October Newsletter
Message from the Principal
Cougar Community
Many things have taken place during the first quarter.. We had our first dance, baseball made it to the playoffs and we had a student place in the top 10 on our inaugural cross country track team. We had a student recognized by PAPER as one the first students in the country (as in the whole United States of America) to close “ a ring”. So many great things are happening at CMS.
On another note, I have had to hold students accountable for their actions and behaviors. I suspended cell phone usage and the structure of lunch time. I refuse to accept anything less than high expectations in the way Cougars are expected to conduct themselves
Cougar Pledge
"Today I will do more than I have to do, I will treat others as I want to be treated, and I will try to become a better person."
This means we will treat one another with dignity and respect. Will will not tolerate social media bullying or in person. We will respect our campus by picking up after ourselves. .We will take care of our devices as if they were paid for and not free. Finally, students will contribute to CMS in a positive manner.
I am sincere when I say I want to partner with you in your child's education and experience CMS and I ask for your support.
Things to remember and consider. (with love of course)
All cell phones are parent pickup if students are caught using their phones.(yes, even if they are talking to you, currently we do not have a parent clause.) I promise if they need to reach you, they will have access to do so and vice versa.. It would be wonderful if y’all could keep that same energy about phones for grades and behavior.
Please be mindful of the dress code. (no pajamas, toys, or binkys, we are not hosting sleepovers)
Please be even more mindful of grades and attendance. Students are to be here daily and on time. The tardy bell rings at 9:00 am. No one should be rolling up at 9:00am. Roll up by 8:55. Cool points for playing good music.
Classroom Tardiness. The absolute truth is any student can make it to any place on campus in less than 5 minutes. So there is no reason to be late to class. I Pinky Swear.
Saturday School/After School Detention. If students are failing multiple classes and missing numerous assignments, they will be given the extraordinary opportunity to attend Saturday School and/or after school detention.
Some students will be getting an involuntary invitation to attend the alternative school if they are struggling with academics, behavior and or attendance.
If you would rather your student focus on more positive things to do after school we have various activities
Chess Club.
Photography Club
Drama Club
Spanish Club
Quarter 2 Sports
Softball
Wrestling
Every student is welcome to join a club and try out for sports. We encourage students to get involved!
Although I have inserted humor and love, please know that I mean business when it comes to holding students accountable and championing for them to become the best version of themselves.
Principal Ridge
Counselors Corner
SEL/Counselor Intro
The CMS Counseling team will be rolling out a self referral process for students to set up appointments with each of our counselors on an as needed basis. For any additional questions, our contact information is listed within our website that is linked below:
JOCUSD Parent University:
Parents, did you know that our district offers valuable parent resources available to you for FREE? Parent University educates Combs parents on the social, emotional, and developmental needs of their student. It focuses on creating positive experiences and building emotional health so students are present, engaged, and learning when on campus. The focus on emotional health and the education of the whole child will lead to success as students reach for their full potential, contribute to the greater good of society, and lead meaningful lives. Here is a link to the Parent University home page:
If you are interested in learning more about our events, please check out this calendar for more information:
Parent University Events Calendar
Additionally, we are looking for what you all want to know and learn about. Our district has created a survey to get your feedback and opinion on information you would like to see presented through our Parent University platform. Please click on the link below if you wish to participate in this survey:
Major Clarity:
SEL in the classroom:
Our goal at Combs Middle School is to ensure all children have the supports and services necessary to maximize success in all areas. We strive to reach their highest learning potential in a safe environment that speeds up positive growth. Social emotional learning heavily focuses on serving the whole child. The CMS counseling team is utilizing 20 minutes every other week with 7th and 8th grade students to work through important life lessons such as problem solving, being a good citizen online, and many more.
If you are interested in learning more about the SEL platforms and competencies that we follow on campus, here is a link to our website:
Athletics
Parents & Guardians,
First quarter sports are coming to an end. All teams have done a great job competing and improving as a team this quarter. Volleyball made tremendous gains this season and really came together at the end. Our baseball team has made it to the state playoffs as the #8 seed. Our first playoff game will be on October 4th at 4:00pm at CMS. If you are able to attend and support our players that would be great. The CMS cross-country team has three meets under its belt and continues to improve each day.
I want to inform you all that 2nd quarter sports tryouts will begin the Tuesday, October 11th directly after school. If your child plans and joining the wrestling team practices will be at the high school after school. Your child will load the bus (route 1) and be transported for practice. Softball practice will be on the CMS softball field starting at 4:00 and ending at 5:45. Please make sure that your child has their sports physical and athletic packet fully completed. If it is not completed then they will not be able to tryout.
If you have any questions please contact Mr. Clark.
Combs Performing Arts
October 1 at 12 pm.
Presto! A family friendly, evening of magic and variety entertainment with world-renowned entertainers Valley Variety's Mr. B and The Astonishing Magic of Sebastian. November 11, 2022 at 6 pm. Tickets on sale at www.jocombs.org/CPAC
The Green Day Tribute-Green ToDAy
presented by Rocksteady Productions -Audience Choice Winner November 19, 2023 at 7 pm.
Ticket information coming soon to www.jocombs.org/CPAC
From the Cafeteria
Parents, please make sure to maintain funds in your child’s meal account. Lunch is $3.20 per meal and Breakfast is $1.75. You can go online to make payments to the student’s account (family.titank12.com), send money with your child to have it put in their account directly or drop it off yourself at the cafeteria. If the student’s meal account has a negative balance, you will receive an email reminding you to add money to their account. Your child will still receive a nutritious meal, but will have less choice of what they may have for breakfast or lunch. We love to feed your children and also would love to hear from you on food choice suggestions that we may incorporate into our menu.
No School
Kona Ice
Softball and Wrestling
Combs Middle School
J.O. Combs Unified School District #44 does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, disability, age or sexual orientation in admission and access to its programs, services, activities, or in any aspect of their operations and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. J.O. Combs Unified School District #44 also does not discriminate in its hiring or employment practices. The following employees have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policies: Compliance Officer for Title IX, Assistant Superintendent, 43371 N. Kenworthy Rd, San Tan Valley, AZ 85140 or 480-987-5300 and Compliance Officer for Section 504/ADA, Director of Student Services, 43371 N. Kenworthy Rd, San Tan Valley, AZ 85140 or 480-987-5300.
El Districto Escolar Unificado de J.O. Combs #44 no discrimina en base a su raza, color, religión, origen nacional, sexo, discapacidad, edad, o la orientación sexual para la admisión y su acceso a sus programas, servicios, actividades, o en cualquier aspecto de sus operaciones y proporciona un acceso igualitario a los Boys Scouts y otro grupos de jóvenes designados. El Districto Escolar Unificado de J.O. Combs tampoco discrimina en sus prácticas de empleo y contratación. Los siguientes empleados han sido designados para manejar las preguntas en cuanto a las pólizas de no discriminación: Funcionario de Cumplimiento de Título IX, Superintendente Asistente 43371 N. Kenworthy Rd, San Tan Valley, AZ 85140 or 480-987-5300 and Funcionario de Cumplimiento para la Sección 504/ADA, Director de Servicios Estudiantiles, 43371 N. Kenworthy Rd, San Tan Valley, AZ 85140 or 480-987-5300.
Email: aflores@jocombs.org
Website: combsms.jocombs.org?/
Location: 37611 North Pecan Creek Drive, San Tan Valley, AZ, USA
Phone: 480-882-3510
Twitter: @combscougars