Covington Connection

A reminder that tomorrow, Wednesday, February 2nd, is an Emergency e-Learning Day for all District 123 schools. All schools will be closed for in-person instruction.

I will be sharing information for our e-Learning Day with an email tomorrow morning at 8:30 A.M. Classroom teachers will share out information, assignments, and any other resources by 9:00 A.M.

At this time we are planning to resume in-person instruction on Thursday, February 3rd but will keep you updated over the next day.

Thank you

Sincerely,

Mr. John Wawczak

Principal, Covington Elementary School

Students in Ms. Ricker's class give these three students genuine compliments. Here at Covington we practice kindness 365 days a year!

We are now officially in February - the month of Valentine's Day and Friendship. As we focus on Friendship this month and have our Friendship Parties, let's discuss what makes a good friend. As always, there's no better place to find an answer than to ask some of our own Covington students! Check out their responses by visiting https://youtu.be/PLogb7lPEqY or clicking on the image.

Due to the tomorrow's weather and e-Learning Day, our February PTO meeting will be virtual. Our meeting will begin promptly at 6:00 P.M. and you can join by clicking http://meet.google.com/ucb-taxa-hec

Kindergarten and TPS Registration is now open. To find out more information on these programs or to register, visit https://www.d123.org/departments/teaching-learning/programs.

Upcoming District 123 & IDPH Vaccination Clinic First Vaccination Clink

• February 19, 2022
• 10am - 4pm
• OLHMS - 5345 West 99th St

The vaccination clinic is open to any community member and all vaccination types (Pfizer, Moderna, J&J) will be available. This will include 1st dose, 2nd dose, and booster doses if applicable.

You can book your appointment at d123.org/vaxclinic2022

Students and teachers across Illinois now have the opportunity to participate in the ninth annual statewide Illinois 5Essentials Survey. This survey is designed to generate a detailed picture of the inner workings of your child’s school. As a parent, this opportunity will allow you to share your thoughts on the important elements of school effectiveness. Additionally, your 4th-8th grade student will be asked about their experiences in school to help give school leaders critical student input and help develop future school improvement plans. If you would like to view the student survey questions or opt-out your student please complete the form found at: d123.org/five. You and your student's identity and survey responses will be kept completely confidential and anonymous. To get started with the survey head to d123.org/five.

It is the time of year again when you have the opportunity to order a Covington yearbook. To order a yearbook, visit http://www.treering.com/validate and enter the code for Covington Elementary School - 1013896287352030.

Yearbooks are $20.13 and the deadline to order is April 14th.

A wonderful resource that we have in District 123 is that we are a 1:1 district meaning that every student is provided with their own personal device. With this does come the responsibility of our students to care for the device. With these devices becoming more common in our day to day instruction, as well as students transporting them from school to home, we are seeing an increase in computer repairs. We do not want the students to lose access to their device for any time or for any expensive repair costs to our families. A few helpful care tips for students and their devices whether they are at school or home:

• Always transport your computer in the computer bag. A computer bag was specifically made for this and a backpack doesn't provide the same support or safety.
• Charge your computer every evening.
• Put your computer away when it is not in use. The computer can be stored in the desk, locker, or computer case.
• Do not leave your computer on the ground.
• Do not eat or drink anything when using the computer.
• Always carry your computer with two hands.

Update: Our weekly SHIELD Testing will now take place every week on Wednesday morning.

The SHIELD Illinois program is a quick, simple, and non-invasive COVID-19 screening test. Students that have opted-in to the program will provide a small amount of saliva that is tested at a professional lab. Results of the test are then provided to families and our school district within the days following. The program offers students the opportunity to reduce or waive quarantine requirements in the event of close contact with a positive case or if the student demonstrates symptoms. You can opt-in to the program at any time by accessing Online Forms in Skyward Family Access. More information about the SHIELD Illinois program can be found at https://www.d123.org/about-us/jan-2022-returning-to-school-faq

Please refer to these reminders on expectations during Pick-Up and Drop-Off. These reminders are specifically in regards to parking during these times.

• Double parking on 52nd Avenue (or any street around Covington) is never allowed
• Parking or stopping on the school-side of the street on 52nd Avenue is never allowed
• There are designated crossing areas on 52nd Avenue and should use them when crossing the street

These expectations are to ensure the safety of our students and families and are expectations of Covington Elementary School and Oak Lawn.

Website: d123.org/covington
Location: 9130 S 52nd Ave, Oak Lawn, IL, USA
Phone: 708-423-1530
Twitter: @d123covington

Email: jwawczak@d123.org
Website: d123.org/covington
Phone: 708-423-1530
Twitter: @MrWawczak