- District enrollment is 4,443 students which includes Community Pre-K through Grade 12.
- Congratulations on a great first year with Battle of the Books! Simonton’s team ended in a four-way tie for 3rd place and Combs Traditional finished in a two-way tie for 1st place. The final results had San Tan Elementary in Higley as the Champion, Combs Traditional as the 2nd place team, and Chaparral Elementary in Higley as the 3rd place team. All three will advance to the Regional Championship on May 22nd at Brimhall Jr. High in Mesa at 7PM to take on the top three schools from Chandler, Gilbert, and Mesa. I encourage you to attend if you are able!
- The following teachers and staff were recognized on April 26th at the third annual San Tan Valley Regional Chamber Awards. Combs Traditional Academy; Carrie Kiesgen, Kim Abrahamson, Ellsworth Elementary; Meghan Mortara, Suzana Battaglia, Kimberly Lynch, Harmon Elementary; Anni Beck, Camela Cooper, Jennifer McNeill Smith, Ranch Elementary; Tyseea Briggs, Laura Uptain, Renee Braun, Simonton Elementary; Carol Ruckle, Shyrl Sevey, Karen Avery, Combs Middle School; Ondrea Cook, Dr. Maria Ramirez.
- ongratulations to Combs High School seniors who exceeded on all three sections of the AIMS tests. These students are recognized by the Arizona Department of Education and will be presented with an Achievement Certificate. They are: Jose Candia, Jonathan Diaz, Samantha Ellender, Alison Heaton, David Hernandez, Austin Judkins, Rhiannon Lutz, Kevin McLaughlin, Ray Ramirez, Rachael Renzaglia.
- The Spring Chess Challenge took place April 23 – 26 at Combs Middle School. Trophies, prizes, awards, and medals were given to students who competed in the ancient game of chess. Mr. Canfield, Chess Club Sponsor hosted the tournament which has become an annual event. Winners for the tournament were: First Place; Dzilnizhoni Simonson, Second Place; Jarren Heiken and Third Place; Jonathan Garcia.
- Ranch Elementary hosted a “Kindergarten Experience” on April 27. Thirty-five in-coming kindergartners participated in activities with the current kindergarten students. The students made stars out of pasta noodles, glitter and glue while learning the song Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star. While the students were busy in the classroom the parents listened to a presentation about kindergarten options and curriculum.
- Exploring outside of the classroom is important in educating students in the Combs District. Harmon Elementary fourth graders recently visited the Arizona Natural History Museum and it was a wonderful experience. First graders learned about marine life by visiting the Sea Aquarium on April 27.
- The Combs High School Baseball Varsity Team qualified for the state playoffs. In addition, ten Combs High School track athletes qualified for the state finals on May 11th and 12th at Mesa Community College starting at 2:00 p.m. each day. These students include Katie Rohrer, Elijah Throckmorton, Tyler Fairbanks, Nathan Lampa, Jon Espinoza, Cheyenne Clint, Austin Judkins, Leroy Valentine, Desmond Powell. Go Coyotes!!!!!
- The Relay for Life Event, held at Combs High School on April 20th raised $25,000 for the American Cancer Society.
- Combs High School recently hosted their first annual Poetry Night. It was a huge success! Students were able to share their poetry and a special guest from Grand Canyon University was in attendance. The event was well attended and a special thanks to Jessica Burnquist, Combs High School English teacher, and her Creative Writing class for such a wonderful night.
- Harmon Elementary had an Absolutely Incredible Day Pep Rally and field events on April 13 to prepare them for
- AIMS testing. Many parents wrote letters to their student encouraging them to do their best.
- Under the direction of Mr. Scott Lloyd, the Combs Middle School Cougar Advanced Band participated in the Arizona State Junior High School Band Festival which was held on April 24th at Desert Ridge High School and received a rating of “Excellent” from the judges. In addition, the Middle School Cougar Advanced Orchestra, under the direction of Mr. Earl Thornton, participated in the ABODA Junior High School Orchestra Festival which was held on April 26th at Taylor Junior High and earned a rating of “Superior”.
- First through fifth grade students at Combs Traditional Academy recently performed selections from A Day with Frog and Toad and Seussical. Mrs. Abrahamson, General Music Teacher, did an excellent job of preparing them and the students sang, recited, and danced during the performance.
- Congratulations and thanks to Andrea Harnish, Combs High School Dance Teacher for a wonderful dance concert titled “Chapters of Our Lives.” The students worked hard and their performance was wonderful. The event was well attended and everyone enjoyed the show.
- Congratulations to Randy Duren, Combs High School Drama teacher and Combs High students for the production of
- “Relationship Status.” Student performers were outstanding and had the crowd engaged and laughing.
- Kimberly Lynch, 5th grade teacher at Ellsworth Elementary, received a $5,000 grant through Blue Cross/Blue Shield “Walk On” to be used to help fight childhood obesity. Fifth graders at Ellsworth have been participating in this program for the past 4 years. The grant is going to be used to buy equipment that supports physical activity.
- Ranch Elementary students in 3rd and 5th grade participated in the “Be Sun Wise and Play Sun Smart” poster contest.
- Their designs focused on skin cancer awareness and prevention. All student entries will be recognized by the Arizona
- Diamondbacks and the first prize contestant will be announced later this month.
- Throughout the second semester, Combs Middle School students had an opportunity to create their own science project challenge. Teachers assisted students as they worked through the various steps of their project allowing students to explore and develop their science curiosities. Top projects within each of the three grade levels were chosen to be displayed at the Science Fair which took place on May 1. The school community enjoyed visiting the wonderful projects that were on display.
- Combs High School held their first ever Junior/Senior Prom. Thank you to the Junior Class Sponsors (Combs High School teachers, Deb Plimley and Briana Merina) and the class officers for making it such a special night. The prom was well attended and student behavior was exceptional.
- Congratulations to teacher, David Weidner, The Call of the Wild staff and the TV production classes for the Film Festival Night. Several short films and one regular length film was shown. It was well produced and the students should be proud of their work. The event was well attended by students and parents!!
- 7th grade Social Studies classes are currently studying World War II. They had the privilege of interacting with a holocaust survivor, Ms. Magda Herzberger. She addressed students in a 90 minute assembly and her presentation concluded with a 10 minute slide show on concentration camps. Ms. Herzberger has made presentations on this important subject to students in various middle schools, high schools, and universities throughout the United States and is her second year visiting Combs Middle School.
- The student Leadership Camp took place at Combs High School on May 4-5. This event exposes middle school students to leadership activities facilitated by student leaders of Combs High School. It is an opportunity for young teens to be involved in activities that foster and develop leadership skills as they strive to become strong, positive role models for other young adolescents. The camp provides the opportunity to set goals and to communicate with peers in a compassionate and practical manner.
- Combs Traditional Academy had their Field Day on April 25, with students participating in activities like the Softball Toss, Tug of War, Hula Hoop Relays, and running events. The weather cooperated and was wonderful and the students had a fabulous morning!
- Mrs. Bourgeous and Mrs. Kemp, community volunteers, led the Combs Traditional Academy choir in their performance on Monday, May 7. The staff, students, and parents at Combs Traditional Academy would like to thank both for their volunteer efforts in helping to educate the whole child.
- Simonton Elementary congratulates Brigham Shurtleff, Aaron Stefl and Shayla Gibbons for winning Simonton’s
- Battle of the Books. They went on to participate in the District Battle of the Books on April 30.
Looking Ahead
Each School has numerous activities. Please check their website or contact the school office for details.
Thursday, May 10th Ranch Elementary – Talent Show – 6:00 p.m.
Friday, May 11th Harmon’s Character Counts students going to Broadway Palm to watch “Pinkalicious”
Yuesday, May 15th Ranch Elementary – Multicultural Night
Tuesday, May 15th Harmon Elementary Band/Orchestra concert – 7:00 p.m.
Thursday, May 17th Ranch Elementary – Kindergarten Celebration – 9:00 a.m.
Thursday, May 17th Combs Traditional Academy “Celebration of Learning – 6-7:30 p.m
Thursday, May 17th Ranch Elementary Band/Orchestra Concert – 6:30 p.m.
Friday, May 18th Last Day for Pre-School
Friday, May 18th Senior Final Exams
Saturday, May 19th Elementary Honor Band and Combs High School Band Concert 3:00 p.m.- Combs High School
Saturday, May 19th Baccalaureate, Combs High School – 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Monday, May 21st Senior Final Exams
Tuesday, May 22nd Regional Battle of the Books Championship, Brimhall Jr. H.S. – 7:00 p.m.
Tuesday, May 22nd Harmon Elementary “Water Day”
Tuesday, May 22nd Combs Middle School – Awards Day Celebration, Outstanding Student of the Year, and Cougar/Lady Cougar of the Year.
Wednesday, May 23rd Ranch Elementary Awards Assembly – 8:30 – 9:30 a.m.
May 22-23rd Combs High School Final Exams / Half Day
May 22-24th Combs Middle School Final Exams
Thursday, May 24th Harmon Elementary fourth quarter awards and Kindergarten celebration
Thursday, May 24th Half Day K-8 and last day of school
Thursday, May 24th Combs High School Graduation – 7:00 p.m.
“A Community of Empowered Learners for the 21st Century”
