Week of January 27, 2025

Posted Date: 1/26/25 (8:02 PM)

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E.A. Cox Middle School

January 2025

Hello Cougar Families

It's the last week of January! See what's happening this week...

Hoods cannot be worn inside. If it continues, all hoodies will be stored in lockers at 1st period until the end of day.

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.'

Dress Code Alert

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 for ALL students, will be stored in lockers from the start to the end of the day.

Shirts that meet dress code must be worn under hoodies/jackets at all times.

Three colorful blocks spell out 'FUN' with the word 'Friday' written in yellow below.

Fun Fridays Are Back in 2025!

Students earn the opportunity to have a bit of fun every Friday and visit the concession stand by meeting the following expectations:

Must have ID badge
No missing assignments
No tardies to class
No ISS, OSS or detention

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

Cougar PAWS Opens Monday

Students have been earning tickets for meeting schoolwide expectations for the last few weeks. The day has finally arrived, tickets can be redeemed on Monday in the store. Be sure to ask your student about all the amazing items that are being offered. We're super excited to bring this opportunity to our students and celebrate their success!

A cartoon illustration of a pet store called 'Cougar Paws Store' with a red door and a sign that says 'Opens Monday'.

A classroom expectations poster with four categories: Prepared, Accountable, We Respect, and Safe. Each category has a list of expectations for students.

A chart outlining hallway and locker expectations for students, including being prepared, accountable, respectful, and safe.

A chart outlining transition expectations with headings 'Prepared', 'Accountable', 'We Respect', and 'Safe'.

A colorful poster announcing Hat Day on Friday, January 31st, with a variety of hats and science equipment.

January 31 Hat Day

Wear your favorite hat for $1 on Friday. All proceeds go to STEM supplies. See Mrs. Porter for ticket!

Boys Soccer Try Outs

Players must have a physical dated after 4.16.24. Athletes need cleats & shin guards. Bring water!

A colorful announcement for Parent Teacher Conferences on Tuesday, February 11th from 3:30 to 6:30pm.

A pink background with hearts and a notice that all MCPS schools are closed on February 14th for professional development. Deliveries are not accepted for students and latex balloons are prohibited due to allergies.

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