Newsletter for the week of March 2nd - 6th, 2026 |
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Message from the Principal |
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Dear Covington Families,
With just two weeks left before Spring Break, we are entering an exciting and important time at Covington! Before we reach the break, we are looking forward to one of our most anticipated community events, our Annual ColtsFest, happening this Saturday.
Our PTA and teachers have been working incredibly hard to ensure ColtsFest truly represents the spirit of the Covington community. As we make our final preparations, we are still in need of a last push of support, including volunteers, vendors, and donations for the Silent Auction.
If you are able to assist in any of these ways, please sign up using the volunteer link shared in the previous newsletters. If you or someone you know is interested in being a vendor, please contact our Parent Support Specialist, Alejandra Castillo, at alejandra.b.castillo@austinisd.org. Your support makes a meaningful difference, and we hope to see many of you there! Early Pick-Up Procedure Update Following Spring Break, Covington will implement a new policy for parents wishing to pick up students early from school. The cutoff time for early pick-up will be 3:15 PM. This change is being made to protect instructional time at the end of the day and reduce disruptions during the final class period Thank you in advance for your understanding and cooperation as we prioritize the safety and learning of our students. Looking Ahead: Consolidation, Gratitude, and What’s Next
Throughout this year, Covington has been part of an ongoing consolidation process, which has included changes, adjustments, and thoughtful planning for the future. I want to sincerely thank our families for your support, flexibility, and patience, as well as for welcoming the Bedichek community into Covington. Your partnership has been essential throughout this process.
As we look ahead to next year, I want to officially share an important update. Covington will transition to a 5×5 block schedule for the 2026–2027 school year. Currently, Covington operates on a 4×4 schedule with A, B, and C days. Beginning next year students will attend 5 class periods per day and the schedule will rotate on A and B days only Why This Change is Being Made
When the final consolidation vote occurred, a TAP Plan was submitted outlining how Covington would move student achievement forward with the addition of increased instructional support, professional development, and the utilization of high-quality instructional materials.
As we prepare to welcome new students, it is important to acknowledge that academic challenges are not limited to incoming students. A significant number of students currently at Covington have experienced similar struggles over time, particularly in math and English Language Arts.
While research shows that a schedule change alone does not close achievement gaps, there is strong evidence that increased instructional frequency, paired with high-quality instruction, targeted interventions, and strong teacher support, leads to improved student outcomes. Schools that provide students, especially those who struggle, with more consistent exposure to core content, along with effective teaching and progress monitoring, see measurable gains in student achievement. The move to a 5×5 schedule allows us to: -Increase consistent instructional time in math and ELA -Provide stronger intervention and enrichment opportunities -Support instructional coherence across the campus -Align staffing, professional development, and student support more effectively In addition to academic considerations, student experience and access to electives played a critical role in this decision. If Covington were to remain on a 4×4 block schedule next year, a significant number of students would have limited elective options, with some students only able to take two electives total. Once physical education is factored in as a required elective, many students would effectively have only one true elective choice. For students in the Dual Language Program, elective choice would be even more limited, with schedules largely determined by program requirements.
As parents, you know, or will discover, that middle school is a pivotal and formative time. While some students thrive immediately, many are navigating changes related to friendships and self-identity. A significant number of students would face those challenges while spending nearly the entire day in core academic classes and having limited access to fine arts, engineering, robotics, and other electives. This is not the culture or experience I would like to create for our students. The 5×5 schedule allows us to balance academic rigor with opportunity, exploration, and engagement, ensuring students are supported not only academically, but socially and emotionally as well. We will continue to share additional information in the coming months regarding how this change may impact individual student schedules and what supports will be in place to ensure a smooth transition. Thank you, as always, for your continued partnership and trust. We are excited about the work ahead and remain committed to supporting every Covington student in their journey. |
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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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Tuesday, March 3rd - 5th: STARR Interim- Science Wednesday, March 4th - 5th: STARR Interim- Social Studies
Wednesday, March 4th: CAC Meeting @ 4:15 pm Wednesday, March 4th: PTA Meeting @ 5:15 pm Wednesday, March 4th: 7th Boys Basketball vs Bedichek MS @ 6pm (Covington MS) Wednesday, March 4th: 8th Boys Basketball Championship game vs Bedichek MS @ 7pm (Covington MS)
Friday, March 6th: STARR Interim- Make up for both Science and Social Studies |
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COLTSFEST IS ALMOST HERE! |
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SCHOOL EVENTS/OPPORTUNITIES: |
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Covington Counselors’ Corner Week of March 2, 2026 |
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2026-27 Covington Middle School Fine Arts Academy Choice Sheets - Due March 2nd
Counselors will be in 6th and 7th grade Social Studies classrooms on February 23rd and 24th to review 2026-27 7th and 8th grade choice sheets with students. Students will be bringing choice sheets home and returning them with a parent signature by Monday, March 2nd. There will be a separate choice sheet for Dual Language students. Choice sheets will be available in both English and Spanish.
Electives for 7th and 8th grade students for the 2026-27 school year are listed as follows. Bolded courses are new to Covington MSFAA next year. CTE Digital Communications in the 21st Century Digital Media - 8th grade only Principles of Architecture Principles of Applied Design Principles of Art and Audio/Visual Touch Data Entry (Keyboarding) Web Comm Fine Arts Band Choir Classical Guitar Digital Arts Dance Jazz Band Mariachi (will need to take another music class as well) Orchestra Steel Drums Theatre Visual Arts Additional Courses: AVID Dual Language Health (semester) Spanish 1 Spanish 2 Yearbook |
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Camp Agape Grief Recovery offers a therapeutic summer camp for children ages 7–12 who are navigating grief. The program is designed to be accessible to families and provides a safe, supportive environment where children can process their loss through guided activities, peer connection, and compassionate mentorship. All camp details, eligibility information, and application materials can be found at the link below: Camp Agape Grief Recovery — Applications Now Open Campers: June 1 - 4, 2026 Volunteers: May 31 - June 4. 2026 Volunteer dates differ from camper dates to allow for training and preparation.
GRIEF SUPPORT FOR STUDENTS |
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"Better Together" Showcase 2026
Calling all Gifted & Talented and Talent Explore Students! Share your outstanding work in the upcoming 2026 “Better Together” GT Showcase! This is an AISD virtual showcase. Entries are due by April 10, 2026. See Mrs. Austrum, GT Advocate, for more information at debra.austrum@austinisd.org. Campus GT Showcase - "Together" (Cancelled due to minimal interest)
Covington Middle School Fine Arts Academy will be presenting a GT Showcase on Thursday, March 5th featuring Gifted & Talented and Talent Explore students. Students can explore the theme “Together” in many different ways. They may present as an individual, with a partner, or in a group. Some project ideas are: Art, Animated Story, Audio Story, Book, Comic, Dance, Essay, Illustrated Story, Interview, Multimedia project, Musical Story, Personal Narrative, Podcast, Poem, Presentation, Research Paper, Science, Short Story, Service Project, Song and Dance, Three-Dimensional Project, Video, or wherever your imagination takes you!
Please submit GT project title, description, and detailed information on the link below by Monday, March 2nd. See Mrs. Austrum to pick up the Student Project Guide (also linked below). GT Showcase Submission Information GT Showcase - Student Project Guide 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: 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. 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 March 5 - Bowie High School Counselors Visit Covington MSFAA March 23-27 - AISD Pride Week March 24 - Akins High School Counselors Visit Covington MSFAA
April 24 - Last Day to drop high school credit classes (except Algebra I) Form Here |
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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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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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