COUGAR NEWS
Combs Middle School
School Newsletter – April 2013
Mr. Mauro’s Message
Each year in the spring, schools are given the opportunity to assess the success of the learning that has taken
place within Language Arts (reading/writing), Science, and Mathematics through the taking of the Arizona
Instrument to Measure Standards (AIMS) tests. The results of these tests are used by the Arizona Department
of Education (ADE) for evaluative purposes of the students, teachers, middle school, and district. Since the
beginning of the school year, teachers have strived to assist each of their students with recording (and
understanding) as well as retaining (and practicing) all of the various pieces of information that will be assessed
on these tests.
This year’s AIMS will take place April 15th-18th. Listed below is the schedule for the testing:
April 15 – AIMS Writing (7th)/Science (8th)
April 17 – AIMS Reading II/Math II
April 16 – AIMS Reading I/Math I
April 18 – AIMS Reading III/Math III
Please assist us in creating the best testing environment possible for our students by making sure your child gets
a good night’s sleep and eats a nourishing breakfast each morning throughout the testing week.
Student of the Month Recognition - March
The following Cougars and Lady Cougars earned the distinction as Student of the Month for March:
Middle School “Outstanding Cougars” Program
7th Grade
Hannah Rodriguez and Bryce Wynn
th
8 Grade
Katheran Cesena and Brendon McClendon
District “Character Counts” Program
Mylan Lamphier (8th grade) received this recognition at the board meeting for the pillar of responsibility.
Kiwanis “Most Improved Student” Program
AnnDrea Briseno (7th grade) received this recognition in March.
CONGRATULATIONS to these recipients!
Book Fair
Combs Middle School hosted its spring book fair March 20th – 27th. Students, parents, grandparents, and
community members took advantage of this special opportunity to purchase books provided by A+ Book Fairs.
“Thank You” to everyone who supported this special cause and purchased a book.
PTO Fundraiser – Take Charge of Education
Please remember that the PTO is participating in a fundraiser sponsored by Target stores known as Take Charge
of Education. To participate, you acquire/use a Target REDcard (which include Target Credit Card, Target
Debit Card, or Target Visa Credit Card) and enroll in Take Charge of Education. You can apply for a Target
Credit Card or Target Debit Card at any Target store. To designate the middle school for this program visit
www.target.com/tcoe and enter our school name in order to designate the middle school. Please consider taking
advantage of this PTO fundraiser for the middle school.
Third Annual Pinal County Scholastic Essay Contest
Christian Ashbeck finished in first place, and Sydney Brown/Jada Clint finished tied for third place amongst all
school entries within Pinal County in the Third Annual Pinal County Scholastic Essay Contest. The essay topic
was: What is the importance of the science of archeology to Pinal County? These recipients will be recognized
at the Annual Academic Achievement Award Ceremony sponsored by the San Tan Valley Think Tank at
Eduprize School on April 24th. “Congratulations” to these students for this outstanding accomplishment!
PTO News
The next PTO meeting will be 6:00-7:00 pm in the cafeteria on Tuesday, April 16th. Please remember that a
free homework pass is given to every parent who attends. Please consider attending YOUR next PTO meeting.
Yearbooks
Mr. Howe and his students in the Yearbook class have been diligently working to produce this year’s edition of
the middle school yearbook. This year’s yearbook is going to be a great edition. Students always enjoy looking
at past yearbooks as a way to remember the experiences that took place during their middle school years. The
cost of the yearbook is $30. Please turn in your money (cash or check) to the front office. Feel free to contact
Mr. Howe at (480) 882-3510 (extension 1421) if you have any questions about the yearbook.
Pennies for Patients
Since 1994, millions of dollars have been raised in pennies and other spare change by
more than 10 million elementary, middle, and high school students throughout the
country. The Pennies for Patients campaign began in the Society's North Carolina
Chapter in 1995. The funds collected benefit The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.
Everyone who participates is a winner!
Students across the country are collecting pennies, nickels, dimes and quarters during
the Pennies for Patients campaigns benefiting the Society.
In the Pennies for Patients campaign, the class collecting the most change in each school receives a pizza party.
Prizes such as computers, electronics and sports equipment are awarded to the top schools in each area.
The Pennies for Patients campaign began in the Society's North Carolina Chapter in 1995.
Combs Middle School has been participating in this event, sponsored by Student Council, since March 25th.
The campaign at the middle school will end on April 12th. If you have not yet participated, please consider
partnering with your child to bring in your spare change to donate to this very worthy cause.
Galileo
In October 2010, Assessment Technology Inc. (ATI) announced that it was selected by the Arizona Department
of Education (ADE) as a provider for curriculum testing and assessment. ATI is a federal, state, and local
online system. An ATI component, Galileo K-12, offers services to assist educators in implementing effective
interventions and measuring progress toward student goals. At Combs Middle School, the tests are
administered using bubble sheets. The completed sheets are scanned into a computer; answers are computed,
and the results are made available to the school.
ATI’s program tests and scores more than 24,000 assessments aligned to Arizona State Standards. ATI was
established in 1986 and has its headquarters in Tucson, AZ. They were one of the first to provide online testing,
results, and assessments identifying students who are at risk for not meeting the State standards. Galileo K-12
Online is a standards-based instructional improvement system with built in state standards. Their technology is
qualified to address district goals when working to raise student achievement.
Galileo Benchmark testing for the third quarter took place March 4th - 8th. Teachers have been reviewing
student results to develop intervention assistance with students in preparation for AIMS testing.
All State Orchestra
On February 23 , a number of Combs Middle School
students attended the All State Orchestra Concert. CMS
is very fortunate to have four of the top hundred junior
high Orchestra students in the state of Arizona who were
recognized for their accomplishments at this event.
rd
Brandon Wu was selected for 1st chair Cello, Caleb
Potter was selected for 3rd chair Violin II, Bryce Wynn
was selected for 7th chair String Bass, and Hannah
Arnold was selected 20th chair Violin II.
“Congratulations” to these students on their talent!
Leadership University
On March 22nd and 23rd, National Junior Honor Society and Student Council students attended the Leadership
University. This special event was an activity packed two day leadership experience hosted by the Combs
Coyoteers. Combs Coyoteers is a leadership group at Combs High School. This group of high school students
has hosted this event for the past few years. Leadership University will provide the leaders of the middle school
an opportunity to grow their leadership skills and will give them a chance to become more familiar with the
Combs High School campus.
The Leadership University is a wonderful opportunity for young teens to become strong positive role models for
other young adolescents. The training focuses on social topics that students may have to deal with in their every
day interactions. Students learn skill building techniques, and the experience provides the competency to set
goals and to communicate with peers in a compassionate and practical manner. The district is very fortunate to
be able to offer our students this opportunity and the experience it bestows.
All State Band
On March 16th, two students from the middle school
band participated in the All State Band Performance in
Surprise, Arizona. Victoria Schmidt played the alto
saxophone with the 7th grade All State Band, and
Keenan Steele played Bassoon with the 8th grade All
State Band and earned the 1st chair position. Students
rehearsed 8:00 am to 5:00 pm with guest directors
which culminated in a concert. Pictured with Mr.
Lloyd are our two honored students.
On March 2nd, two band students performed solos at
the Junior High Solo Ensemble Festival. Eric Hill
performed on trombone, and Keenan Steele performed on bassoon. Both received perfect scores in all
categories and earned “Superior” ratings for their performances. “Congratulations” to all these band students!
Banner Children’s Healthmobile
The Banner Children’s Healthmobile is available every Thursday (9:00 am – 3:00 pm). It is located in the
Banner Ironwood parking lot. The healthmobile provides free primary care for uninsured and underinsured
children. No appointments are needed; patients are seen in the order with which they arrive. If you have any
questions, please feel free to contact the Combs Traditional Academy Health Assistant at 480-987-5323.
Teacher/Parent Communication Tools
JupiterGrades is an online program which allows you to monitor your child’s grades, homework, missing
assignments, test scores, report cards, and attendance. The program is updated automatically, so you always
have access to the most current information. If you have more than one student in our district, you can create a
single account, allowing instant access to information for each child. Students have their own password and are
encouraged to monitor their own progress.
Each middle school teacher has a website. This important tool for communication creates an opportunity for
parents to be aware of what is happening in their child’s classes. To locate a particular teacher’s site, go to the
Contact Us section of the middle school website at www.combsms.jocombs.org and click on Staff Listing &
Teacher Web Sites. Once there, scroll down to the section labeled Teachers and click on a teacher’s site. One
of the features the page will allow you to see is your child’s upcoming assignments/quizzes/tests.
If you have any questions about teacher websites or JupiterGrades please feel free to contact Mrs. Carpenter,
Administrative Assistant, by e-mail at [email protected] or by phone at 480-882-3515.
Calendar
April
1-12
15-19
23
24
26
29-30
29-30
Pennies for Patients
AIMS Testing
6th Grade Open House (6:00 pm @ CMS)
San Tan Valley Awards Night
Spring Dance (6-8 pm)
6th Grade Visitation Days (9-11 am @ CMS)
Promise for the Future (CAC with 8th graders)
Important Numbers and Information
Main Line: 480-882-3510
Fax: 480-888-8049
Attendance Line: 480-882-3510 ext.1402
Food Service: 480-882-3514
Transportation: 480-987-5309
Health Office: 480-882-3513
Web Address: www.combsms.jocombs.org or www.jocombs.org