Dear Covington Families,
As we close out January and step into February, we continue to push forward with academic progress and school initiatives to ensure student success.
This week, we will be administering the STAAR Interim Exams for Math and ELA on Tuesday and Wednesday. We will be operating on a modified schedule, with students remaining in their testing locations until 11:45 AM. Please remind your child to bring their Chromebook and charger to school tomorrow to ensure they can successfully complete their assessment.
Following the STAAR Interims, our ELA and Math teachers will begin having data chats with students to review their progress on standards and set goals for the 2025 STAAR Exam. These discussions will help students reflect on their performance and create a plan for improvement. We will be sharing their goal-setting documents electronically through your child’s BLEND page, so please be on the lookout. Your support at home can make a significant impact on your child’s preparation.
Supporting Your Child for STAAR Success
With the STAAR Exam just over two months away, here are some ways you can help your child at home:
✅ Encourage Daily Practice: Reviewing notes, completing practice questions, and using online STAAR resources can reinforce learning.
✅ Practice Test-Taking Strategies: Remind your child to read questions carefully, eliminate wrong answers, and manage their time effectively during the test.
✅ Reduce Test Anxiety: Help your child practice deep breathing, positive self-talk, and relaxation techniques. Reassure them that effort and preparation are key to success.
✅ Establish Healthy Routines: Ensure they get plenty of sleep, eat a nutritious breakfast, and arrive at school on time, especially on test days.
Tardy Sweeps Begin Next Week
Since returning from winter break, we have noticed an increase in students arriving late to class. To address this, we will begin conducting tardy sweeps periodically throughout the day in the coming weeks. Please remind your child of the importance of being on time to class, as tardiness disrupts instruction and impacts learning.
Thank You for Your Engagement!
A huge thank you to all the parents who attended last month’s Campus Advisory Council (CAC) meeting. We had meaningful discussions about student and teacher progress based on the Winter MAP Assessment. Our next CAC meeting is in a few weeks, where we will be discussing and deciding on the Active Middle Schools Community Project and its potential benefits for the Covington Community. We value your input and encourage you to attend.
Supporting Our Community
We are aware of national events that may be affecting our students and families. At Covington, we are committed to providing a safe, supportive, and inclusive learning environment for all students. Every student and their family is a valued part of our school community. We have received guidance on navigating difficult topics and have resources available to support students’ emotional well-being. Our primary focus remains on academic success, mental health, and overall well-being. If you have any concerns or need additional support for your child, please do not hesitate to reach out.
Thank you for your continued partnership in your child’s education and continued support!
Thank you for being such an important part of our Covington community!
Your proud principal,
Cedric Maddox