IMPORTANT DATES

• Until May 19 Grades 3-6 CAASPP (Smarter Balanced) Testing Window

• May 12 - 6th Grade Girls Basketball Tourney

• May 15 - Spring Concert Grades 4-6, 1pm

• May 19 - 6th Grade Boys Basketball Tourney

• May 19 - 6th Grade Otter Pop Sale at Dismissal

• May 20 - Los Altos Pet Parade - stay tuned for more information

• May 23 - CSTEM Showcase @ Blach 3:30p-5p

• May 26 - Volunteer Appreciation Tea & PTA Awards, 8am Multi

• May 29 - Memorial Day, No School

• June 2- Field Day & Minimum Day, Dismissal 12:15pm

• June 8 - 6th Grade Promotion, 8:45am - 10:00am

• June 8 - Last Day of School, Dismissal at 11:15am, Grades K-5.

Message from the Principal

Dear Covington Community,

We are just a month away from the last day of school and we have so much still to do.  

Multicultural Fair

Thank you so much to Catherine Long and Tammy Palfreyman and their team of wonderful parents for putting together the best Covington Multicultural Fair yet. The turnout of families was fantastic. I’ve received so much positive feedback about the event. Both children and parents were joyful to celebrate our incredible,  diverse Covington community.

Coming Up

Be sure to check the Covington Calendar (http://covingtonschool.org/) and read our newsletters for important end-of-school year events coming up in the next few weeks. To point out just a few events you may not want to miss: the 4-6th grade music concert at 1pm on Monday May 15th, plus the 6th grade basketball tourneys, 6th grade CSTEM Expo, and Volunteer Tea.  

Parent Input

As I explained last week in the Howler, if you have input to give your child’s current teacher, we are asking you to give that input to the teacher directly-  either in an email or a meeting.  Parent input that is helpful for us to know includes information on how you see your child’s learning style.  It is not appropriate to request a certain teacher.  We request that you refrain from doing that as we cannot guarantee such a request can be granted.   Staffing for next year is not finalized so making a teacher request is not practical for that reason alone.  

If you find it necessary, you may also set up a meeting with me or email me directly with your input regarding placement for next year.  

Regards,

Wade Spenader- Principal

Parking Reminder

St. William’s Church will be doing work in their parking lot Thursday May 11th and Friday May 12th.  Please do not park at St. William’s Church on those two days. Thank you!

Opt In For Text Messages

How would the school relay critical information to you if there was a power outage?  Sending a school-wide email blast isn’t an option in that situation.  However, there is a way you can get critical information via text.  

Our effective home-school partnership hinges on consistent and strong communication.  As we move forward to strengthen communication, LASD is excited to launch a new communication service that will allow us to communicate with you via SMS text messaging. This service will be used to enhance our existing methods of communication and will be used only to provide information that is timely and relevant such as emergency notifications and minimum day reminders.

In order to participate in the new service you must indicate your willingness to receive text messages via your phone. Please note, although the district does not charge for this service, normal text message charges may apply according to your wireless contract.

To opt in just send “Y” or “YES” to 67587.

You can opt out anytime by replying to one of our messages with ‘stop.”  

PTA Auction Item

Play Dodgeball with Ms. Marquis!  Get ready for summer with a fun game of dodgeball with friends on Monday, May 22 from 2:40-3:40.  There are still a few spots remaining for this annual fundraiser game—but only for students in grades 1-3.  (The upper grade game is sold out.) 1st and 2nd graders will be supervised on the green field until the 3rd graders arrive.  Popsicles are served at the end. Donation is $30/child.  Please email sonia_brunner@yahoo.com if your child is interested in attending.

From the School Nurse: Student Medications

Medications will be available for pick up from June 8th 2017 (last day of school) until June 14th 2017.

We cannot store medications over the summer. If you are leaving before school ends, please pick up medications early. An adult must pick up the medication.

CSTEM Showcase

LASD sixth graders have begun work on their final coding projects in CSTEM. It is wonderful to see their excitement as they code games, animations and more. These will be on display at the district wide CSTEM showcase, where they have an opportunity to learn and share with each other. 

DATE: Tues May 23, 2017

TIME: 3.30- 5.00pm

LOCATION : Blach School Multi

Flyer attached and also at http://tinyurl.com/LASDCSTEMShowcase2017

LAEF

2017 Annual Parent Survey Results Are Online!

This year, 1,472 parents took our annual survey, providing valuable input on LAEF’s programs and LASD student needs.  Your responses are informing our planning discussions with LASD Leadership and helping determine LAEF’s funding priorities for the 2017/18 school year.  Please take a moment to review the survey results and learn more at LAEFonline.org, which are available in English, Spanish, and Chinese.

LAEF joins Mountain View Educational Foundation (MVEF) for Stand Up 4 Public Schools Day, 5/10/17

Wednesday, May 10, 2017, is ‘Stand UP For Public Schools’ (SU4PS) Day.  LAEF and MVEF will join seven nearby foundations (e.g., SchoolForce - Belmont/Redwood City) and districts to give community members and local businesses an opportunity to support public schools. The two foundations will also share how public schools are funded, and the critical role the Foundations play in supporting district budgets. A special Twitter Party on “Funding STEM and the Arts: Vital Role of Educational Foundations” will be hosted by district and foundation leaders on May 10th from 12 noon-12:30 pm (PDT).  Members of the community are invited to join the online conversation by using the hashtag #SU4PS2017.    

LASD & COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS

School & Community News now found via Peachjar: https://www.peachjar.com/index.php?a=28&b=138&region=54001

How to Submit an Article to the Covington Howler

Post an Announcement in the Howler? If you have an announcement to include in Howler, please send it to sevard@lasdschools.org.  Announcements must be received by 12:00pm on Friday in order to be considered for the Howlerscheduled for the following Tuesday.