Jaguar Tales

Hello, Jaguar Family!

Greetings, once again. If you didn't catch last week's summer update, there is no need to worry - everything is included in this edition. Our team continues to work behind the scenes preparing for another successful school year. With each passing day, the excitement grows knowing we will get to see our returning Jags AND meet our newest Jags on the first day of school in just 10 days!

In this edition, you will find the most up to date information regarding back to school events. Please note we have added some details to upcoming events AND we have extended the time for 7th and 8th grade schedule pick up.

We will be sharing more information about arrival, dismissal, etc. as the first day of school approaches.

Have a great weekend! Go Jags!

Larissa Ortiz

Cedar Valley Middle School Principal

Larissa_ortiz@roundrockisd.org

512-428-2307

A note from Mr. Alvarez, our campus ITS:

Jaguars, if your Chromebook has a broken hinge or the screen is pixelating, bring your device along with you to the 6th Grade Jag Camp or the 7th/8th Schedule Pick Up. Come to Room 1209 to get your device inspected and we can begin the repair process.

*Please note: HAC is disabled at the moment. It will be activated again on Aug. 8, 2024.

Our parents and students use HAC to:

• check grades, attendance, and schedules
• set grade notifications
• view and print report cards
• plus more information related to campus life

Every parent in the district is encouraged to create an account and download the application and create their account. Round Rock ISD allows parents/guardians to register for a username and password online. For more information about creating an account and the app, please visit https://roundrockisd.org/hac/.

If unable to register online for a username and password, the parent/guardian must go to the campus where their student attends school and meet with the Home Access Center Coordinator to complete the process. Proper identification such as a Driver’s License must be presented and the “Home Access Center Use Agreement must be signed before the secured username and password are released. The “Agreement” form will be provided by the campus.

Home Access Center Version 3.1 requires Internet Explorer Version 9, 10 or 11, Chrome, Firefox or Safari browsers. Internet Explorer Version 8 is no longer supported. If you are having difficulty with the website once you are logged into Home Access Center, you may need to clear your cache.

**HAC is disabled at the moment. It will be activated again on Aug. 8, 2024.**

Eligibility for free and reduced meals requires families to apply each year. To ensure your child receives this benefit, please complete the application, which take less than 5 minutes and can be completed online.

For more information aout the free and reduced lunch and breakfast program and to apply, please visit: https://foodservices.roundrockisd.org/free-reduced-meals/

We look forward to welcoming our 6th grade students at Jag Camp! Jag Camp is the time when 6th graders and their parents come to school to get their schedules, see their classrooms, and learn to navigate the school building.

Last Names A-L:

August 8, 2024, 9:00 am - 10:30 am

9:00 - 9:15 - Parents and students enter through Jag Lobby and proceed to advisory teacher’s room (List of advisory teachers will be displayed in hallway).

9:15 - 9:30 - Students will receive class schedule from advisory teacher

9:30 - 9:50 - Students tour the school with NJHS members as their guide; Parents go to the cafeteria for Q&A with Mrs. Ortiz and NJHS Officers

9:50 - 10:05 - Pep Rally in Main Gymnasium for parents and students

10:05 - 10:30 - Parents and students visit stations in cafeteria:

• purchase spirit wear and join PTA
• deposit money into cafeteria account
• visit with counselors about missing or duplicate classes

Last Names M-Z:

August 8, 2024, 11:00 am - 12:30 pm

11:00 - 11:15 - Parents and students enter through Jag Lobby and proceed to advisory teacher’s room (List of advisory teachers will be displayed in hallway).

11:15 - 11:30 - Students will receive class schedule from advisory teacher

11:30 - 11:50 - Students tour the school with NJHS members as their guide; Parents go to the cafeteria for Q&A with Mrs. Ortiz and NJHS Officers

11:50 - 12:05 - Pep Rally in Main Gymnasium for parents and students

12:05 - 12:30 - Parents and students visit stations in cafeteria:

• purchase spirit wear and join PTA
• deposit money into cafeteria account
• visit with counselors about missing or duplicate classes

Helpful Information:

• Any stations not completed can be taken care of during the first week of school.

• ID Pictures will be taken when students attend library orientation with their Language Arts class during the first two weeks of school.

• Counselors are available during this time to address missing/duplicate classes. Please note: Counselors cannot resolve any other scheduling concerns at this time. Schedule Request forms can be filled out and submitted during the first week of school.
  

Please note: We do not have a makeup session for students who do not attend Jag Camp. Our staff is committed to ensuring a successful and positive experience and will be available to help students on the first day of school. Students who are not able to attend Jag Camp will be able to view their schedule in HAC by Friday, 8/9

7th and 8th grade students will be able to pick up their schedule and walk to building to see where their classes are located. Parking will be limited. Please consider walking, carpooling, or utilizing rideshare options.

• 7th graders will enter through Jag Lobby (the main entrance of the school; Cornerwood Dr. side)
• 8th graders will enter from the second side door (Nurse hallway; Racine Dr. side).
• There will be tables with the students' schedules marked according to the first letter of their last name.: A-I, J- Q and R-Z. When you enter please proceed to your designated table and alpha line.

Please note: We do not have a makeup session for students who do not attend this event. Our staff is committed to ensuring a successful and positive experience and will be available to help students on the first day of school. Students and parents will also be able to access their child's schedule in HAC by this date.

We ask for patience from our students and parents regarding student schedules. There are MANY changes still taking place with our master schedule. Any schedules that are/were visible in HAC should be ignored. The most up to date schedule will be shared at Jag Camp (6th grade) and Schedule Pick Up (7th and 8th grade). If you find issues with your schedule on these days, our counseling staff will be on hand to address those. We kindly ask for you to wait to address schedule issues until these events.

There is a "suggested" school supply list on the Cedar Valley website. However, we advise our students to wait until after the first day of school to purchase school supplies. Each teacher will ask for different items. Waiting until they tell you exactly what you need will save parents multiple trips to the store.

For the first day of school, we recommend that students bring a writing utensil, something to write on (notebook paper in folder, spiral notebook, etc), and their lunch (if able to).

Our campus does not utilize lockers, so there is no need to purchase locker decorations or organizational items.

Backpacks with wheels are prohibited on campus, unless there is a documented medical need. With crowded hallways, this type of backpack can present a trip hazard. Medical documentation can be provided to the campus nurse if your student needs to use this type of backpack. The nurse will share necessary information to teachers and staff.

All questions regarding school supplies can be asked of teachers once the school year begins.

*The first day of school is Tuesday, August 13, 2024*

We know our Jags are eagerly anticipating the first day of school. Here are some pointers to ease some nervous feelings and wonderings.

Lunch - The first week of school is a bit of an adjustment period in many ways. Adjusting to new lunch procedures often takes practicing and getting to use to before we get things running smoothly. With that said, we highly encourage students to pack their lunch for the first week of school if they are able to. This will help ensure that all students have sufficient time to eat.

Band and Orchestra - Students do not need to bring instruments on the first day. The band and orchestra directors will go over instrument expectations the first day and will tell students when to bring instruments.

P.E. and Dance - Students do not need to bring PE and Dance clothes on the first day. They will not be dressing out. The instructors will provide guidance on changing out on the first day.

We will have plenty of staff on hand to help students navigate the halls and their schedule the first few days of school. Our staff is understanding that learning a new schedule and a new building takes time.

RRISD transportation is currently working on routes. Once they have completed the routes they will be accessible on the RRISD website.

Front Office Staff

Administrative Associate - Principal's Office: Ms. Cristol Alvarez, 512-428-2316

Administrative Assistant - Counseling Office: Ms. Marilyn Beal, 512-428-2348

Attendance: Ms. Dana Harrison, 512-428-2305

Receptionist: Ms. Allison Samuelson, 512-428-2301

Registrar: Ms. Vicky Escruceria, 512-428-2315

Counselors

6th Grade Counselor: Ms. Gabrielle Kerr

7th Grade Counselor: Ms. Heather Mills

8th Grade Counselor: Ms. Elizabeth Guidry

Administration

Principal: Ms. Larissa Ortiz

6th Grade Assistant Principal: Ms. Jennifer Bingham

7th Grade Assistant Principal: Mr. Marc Scott

8th Grade Assistant Principal: Mr. Andrew Carroll

Nurse Clinic

Campus Nurse: Nurse Mina Shimomura

Records Specialist: Ms. Kristie_Rocheleau

All events at Cedar Valley can be found on the Cedar Valley Master Calendar.

Did you know that you can add the Cedar Valley Master Calendar to your calendar? Simply click on this link to access it and add it to your calendar!

Visit our Cedar Valley PTA Online Store to purchase your annual PTA membership, make donations, and purchase your Cedar Valley merchandise at our one stop shop!

Mission: The Cedar Valley Learning Community is committed to educating children in a safe and nurturing environment that challenges them to reach personal goals and to exceed state and national standards.

Vision: Fostering an inclusive community of lifelong learners

Website: https://cedarvalley.roundrockisd.org/
Location: 8139 Racine Trail, Austin, TX, USA
Phone: 512-428-2300
Facebook: facebook.com/rrisd.cedarvalley
Twitter: @cevmsjags