Universal Benefits Application or Meal Application) can unlock valuable benefits for eligible families, including:

• Up to $240 per student in SunBucks

• Reduced SAT, IB, and AP testing fees

• Discounts on photo packages, PG&E, and internet services

Step 1: Check if You Need to Apply
It only takes one minute, visit our website!

• Not every family needs to fill out an application.

• Only complete one application per family if you qualify.

Step 2: Apply Online
Use the QR code below:

Need Help?
Paper copies are available if you need assistance or have difficulty with technology please contact our office at 925-606-4702.

The order window for families to purchase Chromebook insurance through School Device Coverage (SDC) is open through October. Once the window closes, no new policies may be purchased until the beginning of next school year. The policies are between SDC and the family, any changes to the student device (swapped for repair) must be communicated to SDC by the parents. Refer to the website for more information! English Flier Spanish Flier

Let’s celebrate the completion of facility improvements at Marylin! The campus will be open to the public from 4:30 to 6 p.m. on Wednesday, September 17th, for a self-guided tour of Marylin’s modernized facilities which include new and renovated classrooms, STEAM labs, research center, and library to support its thriving STEAM magnet program. In addition, a new parking lot and drop-off area, field renovation, futsal courts, and TK playground provide welcoming, safe, and engaging spaces.

Who doesn’t like options? Our Secondary Menu is full of options!

• Rotating Hot Entrees. See the full menu here:
• Cafe Menu: Daily Grab and Go Options. Here’s the Menu

Salad and Sandwich Menu: Daily Offering of Wraps, Salads, and Sandwiches. Here’s the Menu

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Our Turkey Pesto Hoagie is available for lunch every Thursday and Friday, at all secondary sites, through October.

All of our burgers are now offered with lettuce. Where site infrastructure allows, burgers will be served unwrapped to allow for maximum freshness. This applies to both chicken and beef varieties.

LAA is seeking student artists for its upcoming exhibit, "The Work of Wings." This is a fantastic opportunity for students to showcase their creativity in a public setting. The exhibit, on display at the Livermore Public Library from October 1-31, explores themes of flight, freedom, growth, and transformation. The deadline to submit is Friday, September 26th. Please share the flyer with students.

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

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The PTA Reflections Art Contest is a national program that invites students to explore their creativity and express themselves through the arts. This year’s theme is “I Belong!” Students may submit original works in the following categories: Visual Arts, Photography, Literature, Music Composition, Dance Choreography, and Film Production.

Entries are first judged at the school level, with winners advancing to district, state, and even national competitions for the chance to earn awards and recognition. All submissions are due by October 15. Entry forms and guidelines are available on the PTA Reflections website. This is a wonderful opportunity for students to showcase their talents and gain confidence through the arts!

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