![page background](https://cdn.smore.com/_fr/blossom-02.c24ca9a1.jpg)
CMS Cougar Communication
4/7/2024
Message from Principal Scharmann
I hope this message finds you refreshed and rejuvenated after a well-deserved Spring Break. As we embark on the final stretch of the academic year, I would like to collectively renew our commitment to being respectful, responsible, safe, and kind. Together, we will make the remainder of this school year unforgettable!
Thank you to those who have already participated in the LVJUSD 2024 Middle School Parent/Guardian Feedback Survey! If you haven't yet, please take a few minutes to share your input. Your responses are crucial in helping us enhance support for your child's education, safety, and communication preferences. Additionally, your feedback, along with that of students and staff, informs funding allocations for various programs and services. The survey is anonymous and should take no more than 10 minutes to complete: 2024 Middle School Parent/Guardian Feedback Survey.
I also wanted to remind you to purchase your yearbook ASAP, the deadline is April 14th! 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 Herff Jones 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 next Cougar Communication will be delivered to your inbox on Sunday 4/21. I hope you find the following information to be helpful.
Here's to a great week,
Brian Scharmann
Principal
Message from CMS Library Media Specialist, Ms. Boulware
Hello CMS Community,
Thank you for supporting the Christensen Middle School library!
We’re excited to report that our Titlewish online fundraiser was a great success! Thanks to your generosity, we raised $2,200 which exceeded our goal.
We’re already in the process of putting together our order and will have these materials available to our students as quickly as possible.
Please stop by and visit our library next time you’re at school. You’ll be able to see for yourself the positive impact that your donations made.
Thank you again for your generosity!
Ms. Boulware
CMS Library Media Specialist
Message from the CMS PTA 8th Grade Dance Committee
Dear 8th Grade Families,
To help make the 8th grade promotion dance a memorable celebration, the CMS PTA is asking our 8th grade families to help us raise money. Donations are graciously still being accepted and greatly appreciated. Please make your donation by clicking here. You can also help out by signing up now to volunteer at Granada Bingo donations will go towards the 8th grade promotion dance. Hope to see you there!
Christensen PTA
Message from the CMS PTA
Join the CMS PTA board and make a difference in our school community! Learn more about available positions and how you can get involved by emailing us at cmscougarspta@gmail.com.
Save the Date
Autism Awareness Month, 4/1-4/30
April is Autism Acceptance Month. Join us as we raise awareness to promote autism acceptance, to celebrate each individual’s unique differences, and to foster inclusivity and connectedness. It’s a time to renew our commitment to honor the unique perspectives of people living with autism and support children with autism and their families, helping each child reach their full potential!
8th Grade Yearbook Ad Deadline, Monday 4/8
For 8th grade families only. Remember to purchase an ad for your 8th grader in the yearbook. The deadline is April 8th. Go to www.YearbookOrderCenter.com and use School Code16490. Below where see "order your yearbook here" it says "start your ad here". Select that spot and order your ad for $5.00
Make Time for Music Concerts, 4/9 and 4/17
Mark your calendars to enjoy concerts from our middle and high school orchestras and bands! These events are sponsored by LVEF and all ticket proceeds will support music education in our schools! Please promote with families. Joint flyer in the attachments folder. Tickets can be purchased at lvef.org.
- Festival of Orchestras: Tuesday, April 9, 2024, from 7-8:30 p.m. at GHS
- Festival of Bands: Wednesday, April 17, 2024, from 7-8:30 p.m. at LHS
8th Grade Dance Dine Out Fundraiser at Hazy Barbecue, Thursday 4/11
🍗
2024-2025 Course Selection Due for Current 6th and 7th Grade Students, Friday 4/12
This year our current 6th and 7th grade students will be selecting their 2024-2025 core and elective course choices online. The required courses for each student include English, Social Studies, Science, Math, Physical Education, and an elective.
Students viewed a presentation in their Core class regarding the online course selection process. Please see the instructions on the linked 2024-2025 Quick Guide to Online Course Selection sheet. If you would like additional information, please view the 7th and 8th Grade Course Selection Presentation available on the CMS website under the Academic Tab-Course Selection/Electives page.
Math placement will be determined using the LVJUSD Math Placement Matrix. This matrix uses information from multiple student data sources as well as teacher recommendation to determine the best math placement.
Students will check their Core choice online. They may choose either regular Grade-Level Core (English AND Social Studies) or Honors Core (English Honors AND Social Studies Honors). Honors Core is a more rigorous program that teaches the grade level curriculum at a more in depth
level. These courses are not weighted.
Students will be offered one period of elective that will comprise of either one year-long course or three single trimester-long courses. Electives are subject to change due to budget constraints, staffing, availability and course enrollment. Some electives have prerequisites so please review the course descriptions at our website https://www.livermoreschools.org/Christensen. Some students may be administratively placed in an academic support class in lieu of an elective. We ask students to select their top two elective choices in the event we are not able to grant the student’s first choice.
Students interested in taking two year-long electives must select the “Two Elective = Zero Period
P.E. Option.” Zero period P.E. meets five mornings each week from 7:30 to 8:20. Please be aware that the office will not be able to grant every request for two electives due to budget constraints, staffing, availability and course enrollment.
Students who do not complete the course selection process by April 12, 2024, will have their courses chosen for them. Students will not be given the opportunity to change them.
If you do not have internet access, please contact the school. A computer will be made available to complete the online class selection process.
Tri-Valley Innovation Fair, Saturday 4/13
Quest Science Center presents the 6th Annual Tri-Valley Innovation Fair to be held on Saturday, April 13, from 10am - 5pm at the Alameda County Fairgrounds in Pleasanton. All ages are welcome. Admission is FREE. The flier in English and Spanish is in the attachments folder.
Yearbook Order Deadline, Sunday 4/14
Remember to purchase your yearbook ASAP!! The deadline is April 14th!! Time is running out. 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 Herff Jones 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.
Spring Picture Day in PE Classes, Wednesday 4/17
Dorian Studio photographers will be at CMS on Wednesday, April 17. To minimize class disruption, only students with a completed picture day envelope or an online order receipt will have an individual photo taken during PE.
Please visit the Dorian Studio website for ordering information.
Harlem Wizards vs. LVJUSD Teacher & Staff, Friday 4/26
Join us at LHS on Friday 4/26 at 7:00PM for the Harlem Wizards vs. LVJUSD teachers basketball game which will feature our very own Ms. Bauman and Ms. Steinbach. The game will also feature teachers and staff players from Altamont Creek, Arroyo Seco, Croce, Jackson, Lawrence, East, and Livermore High Buy your tickets for the 4/26 event HERE!
PTA Dine Out Fundraiser at Can Am Pizza, Tuesday 4/30
🍕
Livermore Community Service Day @ CMS, Saturday 5/4
Sign-ups are now open to volunteer at the 2024 Livermore Community Service Day on May 4th. Projects are available at many of our school sites; families can spend the day helping to beautify our campuses or at locations throughout the City of Livermore. The day culminates with a celebratory lunch, live music from Crawdad Republic, and a community vendor fair at Las Positas College. View the flier in the attachments folder for sign-up information.
ELAC Meeting, Tuesday 5/7
The CMS English Language Advisory Committee will meet virtually from 6:30PM-7:30PM. To join the meeting please use the following link: https://meet.google.com/gfh-mxvx-tkm.
Agenda to follow.
School Site Council, Monday 5/13
The CMS School Site Council will meet virtually from 3:00PM-4:00PM. To join the meeting please use the following link: https://meet.google.com/rzo-ktsz-kha.
The agenda can be found here: 5/13/2024 School Site Council Agenda
CMS Spring Band Concert, Wednesday 5/15 at 7:00PM
🎶
CMS Spring Orchestra Concert, Thursday 5/16 at 7:00PM
🎻
No School, Monday 5/27
No school in observance of Memorial Day.
8th Grade Trip to Six Flags Discovery Kingdom - Monday, June 3
This year the eighth grade trip to Six Flags Discovery Kingdom will take place on Monday, June 3. In order to take part in this activity, students must have passing grades in all classes on their report card at the end of the second trimester, March 7, 2024. Students must continue to maintain passing grades during the third trimester to attend. Students who do not meet the participation guidelines will be restricted from attending the 8th Grade Field Trip.
Six Flags Discovery Kingdom permission slips will go out at the start of Trimester 3. Permission slips and field trip emergency form and money are due no later than Wednesday, April 10. The cost is $85 for ticket and transportation or $50 for transportation only (for student with season passes).
To purchase tickets please visit: https://lvjusd.revtrak.net/Middle-Schools-26/Christensen/#/list
Students attending the Six Flags Discovery Kingdom trip should report to their first period class at the usual time. Students enrolled in 0 period should attend 0 period. Buses will return to CMS at approximately 6 p.m. for parent pick-up. Students not attending the Six Flags Discovery Kingdom Trip will receive an alternate schedule for the day.
Six Flags Discovery Kingdom only accepts card payments at all locations including restaurants, retail stores, games, ticket windows, and parking toll booths. You can either pay for purchases using a Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, or a debit card. Only have cash? You can convert your cash to a prepaid debit card at one of the multiple kiosks located throughout the park and anywhere in the U.S. where Visa is accepted.
Outside food and drink is not allowed in the park, so students will need to plan on purchasing lunch.
More information on their policies can be found on their website: https://www.sixflags.com/discoverykingdom/plan-your-visit/park-policies.
Have you heard the good news?
PBIS Students of the Week, Week of 3/18
Students, each week your teachers will be nominating those students who exemplified one of our core values. One student per grade level will earn a small reward and will also earn House Points. This week our focus was on students who were RESPONSIBLE.
Congratulations to:
- 6th grader - Utsha Dey
7th grader - Chiqi Enriquez Hernandez
8th grader - Cristiano Cabardo
PBIS Students of the Week, Week of 3/25
Students, each week your teachers will be nominating those students who exemplified one of our core values. One student per grade level will earn a small reward and will also earn House Points. This week our focus was on students who were SAFE.
Congratulations to:
- 6th grader - Tyce Harper
- 7th grader - Shree Manickaraja
- 8th grader - Sophia Casha
CMS Student Earns Award of Merit in the PTA Reflections State Program.
Congratulations are in order for CMS student Ethan Mosca, who has been recognized with an Award of Merit by the State PTA Reflections Program. Ethan's work exudes a remarkable presence. Much like last year, his artwork captivates the viewer and conveys compelling ideas. Those interested in viewing his art can find it displayed at the Reflections Art Gallery during the State Convention, taking place from May 3rd to May 5th at the convention center in Ontario, CA. Information can be found here :https://capta.org/programs-events/convention/.
CMS Staff Member Recognition
Local real estate agent (and former LVJUSD teacher) Deborah Byrnes has partnered with us to recognize a CMS staff member a month for their contributions and service to our school community.
This month, we honor Fernando Izon, who is retiring from CMS after many years of dedicated custodial service. Fernando has maintained our campus impeccably, ensuring a clean environment for learning and safety. His friendly demeanor and willingness to assist staff have made him a beloved figure in the CMS community. As Fernando Izon begins this new chapter, we extend our heartfelt gratitude for his invaluable contributions, wishing him a fulfilling retirement and recognizing the immense impact he has had on our school community.
Helpful Information From CMS
AVID SF Giants Ticket Fundraiser
We are excited to announce that our baseball fundraiser is back for the 2024 season!
Here is some information about the fundraiser:
- Monday - Thursday games in April and May (excludes Dodgers games)
- Seating Areas: View Reserve and Bleachers
- $10 tickets with $5 going back to the school
- Link: https://fevo.me/giantsfundraiser6
- Promo Code: ChristensenMS
CMS PTA Krispy Kreme Fundraiser
🍩
EL Scholars Club
We are excited to offer a new program called the EL Scholars Club that meets afterschool in room 601. This is essentially a homework and academic support club exclusively for our English Learner students. We've invited kids and let parents know. If you have some students in your class who you think could benefit from this opportunity please encourage them to participate.
- Who? CMS EL students (English Language Learners)
- Where? Room 601
- When? 2:30 pm - 3:30pm Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. (no Wednesdays)
- What? An opportunity to get extra help with any class subject and work on
- homework or projects, literacy skills, etc
- Why? We want our students to succeed and to get support they may need
Wednesday Afternoon Homework Club
Gratitudes
Helpful Information From LVJUSD
Safety first when sharing the road with young pedestrians- Reminder for all!
Pick-up and drop-off times can be hectic for our parents and students, but it’s important to be patient and stay safe as children are getting to and from school. Please remember speed limit is 25 mph within 500 feet of a school while children are outside or crossing the street. Some school zones may have speed limits as low as 15 mph. For more safety tips click here.
Breakfast and Lunch Menus
The Universal Meals Program allows our district to offer free breakfast and lunch to all students, regardless of family income, for the 2023-24 school year!
Breakfast and Lunch menus are available HERE. Breakfast service begins at 7:15AM for students to grab a quick bite before they head to their first class.
New Online Menus! Check out our new district menu site at https://lvjusdchildnutrition.nutrislice.com/. Each school has its own icon with links to breakfast and lunch menus. Great features include:
- Mobile-friendly monthly menu details that can be translated and printed if desired
- Nutritional information such as carbohydrate, protein, and calories for entrees and sides
- Filters and icons to identify vegetarian options and items including egg, soy, wheat, and dairy for those with dietary allergies or intolerances
Las Positas College CTE 2024 Summer Camps for Middle and High School Students
LPC offering 8 CTE summer camps in automotive technology, welding technologies, public safety academy, creature design, JAMS press pass journalism, jazz, interior design, and 3D modeling camp. Please see attached flier for registration information.
LVJUSD’s Mental Health Website!
We're Hiring!
CMS PTA
Join the CMS PTA!
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.
2024-2025 PTA Board Members Sought
😎
CMS PTA Spirit Wear Fundraiser
8th Grade Promotion Leis
Now's your chance to let your 8th grader know how proud you are of them! A ribbon promotion lei is the perfect accessory for EVERY 8th grader at CMS. Leis will be handed out after school the week prior to promotion ceremony. LAST DAY TO ORDER PERSONALIZATION IS MAY 26th.
PTA SPECIAL: $2 OFF PERSONALIZATION if anyone in your family is a member of the CMS PTA. Subject to verification. Please use code CMSPTA when ordering. Click here to order: https://my.cheddarup.com/c/8th-grade-promotion-lei-2024?cart=e590bcce-1412-465c-bc47-abedf2c06587%21%2170536669