Principal's Message
Dear Covington Middle School Students and Parents and Guardians,
As the summer draws to a close, we stand on the cusp of a new school year filled with excitement. I am thrilled to welcome each of you back to Covington Middle School this Tuesday. Whether you are returning for another year or joining us for the first time, you are an essential part of our vibrant school community.
Our dedicated staff have been preparing for this upcoming year with great enthusiasm and commitment. We have planned engaging and innovative lessons, enriching activities, and supportive programs designed to foster both academic excellence and personal growth for every student.
We believe in the potential of each student and the power of a supportive school environment. This year, we will continue to strengthen our partnership with you, our parents and guardians, because your involvement is key to your child's success. We encourage you to stay connected and engaged through our various communication channels and school events.
Please carefully read the information below to stay informed about important details for the upcoming school year:
A Few Reminders for the First Day:
- School Hours: Please remember that doors will open at 7:30 AM. Classes start promptly at 8:20 AM.
- First Day Pick-Up and Drop-Off: For those driving students to school, doors will open at 7:30 AM. Pick-up and drop-off are off of Convict Hill Road where the flag pole is located. Only one lane will be open for morning and afternoon. Please remember to be vigilant and observant during the first few weeks of school when you pick-up or drop-off your child. Do not park or exit your vehicle in the pick-up or drop-off zone. We appreciate your patience to keep our procedures safe and efficient. Please note, parents will not be permitted to walk students to class to maintain a secure environment for all students. If there is a need for assistance where you need to enter the office, please park at the end of the driveway.
First Week Schedule:
- Tuesday, August 20th (B Day): Students will report to periods 5-8.
- Wednesday, August 21st (A Day): Students will report to periods 1-4.
Cell Phone Policy Reminder: We’ve received positive feedback regarding our new Cell Phone Policy, and I thank you for your support. Please remind your child that cell phones and other electronic devices should be turned off and kept out of sight while at school. Our team will reinforce this policy from the first day onward, but your reinforcement at home is crucial.
Let us all commit to making this school year successful and memorable. Together, we will support our students in achieving their best, navigating challenges, and enjoying their journey at Covington Middle School.
Thank you for your trust and support. Here's to a fantastic school year ahead!
Proud Principal,
Cedric Maddox
Covington Counselors Corner!
Welcome to a new school year! Both Ms. Rabecca McDonald and I are excited to be supporting students and families at Covington Middle School this year. It is our hope to create a school counseling program that will support students academically, socially, and emotionally, as well as provide a sense of belonging and emotional safety on our campus.
Here is a link for the referral form to see a counselor!
https://forms.office.com/r/ynPB45H6sA
Back to School Tech Updates and Tips
To support a smooth transition into the 2024-25 school year, please see these Back to School Technology Updates and Tips.
Mrs. Debra Austrum - 6th Grade & 7th Grade A-L
After 19 years of elementary teaching and counseling, I jumped at the chance to work with middle school students a few years ago. In Austin ISD, I have worked as a school counselor to 3-11 year old students at Sunset Valley Elementary and, more recently, as an 8th and 6th grade counselor at Bailey Middle School. I have a Bachelor's and Master’s degrees in Education and Educational Leadership from Northern Arizona University. I received my alternative School Counseling Certification from Education Service Center Region 13 in 2017. As a small-town native Texan who lived in the Southwest for 20+ years, I love road trips, reading, watching movies in a big theater, and taking long walks.
Ms. Rabecca McDonald 7th Grade M-Z and 8th Grade
Welcome Colts! I am excited to start the new year with you all! I am new to Austin and come loaded and packed up with my 14 year old daughter from San Antonio! Bella, my daughter, is going to be a fellow Austin ISD student and attend Crockett for her first year of high school! I have worked with middle school students for 12 years in the San Antonio and Corpus Christi area. I taught middle school for 5 years and then chose to become a counselor where I am now so fortunate to be working with all you wonderful students and families! I graduated from Texas A&M University at Kingsville (GO JAVS!) with both my bachelors in psychology and masters in counseling and guidance! When I am not working with students and families, I like to spend my free time reading my Kindle, going out to the movies and dinner with my daughter, and just resting at home watching good old fashioned TV.
Meet Our Restorative Practices Associate!
Hi, I’m Ms. Watts, and I’m excited to be your new Restorative Practices Associate. I’ve spent over 10 years working in restorative practices and education justice. Restorative practices helps people build stronger relationships, and when needed resolve conflicts by focusing on understanding and repairing connections, rather than punishing. I’m here to help everyone feel heard and valued and to work through problems in a positive way. I’m looking forward to getting to know all of you and helping to build a stronger, more connected school community!
Feel free to reach out to me anytime:
Phone: 512-414-3276 EXT: 25975
Email: amber.watts@austinisd.org
Please visit this website bit.ly/RPASupport
All the best,
Amber Watts
Find resources you may need:
Your Parent Support Specialist can help find assistance when needed. Learn new things about school and how to help your child succeed. Look for parent workshops throughout the year!
Esther Garcia, Parent Support Specialist 512-414-3276 ext:54748
Submit your request here: https://forms.gle/H3WXDRyYz7rCckYw5
Become leaders in our school!
Your input and participation in the Parent/Teacher Association (PTA) joinpta.org and other school committees such as Campus Advisory Council (CAC)
Become a Parent Volunteer!
Volunteers are welcomed and needed! We could use parent volunteers in our West office, Mon-Tues-Thurs-Friday's.
Everyone who volunteers will need to attend a volunteer orientation: https://austinisd.voly.org
PTA is focused on making every child's potential a reality by strengthening education and taking a comprehensive approach to community success. And we know there is no community without YOU – our members, our business leaders, our decision-makers.
Thank you for supporting PTA in your Community! Please select the school district* and name of the PTA you would like join. During checkout you can easily add multiple members to the same PTA.
Go to: https://www.joinpta.org/
Choose the district: Austin ISD
Choose the School: Covington Middle School
Follow us on Facebook: Covington Middle School PTA - Austin | Facebook
Covington PTA: https://covingtoncoltspta.weebly.com/
La PTA se centra en hacer realidad el potencial de cada niño reforzando la educación y adoptando un enfoque integral para el éxito de la comunidad. Y sabemos que no hay comunidad sin USTED - nuestros miembros, nuestros líderes empresariales, nuestros tomadores de decisiones.
Gracias por apoyar a la PTA en su Comunidad! Por favor, seleccione el distrito escolar* y el nombre de la PTA a la que desea unirse. Durante el proceso de compra puede añadir fácilmente varios miembros a la misma PTA.
Vaya a: https://www.joinpta.org/
Elija el distrito: Austin ISD
Elija la escuela: Covington Middle School
Síganos en Facebook: Covington Middle School PTA - Austin | Facebook
PTA de Covington: https://covingtoncoltspta.weebly.com/