April Newsletter
CMS
Cougar Families!
Testing
As a reminder we have AzMerit Testing taking place April 1st-30th. We would like to encourage students to bring their own earbuds for testing.
As a reminder, state testing can only take place in person. If you are a virtual student, it's not too late to schedule an appointment to test.
We would appreciate your support and partnership in trying to avoid removing students from school on test days for appointments.
Great things are happening at Combs Middle School
Principal Ridge
Counseling Corner
Hello and happy spring from the CMS counseling department. During the month of April, our students will be participating in AzMerit testing. With testing can come increased stress. The counseling department will be sharing some helpful tips for coping with "Test Stress" with our students and would like to pass this information along. We value the partnership we have with our Combs parents in assisting with test preparation and management of any related stress.
Acknowledge and accept the stress you feel- Accept that stress is a normal feeling and that a little stress can be a good thing. A little nervousness can actually help you perform your best on the test. Reduce or avoid caffeinated beverages - drinking caffeine can make stress worse. Eat healthy and eat a good breakfast on test days - Reduce the amount of sugary and “junk” food you eat...especially during test taking. Make sure you are eating fruits and vegetables and a good breakfast on test days. This will give you energy and help you to sustain the focus needed for testing. Get enough sleep - Make sure to get between 7-9 hours of sleep each night leading up to your test date. Relax - Try deep breathing exercises to help relax your body or short meditative exercises to help clear your mind. Stretching is also good for relieving muscle tension. Exercise- Going for a run, a walk, riding your bike, jumping on the trampoline, etc. can help with your stress levels and restore your body and mind to a more relaxed state. Keep a stress journal. Documenting your own stress patterns will help you become aware of situations and stimuli that trigger your stress levels. Being aware of what triggers your stress level can help you to develop better coping mechanisms. Talk to a trusted family member, friend, or helping adult at school - If you are feeling overwhelmingly stressed and can use reminders of helpful tips for coping with "Test Stress.
No School
Save the Date!
Friday, May 21st 6pm-8pm
At this time, Student Council is hard at work planning the infamous 8th Grade Formal!
More details to follow soon.
District Student of the Month
Athletic Updates
I am happy to announce that 4th quarter sports are underway. We have had a great week of tryouts and the turnout has been exceptional. I know coaches and players are very excited to compete and have things back to normal.
Please remind your child that it is a privilege to be a part of a school team, not a right. It is important that they hold themselves to a high level on and off the field/court.
I want to remind you that fees will be due by Friday, April 2nd. If we do not receive payment your child will not be able to participate in competition until payment is received. Games will start the week of April 5th. Boys basketball and girls soccer games will start at 4:30 and any home Wrestling meets will start at 5:00 and be held at Combs High school.
We will be having a parent/player meeting Wednesday, March 31st at 5:30. This meeting is to go over my expectations for all athletes. After my meeting, you will then meet with your child’s coach to go over anything they may have for you that I do not cover.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact me.
Go Cougars!!
Thanks,
Mr. Clark
Dean of Students
Athletic Director
Join the Combs Team
Combs Middle School
Email: agonzales@jocombs.org
Website: https://combsms.jocombs.org/
Location: 37611 North Pecan Creek Drive, San Tan Valley, AZ, USA
Phone: 480.882.3510
Twitter: @CombsCougars
District Website, All Site websites and all Publications Notice of Non-Discrimination 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 , Athletic Director, 2505 E. Germann Road, San Tan Valley, AZ 85140 or 480-882-3540 and Compliance Officer for Section 504/ADA, Director of Student Services, 301 E. Combs Road, 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, Director Atlético 2505 E. Germann Road, San Tan Valley, AZ 85140 or 480-882-3540 and Funcionario de Cumplimiento para la Sección 504/ADA, Director de Servicios Estudiantiles, 301 E. Combs Road, San Tan Valley, AZ 85140 or 480-987-5300.