Week of Jan. 20

Posted Date: 1/19/25 (7:00 PM)

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E.A. Cox Middle School

January 2025

Hello Cougar Families

Check out what's happening this week!

A blue and red graphic announcing Martin Luther King Jr. Day, a federal holiday observed on the third Monday of January.

No School Monday

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day (MLK Day) is a federal holiday in the United States that honors the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. It is celebrated on the third Monday of January each year.

Honors Dr. King's legacy: MLK Day recognizes Dr. King's efforts to end discrimination and promote civil rights in the United States.
Promotes nonviolence: MLK Day highlights the use of nonviolent protest to effect social change.
Encourages service: MLK Day is a National Day of Service, encouraging Americans to volunteer in their communities.

A blue and white illustration with the text 'Winter is here' and a mitten with snowflakes. The text below reads 'Blankets & hoods cannot be worn inside the building.'

Cold Weather Alert

We know it has been extremely cold however hoods & blankets are not allowed in the classrooms or hallways for safety reasons that could include tripping. Blankets must be stored in student lockers at the start of first period.

In addition, MCPS policy 6.310 prohibits hoods from being worn on the head. Dr. Potts has announced daily reminders to students not to wear hoods inside. If students continue to cover their heads with hoods while inside, all hoodies will be stored in lockers.

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.

Tutoring has resumed for 2025

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. Please adjust your travel times to ensure timely arrivals at both EA Cox & Randolph Howell. Road closure is expected to last several weeks while actual construction is expected to last to summer. We are not anticipating any changes to the bus schedules but should any arise, changes will be communicated through MCPS transportation department.

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

Softball Conditioning & Try Outs

Girls interested in trying out for Softball must attend conditioning. Conditioning started on the 16th - see Coach G ASAP if you're interested. Students must have a current physical on file to start work outs along with softball attire & tennis shoes. Email Coach G with questions agilbreath@mauryk12.org

Boys Soccer Try Outs

6-8th grade boys that want to play soccer must try out on Jan. 23rd. Players must have a physical dated after 4.16.24. Athletes need cleats & shin guards. Bring water! If there is a big turn out, try outs may continue on Friday, after school to 5pm. Email or see Coach Beth with questions.

First Semester Principals List & Honor Roll

Congratulations to the following students for outstanding academic success. We are thrilled to celebrate their hard work, dedication and academic achievements!

A list of principals for each grade level, from 5th to 8th grade, for the first quarter.

A list of principals for grades 5th through 8th, with the title 'Principals List' and 'Second Quarter' at the bottom.

A list of students who made the honor roll for the first quarter, organized by grade level.

A list of students on the honor roll for the second quarter, organized by grade level.

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

A yellow speech bubble with a black outline on a red background with white dots, the speech bubble says 'IMPORTANT INFORMATION' in black and white text.

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
Cell phones are to be stored in lockers. Students should not have personal devices during school hours. Confiscated phones must be picked up by a guardian
We enforce MCPS dress code. Students must be covered from shoulders to 3" above the knee. Ripped clothing above the knee must be covered with underlying fabric. 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