Newsletter for the week of Jan 19th - 23rd, 2026 |
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Upcoming Events
Monday, Jan. 19th: MLK Day Student/Staff Holiday Tuesday, Jan. 12th-16th: Musical Rehearsals @ 4-6pm in Covington Theater Thursday, Jan. 22nd: Boys Basketball vs Garcia @ 6pm Location: Garcia MS Saturday, Jan. 24th: Girls Soccer vs. Means @ 9-11am Location: Means MS |
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Message from the Principal |
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I hope everyone is enjoying this 3-day weekend! The weather has been beautiful, which makes it a great time to get outside, enjoy some fresh air, and soak up a little extra sunshine. This week, we will be distributing MAP Middle of the Year (MOY) reports for your child on Thursday and Friday. Please be on the lookout for these reports coming home. What do the MAP MOY reports mean?
MAP assessments measure your child’s academic progress over time in reading and math. The MOY report shows how your child is growing compared to earlier in the year and whether they are on track to meet their projected growth by the end of the school year. Remember, this is one snapshot of progress and is best used as a conversation starter and a tool for goal-setting. Ways to celebrate your child’s growth: -“I’m proud of how hard you’ve been working this year.” -“You’ve grown since the beginning of the year—let’s celebrate that!” -“What are you most proud of when you look at your report?” If your child didn’t meet their projected growth, you might say or do:
-“This doesn’t define you. Growth takes time, and we’re here to support you.” -“What do you think felt challenging, and how can we help together?” -Set a small, achievable goal and celebrate effort and improvement along the way. -Encourage reading, practicing math facts, and asking for help when needed.
We also want to share some excitement about ColtsFest, coming up on March 7th! We are currently looking for vendors who may be interested in participating. If you or someone you know would like more information, please reach out to our PSS, Alejandra Castillo, at alejandra.b.castillo@austinisd.org.
Finally, we know many families have questions about school consolidations and new updates happening within AISD. Information continues to be released each week regarding how Covington may be impacted next year. As we receive updates, we will be sure to share them with you as quickly and clearly as possible. Thank you for your continued partnership and support! |
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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 January 19, 2026 |
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| Martin Luther King Jr. Day - January 19
The King Center: Offers classroom resources on MLK Jr., Coretta Scott King, the Civil Rights Movement, and the philosophy of nonviolence, including interactive talks and digital material. |
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Algebra I Opt-Out Deadline for 2025-26 - January 30, 2026
8th grade students currently enrolled in Algebra I have the option to opt-out of this class by January 30, 2026. Whether students have a failing grade or a “less than ideal” grade in this course, they may turn in a paper signed opt-out form in to Ms. McDonald, 8th grade counselor, by the deadline for this grade not to be part of their high school GPA.
Opt-Out of Algebra I: Once the form is turned in, students will have a definite schedule change to a Math 8 class (different period) and will not be able to go back into the Algebra I class or claim the high school credit for this course. Your student’s current Algebra I grade will still count toward their Math 8 grade. Your student would not take the Algebra I EOC (End-Of-Course exam), instead they would take the STAAR Math 8 assessment at the end of the school year.
Not Opting Out of Algebra I: No matter the grade, the year-end Algebra I grade stands and becomes part of the student’s high school GPA (Grade Point Average). Student will take the Algebra I EOC (End-Of-Course exam). |
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| Breakthrough Central Texas
Attention First Generation College Students! Breakthrough Central Texas will be on campus January 21, 2026 during Advisory/Colt Time (in the Library) to discuss their program to support students who may be first generation college students with tutoring, summer school, and field trips. The Breakthrough program is open to all potential first generation college students in all grades. Contact Debra Austrum, 6th and 7th grade counselor, if you would like your child to participate in the Breakthrough presentation.
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Holocaust Remembrance Week - January 26-30, 2026
January 27 - International Holocaust Remembrance Day The United Nations General Assembly designated January 27—the anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau—as International Holocaust Remembrance Day, a time to remember the six million Jewish victims of the Holocaust and the millions of other victims of Nazi persecution. |
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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 15 - Crockett High School Visit to Covington to complete choice sheets (all students) January 30 - Cutoff for Opt-Out of Algebra I forms to be turned in (final deadline) February 6 - Bowie High School “Dawg” Show |
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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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