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District

Week of August 31st

Posted Date: 8/31/25 (2:00 PM)

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E.A. Cox Middle School

Every Minute Matters

August 31, 2025

Hello Cougar Families

Summer’s not over yet! We may have had a little faux fall, but things are heating up at EA Cox with Spirit Week, Homecoming, and more!

We hope everyone enjoys the long weekend! A quick reminder — no school Monday for Labor Day and Tuesday is a teacher workday. Spirit Week kicks off Wednesday as we head into Homecoming. HERStory Matters begins Friday, and 7th grade immunizations are due by September 12th per state law.

We’re already halfway through the first quarter! Progress reports will be available virtually on Thursday. Parents are encouraged to check grades through ParentVUE and reach out directly to teachers with any questions.

For safety, please remind students that pullover hoodies must be stored in lockers, hands and feet should be kept to themselves, and absolutely no running in the halls.

Thank you for your support in keeping our school safe and spirited!

Please read through for details and reminders for the upcoming school year.
 

No School September 1st & 2nd

A chalkboard-style graphic reminds viewers of no school on Monday and Tuesday.
No School Reminder
There will be no school on Monday, September 1st, for Labor Day and no school for students on Tuesday, September 2nd (Teacher Work Day).
We’ll see everyone back on Wednesday, September 3rd — just in time to kick off Homecoming Spirit Week!
We'll start with Way Back Wednesday – Throwback Decades Day!
Dress from your favorite decade! Think 50s poodle skirts and leather jackets, 60s tie-dye, 70s disco, 80s neon and big hair, or 90s grunge and overalls. Have fun with it and show your retro style!
 
A graphic promoting Spirit Week with daily themes and dates.

Homecoming Spirit Week!

Get ready to show your school pride with a week full of spirit days leading up to our big Homecoming game against Mt. Pleasant Middle School on Thursday, September 9th!
  • Wednesday 9/3: Throwback Decades Day
  • Thursday 9/4: Pink Out – Wear Pink
  • Friday 9/5: Sports Day – Favorite Teamwear
  • Monday 9/8: Twin Day – Dress Alike
  • Tuesday 9/9: School Colors Day – Red, Black & Gold 🖤❤️💛
Let’s fill the stands in red, black, and gold on game day and cheer our team to victory!
 
A man and Sonic the Hedgehog are in a car, smiling at the camera.

5 MPH Speed Limit

Sonic may be fast, Dom may be furious, but in our parking lot it’s all about family at 5 MPH.
Cougar family safety is our top priority, so we ask that everyone please drive slowly and carefully when entering and exiting the lot. 5 MPH ensures that all students, staff, and families can move safely through the parking area.
 
A flyer for a Parent Academy at E.A. Cox Middle School, featuring a speaker and event details.

Steered Straight Parent Program – Sept. 11

Join us for a powerful and eye-opening Steered Straight presentation on Wednesday, September 11, from 5:30–7:30 PM in the CMS Gym.

This free program is designed for parents, guardians, and community members to learn about the real dangers of drugs, vaping, and other risky behaviors facing our youth today. You’ll gain tools, warning signs, and conversation starters to help protect the young people in your life.

No registration required – just come ready to listen, learn, and leave empowered.
 
Illustration of blue school lockers, one open, revealing books and a backpack.

Lockers

We are removing school-issued locks from all student lockers. Students who wish to secure their locker may bring their own lock from home. Any student using a personal lock must complete a locker agreement form signed by both the student and their parent/guardian, acknowledging that administration may access the locker if necessary.
Please remember, school policy requires that backpacks and phones be kept in lockers during the school day. Students should choose a lock (combination or key) they can manage responsibly to help keep their belongings safe.
 
Various sports equipment, including balls, rackets, and shoes, are arranged on green grass.

Sports Pictures Rescheduled Oct. 1

Fall Sports Picture Day for:
  • Football
  • Cross Country
  • Girls Soccer
  • Cheerleading
  • Volleyball
Pictures will be taken after school. Athletes will need to bring clean uniforms to school. See your coach with questions.
 
Poster for HERStory Matters, a program for young women, with a logo of a woman's silhouette.

HERStory Matters

Girls in grades 7–8 are invited to join HERStory Matters, a new after-school club designed to empower young women, build community, and inspire one another. Together, we’ll explore creative writing, team building, mindfulness, acts of kindness, digital citizenship, and fun activities like movie nights and games—all while discovering the power of our own stories.
First Meeting: Friday, September 5th
Time: 3:00–4:00 PM Location: Ms. Bihm’s Room
Come connect, grow, and make a difference! 💗

 
A flyer promoting the CMS Cheer Pep Club, featuring photos of cheerleaders.

Join the Cheer Pep Club

It’s time to be loud and proud! The CMS Cheer Pep Club is open to all 5th–8th graders who want to cheer, chant, and have fun supporting our Cougars.
For just $25, members get:
  • Entry to the last two home football games, the first home basketball game, and Coming Home night
  • A Cheer Pep Club T-shirt
  • Practice sessions every 3rd Wednesday from 3:00–4:30 PM
Don’t miss out on the fun - sign up today! Scan the QR code or visit RevTrak to register.
 
Announcement for Lady Cougars Softball, with details about open field tryouts.

Lady Cougar Softball

Attention Lady Cougars in grades 6–8! Any girl interested in playing softball this year will need a sports physical dated after April 15, 2025, along with a glove and shoes.
Open Field begins September 4 from 3:00–4:30 PM.
If you have any questions, please reach out to Coach Herod at jherod@mauryk12.org
Let’s get ready for a great season, Cougars!
 
A stethoscope icon with a heart shape in the center.

7th grade Immunizations DEADLINE SEPT 12

ALL 7th graders are required by state law to have updated immunizations prior to starting 7th grade. There is just a week left! Please make sure you turn in your TN Certificate of Immunizations as soon as possible.

The state has granted a grace period. The new deadline is September 12, 2025. Students not in compliance will not be allowed to attend after this date.
 
A pink sticky note with the words 'Reminders for a Great Day at CMS' on a red background.
  • No student drop offs before 7AM.
  • All cell phones, backpacks and pullover hoodies will be placed in lockers. Students may not have these items during the day.
  • No outside food, drinks, or gum.
  • Valid ID is required to enter our building.
  • No early sign outs after 2:15pm
  • Attendance notes should turned into the office or emailed to mshamburg@mauryk12.org
  • Transportation changes must occur in writing before 9AM. The note must include student's name. the exact address where the child is going along with dates and reason for the change. Notes must be signed by the parent. Verification and approval from transportation will be required before change is confirmed.
 
A cheerful sun wearing sunglasses promotes 'Fun Friday' with free time and concessions.

Fun Fridays

Students can earn Fun Friday privileges each week by avoiding ISS/OSS, arriving on time, and completing all classwork. Fun Friday means extra free time and access to the concession stand—popcorn, candy, and drinks! Send a few dollars if your student wants treats.
 
Colorful graphic promoting the Cougar Reward Store with text on a blue background.

The Cougar Store – Celebrate The "EA Way”! 🐾

Students earn tickets for meeting and exceeding school expectations. Those who are:
Engaged
Accountable
Willing to learn
Achieving
Your best are demonstrating “The EA WAY”!
Tickets can be redeemed for a wide variety of awesome and exciting items! Students can choose from fun stickers, quirky erasers, vibrant pens, scented markers, and tasty snacks. For those who love to create, there are artistic tools, coloring books, and craft supplies. Students who enjoy hands-on fun can pick from fidgets, sports balls, headphones, backpacks, and lunch bags, plus many more surprises. We’re so proud of our students and love celebrating their daily achievements and efforts!
 
Maury County Public Schools advertisement about free meals for students.

Free Meals

CMS is once again part of the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP), which means free breakfast and lunch for ALL students every school day!
Meal applications were sent home with students. Even though meals are free, it’s very important to complete and return these forms. They help secure funding that keeps this program going for the future.


School Menus
 
White school bus icon with K-12 text on a blue background.

Bus Information

Transportation has rolled out a new app for bus information. You'll be able to track the bus in real time, see bus stop location and times. Download MyRideK12 and we have instructions on our website if you need help https://cms.mauryk12.org/58142_2

If your app is not working, please email transportation@mauryk12.org

 
Diagram showing car rider line instructions for morning and afternoon school drop-off and pick-up.

Car Riders

DO NOT GO AROUND CARS WHILE IN LINE
  • Single drop off line in the morning at the front of the school
  • Double pick up line in the afternoon at the front of the school
  • No car rider tags/numbers
  • Students are dismissed to their cars - please make sure to communicate any changes to pick up vehicles.
  • Do not speed through the parking lot
  • Watch for children at all times
  • Going to RHES after CMS? Go past the fire house and turn right at second stop sign, then right on Bear Creek Pike and right again at the light. It is illegal to turn left into RHES parking lot from CMS.
 

Cougar Sports

A list of names is displayed, likely a football team roster, with the words 'COUGAR FOOTBALL 25/26' at the top.
A football schedule for EA Cox Middle School Cougars, 2025 season.
A volleyball graphic with a list of names, likely a team roster.
A volleyball schedule for EA Cox Middle School, with game dates and times.
E.A. Cox Middle School Girls Soccer Team 2025/26 roster with a soccer ball and grass.
E.A. Cox Soccer schedule for August and September, with game times and locations.
A graphic for E.A. Cox Cross Country featuring runners and team member names.
A schedule for Cross Country events is displayed on a red and black background.
 

Bell Schedules

A school bell schedule for 5th and 6th grade students, with period times listed.
A school bell schedule for 7th and 8th grade, with period times listed.
 
cms logo with cougar

Contact info

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