Jan. 12 Newsletter

Posted Date: 1/12/25 (8:37 PM)

E.A. Cox Middle School

January 2025

Hello Cougar Families

Brrr, it was cold outside! We hope that everyone stayed safe & warm. We also hope that our families have had an opportunity to have some winter fun in the snow. If you have snow fun pictures, please share them in the comments on our Facebook post - you never know, we might include yours in the yearbook!

We have not had an official announcement regarding school tomorrow. Stay tuned to MCPS for announcements regarding possible delays or closures due to prolonged hazardous road conditions.

***IF*** we have a delay, please see the graphic below to better understand the process. The delayed start last week surprised & confused so many people.

Report cards will be printed and issued when we return to school.

Please note the bridge closure & new traffic pattern listed below. Tom J HItch bridge is closed to all traffic for the remainder of the school year.

Delayed Start Information

In rare instances that MCPS initiates a two hour delayed start - please note it only affects the start of the school day. If the bus normally picks up at 6:45am, it will pick up at 8:45am. Students cannot be dropped off before 9am and school starts at 9:45am. 2:45 pm dismissal and bus drop off will not be affected and will remain the same.

Staff is also on a delayed start, students cannot dropped off before 9AM & cannot be left unattended.

Road Closed - Detour

Tom J Hitch will be closed starting Jan. 13 from Iron Bridge Rd to Bear Creek Pike. Traffic will be re-routed to Hwy 31 through downtown Columbia. Please adjust your travel times to ensure timely arrivals at both EA Cox & Randolph Howell. Road closure is expected to last to summer.

Students arriving at school after 7:45am are considered tardy. 4 unexcused tardies to school equals 1 unexcused absence per MCPS board policy 6.200

After School Tutoring

Tutoring is available for all students immediately after school Monday - Thursday. Parents must pick students up by 4pm. If this becomes an issue your child will be eliminated from afternoon tutoring.

Attendance Reminders

We take your students attendance seriously. Your student cannot learn & grow academically if they are not at school. We realize occasional absences are inevitable, so as we start the second semester, a few attendance reminders:

All excuse notes must be submitted within 5 days of original absence
Notes can be hand delivered to the office or emailed to mshamburg@mauryk12.org
5 parent notes allowed per semester, not applicable if a truancy referral is in place
Every 4 tardies to school, 4 early sign outs or combination is considered 1 unexcused absence
Early sign outs before 11:15am is a full day absence
5 unexcused absences results in a letter & school truancy meeting
10 unexcused absences results in a letter
12 unexcused absences a truancy referral is made and court proceedings can occur

More attendance information can be found on our website or MCPS board policy 6.200

Important Reminders

Students cannot be dropped off before 7am
Students arriving after 7:45am are considered tardy
No early sign outs after 2:15pm
Students not staying for authorized after school activities must be picked up by 3pm
Government issued ID is required to enter our building
We enforce MCPS dress code. Students must be covered from shoulders to 3" above the knee. Leggings & yoga pants are not allowed unless worn with a tunic type top. House shoes, hats and hoodies are not to be worn in the building. Full dress code can be found on our website

School Website

Student Meals

All students eat breakfast and lunch for free. You may add money to your student's account at www.schoolcafe.com OR have your student bring money to the cafeteria to fund their account for extra treats. Please click the link below to view the menus.

Breakfast Menu

Lunch Menu

Before & After School Clubs

Cougar Sports Schedules

Contact info

If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to contact us. You can reach out via the following links:

931-840-3902
cpotts@mauryk12.org
www.cms.mauryk12.org