Newsletter for the week of April 20th - April 24th, 2026
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Message from the Principal |
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Good Afternoon Covington Community,
This week marks the final week of STAAR testing, with the Math STAAR and Algebra I EOC scheduled for Thursday, April 23rd. Thank you for your continued support in ensuring your child arrives to school on time and brings their fully-charged Chromebook each day. Your partnership plays a critical role in helping students feel prepared and confident.
To support a smooth testing process, we are asking all students to bring their laptops and chargers on Wednesday and leave them in their assigned testing location one final time. This will ensure we have the appropriate number of devices ready and available for Thursday’s assessments.
Due to STAAR testing, we will operate on a modified schedule Monday through Wednesday, following an A Day (Monday), B Day (Tuesday), and C Day (Wednesday) rotation. Please take a moment to review the schedule with your child so they are prepared. We will also provide reminders on campus.
Additionally, many of you are aware of the ongoing conversations regarding the AISD budget deficit. To continue open communication, we will host an additional Coffee with the Principal on Tuesday to discuss this topic. This will be an opportunity to share updates, gather feedback, and hear your thoughts. We value your voice and will be sure to share your input with the district. We encourage all families to attend and be a part of the conversation.
Thank you again for your continued support of Covington Middle School.
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April 20th - 24th: Administrative Professionals Week
April 21st - Coffee with the Principal, Let's talk Budget! In the library at 10 am
April 23rd - Tennis Match vs. Mendez - 6 pm @ Mendez
April 23rd - Math STAAR
April 24th - 28th - Make Up Math STAAR
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SCHOOL EVENTS/OPPORTUNITIES:
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Teacher Appreciation week is May 4th - 8th |
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Click the links to Download, print and fill out the necessary forms for the free physicals! |
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Covington Counselors’ Corner Week of April 20th, 2026 |
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Opt-Out of High School Credit Courses Deadline - April 24, 2026
Middle School Opt Out of High School Credit Class
Scroll to the bottom of this link for the form for opting out of a year-long high school credit course.
As we approach the deadline to withdraw from a high school credit course, it is important to understand your student’s progress and options. Please complete a separate form for each high school credit course. Read, select the action plan for each course, sign, and return to: Rabecca McDonald by Friday, April 24, 2026..
AISD Summer Learning Opportunities 2026
AISD Summer School Programs
As a reminder, AVID Summer Bridge summer school is only for current 6th grade students interested in taking Accelerated 7th Grade Math in the 2026-27 school year. Students must pass the AVID Summer Bridge summer school to be considered for 7th Grade Accelerated Math (if they are currently taking a Math 6 course this year. Current 7th grade students may not skip Accelerated 7th Grade Math to take Algebra I through summer school.
Course Vertification Forms - School Year 2026-27
Course Verification Forms will be available to families sometime in late April or early May 2026. If you have questions about your child’s courses for the 2026-27 school year, please contact Mrs. Austrum for future 6th and 7th grade students, and Ms. McDonald for future 8th grade students.
All current 6th and 7th grade Covington MSFAA students have entered their elective choices into Frontline Self-Serve. If your child was absent on those days, please have them set an appointment with a counselor (Google form located in Covington Counseling Blend site).
New Covington Counselors Google Site
Covington MSFAA Counselors
We created this site so that all CMSFAA Counseling information is in one spot for you. Some spaces on the site are “under construction,” but feel free to give feedback on information you need located in this new space.
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Camp Agape Grief Recovery offers a therapeutic summer camp for children ages 7–12 who are navigating grief. The program is designed to be accessible to families and provides a safe, supportive environment where children can process their loss through guided activities, peer connection, and compassionate mentorship.
All camp details, eligibility information, and application materials can be found at the link below:
Camp Agape Grief Recovery — Applications Now Open
Campers: June 1 - 4, 2026
Volunteers: May 31 - June 4. 2026
Volunteer dates differ from camper dates to allow for training and preparation.
GRIEF SUPPORT FOR STUDENTS
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Referral Process for Students to See a Counselor:
Students will have paper and electronic copies of the referral form to see their counselor. These forms can be found in an electronic version on the Covington Counselors’ BLEND course, as well as in paper copies in teachers’ classrooms. This form should be submitted during lunch, before school, or after school. A counselor will see them within one school day during COLT time (Advisory).
Counselors will not be available during scheduled class times unless it is an emergency. Students are not allowed to come to the counseling office without a pass or without a counselor picking them up. If it is an emergency, teachers will message a counselor so that a counselor can pick up the student without a referral being required.
Parents - You are able to refer your child to see the counselor if you feel they could benefit from speaking with one. Here is the link to do so (for emergencies, please call 9-1-1):
Covington Middle School Parent Referral Form for Counselor
Important Dates
March - Women’s History Month
April 24 - Last Day to drop high school credit classes (except Algebra I) Form Here
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This past weekend, 39 Covington artists presented 49 works of art to judges in this
year’s UIL Jr VASE Competition. We are very proud to announce that students earned 47
medals, 14 students earned perfect scores from their judges, and 4 students earned Platinum
Medals – the highest honor awarded. Special congratulations to Kylie K, Gaia E, Linden R,
and Kevin K. Thanks to all our wonderful artists for representing Covington so well.
We would like to extend a special “Thank You” to Mr. Summerville, who took time out
of his busy schedule to run practice sessions with several students to strengthen their
interview skills and compete with confidence!
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Our School Nurse Bianca Wan |
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Attention 6th Grade Parents
Tdap (tetanus/diphtheria/pertussis) and MCV4 (meningococcal) vaccines are required before entry to 7th grade. If your child does not already have these, make an appointment with their healthcare provider to get them before the new school year. Please email or bring an updated immunization record to school. For more info: Immunizations | Austin ISD
Medication Pick-up
If your child has medications in the health room, they need to be picked up by a parent/guardian by the last day of school. All unclaimed medications will be disposed of on the last day of school. Reminder, for each new school year, new medication authorization forms are required. For more info: Medical Forms | Austin ISD
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Health Services During School Hours
For all parents, be sure to complete the Parent Consent for Physical Health Related Services. This form was emailed by Principal Maddox.
All medications (prescription and over-the-counter) require both provider and parent authorization to be given at school. We do not provide OTC meds (like Tylenol or cough drops).Students may only carry inhalers or EpiPens with the proper documentation from a healthcare provider. No other medications may be carried by students. If your child has asthma, severe allergies, diabetes, or seizures, please ensure their emergency medication is on campus to avoid treatment delays.
More info: Medical Forms | Austin ISD
Thank you for partnering with me to help keep our students healthy and safe. If you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out!
Bianca Wan, RN, BSN 512-414-5382 ext: 45382 bianca.wan@austinisd.org
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Welcome to the Restorative Corner!
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Hello! My name is Amber Watts, and I am Covington’s Restorative Practices Associate.
Welcome to the Restorative Corner, a space for connection, care, and community. Restorative Practices remind us that people do their best when they feel seen, heard, and valued. Even small moments of connection can make a big difference. Restorative Tip: Try a daily check-in question like, “What’s one word to describe your day?” Consistent check-ins build trust and belonging.
¡Hola! Soy Amber Watts, la Asociada de Prácticas Restaurativas de Covington. Bienvenidos a El Rincón Restaurativo, un espacio para la conexión, el cuidado y la comunidad. Las prácticas restaurativas nos recuerdan que las personas dan lo mejor de sí cuando se sienten vistas, escuchadas y valoradas. Incluso pequeños momentos de conexión pueden marcar una gran diferencia.
Consejo Restaurativo: Intente una pregunta diaria de reflexión como “¿Qué palabra describe tu día?” Los chequeos constantes fortalecen la confianza y el sentido de pertenencia.
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Click HERE to learn about our F.O.W.A.R.D. - Restorative Practices here at Covington
Haga clic AQUÍ para aprender sobre nuestro F.O.W.A.R.D. - Prácticas Restaurativas Aquí en Covington
If you have any questions regarding the F.O.R.W.A.R.D.
program, please reach out to Ms. Amber Watts at:
amber.watts@austinisd.org
Si tiene alguna pregunta sobre el programa FORWARD, no dude en comunicarse con Sra. Amber Watts:
amber.watts@austinisd.org
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Join our Convington PTA
Your input and particpation in the parent/ teacher Association (PTA) and other school committees such as campus Advisory Council (CAC)
JoinPTA – JoinPTA
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We’d are looking for you community members, parents, students, and school staff to join the Covington MS Committee who will guide, select, and implement this project to improve physical activity and wellness in and around the school and neighborhoods in the attendance zone.
Committee members will receive $50/hour for participating in meetings. Your voice can make a difference for kids, families & the community. Learn more & find out how to get involved https://sites.google.com/uth.edu/activemiddleschools/covington
Estamos buscando a miembros de la comunidad, padres, estudiantes y personal escolar para unirse al Comité de Covington MS, el cual guiará, seleccionará e implementará este proyecto para mejorar la actividad física y el bienestar en la escuela y en los vecindarios de la zona de asistencia.
Los miembros del comité recibirán $50 por hora por participar en las reuniones. Su voz puede marcar la diferencia para los niños, las familias y la comunidad. Infórmese más y descubra cómo participar https://sites.google.com/uth.edu/activemiddleschools-esp/covington
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New Ticketing System for all AISD Games |
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PARENT NOTES: May be used to excuse a total of 8 absences for the school year. If exceeding 8, parents/guardians are encouraged to communicate with your campus principal to discuss the reason(s) for absences and whether future notes will be accepted. |
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THE FOLLOWING EXCUESES WILL REMAIN UNX.... |
Overslept, Missed bus, Vacation, Babysitting Parent sick, , Sibling Appt, Transportation, Nothing to wear, Student didn't want to come to school. |
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NOTAS DE LOS PADRES: Se pueden usar para justificar un total de 8 ausencias durante el año escolar. Si se exceden las 8 ausencias, se recomienda que los padres/tutores se comuniquen con el director(a) de la escuela para discutir la(s) razón(es) de las ausencias y si se aceptarán notas en el futuro." |
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LAS SIGUIENTES JUSTIFICACIONES SE CONSIDERARÁN NO JUSTIFICADAS.... |
Se quedó dormido(a), Perdió el autobús, Vacaciones, Padre/madre enfermo(a), Cuidando niños, Cita de un hermano(a), Problemas de transporte, No tiene qué ponerse, El estudiante no quiso venir a la escuela. |
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What Is Safe Space and Who Can You Talk To?
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This year, Austin ISD is launching a new way for students to report safety concerns called Safe Space. Safe Space gives you a way to share important information if you feel unsafe, if someone else needs help, or if something just doesn’t seem right.
You can always go to a trusted adult, that means someone like a teacher, coach, counselor, principal, or assistant principal, someone you feel comfortable going to when you need help or see something wrong.
If you’d rather share information online and/or anonymously, you can go to austinisd.org/safespace and submit a report.
Look around campus for the yellow Safe Space posters; they have the website link and can guide you where to go. Your voice matters and can help keep everyone safe.
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Student Chromebooks Expectations
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