5 2 18 combs ledger

From Kindergarten to High School and Beyond

Growing Up J.O. Combs

Ranch Elementary | Harmon Elementary | Simonton Elementary Ellsworth Elementary | Combs Traditional Academy J.O. Combs Middle School | Combs High School

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Combs Community Edition

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May 2018

Combs Performing Arts Center officially named!

Progress continues as walls go vertical At the April 11th Governing Board Meeting, the Combs Performing Arts Center (CPAC) was voted on and approved as the name for the bond approved facility.

Shelly Hargis, Governing Board President, shared, “I am excited for our students and our community to benefit from a fully functioning performing arts building. The CPAC will give our programs the venue to raise their talents to a new level. The new building will also give our San Tan Valley residents an opportunity to showcase their programs at home and not have to travel to neighboring districts.”

Steve Jones, Senior Program Manager with Arcadis, has overseen the voter approved bond projects including the CPAC, field house, sand volleyball courts, Ag-Sciences land lab, and remodeling of the wrestling rooms. “We are very excited about the progress being made on all projects. The field house has been painted with just a few touch-ups left to make the building complete.”

Quick progress is also being made on the Combs Performing Arts Center. According to Jones, the dance room is currently being topped off and the fly room construction is still going up. “What I think is most appealing about the space is the intimacy of the house, the view of the Superstition Mountains, and the state of the art technology” says Jones. “We are working on budget and focusing on enhancements.”

A beam signing ceremony was held April 25th at the project site. All involved in the design were welcomed to sign the beam which will be made exposed behind the proscenium.

Visit www.jocombs.org for more bond updates and pictures of the progress.

May 2018

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Growing Up J.O. Combs

Combs Community Edition

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STAY CONNECTED WITH J.O. COMBS

Get all of the news and information from around the district by connecting with us on social media!

COMBS DISTRICT SOCIAL MEDIA Facebook: JOCombsUSD Twitter: @JOCombsUSD Pinterest: jocombsusd YouTube: JO Combs USD

COMBS SCHOOLS

FROM KINDERS TO GRADS These 2018 Combs High School graduates have grown up in the J.O. Combs School District, beginning as kindergartners: Ruby Aguilar, Reed L. Allred, Cameron D. Armstrong, Rachel E. Bane, Sydnee V. Brokaw, Kosei K. Caines, Celeste Caro, Leo A. Carpenter, Cayla M. Carrera, Cheyanne R. Collier, Anthony R. Coronado, Sebastian A. Cortez, Gary L. Crosby, Jonathan S. Flake, Angelica I. Flores, Andy P. Graves, Hannah Q. Haggard, Carl J. Hargis, Nathan Jacobs, Tyler J. Kaider, Darian J. Lucero, Elijah T. Nelson, Miranda G. Newell, Callie A. Prueher, Wyatt H. Raymond, Hannah A. Rodriguez, Ezequiel Sanchez, Colten D. Shaw, Krista D. Slade, Alyssa D. Speranza, Ainsley M. Stewart, Sydney A. Taliva’a, Gage Tijerina, Itzel R. Trinidad, Anastasia P. Vann, Soleil V. Villalpando, Preston C. Villas, Brookelynn Williams, Macey Williamson, Bryce L. Wynn, Zak Young. (Not all students are pictured.)

Harmon Elementary School: Facebook – HarmonElemHawks Twitter – @HarmonElemHawks Ranch Elementary School: Facebook – RanchRoadrunners Twitter – @ranchroadrunner

Before and After School Licensed Child Care Open 6:30am—start of school day, end of school day—6:00pm ter, Win , r e ak m Sum ring Bre !

Sp lable and avai s p cam

Combs Traditional Academy: Facebook – CombsTraditionalAcademy Twitter – @CTAKnights Instagram - combstraditional

All 5 elementary school sites Indoor and Outdoor Activities Homework time Games

Simonton Elementary School: Facebook – SimontonStallions Twitter – @SIMONTONROCKS Ellsworth Elementary School: Facebook – EllsworthSTV Twitter – @EllsworthSTV

J.O. Combs Middle School: Facebook – CombsMSCougars Twitter – @CombsCougars Combs High School: Facebook – CombsCoyotes Twitter – @CHSsm @football_combs @CombsCourier @CombsRundown @CTECombs @chsimprint @CombsBands @CombsDrama @CombsBasketball @CombsHSCounsel @Combs_XC @Combs_NHS @TrackCombs YouTube – Combs CTE

Crafts Community Education 480-987-5310 CommunityEd@jocombs.org www.jocombs.org

For more updates around the district, make sure to follow the San Tan Valley PRSS Facebook: SanTanValleyDailyPRSS Twitter: @STVDailyPRSS

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Combs Community Edition

May 2018

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Combs High School Outstanding Seniors In their own words – Combs High School Valedictorian and Salutatorian share their experience at Combs and words of wisdom for future Coyotes

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2018 Valedictorian Yesenia Torres

hroughout high school I’ve been Sophomore class President, President of Academic Decathlon & Future Business Leaders of America as well as VP of NHS and Secretary of Film as Lit. Teachers like Mrs. Burnquist, Mrs. Wynn & Mr. Chisum have inspired me to accomplish as much as possible and defy the obstacles which life imposes.

To incoming freshman, I’d say procrastination will always seem like a good idea until you hit junior year and you’re struggling to keep your eyes open in first hour due to the 2 hours of sleep you got from working on your project last minute the night before. Please learn from all of us and don’t procrastinate!

I have been accepted

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2018 Salutatorian Evelyn Suarez

uring my time at Combs, some of the activities I participated in include National Honors Society, Creative Writing Club, Academic Decathlon, and Best Buddies. All of them helped shape me into the person I am today and allowed me to gain interpersonal skills needed to succeed in my life after high school. The teachers at Combs helped prepare me for the future by pushing me out of my comfort zone in order into Carnegie Mellon to grow as a student entering University, Columbia college and as a person University, University entering the adult world. of Southern California, I would encourage Syracuse University and freshman to join clubs that Babson College. I plan to they think might interest pursue entrepreneurship them and explore other ones at Babson College in just to see how it would suit Boston, MA as it is the leading entrepreneurship them. They could find an college in the nation. I will opportunity to learn more about what interests them, be attending with a full or even find new interests ride scholarship.

altogether.

I will be attending ASU in the fall with a major in English Literature.

Afterwards, I will attempt to pursue a Master’s degree in Literature at an out-of-state university. For my career, I plan to be a publisher, working with aspiring authors and helping their writing be known to the world.

May 2018

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Combs Community Edition

Combs High School An AEF™ A+ School of Excellence™ ACADEMICS:

• Advanced Placement/Dual Enrollment Courses • Honors Classes • Art & Physical Education • Foreign Languages (French, German & Spanish) • Career & Technical Education (Agriculture, Business Mgmt., Digital Photography, Early Childhood, Graphic Design, Journalism, Medical Professions, Software Development, Sports Medicine, TV/Film & Technical Theater) • Music (Band, Choir, Guitar & Orchestra)

PROGRAMS:

• After School Tutoring • Award Winning Drama Program • International Travel Opportunities • Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC) • Nine Computer Labs • Free Transportation to EVIT

SPORTS:

• Badminton • Baseball • Basketball (Boys/Girls) • Cross Country (Boys/Girls) • Football • Golf (Boys/Girls) • Sand Volleyball • Soccer (Boys/Girls) • Softball • Spiritline/Pom • Swim/Dive (Boys/Girls) • Tennis (Boys/Girls) • Track & Field (Boys/Girls) • Volleyball (Boys/Girls) • Wrestling

STUDENT CLUBS & ACTIVITIES:

• Anime • Art Club (National Art Honor Society) • Athletic Training • AZ Ancient Cultures • Band • Best Buddies • Choir • Class Clubs (Freshmen, Sophomore, Junior & Senior) • Drama Club • Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) • Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) • Future Farmers of America (FFA) • Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) • Journalism • Magic Club • Math Club • National Honor Society (NHS) • Orchestra • SkillsUSA • Student Government • Travel Club • Yearbook • Academic Decathlon

TOGETHER WE CAN. TOGETHER WE WILL. 2505 E. Germann Rd., San Tan Valley • combshs.jocombs.org • 480-882-3540

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Combs Community Edition

Career and Technical

Jack W.

Harmon

May 2018

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Preparing Students for a Bright Future

Jack W. HarmonArizona Elementary School Thespians Festival (no picture).

CTE Theater and Stage Craft students also brought home a variety of wins from the

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Location: From Ironwood/Gantzel, turn east on Chandler Heights Road. Harmon Elementary school is located on the corner of Chandler Heights Road and Cortona Drive.

At Jack W.Room Harmon Elementary School, Multipurpose takeYes pride in providing a safe,  we Stage: nurturing environment where children  Adjustable basketball hoops

may grow and learn. Our dedicated staff strives to engage each child in expanding Practice theField: knowledge and skills necessary to succeed.

Multi-use We stress growth, individual responsibility, Portable backstop and problem solving in a collaborative effort among students, Basketball Courts Outside parents, educators, and the community.  2 Courts Education is most effective when it is  10 Ft Hoops supported by a team effort.

Parking: 87

FCCLA Congratulations Combs Future Child Care Leaders of America (FCCLA) members for your success at state conference. From left to right are Hailey Bradley Bronze in ‘Life Event Planning’; Shelbi Lopez Bronze in ‘Life Event Planning’; Lucia Marin Bronze in ‘Leadership Event’; Sarah Ferraro Silver in ‘Teach and Train’; and Allison Silva Silver in ‘Teach and Train’.

Jack W. Harmon Field

HOSA Congrats to our Health Occupation Student Association (HOSA) state finalists Anna Maria Dehaven: 3rd in Prepared Speech and Sariah Ray: 3rd in Health Career Photography Both qualified to attend the HOSA International Conference in Dallas, TX. Nathan John also received a 4th place finish in Medical Law and Ethics. HOSA State Leadership Conference participants: Front left to right – McKenzie Adams, Sariah Ray, Kaitlyn Geiger-Younger Back left to right - Anna Maria Dehaven, Victoria Schmidt, Anna Henning, Nathan John, Reyna Sanchez.

Outside Basketball Courts

39315 N. Cortona Dr., San Tan Valley • Harmon.JOCombs.org • 480-882-3500

May 2018

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Combs Community Edition

Education Award Winners Announced

FBLA DIGITAL COMMUNICATIONS CTE digital communications student Trinity Glandon takes honorable mention in themed photography at the Journalism Education Association (JEA) national convention in San Francisco.

Congratulations to our Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) members that competed in their regional competition at ASU. Ariana Barraza (middle back): 1st in business communication and 2nd in organizational leadership, Jaime Casas (left): 2nd in advertising and 2nd in Journalism, Christian Ashbeck (right): 2nd in business communication and 2nd in Computer problem solving, Judge Cristobal (kneeling).

FFA Way to go CHS Future Farmers of America (FFA) Ag-Science students! Pinal County Fair results: Faith McDowell (pictured right) 4th in her swine class, Ty McDowell 4th in his swine class, Owen Adams 3rd in his swine class, Gus Adams 5th in his swine class, and Abby Henderson (pictured left) 4th in Veil and Reserve Champion for Showmanship in Veil in her class.

for Rent Rent Our Facilities

Seven Sites Available to Rent

GRAPHIC DESIGN JOURNALISM Congratulations Alex Gould and Bryan Klatt for being the first Journalism Education Association (JEA) superior award recipients in Combs Journalism CTE program history!

Congratulations, Sebastian Cortez! Sebastian is a Graphic Design CTE student and participated in the SkillsUSA National T-Shirt and Pin Design Competition for the National Leadership and Skills Competition that will be held in Louisville, KY. His design was selected out of a national pool of over 600 entries.

• Classroom Space • Gyms • Fields • Media Centers • Parking Lots Contact Community Education for pricing at 480-987-5310 or communityed@jocombs.org Or visit www.jocombs.org Click on “Rent Our Facilities” Button

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WHY CHOOSE COMBS?

Combs Community Edition

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“We have loved the caring teachers all the way from Harmon to Combs Middle and on to Combs High. We also love the small-town feel of the schools and we feel that our voice is always heard.” – Mrs. Housekeeper, Harmon Elementary, Combs Middle School & Combs High School parent

“We choose Combs to help build stronger sense of community; they provide diversity in preparation for a real world environment, preparing my family for the future. I love the staff at Simonton!” – Mrs. Nichols, Simonton Elementary, Combs Middle School & Combs High School parent

“We love CTA because of the school’s ability to combine a challenging academic curriculum while still maintaining a personal touch and creating a friendly environment.”

– Ms. Berrocal, Combs Traditional Academy parent

“Ranch Elementary is my second home; all the teachers and staff are caring, friendly and so helpful.”

– Ms. Warren, Ranch Elementary parent

May 2018

“We love our neighborhood school Ellsworth elementary. We love being so close, it makes it easy to support our amazing teachers and staff! We wouldn’t want to be anywhere else!”

– Mrs. Compton, Ellsworth Elementary parent The things we love about Combs include the great education, amazing teachers and staff, the Leader in Me Program at Simonton, and the community feel. My kids have great friends in their classes!” Mrs. Clare, Simonton Elementary, Ellsworth Elementary and Combs Middle School parent.

“Our family chose Combs School District because we wanted our children to attend their neighborhood schools. We enjoy being so close and this allows us as parents to be there to support our children as well as their teachers.” – Mrs. Brennan, Combs Middle School & Ellsworth Elementary parent

May 2018

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Career and Technical Education (CTE) students prepare for the future Community members assist with mock interviews

INTERVIEWING CTE students participated in mock interviews with community business leaders.

Business leaders provided feedback to students on topics such as proper interview attire, making eye contact, and responses to questions.

PRINCIPAL INTERVIEW Principal Jeff Green and CTE student Ben Flake participated in the mock interview process. ‘It was wonderful to see how prepared students were for the interviews. Our future career work force looks very promising,’ says Green.

Combs Community Edition

Thank you business and college partners for making our mock interview event a success!

American Family Insurance Arizona Native Lotion and Soap Avis Budget Group AZ Insurance Shop Central Arizona College Chirotrenz Chiropractic Climatec Denny’s DLR Group Edward Jones First Things First Empowerment Systems, Inc. Hugs In The Mail J.O. Combs USD Johnson Utilities Joshua Development Kiwanis Club of Queen Creek Life Aligned Chiropractic MyBizNow, LLC Network Builders Arizona

Network Together Pinal County Sheriff’s Office Peoples Mortgage Company Pinal County Economic Development Pinal County Federal Credit Union Pinal County School Office Pinal County Supervisor’s Office Dist. 2 Power Postal at Johnson Ranch Prudential Renew Air Sally’s Beauty Supply San Tan Valley.com Sara’s Ballet Sports and Orthopedic Specialists Unity Connected Solutions Use My Guy Services Visiting Angels Wiles Pest Control ZF Group/TRW

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Combs Community Edition Combs Community Edition

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May 2018 May 2018

Where are

As the Combs High School’s 7 finish line, we caught up with Co out what they are up to now an impacted their colleg

FORMER STATE CHAMP Former State Wrestling Champ, Ted Rico, attends Arizona State University.

Ted Rico, Graduating Class of 2015

NEW MOM SOON Marly Johnson Thieme works with special education students.

Marly Johnson Thieme, Graduating Class of 2013 What is your fondest memory of CHS? I loved being on the cheer squad and helping to be an advocate for our school. I was also on a student committee formed by Dr. Gayle Blanchard, Superintendent, and loved helping with that committee!

What is the most valuable lesson you learned while at CHS? That I could make a difference. Being in a small school meant I got to start a lot of traditions and things. I loved that about high school at CHS. What are you currently doing?

I graduated with a Bachelors in Psychology from UVU and am currently a Behavioral Intervention Teacher in an elementary school special education class.

What are your plans for the future?

I plan on getting a Master’s Degree in Social Work to become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I want to work within a school district with elementary aged students with behavior and mood disorders.

What is your fondest memory of CHS? Regarding athletics, my fondest memory would have to be during my senior year competing alongside my brother. We both won sectionals and made it to the State Championship Finals that year. Academically, it would have to be either dissecting a cat in Anatomy & Physiology or creating a video on how to make a Tortilla de Patatas for Spanish class.

Is there one teacher/staff member at CHS that made an impact on you or your career decisions?

If so, please name the staff member and describe his/her impact.

Coach Miller. He was my wrestling coach all four years.

I also took four years of Spanish with him. I learned a lot of Spanish in those years that I still use to this day. Coach Miller also aided in the success I had in wrestling which enabled me to take my abilities to the Division I level.

I remember during my senior year he gave me a lot of exposure by getting us into the Flowing Wells tournament and taking us to the Las Vegas Holiday Classic to compete against teams from all over the country.

What is the most valuable information you learned while at CHS? The most valuable thing I learned while at CHS was how to study and prepare properly for exams. The honors and AP classes I took really reinforced good study habits that translated well over into my current studies.

What are you up to now?

I’m wrestling at Arizona State and pursuing a major in Health Sciences (Pre-Professional).

GRAND SLAM Knocking it out of the park, 2014 graduate Zane Hunt.

Zane Hunt, Graduating Class of 2014 What is your fondest memory of your time at CHS? Making the state playoffs my Sophomore, Junior, and Senior year in baseball.

Is there one teacher/staff member at CHS that made an impact on you or your career decisions? If so, please name the staff member and describe his/her impact.

Coach John Scrogham by helping me better myself not only as an athlete but as a person. Coach Scrogham taught me how to deal with adversity as a man and an athlete. He also helped encourage me through the recruiting process to help me get to the collegiate level.

What is the most valuable lesson you learned while at CHS? How to deal with adversity not only in athletics but as well in life.

What are you currently doing as it relates to school or career?

I am currently working on obtaining my bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science at Presentation College.

What are your plans for the future?

After obtaining a Bachelor’s, I would like to attend graduate school at either Arizona State University or Grand Canyon University to obtain a Master’s in Kinesiology.

Anything else you’d like to share as it relates to CHS? Go Coyotes!

May 2018 May 2018

they now?

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Combs Community Edition Combs Community Edition

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7th graduating class nears the ombs High School Alumni to find nd how their education at CHS ge and career paths.

GRAD AND TEACHER Sarah Kendall, pictured with CHS Photography teacher Kris Wood, is beginning her Master’s degree this summer.

Sarah Kendall, Graduating class of 2014 Is there one teacher/staff member at CHS that made an impact on you or your career decisions? If so, please name the staff member and describe his/her impact.

Every teacher and staff member at CHS deserves an elaborate SHOUTOUT, and I wish I could give them all one. But, Mr. Wood, Thank You! Thanks for always being a constant and there for me no matter what.

How did your education at CHS enhance or change your current college or career path?

The amount of energy and effort that my teachers and coaches put into helping me grow is the encouragement I needed to get to the next step and has had a ripple effect ever since.

What is the most valuable lesson you learned while at CHS? Form relationships with people no matter where you are because they are what matter the most. Connections are extremely important in so many ways.

What are you currently doing as it relates to school or career?

I am working at Grand Canyon University as a Field Clinical Counselor and beginning my Master’s degree in the summer.

What are your plans for the future?

My plans are to further my education while continuing to find my greatest passions.

2013 GRADUATE Codi Garcia, has earned her Master’s Degree in Public Administration.

Codi Garcia, Graduating class of 2013 How did your education at CHS enhance or change your current college or career path?

Many of my teachers at CHS were great resources for my college applications. They helped me locate schools, scholarships, and aptitude tests to discover what major I wanted to study. My teachers never made college sound as a suggestion, rather they always made sure I was aware it was the next step after high school.

What are you currently doing as it relates to school or career?

I graduated in December 2017 with my Master’s Degree in Public Administration. I currently work for the Department of Child Safety.

What are your plans for the future?

For the future I plan to further my career with the state, and work in a leadership position that directly applies to what I have learned in my graduate degree.

Anything else you’d like to share as it relates to CHS? Each year I attended CHS I was inspired by different teachers. My teachers at CHS helped me believe in myself and my abilities. I hope one day I will be able to give back and inspire others the way they inspired me.

RECENT GRAD Recent graduate, Addisyn Nichols, works for J.O. Combs and is a student at CAC.

Addisyn Nichols, Graduating Class of 2017 What is your fondest memory of your time at CHS? My fondest memory of CHS is probably all the student events such as powderpuff and going to state for the Combs swim team.

How did your education at CHS enhance or change your current college or career path?

The medical professions program helped me learn more about the career field and what specific career I wanted to pursue in this field.

What are you currently up to?

As of right now I work as a paraprofessional at Simonton Elementary School and am a full time student at Central Arizona College.

What are your plans for the future?

My future plans are to serve a mission for my church and pursue a career in occupational therapy.

Student Hours: Grades K - 6: 12 Combs Community M, T, Th, F - 8:15 - 3:05 Edition Wednesdays - 8:15 - 1:35

opportunities, character development • Social Studies and extracurricular activities. We Download at bit.ly/MayCombs recognize and acknowledge the Program Offerings: unique interests and needs of each • Band, Orchestra, and Music child and tailor our teaching methods • Before and After School Child Care to meet their needs. We inspire in • Library our students a love of learning and • Physical Education discovery.

• Preschool

Ranch Elementary

Vision: Racing to Excellence

Mission Statement: Empowering Students to be Lifelong Learners

•

May 2018

ELLSWORTH Elementary School

Technology

Special Features: • Annual Multi-Cultured Event • Annual Talent Show • Battle of the Books • Character Education • Counseling Services • Kindness Challenge • Math Facts Club • Spelling Bee Competitions • Student Council • Video Club

Principal: Mrs. Susan Kruse

43521 N. Kenworthy Rd.

School Enrollment: 615 San Tan Valley Year Opened: August 2008

Points of Pride: • All State Band Qualifiers • Battle of the Books Winner • Optimist Essay Contest Winner

“ Ranch Roadrunners Rule!”Annual College & Career 10

www.jocombs.org

Ranch.JOCombs.org

480-882-3530

Offering:

Fair, Multicultural Event and Talent Show Battle of the Books Character Education Counseling Services Spelling Bee Competitions Student Council

English Language Arts Free All Day Kindergarten Gifted Program Math, Science & Social Studies Band, Orchestra & Music Before & After School Child Care Library Physical Education Preschool Technology

At Ellsworth Elementary we pride ourselves on providing a safe and caring environment for all students. We believe we have the best teachers and staff in Arizona. They care about the academic and social growth of our students. As a neighborhood school, parents and teachers work together for the personal success of our students.

COME FIND OUT WHY: RANCH ROADRUNNERS RULE!

38454 N. Carolina Ave., San Tan Valley Ellsworth.JOCombs.org • 480-882-3520

In addition, we are educating and instilling personal qualities, such as: respect, responsibility, trustworthiness, fairness, citizenship and caring.

Ellsworth Eagles are our future leaders!

Simonton Elementary

May 2018

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SIMONTON

Kathryn Sue Simonton Elementary is proud to have been named A Leader in Me School. The Leader in Me teaches 21st century leadership and life skills to Academic Offerings: students and creates a culture of • English Language Arts student empowerment based Empower, on the We LEAD – Learn,, Dream • Achieve Free All Day and Kindergarten idea that every child can be a leader.

• Gifted All of our students learn how to • Math implement The 7 Habits of Happy Kids • Science into their everyday life. At Kathryn • Social Studies Sue Simonton, parents and teachers Program Offerings: work collaboratively for the overall • Band, Orchestra, and Music success of the students while inspiring • Before and After School Child Care leadership, self-discipline and school • Library pride.

• Physical Education • Preschool • Technology

ELEMENTARY

Special Features: • 7 Habits Education • Battle of the Books • Counseling Services • Spelling Bee Competitions • Student Clubs: Art, Garden, Journalism, Patriotism and Robotics • Student Council Points of Pride: • A Leader in Me School • All State Band Qualifiers • Community Partnerships

Combs Community Edition

Combs Traditional Academy 37327 N. Gantzel Rd. San Tan Valley

CombsTraditional.JOCombs.org

480-987-5320 Art Mastepiece • Character Education Knight Ambassadors Small School Environment • Uniforms Accelerated Curriculum Saxon Math • Socratic Seminars Spalding Method National Elementary Honor Society

Featuring: • 7 Habits Education • Cool Student Clubs: Art, Garden, Journalism, Patriotism & Robotics • Student Council

Combs Traditional Academy is a school of choice. What makes us unique is our “Back-to-Basics” philosophy; we view the acquisition of basic skills, primarily through direct instruction, as the foundation of the learning process. We prioritize the fundamental tools of learning in the core academic areas of phonics and reading, grammar, spelling and writing, mathematics, history and geography, and science.

At Combs Traditional Academy, our students learn in a structured environment that minimizes instructional distractions in order to provide them with the strongest opportunity for academic and lifelong success.

40300 N. Simonton Blvd., San Tan Valley Simonton.JOCombs.org • 480-987-5330

Rigor, Responsibility, Respect

D - Learn, Empower, Achieve and Dream”

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Combs Community Edition

May 2018

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Combs Education Foundation awards teacher grants in 2017

Awards range from technology to transportation The Combs Education Foundation awarded classroom grants to 7 teachers this fall.

Funded projects included science materials, transportation for field trips, Chromebooks, literature sets, audio amplification systems, and flexible seating options.

Students in Mrs. Flakes Combs Middle School class used the grant funds to purchase items to open a classroom store. “The students came up with the prices based on what sells best and what doesn't. The items that sell the best cost the most. The ones that don't sell well are cheaper to make them more desirable to buy.

Each week, we assign two students to run the store. This way all the students get a chance to have the store as their class job,” says Mrs. Flake. “It has been a rewarding experience for all of us!”

The Combs Education Foundation will also award 4 $1000 scholarships to Combs High School Seniors to apply towards college or university fees in May. Donations can be made at www.jocombs.org/ apps/pages/CombsEducationFoundation

PRESCHOOL NOW ENROLLING!

DANCING Andrea Downing, CHS Dance Teacher, was one of seven teachers awarded a classroom grant.

KINDER PREP Prepare for Kindergarten

Learning Today, Leading Tomorrow

Ages 4–5 years old AM or PM Half day sessions YOUNG COYOTES Develop social, emotional, & academic skills

Can be combined with Young Coyotes for full day care

Ages 3–4 years old Open 6:30am–6:00pm Full and half day options available

Visit our website at www.jocombs.org Combs Community Education 480-987-5310

Now g! n i l l o r En

2 LOCATIONS IN SAN TAN VALLEY Ranch Elementary 43521 N. Kenworthy Rd. Ellsworth Elementary 38454 N. Carolina Ave.

SPACE THEME Students in Mrs. Flake’s class named their class store ‘Mars Mart.’

May 2018

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Combs Community Edition

Learning Today, Leading Tomorrow

ALL ABOARD FOR FULL DAY KINDERGARTEN!

 

  

Core Instruction with a Highly Qualified Certified Teacher Developmentally Appropriate Enrichment & Extension activities with a Highly Qualified Paraprofessional Differentiated Small and Large Group Learning Technology in Every Classroom Civics and Character Education A Better Future Starts Right in Your Own Neighborhood!

Ellsworth Elementary School 38454 N. Carolina Ave. 480-882-3520

Simonton Elementary School 40300 N. Simonton Blvd.

480-987-5330

Ranch Elementary School 43521 N. Kenworthy Ave. 480-882-3530

Harmon Elementary School 39315 N. Cortona Dr. 480-882-3500

Combs Traditional Academy A Back to Basics School Using Spalding Phonics & Saxon Math 37327 N. Gantzel Rd. 480-987-5320

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Combs Community Edition

May 2018

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Combs names Teachers of the Year

Combs is proud to announce this year’s Teacher of the Year school site awardees! Congratulations and thank you for your service to students!

COMBS MIDDLE SCHOOL

COMBS HIGH SCHOOL

Mr. Scott Lloyd (r), CMS Teacher of the Year, with Jack Walbrecht, IT Director.

Ms. Jessica Furman (l), CHS Teacher of the Year, with Brooke Davis, Principal.

HARMON ELEMENTARY Ms. Brenna Flynn (l), Harmon Teacher of the Year, with Angie Beauchene, Principal.

COMBS TRADITIONAL ACADEMY Ms. Shalyn Rosenbaum (l), CTA Teacher of the Year, with Shari Dukes, Special Education Director.

ELLSWORTH ELEMENTARY Ms. Rachael Schweikert (l), Ellsworth Teacher of the Year, with Santa Dunker, Principal.

May 2018

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More Teachers of the Year ...

RANCH ELEMENTARY Ms. Susan Flore (l), Ranch Elementary Teacher of the Year, with Sue Kruse, Principal.

Combs Community Edition

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SIMONTON ELEMENTARY Ms. Debra Willoughby (l), Simonton Teacher of the Year, with Chasity Cruz, Principal.

J.O. Combs Middle School Honors Classes – English Language Arts, Math, Science & Social Studies

Career & Technical Education • High School Credit Options in Algebra & Spanish Electives – Art, Physical Education, Spanish & Yearbook

Music – Band, Choir, Guitar & Orchestra • Competitive Sports • Tutoring

Student Clubs – Aerospace Challenge, Chess, Drama, Student Council, Yearbook, National Junior Art Honor Society, National Junior Honor Society, Journalism Club, Social Studies Club New Electives for 2017-2018 school year - Coding, Graphic Design, Introduction to Medical Professions, Leadership Development, Photography, Teens ‘n Teaching, TV/Film , Production, Weight Training

Cougars Connecting with Character 37611 N. Pecan Creek Dr., San Tan Valley • CombsMS.JOCombs.org • 480-882-3510

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Combs Community Edition

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May 2018

Combs’ Students of the Month honored

Character Counts Program helps guide choice of which students to name each month

The J.O. Combs Unified School District continues to partner with Banner Ironwood in a Student of the Month program which

recognizes one student every month from each of our schools.

There is a selection process in place where students are

recognized for the various pillars of the Character Counts Program which include Responsibility, Trustworthiness, Citizenship,

Caring, Respect and Fairness.

The presentation takes place each month at the J.O. Combs Regular Governing Board Meeting.

NOVEMBER CITIZENSHIP In November, students with great ‘Citizenship’ were (in no order): Emery Udall (CHS, 10th grade), Devin Reed (CMS, 8th) not pictured, Elijah Golden (CTA, 4th), Julia Diaz (Ellsworth, 6th), Autumn Phan (Harmon, 4th), Branson Moak (Ranch, 4th), Sophie Burrows (Simonton, 4th).

DECEMBER CARING Velvet Wahl (CHS, 12th grade), Taleah Hawman (CMS, 7th) not pictured, Eduardo Ruvalcaba (CTA, 3rd), Julissa Saldivar, (Ellsworth, 5th) not pictured, Jacob Buell (Harmon, 3rd), Charli Ruiz (Ranch, 3rd), Addison Szymanski (Simonton, 3rd).

JANUARY RESPECT In January, ‘Respectful’ students were (in no order): Elisabeth Allen (CHS, 11th grade) not pictured, Nicole Chard (CMS, 8th), Uchechi Ubosi (CTA, 2nd), Logan Pflugfelder (Ellsworth, 5th), Julissa Saldivar (Ellsworth, 5th) December Recognition, Jack Reeves (Harmon, 2nd), Brielle Muniz (Ranch, 2nd), Emma Butler (Simonton, 2nd).

May 2018

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FEBRUARY FAIRNESS In February, ‘Fair’ students were (in no order): Freddi Andersen (CHS, 9th grade) not pictured, Elisabeth Allen (CHS, 11th grade) January Recognition, Marissa Thomas (CMS, 7th), Abigail Vasquez (CTA, 1st) not pictured, Kassidi Kemper (Ellsworth, 3rd), Emmett Meyer (Harmon, 1st), Hyrum Leavitt (Ranch, 1st), Leland Booth (Simonton, 1st).

MARCH RESPONSIBILITY In March, ‘Responsible’ students were (in no order): Jordan Hodge (CHS, 11th grade), Megan Allred (CMS, 8th), Nkemdili Ubosi (CTA, K), Abigail Vasquez (CTA, 2nd) February Recognition, Isaac Pillado Cerna (Ellsworth, 4th), Leilani Whitehead (Harmon, K) not pictured, Claire Ludington (Ranch, K), Emery Heninger (Simonton, K).

APRIL TRUSTWORTHINESS In April, ‘Trustworthy’ students were (in no order): Yesenia Torres (CHS, 12th grade), Kayleigh Beasley (CMS, 7th) not pictured, Fabian Moreno (CTA, 5th), Chase Davis (Ellsworth, K), Emma Abreu (Harmon, 6th), Leilani Whitehead (Harmon, K) March Recognition, Johnathan Handka (Ranch, Pre-K), Emily Paquette (Simonton, 5th).

Combs Community Edition

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Combs Community Edition

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May 2018