Simonton Elementary School

The learning doesn't stop just because school's out! Our Dreambox Summer Challenge started Tuesday and goes through July 3rd! It's a fantastic way for students in J.O. Combs Unified School District to continue their reading and math journey at their own pace. And, you can complete lessons anywhere with internet and access to Clever.
Check out the login instructions here; https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ooujZXM-X8p0skQ4c3BfRpNWiWYygv1c/view
Encourage your child to log in and explore!

🍎 FREE SUMMER MEALS IN SAN TAN VALLEY! 🍎
School might be wrapping up, but healthy meals aren't going anywhere! J.O. Combs Unified School District is proud to offer our Summer Food Program to ensure families in and around the San Tan Valley area stay fueled all summer long.

Here everything you need to know:
📅 DATES & DAYS
Starts: Tuesday, May 26th
Ends: Thursday, July 9th
Days: Mondays through Thursdays

⏰ MEAL TIMES
🥣 Breakfast: 7:40 am – 9:30 am
🥪 Lunch: 11:00 am – 12:30 pm

👥 WHO CAN EAT?
Ages 18 & Under: Entirely FREE! (No registration or paperwork required).
Adults (19+): You are welcome to join us! Breakfast is available for $3, and lunch is available for $5.

📌 IMPORTANT NOTE:
All meals are Dine-In Only and must be eaten on-site. Come on in, beat the heat, and enjoy a nutritious meal with us!

📍 MEALS SERVED AT:
Ellsworth Elementary School
38454 N Carolina Ave
San Tan Valley, AZ 85140
or
Simonton Elementary School
40300 N Simonton Blvd
San Tan Valley, AZ 85140

Spread the word to your neighbors and friends! We can't wait to see you there! 😊

Looking for a high-quality preschool experience for your 4-year-old? The J.O. Combs Kinder Prep program is now enrolling! Classrooms led by Certified Teachers at two locations: Ranch Elementary and Ellsworth Elementary. DES & Quality First scholarships are available based on qualification. Full day and half day options available.

Secure your child's spot today! 👇
🔗 Register Online: https://www.jocombs.org/departments/community-education/kinder-prep
📞 Call: (480) 564-3196
📧 Email: [email protected]

Today is National Receptionists Day, and we are taking a moment to celebrate the incredible individuals who are the first to welcome our students, families, and staff every single day.

Whether they’re answering a mountain of phone calls, helping a lost student find their classroom, or keeping our campuses running smoothly with a smile, our receptionists truly do it all. They are the "glue" that holds our schools together!

Help us show some love! 👇 Drop a comment below to shout out a receptionist at your school who makes a difference.

Happy Mother’s Day to all the incredible moms and mother figures in our Combs family! 💐

Thank you for your endless dedication, patience, and support. We hope you have a wonderful day celebrating YOU! ❤️

As we wrap up Teacher Appreciation Week here at J.O. Combs Unified School District, we are ending on a high note by sharing the incredible impact our educators have on the future.

This tribute from a high school student about Ms. Lark reminds us that teachers don't just provide lessons—they provide a roadmap for life. 🧭

📝 A Student’s Perspective:
"There are not many people I look up to in life; no celebrities or idols. But I do look up to Ms. Lark. I have had her as my english teacher two times throughout high school, and I'm lucky to have had that opportunity. She is such a good role model.

I have successfully, for 5 months now, written down 3 positive things a day to try to always look at the positive side, like Ms. Lark.

She is a very fair teacher and has let me sit with my friends under the reasonable condition that we quiet down when she speaks, which makes me feel respected because it sounds like a fair way to have things. I also enjoy most of the assignments she has us do; especially ones involving drawing. I am also grateful that she takes the time to let me and my friends have comic club during homeroom and on the rare occasion, afterschool. She could go home, but she instead lets us have that. I appreciate that. She is (I mean this in a good way) a weird teacher, and has further caused me to also want to be a teacher someday too."

From teaching English to sponsoring the Comic Club, Ms. Lark is a shining example of the role models we are proud to have in our hallways. 🎨🧘‍♀️

To Ms. Lark, and to every teacher in the Combs family who stays late, shares their passions, and inspires the next generation of educators: Thank you. You are changing the world, one student at a time.

The Heartbeat of Our Schools ❤️🩺

Behind every successful school day is a professional who keeps our students safe, healthy, and ready to learn. Today, for School Nurses Day, we are celebrating the incredible nursing staff at J.O. Combs Unified School District.

They are more than just the "Keepers of the Band-Aids." They are the silent strength behind every recovery, the calm in every crisis, and the guardians of our students' well-being.

Join us in saying THANK YOU to our J.O. Combs nurses for all they do!

It is Teacher Appreciation Week, and at J.O. Combs Unified School District, we know our educators are the heart of our community! 🍎

We wanted to share a tribute from a parent that perfectly captures why our teachers are so special:
"Ms. Krupa, THANK YOU for teaching these children, developing their minds, encouraging them, and ensuring they are kind to others. You are so valued and we are grateful for you choosing to teach and touch so many lives. My daughter has thrived in your class and she absolutely loves you. Happy Teacher Appreciation Week. You are so appreciated!"

To Ms. Krupa and all the incredible educators across the district—thank you for your dedication, your passion, and for making a lasting impact on our students every single day.

Help us celebrate! Drop a comment below to shout out a Combs teacher who has made a difference in your child's life! 👇

🚧 Traffic Alert: Lane Restrictions at Combs & Gantzel 🚧
Attention J.O. Combs families and staff! Please be advised that road work at the intersection of Combs and Gantzel Roads is resulting in temporary lane restrictions. These restrictions are expected to remain in place through Tuesday, May 5th.

If your commute to school takes you through this intersection, please keep the following in mind:
Plan Ahead: Expect potential delays during morning drop-off and afternoon pick-up.
Safety First: Please stay alert, follow all posted signage, and watch for construction crews working near the roadway.
Alternate Routes: If possible, consider using an alternate route to avoid congestion and ensure our students arrive to class on time.

We appreciate your patience and cooperation as these infrastructure improvements are completed to keep our community moving safely!

🎒 Is Your Little Learner Ready for Kindergarten?
Starting school is a huge milestone, and we want to ensure every child in the J.O. Combs Unified School District is set up for success!

Our Early Kindergarten Screening is designed to help parents and teachers understand a child's readiness in key areas like:
Social Development: How they interact with peers and follow directions.
Motor Skills: Coordination, pencil grip, and using scissors.
Basic Academics: Recognizing shapes, colors, letters, and numbers.

By participating, you'll gain valuable insights into your child's developmental progress and help us make the best placement decisions for their first year of school.

🗓️ Mark Your Calendars!
We are offering three convenient screening sessions at the District Office Board Room:
Session 1: Wednesday, May 6th | 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Session 2: Thursday, June 11th | 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Session 3: Thursday, June 11th | 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Note: To qualify for early kindergarten testing, students must turn 5 by December 31, 2026.

✨ Ready to join the Combs family? ✨
Be sure to register early! Visit our website or click on this link;
https://www.jocombs.org/departments/curriculum-assessment-instruction/assessment