Dear Cedar Valley Families,
We hope you're enjoying the day off today! As you take this time to rest and recharge, please take a moment to review this week’s newsletter as it includes important information about tomorrow’s testing schedule.
Also, report cards are now available in HAC, and printed copies were sent home with students on Friday.
As always, thank you for your continued support! Go Jags!
Larissa Ortiz, Cedar Valley Middle School Principal
French Club - Pumpkin Decorating Fun
Idiom Week in 6th Grade ELA
Fish in a Tree Day - 6th Grade ELA
(End of book celebration)
Lady Jags Volleyball
The Lady Jags took on the Ridgeview Panthers on Thursday night for the final game of the season. Below are the final scores of the games:
7A: 25-17, 25-22
7B: 24-26, 14-25
8A: 24-26, 10-25
8B: 14-25, 20-25
In securing the win against the Panthers on Thursday in two riveting sets, the 7th Grade A Team finished the season with an overall record of 7-1 earning them the title of District Champions!
We are very proud of all four teams this season and for their hard work and dedication. Great job, Lady Jags!
Jaguar Football
This week the Cedar Valley Jaguar Football Teams faced the Canyon Vista Mustangs and all 4 teams were VICTORIOUS!
The 7th grade B team shut out the Mustangs with a score of 34 to 0, as they remain undefeated and currently in 1st place.
The 7th grade A team also shut out the Mustangs 52 to 0, as they also remain undefeated and currently in 1st place.
7th grade season scores and players of the week
The 8th grade B team beat the Mustangs 28 to 16, and are currently in 2nd place.
The 8th grade A team had a last second score to beat the Mustangs 26 to 24. They are currently tied for 3rd place in district.
8th grade season scores and players of the week
Thanks for all the Jaguar Nation support as we look to finish the season strong!
Cedar Valley Participates in RRHS HoCo Parade
Safety Drills 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 week students and staff practiced a Shelter in Place Drill and reviewed the steps of a HAZMAT Evacuation situation.
Shelter In Place Drill - This type of drill is used to practice what to do when bad weather presents itself and students need to shelter in more structurally secure part of the building.
HAZMAT Evacuations - This is used when there is a hazardous materials risk on or near campus. Depending on the level and location of the risk, the building or portions of the building need to be evacuated or relocated. We reviewed the steps students and staff would take in case of a hazardous risk.
Upcoming Campus-Wide Testing - Oct. 21, 23, and 24
Please be aware of upcoming campus-wide testing.
Tuesday, Oct. 21: ELA STAAR Interim Test
Modified Bell Schedule
Testing will take place in an assigned testing room. Students will need to check the posted list to know where they will be testing. Lists are posted throughout the building for easy access.
Students should bring fully charged chromebooks and a set of wired headphones if possible.
For questions about testing, please contact our Campus Testing Coordinator, Marc_Scott@roundrockisd.org.
Math STAAR Interim - Oct. 23 and 24: Students will also take their math STAAR Interim assessment in their math class on Thursday and Friday (no modified bell schedule).
Prohibited Items
As the weather cools down, we start to see "comfort items" that are best left at home. We ask that all stuffed animals and blankets be left at home. If blankets are being used in place of coats, we ask that they be put away in backpacks when students arrive to school. Thank you for your attention to this matter.
October is National Bullying Prevention Month
RRISD IB Information Meetings
Unity Day - Oct. 22
Unity Day, started by PACER’s National Bullying Prevention Center in October 2011, is the signature event of National Bullying Prevention Month. This is a day when we can come together to send a visible message of building commUNITY through kindness, acceptance, and inclusion. The call to action is simple: wear and share the color orange. This vibrant statement becomes a conversation starter, showing support for students who have been bullied and for bullying prevention.
PTA Reflections Submissions Due Oct. 24
The arts – and the National PTA Reflections program – support student success and serve as a valuable tool for building strong partnerships in your school community. Celebrate arts learning in your school community with Reflections.
Reflections 2025-2026
Imagination, creativity and interpretation of the theme “I Belong!” in 2025-26.
To get involved, students submit your digital file using this online entry form inspired by the annual theme, for the Reflections Program in any of following arts areas with rules:
Dance Choreography
Film Production
Literature
Music Composition
Photography
Visual Arts
Accessible Arts Rules
Students can submit pieces in each (and every) category. Student artists should be responsible for their own work.
Submissions will be judged at the school level; those that advance will move on to the Council level and beyond. Once the entry is moved on to State level, will be informed to provide physical registration form.
Join as a CeVMS PTA member TODAY! Must have PTA membership to enter.
For 2025-26, please fill out the form designed by Council PTA.
Visual Arts Entries will be submitted physically on campus while all other entries will be submitted virtually. Students will not want to miss this opportunity to submit an entry to this exciting and creative competition. Virtual Exhibit 2024-25 National PTA Reflections Awards
CeVMS Reflections Due Date: Friday, Oct. 24, 2025
More information about Reflection on Council PTA or Tx PTA
If you have questions, please send an email to Charlotte Chen, Reflections Chair via reflections@cevmspta.org
McNeil Engineering Club is hosting a Middle School STEM Challenge
McNeil's TSA Engineering Club is hosting a STEM challenge for middle school students. Join us for a morning of fun filled STEM design challenges with McNeil Engineering students.
Details:
Price: $45.00 – This includes Projects, snacks, & STEM souvenirs.
Who? This exciting opportunity is available to middle school aged student interested in STEM / Engineering
When/Where? Saturday 10/25/25 8:30am-Noon in McNeil High School Engineering Maker Space
Registration is limited to 30 spots. Sign up with the following link: LINK
Lady Jaguar Basketball Tryouts - Oct. 21-23
Jaguar Boys Basketball Tryouts - Oct. 30 &31
Red Ribbon Week - Oct. 27 - 31
Picture Retake Day - Oct. 29
Did you miss picture day last week? No worries! You can take your photo on Wednesday, Oct. 29. This will also be the opportunity for anyone who would like to retake their photos.
Travel Opportunity for Students
Mrs. Carroll is organizing an unforgettable educational trip to Quito, Santa Cruz Island, Isabela Island, San Cristóbal Island; extension to Riobamba in Summer 2027!
This trip will provide students with the opportunity to practice their Spanish skills, explore new places, experience diverse cultures, and develop valuable skills, including confidence and independence, through hands-on learning experiences.
Please join her Informational Meeting on October 29, where she’ll share details about the trip, what students will see, learning activities, academic opportunities, costs, and how to sign up.
Enrollment will open during the meeting—spots are limited, so don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity!
In the meantime, families can visit EF’s website to learn more and find answers to common questions. EF Tours is Mrs. Carroll’s trusted travel partner, with over 60 years of experience helping students explore the world safely and affordably.
**THIS IS A NON-RRISD and NON-CEDAR VALLEY SPONSORED TRIP**
Halloween Dress Up Info.
Students and staff are welcome to dress up in costumes on Friday, October 31. We ask that costumes be school appropriate and meet the following requirements:
Costumes must follow the RRISD dress code (p. 69 of Student Handbook)
Staff must be able to identify students. No masks.
Costumes must not hinder student’s ability to walk in the hall or participate in class, including PE. (no inflatable costumes)
Props and accessories should stay at home (ex: masks, wands, weapons, etc.)
We also ask that candy be left at home.
Students who prefer not to dress up are encouraged to wear purple to show their Cedar Valley spirit.
Order Your Yearbook!
jostens.com/ybkboo
Attn: 8th Grade Parents - Yearbook Ads Info.
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!
Free and Reduced Meal Application
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 about the free and reduced lunch and breakfast program and to apply, please visit: https://www.roundrockisd.org/o/rrisd/page/lunch-faqs
Come cheer on the Jags!
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