Newsletter for the week of Dec 15th - 19th, 2025 |
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Upcoming Events
Monday, Dec. 15th: A Team Soccer Playoffs vs Webb Middle School @ 6:00 PM at Nelson Field
Monday, Dec. 15th-16th: Musical Auditions @ 4:00-5:30pm Covington Theater Classroom
Tuesday, Dec. 16th: Choir Winter Concert @ 6:00pm in Convington Theater
Wednesday, Dec. 17th: A Team Soccer Playoffs After School @ 7:30-8:30pm in Nelson Field
Wednesday, Dec. 17th: Girls Basketball vs Playoffs @ 6-8pm in Covington
Wednesday, Dec. 17th: PTA Potluck @ 12:10-2:25pm
Wednesday, Dec. 17th: Musical Callbacks in Theater @ 4:00-5:30pm
Thursday, Dec. 18th: Boys Basketball Try-Outs @ 4-5:30pm
December 22nd- January 5th: Student Holiday
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Message from the Principal
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Dear Covington Families,
We have finally reached the end of the first semester, and this last week before Winter Break marks the close of a period that has been filled with both challenges and important opportunities for growth. This semester has asked a great deal of our students, staff, and families, but it has also opened the door to meaningful conversations and new possibilities as we continue to shape the future of Covington Middle School.
I want to sincerely thank all of you who have taken the time to engage in the consolidation discussions and share your perspectives, questions, and support. Your voices matter, and your partnership has been invaluable to me and to our faculty and staff as we navigate change together with transparency and care for our community.
As we enter the two-week holiday break, I encourage you to take this time to slow down, reconnect, and enjoy moments with family and friends. Whether your traditions are big or small, this time together is meaningful, and I hope it brings rest, joy, and renewal for you and your children.
Thank you for trusting us with your students and for continuing to support Covington. Until next year, please stay safe, take care, and I look forward to seeing everyone back in 2026.
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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
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Covington Counselors’ Corner Week of December 15, 2025
Covington MSFAA Counseling Team - CREST Counseling Award Winners!
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Covington Middle School Fine Arts Academy is one of two middle schools in AISD to win this prestigious award for the 2024-25 school year. This is the first time for CMSFAA to win the CREST award.
The Counselors Reinforcing Excellence for Students in Texas (CREST) Award, sponsored by the Texas School Counselor Association (TSCA), recognizes outstanding school counseling programs and serves as a tool for continuous growth and advocacy.
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Guidance Lessons - December/January
Counselors will be teaching CCMR (College, Career, and Military Readiness) lessons in December and January to all grade levels. For 6th and 7th grade students, these lessons help students: 1. Identify long and short-term, academic, career, and social-emotional goals; 2. Demonstrate the ability to work independently (6th) and demonstrate perseverance to achieve long- and short-term goals (6th and 7th); and 3. Use effective cooperation and collaboration skills (6th) and use effective oral and written communication skills and listening skills (6th and 7th).
For 8th grade students, CCMR lessons help students identify long and short-term, academic, career, and social-emotional goals. Ms. McDonald will hold High School Transition conferences with every 8th grade student. The purpose of these 8th grade conferences are to empower 8th grade students and their families with the information, resources, and individualized planning needed to make informed decisions about high school programs, align coursework with post-secondary goals, and fulfill requirements for the Texas Distinguished Level of Achievement graduation plan.
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Breakthrough Central Texas
Attention First Generation College Students! Breakthrough Central Texas will be on campus in January 2026 to discuss their program to support students who may be first generation college students with tutoring, summer school, and field trips. Breakthrough will be speaking with 6th grade students during Advisory next month, but the program is open to all potential first generation college students in all grades.
Habits of Successful Middle School Students
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In talking with families on campus tours the past few months, parents ask how they can prepare their students for middle school. Last week, in particular, I was chatting with families about how to help their students be more independent and resilient in approaching their 6th grade year. We discussed how helping your child be more independent, make more of their own decisions, and accept responsibility for their learning are a few ways to support student success in middle school. Some ideas might be students setting their own alarm for the next morning, being responsible for staying current with assignments (checking for any missing assignments daily), and maybe even making their own lunch/snacks to bring to school.
Below are some habits of successful middle school students (article linked below).
Excellent Time Management and Prioritization
Staying Organized Throughout the Year
Excellent Note Taking During Class
Being Open to Feedback About Mistakes
Participating in a Study Group
Asking for Help from Parents and Teachers
Planning Ahead and Not Cramming
Habits of Successful Middle School Students
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
January 18, 2026 - 8th Grade Visit to Crockett HS
February 6, 2026 - Bowie HS DAWG Show
February 19, 2026 - Bowie HS Showcase Night
March 5, 2026 - Bowie HS Counselors Visit Covington
Mrs. Debra Austrum
6th Grade & 7th Grade A-L
debra.austrum@austinisd.org
Ms. Rabecca McDonald
7th Grade M-Z & 8th Grade
rabecca.mcdonald@austinisd.org
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Meet Our School Nurse Bianca Wan
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Health Screenings in Progress
If your child needs further evaluation due to failed screening, they will be given a referral letter and a copy will be emailed to parents. Please let me know of any provider results. Screenings include vision, hearing, and acanthosis nigricans for 7th graders. In addition, 7th grade girls and 8th grade boys have spinal screening.
More info: Health Screenings | 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! |
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. December can be a busy and emotional time. Restorative practices remind us to slow down, extend grace, and care for ourselves and each other. When stress shows up, connection matters more than perfection. Restorative Tip: Pause and ask yourself and others, “How are you really doing today?” Sometimes, being heard is the support someone needs most.
¡Hola! Mi nombre es Amber Watts, y soy la Asociada de Prácticas Restaurativas de Covington.
¡Bienvenidos al Rincón Restaurativo! Un espacio para la conexión, el cuidado y la comunidad. Diciembre puede ser un tiempo ocupado y lleno de emociones. Las prácticas restaurativas nos recuerdan bajar el ritmo, extender la gracia y cuidarnos a nosotros mismos y a los demás. Cuando aparece el estrés, la conexión importa más que la perfección. Consejo Restaurativo: Haga una pausa y pregúntese a usted mismo y a los demás: “¿Cómo estás realmente hoy?” A veces, ser escuchado es el apoyo que más se necesita.
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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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COMMUNITY EVENTS/OPPORTUNITIES: |
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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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