Jaguar Tales - October 5, 2025

Cedar Valley Middle School - Round Rock ISD

Dear Cedar Valley Families,

We hope this message finds you well and recharged for another great week at Cedar Valley! As we head into the final week of the 9 weeks, let’s encourage our students to finish strong. This is a great time to check grades, turn in any missing assignments, and take advantage of tutorials if extra help is needed.

We’re so proud of the effort our students have put in so far. Let’s keep that momentum going! A strong finish sets the tone for the next grading period, and every bit of focus and determination makes a difference.

As we move through October, we also want to recognize Bullying Prevention Month. At Cedar Valley, we are committed to fostering a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for all students. Throughout the month, students will engage in activities and discussions that promote kindness, empathy, and standing up for others. We encourage families to continue these conversations at home and remind students that their words and actions matter.

And don’t forget the Book Fair is happening this week! It’s a great opportunity for students to discover new books, get excited about reading, and support our library. Details are listed below.

Wishing everyone a positive and productive week ahead! Go Jags!

Larissa Ortiz, Cedar Valley Middle School Principal

World Cultures in Action

Sixth grade World Cultures students worked on identifying, expressing, and presenting their culture and heritage in a Culture Quilt Project. Students were to choose 4 of the 8 culture traits we learned about, and create a visual representation of those traits. They also had to dig deep and express one “Deep Culture” trait, which is a more philosophical approach to their views and beliefs. This required students to think critically about who they are, what is important to them, and why. It was a special opportunity for students to reflect on and honor their culture and appreciate and respect the cultures of their classmates.

Girls in Engineering in Action

Chess Recognition

Yangyang S. represented Cedar Valley Middle School in the Region VI Girls’ Chess Championship in Austin on Sept. 20, and finished in first place.

As the winner of the Championship Section she will be the Region VI representative in the Girls’ section of the 2026 Texas Junior Invitational tournament. The invitational will take place in the spring of 2026 to select Texas' nominee to play in the 14th Annual WIM Ruth Haring Tournament of Girls’ State Champions.

Congratulations, Yangyang on your accomplishment and good luck at the Texas Junior Invitational!

Lady Jags Volleyball

The Lady Jags played against the Deerpark Rangers on Thursday night in the sixth volleyball game of the season.

It was a clean sweep for Jaguar Nation as all four teams finished out the evening with a win! Great job, Lady Jags!

Jaguar Football

Thank you, Custodial Team!

This past week, on October 2nd, we celebrated School Custodian Appreciation Day, and we want to take a moment to recognize the incredible work of our custodial team. Their dedication, hard work, and behind-the-scenes efforts keep Cedar Valley clean, safe, and welcoming every single day. From early mornings to late evenings, they go above and beyond for our students and staff. We appreciate all that they do!

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 our students and staff practiced a Secure Drill and a Lockdown Drill.

Secure Drill - This type of drill is used to practice what to do when a safety situation exists outside of the school and students need to remain inside. Teaching and learning continue inside the building.

Lockdown Drill - This drill is used to practice when a safety situation or hazard exists inside of the school building and students must enter lockdown mode. This includes finding a safe location, keeping doors locked, lights off, remaining quiet and still, and awaiting further instructions.

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

October is National Bullying Prevention Month

Book Fair - Oct. 3-10

Click here for more information about the book fair.

Book Fair Volunteers Needed

LIBRARY BOOK FAIR COMING SOON
October 3-10, 2025

The Cedar Valley Librarian needs your help selling books. No prior experience is necessary.

Please sign up to Volunteer Here! There are still volunteer slots open.

It's a fundraiser for the library.

Set up your Book Fair eWallet now so your students can get all the books before Spring Break!
Click here for eWallet activation.

Volleyball Spirit Days

Join in to show your spirit for our Volleyball teams! Please see the themes in the image below.

Next up: Oct. 9 vs. Hopewell- Breast Cancer Awareness - Wear: All Things Pink!

All wardrobe must continue to meet the RRISD dress code.

No School - Oct. 13

Benefit Talent Show Auditions - Oct. 14 & 15

Click here to access the audition form. The form closes on Oct. 9.

No School - Oct. 20

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.

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