Newsletter for the week of Feb 9th - 13th, 2026 |
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Upcoming Events
Monday, Feb. 9th-13th: Musical Rehearsals @ 4pm Location: (Covington Theater) Monday, Feb. 9th: Orchestra On Stage After School PRE-UIL Rehersal (Covington Theater) Wednesday, Feb. 11th: CPR Training W/Ally @ 4:30pm (PSS Room) Wednesday, Feb. 11th: Boys BBall 7th/8th B Team vs Burnet B Team @ 6pm (Covington MS) Wednesday, Feb. 11th: Meet And Greet Event @6pm Thursday, Feb 12th: Coffee W/ The Principal @ 10am Thursday, Feb 12th: CAC Meeting @ 4:15 PM, following the PTA Meeting. Thursday, Feb 12th: Boy BBall 7th/8th A Team bs Burnet A Team @6pm (Burnet) Friday, Feb 13th: Valentines Dance @6pm Saturday, Feb 14th: FAA Auditions- Theater, Art And Dance @8:30am Saturday, Feb 14th: Girls Soccer vs Marshall @ 9am (Covington MS) |
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Message from the Principal |
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Dear Covington Families,
Last week was a challenging one across the district, as schools navigated student-led walkouts and heightened emotions surrounding current events. As a reminder, please take time to review the updated district policy and guidance regarding student walkouts, as it outlines expectations moving forward.
I would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all of the parents and community members who came out to support our Annual LifeSkills Valentine’s Party coordinated by our Teacher of the Year, Ms. Franke. This special event has been a Covington tradition for the past three years and continues to grow, welcoming not only our own students but students from across the district. Your support helps make these meaningful experiences possible.
Looking ahead, we want to remind families that our Valentine’s Dance will take place this Friday. The PTA is currently looking for parent chaperones, and we would love your support to help make this event safe and successful for our students.
Last week, students completed the STAAR Interim Assessments in ELA and Math. Assessment results, instructional next steps, and campus data will be reviewed during our upcoming Campus Advisory Council (CAC) meeting on Thursday at 4:15 PM. During this meeting, I will also be providing important updates on the Covington Consolidation Plan.
Finally, we are quickly approaching one of our most exciting community events of the year, ColtsFest, which will take place on March 7th, less than a month away! We are in need of volunteers to help make this event a success. Whether you are able to help for an hour or the entire day, we truly appreciate your support. Please use the link below to sign up: ColtsFest Volunteer Sign-Up:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C054CAEAA2EA0F9C16-62218415-covington
If you own a small business, have family or friends who own a small business, or know an interested party who would like to participate as a vendor at ColtsFest, please contact our Parent Support Specialist, Alejandra Castillo, at alejandra.b.castillo@austinisd.org for additional information. Thank you for your continued partnership, support, and commitment to the Covington community.
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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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COLTSFEST IS ALMOST HERE! |
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Covington Counselors’ Corner Week of February, 13th 2026 |
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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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SCHOOL 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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