Reaching for the STAARs

     As you may already know, the state of Texas has changed the name of our annual assessment tool from TAKS to STAAR.  STAAR stands for the State of Texas Assessment of Academic Readiness.  This new assessment will bring about a few changes.  I have attached a pdf file from the Texas Edcuation Agency (TEA) to help explain the new testing requirments/changes.  I also included a couple of links as additional resources (TEA and Lead4ward).  Lead4ward is a company that provides services to school districts (in this case STAAR implementation).  Feel free to call me at 428-2307 if you have any questions. 
STAAR presentation:  http://209.184.141.5/cedarvalley/pdf/OVERVIEW%20OF%20STAAR.pdf

Texas Education Agency:  http://www.tea.state.tx.us/student.assessment/staar/

Lead4ward:  http://lead4ward.com/

Our first Pep Rally of the year. What fun.

     Our first Pep Rally of the year was an extremely fun time for all students and staff.   Several students were able to showcase their talents as the audience was able to see performances from the band, dance team, school mascot, and cheerleaders. Some teachers and student spectators got into the action as we hosted our usual spirit stick competition. It was a special time for all. The cross-country, volleyball, and football teams each has representatives speak about their respective seasons. I have walked the halls at several campuses over the past 15 years and it makes me wonder how many talented young people I have passed by without being privy to their talents.  I would like to send a special thank you to all the parents and teachers behind the development of those skills and talents. I am proud of each one of our students for the personal bravery they exhibited by performing in front of a large crowd, their sense of togetherness, and the spirit they displayed at our first Pep Rally of the school year. I look forward to seeing everyone at out next Pep Rally. 
Thank you to Mrs. Fowler and Mrs. Moore for all the hard work that you put into organizing the Pep Rally.

Jaggie (our school Mascot)

The Band

Cheerleaders

The Dance Team

Mr. Kind (Winnner of Mr. School Spirit)

Mrs. Cook (Winner of Mrs. School Spirit)

Cyberbullying during lunch

     Mrs. Eickbusch (one of Cedar Valley's awesome counselors) and Officer Colburn (our school resource officer) gave a presentation today during all the lunches about cyberbullying. They did a great job providing examples and better ways to communicate with peers. I was proud of how our students appropriately reacted to the mean girls video (produced by ABC) that they watched during the presentation. I have attached the video if you would like to watch it.   Thank you Danny and Celia for taking the time to discuss and educate our students today about the growing issue of cyberbullying.  Keep up the great work.  Below is a picture of Mr. Colburn talking with the students at lunch today about cyberbullying. 

http://abcnews.go.com/WhatWouldYouDo/girls-bully-teen-facebook/story?id=13094996

Construction Update

     The construction workers have closed in our old outside vent with new cinder block, moved one of our old exterior doors so that it is now a door going from the old gym into the new gym.  They have also begun constructing the walls to both the new gym and the weight room. I attached pictures below which show the progress over the past month.

Veterans Day Assembly and Breakfast with the Principal

     Cedar Valley is hosting a Veterans Day Assembly on November 11. As much as we would like to have our program kick off at 11 am in honor of the 11th hour, we must have 3 assemblies (one per grade level), due to the size of our gym and the number of people who attend this event. All veterans and their families are welcome to attend one or more of the assemblies. A special area has been reserved for all current and past members of the military.  Mrs. Baker and our Fine Art department have organized a tremendous program to honor both our veterans and current members of the military. Please join us at 8:30, 9:30, and/or 10:30 a.m. and watch the talents and skills of our band, choir, orchestra, theatre arts, and dance students as they perform during this time of remembrance.

     Veterans you are invited to have breakfast (donuts and coffee) with Mr. Groff from 7:45 to 8:15 in the library. My dad was in the military for 22 plus years and I would love to exchange stories with you on your special day.  I look forward to visiting with you and creating new memories.
   

Sidewalk Chalk

Ten students from the Art Club at CeVMS participated in an art event this past weekend.  Mrs. O'leary and the students worked together to develop the masterpiece you see below.  Good teamwork and vision guys.  I wish I was that talented.  Story has it they finished the piece just minutes before the rain on Saturday.  I am proud of your work and thank you for representing CeVMS in such a positive and productive way. 

The front entrance has a new coat of paint.

If you were able to visit us on Thursday or Friday then you may have seen the "face lift" to the main entrance.  The painting is being done by Mrs. Watson.  Students and parents, we hope that you find the front entrance more inviting and filled with school spirit.  Mrs. Watson plans on being finished with all the painting on Monday October 10.  I attached a picture just in case you were unable to see the updates this past week.  Have a great weekend.