Newsletter for the week of Feb 2nd - 6th, 2026 |
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Upcoming Events Monday, Feb. 2nd-20th: Musical Rehearsals @ 4pm Location: Covington Theater
Tuesday, Feb. 3rd: Active Middle School Communities Project @ 4:30-6:30 Location: Library
Wednesday, Feb 4th: Boys Basketball vs Martin 8B @ 6pm Location: Covington MS
Wednesday, Feb 4th: Boys Basketball vs Garcia 7B @ 7pm Location: Covington MS Friday, Feb 5th: Bowie Dawg Show @ 9:30am Friday, Feb 5th: Life skills Valentines Party @11:30am-2pm
Friday, Feb 5th: Band Night Frenzy @ 4pm Location: Covington Theater Saturday, Feb 7th: Girls Soccer vs Burnet @ 9am Location: Covington MS TESTING DATES: Tuesday, Feb 3rd: STARR Interim- ELAR
Feb 4th-6th: STARR Interim- ( ELAR MAKE-UP) Wednesday, Feb 4th: STARR Interim- MATH Feb 5th-6th: STARR Interim- ( MATH MAKE-UP) |
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Message from the Principal |
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Dear Covington Families,
Now that it seems we have made it through the annual freeze season that Central Texas loves to offer, we are back in the full swing of things here at Covington!
This week is an important one for our students. On Tuesday and Wednesday, students will be participating in the state’s annual STAAR Interim Assessments in Math and English Language Arts (ELA). These interim assessments are designed to help teachers and students understand how well students are mastering grade-level standards and to identify areas where additional support or enrichment may be needed before the official STAAR test later this spring. While the assessments are not used for grades, they are an important tool that helps guide instruction and supports student success.
Most students will complete testing by mid-day; however, students who need additional time will be provided that time after the lunch period. To help testing run as smoothly as possible, we are asking for your support with the following: -Please ensure your child brings their school laptop and laptop charger to school. -Students will be asked to leave their laptops and chargers in their testing locations at the end of the day so all devices are charged and ready to go for Tuesday morning. In addition, here are a few other ways you can help your child do their best on the STAAR Interim Assessments: -Ensure your child gets a good night’s sleep before testing days -Encourage a healthy breakfast to help them stay focused -Remind your child to take their time, read carefully, and do their best -Offer words of encouragement and reassurance, confidence goes a long way!
Looking ahead, we are about a month away from our annual ColtsFest, and we could truly use all the support and help we can get. If you are willing to volunteer, whether for an hour or the entire day,please consider signing up through the PTA.
Additionally, if you own a small business, have family or friends who own a small business, or know an interested party who may want to be a vendor at ColtsFest, please email our Parent Support Specialist, Alejandra Castillo, at alejandra.b.castillo@austinisd.org. Thank you for your continued partnership and support. We are excited for a strong week ahead at Covington! |
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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 February 6, 2026 |
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Join Experience Camps for a Field Day at Pease Park on February 7, 2026
This free Meetup is for any family whose child is grieving the death of a parent or sibling and will be on February 7th at 11:00am at Pease Park Great Lawn in Austin. We will incorporate sports, relays, challenges, and food, alongside other grieving kids. Please see below, and the flyer attached. *Who: All families in Texas whose child is grieving the death of someone close to them
*What: A field day at Pease Park in partnership with Austin Youth Fitness and the David Phillips Foundation *Where: Pease Park Great Lawn - 1100 Kingsbury St, Austin, TX 78703 - Here is information on parking. *When: Saturday, February 7th at 11:00am
-Click HERE to RSVP -Add to your Calendar *Cost: Free! *Other Details: -We require caregivers to stay for the duration of the event. -Please indicate on the RSVP all family members who will be in attendance. -Food will be provided. If you need help with transportation, please reach out to me at midge.carter@experiencecamps.org. |
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Austin ISD’s Parent U - College Readiness Strategies for Parents Parent University (Parent U) is a districtwide virtual series hosted by Austin ISD’s Secondary Outcomes Department. Reminder: The series is ongoing through April 2026, designed to equip parents with knowledge and resources to support their child’s postsecondary journey. Remaining Spring sessions cover: college entrance exams, first-year college prep, exploration events, and mental health support.
Remaining 2025–2026 Parent U Sessions: February 4, 2026 – What Comes Next? First-Year College Prep for Families: Covers next steps after college acceptance—housing, vaccines, testing, orientation, and avoiding “summer melt”.
March 4, 2026 – College Bound: Don’t Miss These Exploration Events: Highlights upcoming college fairs and exploration events that connect students with admissions reps, scholarships, and programs. April 1, 2026 – Thriving Through Transitions: Mental Health & School Changes: Strategies for supporting students emotionally and academically through major school transitions. Registration link: https://bit.ly/AustinISDParentU For any questions or for more information please reach out to Claudia Arellano Ferretiz via email or Google Chats, claudia.arellanoferretiz@austinisd.org. |
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| Covington MSFAA Counseling Team - CREST Counseling Award Winners!
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 Covington MSFAA 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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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 27 - International Holocaust Remembrance Day January 26-30 - Holocaust Remembrance Week January 30 - Cutoff for Opt-Out of Algebra I forms to be turned in (final deadline) February 6 - Bowie High School DAWG Show
February 11 - Crockett High School Visit for 8th Grade Choice Sheets February 12 - Crockett High School Visit for 8th Grade Choice Sheets February 18 - Family Choice Sheet Night at Covington Middle School Fine Arts Academy (new to Covington students for 2026-27 school year) February 19 - Bowie High School Showcase Night
March 5 - Bowie High School Counselors Visit Covington MSFAA March 5 - GT Showcase Night |
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Our School Nurse Bianca Wan |
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| Fight the Flu
Influenza vaccine is an effective way to prevent the flu and reduce the risk of flu-associated hospitalizations. Additional ways to prevent the spread of flu include washing hands often, covering coughs/sneezes, staying home when ill, cleaning high touch surfaces (doorknobs and handles), and taking antiviral medication if prescribed by your doctor. Flu symptoms can include fevers, chills, cough, sore throat, runny/stuffy nose, muscle/body aches, headaches, and fatigue. |
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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. February Restorative Corner
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.
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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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. |
| 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." |
| 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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