March 9

Posted Date: 3/09/25 (7:56 PM)

E.A. Cox Middle School

March 2025

Hello Cougar Families

Spring is in the air! Hope you remembered to set your clocks forward an hour today! Don't forget to change the batteries in your smoke/carbon monoxide detectors and weather radios.

It's another busy week in store for our Cougars! Please make sure you read the entire newsletter so you don't miss out on activities.

We will start our 3rd & final round fo district benchmark testing this week. On Monday, we will test Language Arts and Wednesday we will finish up with Math. Please have your students to school on time, as testing starts first thing in the morning. Also, please encourage your students to do their best as these tests will be counted for a grade and help determine next year's classes.

We said this last week but it's worth REPEATING: the 4th and final nine weeks are going to be fast and furious. We encourage you to follow CMS & MCPS on social media and make sure to check parent square messages. There will be lots of information given about end of the year activities and ceremonies, out of zone applications, registration requirements for next school, required immunizations for upcoming 7th graders, transition information for rising 5th/9th graders, summer school/camp, TN State testing schedules, sports interest meetings for next school year and lots more.

Inappropriate Behaviors Are Being Disciplined

"Spring behaviors" in middle school typically refer to increased restlessness, distractions, and potential disengagement from academics. Students often begin exhibiting inappropriate behaviors like public displays of affection, horseplaying, excessive talking, losing focus and other heightened energy levels due to the warmer weather and longer days.

We ask you to speak with your student to reiterate the importance of keeping their hands to themselves. Students should not be touching another student for any reason. Guardians should not be surprised as administration continues to issue consequences that may include detentions, suspensions or alternative school.

A flyer for a school dance event called "Shamrock-Out Dance" at EA Cox Middle School on March 14th, 2025, from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM. Music by DJ Whodat. $5 online, $10 at the door.

ShamROCK Dance

Come Rock Out with DJ Whodat at our dance on March 14th 3-5pm

$5 online tickets available TODAY through Thursday
$10 cash tickets at the door on Friday only
Students need to be picked up by 5pm at the back of the school
Concessions available with cash

Students must be in good standing since Feb. 27th to attend

**No ISS/OSS, detentions or tardies to class

Dance is immediately after school, students cannot leave & return. Dress code applies. Money will not be accepted in the office on behalf of students - please plan accordingly.

Buy Tickets Here

A colorful poster advertising a 'Spirit Night' event at Hattie Janes Creamery on March 11th, featuring a delicious-looking ice cream cone.

Hattie Jane's Spirit Night

Come join us at Hattie Jane's on March 11. The weather is supposed to be beautiful! Sit outside or stroll down the sidewalks of downtown Columbia with an ice cream in hand. Support the people that support our schools. 15% of all sales will come back to school. Help us fund extra activities and celebrations for our students!

A poster for a 'Fairy Tale Talent Network' event, featuring a blue castle against a starry night sky.

Drama Club Presents

Drama Club has been hard at work rehearsing for their spring production of Fairy Tale Talent Network. Mark your calendars to join us March, 13 at 6pm for a special presentation.

End of 3rd Nine Weeks

Report cards will be sent home with your child on Friday, March 14th

A black and white yearbook cover with the title '2025 Yearbook' and the school name 'E A Cox Middle School'. The cover also includes the price of $35 and the last day to order, 3/24/25.

Yearbook Order

Order your yearbook today online today! Hurry - books are going fast!

8th Grade Yearbook Ads

Limited number of "ad spaces" available for 8th grade students. Order online this week!

Order Yearbook Here

A flyer for a Veterans Food Drive at E. A. Cox Middle School, with a list of items needed.

Upcoming Food Drive

Studies show that one in five military and veteran families experience food insecurity—rising to one in four among active duty military families.

We will be partnering up with other community resources and participating in a food drive for our Veterans.

Please start planning your donations.

We will have some friendly, but fierce, competitions between classes. The homeroom with the most items donated wins a pizza party.

Colorful wooden blocks spell out 'FUN' with the word 'Friday' written in yellow below.

Fun Fridays Are Back for 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

A red circle with a diagonal line through it, depicting a spray bottle with a mist coming out.

No Perfumes, Body Sprays or Aerosolized Scents

Students are not to bring bottles of aerosolized scents to school. The ban includes all perfumes, body sprays, spray deodorant, air fresheners, etc. These items can cause allergic reactions for both staff/students and are not allowed at school.

A blue megaphone with yellow lightning bolts, announcing important messages from Dr. Potts.

Quick Reminders

Hoods & blankets cannot be worn in the building
Students must keep their hands to themselves
No running in the halls
Gum is not allowed
Dress code shirts must be worn under all jackets & hoodies
Yoga pants are not dress code appropriate
Midriffs cannot be exposed
Cell phones must be stored in lockers
No perfumes, body spray, aerosolized bottles at school
Students cannot be dropped off before 7AM
No early sign outs after 2:15pm
Government issued ID required to enter the building

School Website

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

Rising 8th Graders Going To High School

We encourage our rising 8th graders and guardians to start following the social media of their intended High School. High Schools are beginning to gather interest for the 25/26 school year. While we try to pass along information, we don't always know what appeals to every student. We encourage you to start communicating with the high schools regarding your areas of interest.

CHHS Facebook Page

BCHS Facebook Page

SHHS Facebook Page

Battle Creek Middle School

8th Graders zoned for Battle Creek High School will be visiting the school on Tuesday, March 18. Parents of those students: be sure to get permission slips turned in.

8th Grade night for student and guardians is Monday, March 24.

*At this time we are unaware of dates for SHHS or CHS 8th grade nights

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

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

A green background with the words 'Spring Break' in white text, surrounded by flowers and bees. The dates 'March 31 - April 4' are written in yellow text below.

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