Cedar Valley Middle School - Round Rock ISD
Jaguar Tales

Dear Cedar Valley Families,

We hope you had a wonderful weekend! It is a busy and exciting time to be a Jaguar as we head into the second half of February. Please note that students have a bit of extra time to recharge, as there is no school on Monday, Feb. 16, or Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026. School will resume for students on Wednesday, February 18, 2026.

First, we want to extend a huge thank you to everyone who helped make our dance on Feb. 13 such a success. Whether you spent your Friday evening chaperoning or sent in donations to make the event special, your support means the world to our students and staff.

We also had a fantastic time celebrating the year's first track meet this past Thursday! It was wonderful to see our Jags in action on our newly resurfaced track.

As we look to the week ahead, please keep these important items on your radar:

Choice Sheets for Rising 6th, 7th, and 8th Graders Due Friday: Selection sheets for the 2026-2027 school year are due this Friday, Feb. 20. Please ensure your student has completed theirs so we can plan for another great year!

Sandy Hook Promise Training: Our students will soon be participating in the Say Something training. This program empowers our Jaguars to look out for one another and keep our community safe. Detailed information on how to review materials or opt-out can be found below.

Thank you for your continued partnership in making Cedar Valley such a vibrant place to learn.

Go Jags!

Larissa Ortiz

Principal, Cedar Valley Middle School

 
 

No School Feb. 16 & 17

 
 

Cedar Valley Track Vs. Hopewell

 
 

Safety Drill Conducted

The safety and well-being of our students and staff are our top priorities, and conducting regular drills is an essential part of our preparedness efforts. During the drills, students and staff practice the procedures that would be followed in the event of a real emergency.

This last week, our students and staff practiced an Evacuation Drill.

Evacuation Drill - This drill is used to practice safely evacuating the building in the event of a hazard inside the building (ex: fire).

If you have any further questions or require additional information, please do not hesitate to contact Andrew_Carroll@roundrockisd.org.

 
 

Thank you, PTA!

The Cedar Valley PTA showed our staff love and appreciation with some fun sips and sweets. Thank you to everyone who contributed to this treat for our staff. We appreciate your support! 

 
 
 

Welcome, Ms. Machado

Please give a warm Cedar Valley welcome to our newest Educational Assistant, Ms. Nathalia Machado. Ms. Machado is originally from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and moved to Austin, Texas with her family in 2019. She graduated from McNeil High School, where she was a member of the Majestic Dance Team. Ms. Machado enjoys working with children and is passionate about creating a positive and supportive learning environment. Outside of school, she enjoys traveling and spending time with her family and her boyfriend, Aiden, as well as her pets. 

 
 

Choice Sheets Due Friday, Feb. 20

Choice sheets for the 2026-2027 school year were emailed to RRISD student email accounts on Friday, Feb. 13. The email also included helpful information from the parent night presentations, as well as the counselors' contact information. All rising 6th, 7th, and 8th grade choice sheets are due on Friday, Feb. 20. 

 
 

Sandy Hook Promise - Anonymous Reporting System

As part of our district’s ongoing commitment to student safety, mental health awareness, and violence prevention, our students will be participating in the Say Something Anonymous Reporting System student training.

 

What is the Say Something Anonymous Reporting System?
This system is a nationally recognized program developed by Sandy Hook Promise. It teaches students how to recognize warning signs of someone who may be at risk of harming themselves or others and how to safely share concerns with trusted adults using an anonymous reporting system. 

 

The focus of the program is early intervention, peer support, and prevention, not discipline or punishment. The content is designed to be developmentally appropriate and supportive in nature, with an emphasis on caring for oneself and others.

 

What will your student learn in the training?
As part of the training, students will:

Learn age-appropriate signs that may indicate someone needs help.

Understand the importance of speaking up to keep themselves and others safe.

Watch a short video that explains the program and how anonymous reporting works.

Be reminded that reports are reviewed by trained professionals and school officials who follow district protocols.

 

Opportunity to review the training.
Families are welcome to review the training materials and video before student participation on March 11, 2026. If you would like to review the video being presented to your student, please refer to the links below. 

**An email will be sent to parents with the links**

Opt-out option:
While we strongly believe this training is an important component of creating a safe and supportive school environment, families may choose to opt their child out of the training.


If you wish to opt out, please notify your child’s campus in writing or by filling out the Google form by Friday, March 6, 2026,. 

 

Family use of the system.
Families may also use the Say Something system to report concerns they may have heard from or observed about their child or others. Reports can be made anonymously through the Say Something app, website, or phone hotline.

 

We appreciate your partnership as we work together to support student well-being and maintain a safe learning environment for all students. If you have questions or would like additional information, please contact your child’s campus administration.

 

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Como parte del compromiso continuo de nuestro distrito con la seguridad estudiantil, la concientización sobre la salud mental y la prevención de la violencia, nuestros estudiantes participarán en la capacitación para estudiantes del Sistema de Denuncias Anónimas (Say Something) Di algo.

 

¿Qué es el Sistema de Denuncias Anónimas (Say Something) Di algo?
Este sistema es un programa reconocido a nivel nacional, desarrollado por Sandy Hook Promise. Enseña a los estudiantes a reconocer las señales de alerta de alguien que podría estar en riesgo de hacerse daño a sí mismo o a otros y a compartir sus inquietudes de forma segura con adultos de confianza mediante un sistema de denuncias anónimo.

 

El programa se enfoca en la intervención temprana, el apoyo entre compañeros y la prevención, no en la disciplina ni en el castigo. El contenido está diseñado para ser apropiado para el desarrollo y para proporcionar apoyo, con énfasis en el cuidado personal y de los demás.

 

¿Qué aprenderá su estudiante en la capacitación?
Como parte de la capacitación, los estudiantes:

Aprenderán las señales de alerta apropiadas para su edad que pueden indicar que alguien necesita ayuda.

Comprenderán la importancia de denunciar para su seguridad y la de los demás.

Verán un breve video que explica el programa y cómo funciona la denuncia anónima.

Aprenderán que todas las denuncias son revisadas por profesionales capacitados y funcionarios escolares que siguen los protocolos del distrito.

 

Oportunidad para revisar la capacitación.
Las familias pueden revisar los materiales y el video de la capacitación antes de que sus hijos participen en el 11 de marzo del 2026. Si desea revisar el video que se le presentará a su hijo, por favor, consulte los enlaces a continuación.

**Los enlaces se mandarán en un correo electrónico separado.**

Opción de exclusión:
Si bien creemos firmemente que esta capacitación es un componente importante para crear un entorno escolar seguro y de apoyo, las familias pueden optar por excluir a sus hijos de la capacitación.


Si desea excluirse, notifique por escrito a la directora de la escuela de su hijo antes del viernes, el 6 de marzo del 2026 o complete el formulario de Google.

 

Uso familiar del sistema.
Las familias también pueden usar el sistema (Say Something) Di algo, para reportar inquietudes que hayan escuchado u observado sobre su hijo u otras personas. Las denuncias pueden realizarse de forma anónima a través de la aplicación (Say Something) Di algo, del sitio web o  (844) 572-9669.

 

Agradecemos su colaboración mientras trabajamos juntos para promover el bienestar estudiantil y mantener un entorno de aprendizaje seguro para todos. Si tiene alguna pregunta o desea más información, comuníquese con la administración de la escuela de su hijo.

 
 

Purchase a Cedar Valley Yearbook!

Our Year. Our Yearbook. The yearbook is the one place where everyone’s stories are celebrated. And that makes it a book you don’t want to miss! Order today to guarantee a copy!

ORDER YEARBOOK

 
 

8th Grade Recognition Ads

ORDER HERE

 
 

 🌎Escape to Paradise: Belize 2027! 🌴

An Unforgettable Educational Adventure with Mrs. Fooshee

Get ready for the trip of a lifetime! Mrs. Fooshee is excited to offer students a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to explore the beauty, culture, and adventure of Belize in June 2027!

Imagine your student…
 🏛️Exploring ancient Mayan ruins
 🌳Ziplining through a lush rainforest canopy
 🛶 Floating through magical caves on a cave tubing adventure
🦜  Visiting the famous Belize Zoo
 🐟Snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters of the Ambergris Caye Marine Reserve
 🏖️Relaxing and playing at the stunning Secret Beach

This trip blends education, culture, and adventure into an experience your student (and you) will never forget!

 Join us for an informational meeting:
 Wednesday, February 18
 6:00 PM
 Cedar Valley Lecture Hall

Come learn more about the itinerary, costs, safety, and payment options—and see why this truly is an Escape to Paradise! 

RSVP Here!  https://forms.gle/oZgiE5dhiGFLXSPH8

**This is a non-RRISD, non-Cedar Valley sponsored trip.**

 
 

NJHS Walk For Wishes - Mar. 7, 10am-1pm

Click here to purchase your shirt (ticket)

 
 

Come cheer on the Jags!

2026 Track Meet Schedule

2026 Soccer Schedule

Expectations for Students at RRISD Events

 
 

Updated 8th Grade Dance Information / Dance is coming On Saturday, April 25

For information on the 8th Grade Dance, please go to https://cevmspta.givebacks.com/w/Dance for general info, links for donations and volunteers (coming soon). 

Are you a business, or know a business, that would like to sponsor our dance? Please click this link for more details Sponsor Form: 2026 8th Grade Celebration

Would you or your family like to donate to the dance? Please click this link for dance donations https://cevmspta.givebacks.com/shop/items/1157689

 
 

Start Saving Those Plastic Shopping Bags! 

 
 

Community Communication Sign Up

Currently, our campus communications are limited to students, parents, and staff.

We recognize that many other important family members and community members wish to stay informed (e.g., grandparents, stepparents, local supporters).

We are pleased to announce that in the near future, we will be launching a dedicated "Community" communication list.

If you know of someone who is not currently receiving our updates, please ask them to sign up to join this new list. Once our new system is fully operational, it will take approximately one week after completing the sign-up form for recipients to begin receiving campus communications.

 
 

GoGuardian Parent App

Our district is providing families access to GoGuardian Parent, a mobile app designed to provide parents/guardians insight and control over their student's online activity when on school-managed devices and accounts. GoGuardian Parent was created to help provide students additional educational support and is a companion to the classroom engagement and internet filtering tools that our school uses. The GoGuardian Parent app provides an overview of the apps, extensions, documents, and websites your student visited, as well as internet controls that you can set for out-of-school hours. 

Learn more about GoGuardian Parent here.

 
 

Round Rock ISD Clothes Closet Donations

The Clothes Closet is a project  run by the local PTA's of Round Rock ISD. It offers good, gently used clothes to all students in the district who have need. Once per semester, each student can use this service. No referral necessary, just turn up to one of the two locations during opening hours.

In our ongoing support for RRISD's Clothes Closet we are always keen to take your donations of tops, bottoms, jackets/hoodies. Clothes must be in great, clean condition with no tears, stains, bobbling etc.

We also need, NEW ONLY boxer briefs style underwear for girls and boys, plus teen appropriate sports bras. Please deliver to the Jag lobby.

Alternatively, you may wish to support by donating directly using the Amazon wishlist. 
https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/2G8VOE7SO1TII?ref_=wl_dp_view_your_list

There is always a need for happy helpers with a "can do" attitude at the Clothes Closet. For more information about what this would entail contact clothescloset@cevmspta.org or sign up directly. Volunteering with the Clothes Closet is a great way to support families in our wider community. No experience necessary. Spanish speaking volunteers are particularly helpful.
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0E45AEAF2CA0F8C52-58114760-20252026#/

 
 

Volunteers Needed

Volunteers Needed

One of the best ways to show your student that education is important to you, is by volunteering at their school. There are lots of different ways to contribute your time, support and resources.

Please fill out the Volunteer Interest Form below to help us match your interests with the school's needs (such as Staff Appreciation, Concessions, Fundraising or School Dances).

Cedar Valley Volunteer Interest Form

This does NOT obligate you to anything, other than possibly receiving emails when we need help in your areas of interest.  Please contact Livy Knox, the PTA Volunteer Coordinator with any questions at volunteer@cevmspta.org. 

If you plan to volunteer at CeVMS in any capacity, you must complete the RRISD online application. Click here to access the Online Volunteer Application. 

 
 

Career & College Fair "Presenters" Needed

Cedar Valley Middle School will be hosting our Career & College Fair on April 29, 2026, and would like to invite parents or family members to consider sharing your career details with our eighth grade students. All you would need to do is set up a display at a table and answer questions as our students visit your table.

The Career Fair will be held from 12:00 -1:00 pm on the 29th of April. You will be able to set up your display from 11:00-11:30 am.

This is an exciting way for our students to begin thinking about what they need to do in high school to prepare for their future. We would love to have you participate to showcase your field of expertise to our eighth grade students. Please click on the link below and fill out the information requested if you would like to participate:

CeVMS Career Participation Form 2026

Please feel free to contact Liz Guidry at elizabeth_guidry@roundrockisd.org with any questions!

 
 

Join PTA Today!

Visit our Cedar Valley PTA Online Store to purchase your annual PTA membership and Cedar Valley merchandise!

 
 

Helpful Staff Contact Information

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. Amanda Baugh-Williams, 512-428-2301

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

 

Counselors

6th Grade Counselor: Ms. Elizabeth Guidry

7th Grade Counselor: Mr. Tracy Hendley

8th Grade Counselor: Ms. Heather Mills

 

Administration

Principal: Ms. Larissa Ortiz

6th Grade Assistant Principal: Mr. Andrew Carroll

7th Grade Assistant Principal: Ms. Jennifer Bingham / Sub: Mr. Darrell Overton

8th Grade Assistant Principal: Mr. Marc Scott

 

Nurse Clinic

Campus Nurse: Nurse Mina Shimomura

Records Specialist: Ms. Kristie Rocheleau

 

Useful Links

CeVMS Personal Electronic Device Policy

CeVMS Tardy Policy

Tutoring Schedule 25-26

Clubs 25-26

Arrival and Dismissal Safety

CeVMS Attendance Policies and Procedures

CeVMS Guidelines for Parents on the Use of AI

CeVMS Grading Policy

Jag Lobby Reminders

Expectations for Students at RRISD Events

SMART Tag Info. for Bus Riders

Breakfast and Lunch Menus

Home Access Center (HAC) Log In

2025 - 2026 RRISD District Calendar

Cedar Valley Middle School PTA Website