Newsletter for the week of Dec 8th - 12th, 2025 |
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Upcoming Events
Tuesday, Dec. 9th: Guitar Winter Concert @ 6:30pm in Convington Theater
Wednesday, Dec. 10th: CAC Meeting @4:15pm
Wednesday, Dec. 10th: PTA Meeting @ 5:15pm
Wednesday, Dec. 10th: Band Winter Concert @ Burger Activity Center
Wednesday, Dec. 10th: Girls Basketball VS Playoffs @ 6-8pm in Covington.
Thursday, Dec. 11th: Coffee with the Principle @10am
Thursday, Dec. 11th: Orchestra Winter Concert @ 6:30pm in Covington Theater
Friday, Dec. 12th: Boys Basketball Try-Outs @ 4-5:30pm
Saturday, Dec. 13th: Boys Soccer vs Bedichek @ 9am-11:30am in Bedichek
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Message from the Principal
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Good Afternoon Covington Families,
The countdown continues, only two weeks until Winter Break, and you can already feel the holiday spirit on campus! We kicked things off with our Theater Department’s wonderful holiday production on Friday. Thank you to all the parents and families who came out to support our students.
The celebrations continue over the next two weeks with performances from Guitar, Band, Choir, and Orchestra. We invite you to join us and experience the joy, talent, and spirit our students bring to each stage. These events are a highlight of the year, and we hope to see you there.
Last week, we also welcomed several of our feeder elementary schools, including those traditionally in our pipeline and those who will be new to the Covington family in the future. 5th graders had the opportunity to watch performances from across our Fine Arts programs. To say they were excited, ecstatic, and eager to join Covington would be an understatement. Their smiles and energy were a beautiful reminder of the community they will soon become a part of.
This Wednesday, we will hold our Campus Advisory Council (CAC) meeting, where I will share updates on the recent consolidation process and board vote. I encourage families to attend, ask questions, and stay informed about the direction we are headed as we prepare for next school year.
Finally, please take some time to speak with your child about their Middle of the Year (MOY) MAP assessment results. Several students far exceeded their projected growth, with some improving their RIT score, a measure of academic readiness and instructional level, by 20 points or more. This kind of growth is truly exceptional, and I invite you to celebrate these accomplishments with your children. Your encouragement and recognition make a tremendous difference.
As always, thank you for your continued support of our students and our Covington community. Let’s make these next two weeks full of learning, celebration, and holiday joy.
Your Proud Principal,
Cedric Maddox
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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 8, 2025 |
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Celebrating Inclusion
Austin ISD will celebrate Inclusive Schools Week from December 8–12, 2025. This year’s theme, “Children First — Building a Stronger Tomorrow,” is inspired by the Maasai greeting Casserian Engeri (“And how are the children?”). It reminds us to prioritize the well-being and sense of belonging for every student.
7th Grade College Trip to Texas A&M
On Friday, November 21st, 60 of our 7th grade students had the opportunity to visit Texas A&M University at College Station. As this trip was limited in number due to Texas A&M guidelines, several more college trips are planned for the spring for 7th grade students. These college visits are funded by a district grant for students in 5th, 7th, and 10th grades.
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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
December 5 - International Volunteer Day
December 7-13 - National Handwashing Awareness Week
December 10 - Human Rights Day
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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!
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Hi Covington families! I’m here to help connect you with resources and programs to make life a little easier, I can assist with food, affordable housing, utility, clothing, and transportation needs, as well as affordable healthcare and low-cost therapy options.
Parent Need Survey- Click on the link below
Family Needs Survey | Encuesta para Identificar las Necesidades de las Familias (2025-2026)
Contact info: 512-414-5382 ext: 45382
Email: alejandra.b.castillo@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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COMMUNITY EVENTS/OPPORTUNITIES: |
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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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