Content Row

Covington Howler

January 12, 2016

 

In This Issue:

  • Message from the Principals

  • News and Announcements

 

Quick Dates for your Calendar:

 

  • Jan 13: PTA Meeting. 7PM

  • Jan 18: MLK Holiday, No School

  • Jan 19: Staff Dev. Day: No School.

  • Feb. 2- Feb 4: STEM EXPO



 

 

  • Feb 15 - Feb 19: Presidents Day & Mid Winter Break: No School

  • March 19: Covington Auction: Save the Date!

  • April 30th: LASD Jr. Olympics. Save the Date!

 

Message from the Principals

Dear Parents,

You may have heard that Mrs. Tyson is retiring. It is bittersweet for us as a school community.   We are grateful to have had the privilege of having Mrs. Tyson as part of of our community and we congratulate her on an amazing career in education, teaching and leading both students and staff.  We will greatly miss Mrs. Tyson and wish her the best in her retirement and new endeavors.  Ms. Rebekah Anderson taking over for Mrs. Tyson’s 4th grade class.  She has been working closely with Mrs. Tyson and other staff members since September. Rebekah brings with her knowledge, passion, a love for students and an enthusiasm for taking them to the next level for the duration of the year.  Please join us in welcoming Ms. Anderson to our staff.

 

We hope to see many of you at the PTA meeting tomorrow evening. We will meet in our staff room at 7pm.

 

Wishing you wonderful 4-day weekend with your families. Monday January 18th is Martin Luther King Day and Tuesday, January 19th our entire district staff will be in professional development.  See you all next Wednesday!

 

Warmest regards,

Erin S. Green and Kami Thordarson


 

 

Speed Limit Change in School Zones

Beginning in 2016, the City of Los Altos will be implementing 15 mph speed zones within 500 feet of all local schools.  This safety endeavor is part of the City Council approved Pedestrian Master Plan, which aims to improve pedestrian safety and mobility throughout the City. The California Vehicle Code allows local agencies to expand reduced speed limits for conditional speed zones on residential and local streets which have no more than two vehicle travel lanes in order to ensure safe travel to and from school.

 

The new speed zone signs will be effective as soon as they are installed and are generally enforceable during school hours.  As a courtesy, the Los Altos Police Department will initially monitor and provide notification to motorists who do not adhere to the newly posted speed limit.  Enforcement will begin approximately one month after installation.

 

 

PTA NEWS

 

PTA MEETING THIS WEDNESDAY NIGHT!  Jan. 13, 2016

For a change of pace, we will have our PTA General Meeting tomorrow on a weekday night at 7pm, January 13th at 7pm in the Staff Room.

In addition to general updates we will be discussing work being done campus wide to ensure our children are compassionate Covington citizens among other things.  

_______________________________________________________________

 

Covington's "Roaring 20's" Auction:  Early Bird Tickets are now on sale!  Learn how to buy tickets, make donations and learn about all things auction! http://www.covingtonschool.org/covingtones/8313-Auction-2016.html

________________________________________________________________

Oola Dance Fitness & Margarita Party

Date/Time: Friday, 1/29/16, 7-9 pm

Location: American Legion, 347 1st Street, Los Altos

Price: $40

Ditch the workout and join the party! This Ladies Night Out dance-fitness party will be led by Oola Dance Fitness, the Zumba class that has been blasting Los Altos with amazing exhilarating workouts. Check out what the buzz is about. Move to the beat and then socialize with some fabulous treats and Margaritas.

Viva O Sol, a Brazilian Fitness and Fashion boutique in Los Gatos, will be featuring its line of work-out wear to try on and purchase!

Just RSVP to Ula Ghosheh ughosheh@gmail.com

--------------------------------------------------------------

Save the Date: LASD Junior Olympics, Grades 4-6

Saturday, April 30th

8 am - 4 pm

Mountain View High School


 

 

Principal’s M

LAEF

You helped our arrow grow..thank you!

 

Happy New Year! Did you notice the growing arrow on the LAEF sign in front of our school? We have made great progress toward our goal for the 2015/16 school year with special thanks to the families who donated in 2015. We still have $1M to go and strive for 100% participation from every district family. It’s not too late for you to help LAEF pay for the amazing enrichment teachers, staff, and smaller class sizes in TK-3 and 7-8 this year. To learn more or donate, please go to LAEFonline.org. Every dollar will be appreciated!

 

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 Howler scheduled for the following Tuesday.

 


Covington Howler

January 6, 2016

 

In This Issue:

  • Message from the Principals

  • News and Announcements


Quick Dates for your Calendar:

  • Jan 18 - Jan 19: MLK Holiday & Staff Dev. Day: No School

  • Feb. 2- Feb 4: STEM EXPO

2016 Kinder Registration: Open Enrollment until 2/5/16.  To qualify for kindergarten, your child must be 5 years of age on or before September 1, 2016. Children who turn 5 between Sept 2 and Dec. 2, 2016 qualify for Transitional Kindergarten.


 

  • Feb 15 - Feb 19: Presidents Day & Mid Winter Break: No School

  • March 19: Covington Auction: Save the Date!

 

Message from the Principals

Dear Parents,

Welcome 2016!


Shifting into the calendar new year marks the halfway point for our school year. It’s the turning point for many students as they return from the holiday break with a new sense of who they are and where they’re headed. Teachers usually see a shift in their classrooms as students become fully invested in their studies, they’re comfortable with their routines, and they have established relationships with their classmates and teachers. In a teacher world, January, February, and March are the optimal learning months. The excitement of the holidays has passed and the lure of summer break is still too far away to become a distraction. It’s a fantastic time to explore and dig in to interesting topics that spark creativity and conversation.

The new year also can bring forth new resolutions. As I was perusing my Twitter feed, I saw this quote from Jaime Casap, Google’s Chief Educational Evangelist, (yes, that’s a real job), “Don’t ask students what they want to be when they grow up. Ask them what problems they want to solve and what they need to learn to build the knowledge, skills, and abilities to solve that problem.”  This time of year is an optimum time for helping our students take notice of the world around them and the many opportunities for learning. What do they see? What sparks their interest? What bugs them and how might they solve it?


Learning happens everywhere, so while teachers are taking advantage of this optimal learning time in their classrooms, continue to foster those curious questions and learning moments wherever they may occur. Here’s to starting 2016 in the learning zone!


Warmest regards,

Erin S. Green and Kami Thordarson


 

COVINGTON BOYS NIGHT OUT @ MV LASER TAG!!

Limited to 38 Spots exclusively for Covington Boys/Dads

Mountain View Laser Tag* off Shoreline

Sunday, January 24th, 3:40 Show Time

RSVP: jbcrawfo@aol.com

Please Make Checks Payable To:

Covington PTA, $25 per person, includes 2 games

in “Boys Night Out” box in Office

*This venue will be closing soon b/c of redevelopment

 

LAEF

Check out all the amazing things your donations are providing for Covington and other Los Altos schools:

LAEFOnline.org

 

PTA NEWS

PTA MEETING NEXT WEDNESDAY NIGHT!  Jan. 13, 2016

For a change of pace, we will have our PTA General Meeting next week on a weekday night at 7pm, January 13th at 7pm in the Staff Room.

In addition to general updates we will be discussing work being done campus wide to ensure our children are compassionate Covington citizens among other things.  


Covington's "Roaring 20's" Auction:  Early Bird Tickets are now on sale!  Learn how to buy tickets, make donations and learn about all things auction! http://www.covingtonschool.org/covingtones/8313-Auction-2016.html


PTA Friendly Reminder:

The State of California Education Code only allows 3 unexcused absences per year.

The only excused absences are for illness, medical appointments or family emergencies. If you are planning to travel during scheduled school time, please ask your teacher about Independent Study.  Independent study is an optional educational alternative to classroom instruction available to all students in the district.  We offer short term independent study which has specific guidelines of a minimum of 5 days, maximum of 15 days.  Teachers need at least 3 days notice to prepare work for an independent study.

 

Principal’s M

MAD SCIENCE starts AFTER SCHOOL  2:45-3:45 Gr. K-2

WED. Jan. 13 - March 9  SIGN UP NOW!!!

7 Exciting weeks with Supervision provided before class.

Science is important! Learn about harnessing heat, Magnetic magic, Nutrition, Sonic sounds, the works!

$124.00 with early registration $159.00 regular registration.

Register Online: www.thebayarea.madscience.org  Or Call 1-877-390-5437

 

LASD & Community Announcements

Collaborative Preschool Pilot

 

LASD has started a Collaborative Preschool Pilot this school year on the Covington Campus by Champions, Stepping Stones, and LAPP.  A collaborative preschool is a class that fosters learning for all students regardless of ability.  The preschool uses best practices for early education guided by the 1st Five and Preschool Learning Foundations.  The staff creatively adapts activities so that each child can participate.

 

The Collaborative Preschool meets 5 days a week from 8:00-11:00 a.m., Tuesday and Thursday participation in social group 11:00-12:30 pm. And follows the district calendar.  Best of all, the program is free!

 

Currently we are accepting typical peers for a January 2016 start date.  Children must meet the following requirements:

· Children who are at least 3 years of age.

· Children do not need to be potty trained.  Assistance available.

· Must be a current Covington Family.

 

If you are interested and want to learn more please contact:

· Eva Stephens, Collaborative Preschool Teacher

o   Phone:  (650) 947-1171

o   Email:  estephens@lasdschools.org



EXTRA, EXTRA- Read all about it!  We have a wonderful opportunity at Loyola School. A very satisfying chance to support student learning in the classroom and on the playground.  We have several instructional positions opened, including:

  • working with kindergartners

  • working in a fifth grade classroom

  • spending time at lunch with our students

  • greeting parents and students in the crossing circle at dismissal time  

Don’t miss this rewarding chance to connect with our students and staff.  Please contact Mrs. Attell (kattell@lasdschools.org)


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 Howler scheduled for the following Tuesday.

 


Covington Howler

December 15, 2015

 


In This Issue:

  • Message from the Principals

  • News and Announcements

 

Quick Dates for your Calendar:

 

  • Dec 21-  Jan.1 : Winter Recess: No School.

  • Jan 18 - Jan 19: MLK Holiday & Staff Dev. Day: No School

  • Feb. 2- Feb 4: STEM EXPO


 

 

  • Feb 15 - Feb 19: Presidents Day & Mid Winter Break: No School

  • March 19: Covington Auction: Save the Date!

 

Message from the Principals

Dear Parents,

December is coming to a close and we have had a busy fall here at Covington. There is so much more to look forward to in 2016.  To name just a few, in February our STEM EXPO takes place, and then at the end of March our fantastic annual Covington Auction.  Also please remember that kindergarten registration is also ongoing at this time:

2016 Kinder Registration: Open Enrollment until 2/5/16.  To qualify for kindergarten, your child must be 5 years of age on or before September 1, 2016. Children who turn 5 between Sept 2 and Dec. 2, 2016 qualify for Transitional Kindergarten.

On behalf of our staff and teachers at Covington Elementary School, happy holidays to you!  We look forward to seeing you all back at Covington on January 4, 2016!

 

Warmest regards,

Erin S. Green and Kami Thordarson

Friendly Reminder: The State of California Education Code only allows 3 unexcused absences per year. The only excused absences are for illness, medical appointments or family emergencies. If you are planning to travel during scheduled school time, please ask your teacher about Independent Study.  Independent study is an optional educational alternative to classroom instruction available to all students in the district.  We offer short term independent study which has specific guidelines of a minimum of 5 days, maximum of 15 days.  Teachers need at least 3 days notice to prepare work for an independent study.


 

Student Council Spirit Day

This Friday 12/18 is Pajama Day!  No Excuses for Being Tardy...just roll out of bed and come to school.  


 

PTA NEWS

 

*LOST & FOUND* Everything in the Lost & Found Bin will be donated over the break. Last chance to claim your items: this Friday 12/18.

 

HOLIDAY AMAZON SHOPPERS – Make Your Holiday Shopping Count for Covington! Earn referral fees for Covington on purchases of books, electronics, toys, and more.  It’s EASY and DOESN’T COST YOU ANYTHING! Please use this link or go to www.covingtonschool.org, click the Amazon logo on the lower right side to go to the Amazon website, then select and purchase your items as you normally would.

Covington will automatically receive a referral fee from Amazon.  No sign-up required. Questions? Contact Jennie Ebbitt at jtebbitt@gmail.com.

 

Principal’s M

LAEF

LASD Winter Music Concerts & Computer Science Newsflash

Music is thriving at our elementary schools and we hope you’ve been enjoying the sounds of the season coming from our 4th, 5th and 6th graders.

And in case you missed Mrs. V’s exciting update about LASD’s Computer Science Education Week, go to LAEFOnline.org to read more about your child’s “Hour of Code” and more!

 

Parent donations to LAEF have made these enriching educational experiences possible. That’s why we are requesting your support by donating by 12/31.


 

                   

LASD & Community Announcements

Collaborative Preschool Pilot

 

LASD has started a Collaborative Preschool Pilot this school year on the Covington Campus by Champions, Stepping Stones, and LAPP.  A collaborative preschool is a class that fosters learning for all students regardless of ability.  The preschool uses best practices for early education guided by the 1st Five and Preschool Learning Foundations.  The staff creatively adapts activities so that each child can participate.

 

The Collaborative Preschool meets 5 days a week from 8:00-11:00 a.m., Tuesday and Thursday participation in social group 11:00-12:30 pm. And follows the district calendar.  Best of all, the program is free!

 

Currently we are accepting typical peers for a January 2016 start date.  Children must meet the following requirements:

·      Children who are at least 3 years of age.

·      Children do not need to be potty trained.  Assistance available.

·      Must be a current Covington Family.

 

If you are interested and want to learn more please contact:

·      Eva Stephens, Collaborative Preschool Teacher

o   Phone:  (650) 947-1171

o   Email:  estephens@lasdschools.org



 

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 Howler scheduled for the following Tuesday.

 


Covington Howler

December 8, 2015

 

 

In This Issue:

  • Message from the Principals

  • News and Announcements


Quick Dates for your Calendar:

  • Dec.. 8: Music Concert Grades 4-6, 1pm.

  • Dec 8: Covington Choir Concert 6:30pm

  • Dec 9: Dine Out for Covington @ Maltbys

  • Dec 11: 6th grade fundraiser, cookies & cocoa, dismissal time -2:50pm.


  • Dec 21-  Jan.1 : Winter Recess: No School.

  • Jan 18 - Jan 19: MLK Holiday & Staff Dev. Day: No School

  • Feb. 2- Feb 4: STEM EXPO

  • Feb 15 - Feb 19: Mid Winter Break: No School

  • March 19: Covington Auction: Save the Date!

 

Message from the Principals

Dear Parents:

  The time between Thanksgiving and Winter Break seems to fly. It’s usually three weeks, and they are the speediest three weeks during the entire school year. Learning takes on a different tone during these three weeks. Teachers embrace the holiday feel and rooms are full of crafty projects, hot chocolate, and paper snowflakes, all embedded into learning. It would be great if we could bottle up some of this energy and save it to sprinkle in the slow months. The holidays offer us many opportunities so take a minute to slow down and notice the feel in the air around you. Stepping out of our own busyness can sometimes help us see and appreciate those little things that get lost in the bustle.

 With that, we’d like to stop and give a shout out to our music teachers. We are appreciative of the work they do in preparing our students for their Winter Concert that you hopefully will enjoy today! A big thank you to the parents who contributed to LAEF this year for making today’s Winter Concert possible.


Warmest regards,

Erin S. Green and Kami Thordarson


 

6th Grade Fundraiser

Cookies & Cocoa 6th grade class fundraiser: 6th graders will be selling cookies & hot cocoa “TO GO” after school this Friday 12/11.  This is not a stay and play.  Please buy a yummy snack and a warm drink after school and then head off campus to enjoy the afternoon.


 

PTA NEWS

Dine out for Covington at Maltby's this Wednesday, December 9 from 5-9 PM. 15% of proceeds will be donated to the Covington PTA. Please mention Covington when dining or with take out orders. Maltby's is located at 101 Plaza North, Los Altos. (650) 917-8777.  Maltby's Public House, Los Altos, CA › Maltby's Public House Website


*LOST & FOUND* The Lost & Found bin was emptied and the contents donated during the Thanksgiving holiday. This is typical and will take place at every school break. Please stop by regularly and encourage your children to do so as well - and see if a forgotten jacket, cap, lunch bag, water bottle or book has made its way to the bin! Next round of donations: December break!


HOLIDAY AMAZON SHOPPERS – Make Your Holiday Shopping Count for Covington! Earn referral fees for Covington on purchases of books, electronics, toys, and more.  It’s EASY and DOESN’T COST YOU ANYTHING! Please use this link or go to www.covingtonschool.org, click the Amazon logo on the lower right side to go to the Amazon website, then select and purchase your items as you normally would.

Covington will automatically receive a referral fee from Amazon.  No sign-up required. Questions? Contact Jennie Ebbitt at jtebbitt@gmail.com.


Aladdin Jr. Registration Deadline for the Covington PTA 2016 musical, Aladdin Jr. has been extended to December 10th. Sign up early to ensure a spot. All 4th-6th graders encouraged to participate. Registration forms are in the office.

Auditions: December 15th and 18th 2:45-4:30pm (must attend both)

Everyone gets a part!

Rehearsals: Tuesdays and Fridays 2:45-4:30pm starting January 5th.

Performances:  Sat and Sun April 23rd and 24th.

Registration: $250 includes a Tshirt.

Scholarships available.

Students must attend ALL  rehearsals and performances.

Please contact Arezou Bahman (arezoua@yahoo.com) with any questions.


*NEW AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM: Pilates: All students who try out the program this Winter Session ONLY:  For any and all new registrations to Pilates After School at Covington for the winter session - the snack option INCLUDED at no charge.  Classes are taught by Certified Pilates Instructors. PS:  Just sign up here and ignore the snack option - we will provide it free of charge to every child THIS winter session only!  - http://www.pilatesafterschool.com/register.html  

Principal’s

LAEF

LASD Winter Music Concerts & Computer Science Ed Week

We hope you enjoy the sounds of the season coming from our 4th, 5th and 6th grade LASD Winter Music Concerts in addition to hearing inspiring stories of our K-8 students participating in “Hour of Code” during Computer Science Education Week.  Parent donations to LAEF have made these enriching educational experiences possible. That’s why we are requesting your support by donating at LAEFOnline.org by 12/31.


 

 

LASD & Community Announcements

Collaborative Preschool Pilot

 

LASD has started a Collaborative Preschool Pilot this school year on the Covington Campus by Champions, Stepping Stones, and LAPP.  A collaborative preschool is a class that fosters learning for all students regardless of ability.  The preschool uses best practices for early education guided by the 1st Five and Preschool Learning Foundations.  The staff creatively adapts activities so that each child can participate.

 

The Collaborative Preschool meets 5 days a week from 8:00-11:00 a.m., Tuesday and Thursday participation in social group 11:00-12:30 pm. And follows the district calendar.  Best of all, the program is free!

 

Currently we are accepting typical peers for a January 2016 start date.  Children must meet the following requirements:

·   Children who are at least 3 years of age.

·   Children do not need to be potty trained.  Assistance available.

·   Must be a current Covington Family.

 

If you are interested and want to learn more please contact:

·   Eva Stephens, Collaborative Preschool Teacher

o   Phone:  (650) 947-1171

o   Email:  estephens@lasdschools.org


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 Howler scheduled for the following Tuesday.

 


Covington Howler

December 1, 2015

 

In This Issue:

  • Message from the Principals

  • Message from the Front Office

  • News and Announcements


Quick Dates for your Calendar:

  • Nov 30 - Dec 4: Book Fair

  • Dec 2: Book Fair Family Night

  • Dec 3: Kinder & New Student Information Night 7pm

  • Dec 8: Music Concert Grades 4-6, 1pm.

  • Dec 9: Dine Out for Covington @ Maltbys

  • Dec 21 -  Jan 1: Winter Recess: No School.

  • March 19: Covington Auction: Save the Date!

 

Message from the Principals

Dear Parents:

This week is the annual Covington Book Fair and it has already been a busy and bustling two days! At the end of every recess, there is a mass exodus of students swarming out of the multi exits holding blue book request forms filled-to-the-brim. The love of books is an incredible and wonderful sight to behold.

Through books, we laugh, we cry, we surrender to silliness, and learn how to be brave in the face of our deepest fears. Books can provide a gateway to explore the human condition in every possible way.  If you would like to plan a trip to the Book Fair this week, please see the schedule below (25% of all proceeds go directly to the PTA to support Covington students!) :

Hours:                                Nov. 30-Dec. 4, 8:15am-3:30pm

Family Night:                     Wednesday, December 2nd, 6:00pm-8:00pm



Kindergarten & New Family Information Night, this Thursday Dec.3th at 7pm: We will hold our Kindergarten/New Parent information night for students entering Kindergarten or moving to our district for the 2016-2017 school year.  Information will be presented on our district and school programs, highlights and registration.  If you have a child who will be entering kindergarten in the fall, you won't want to miss this night!  Please join us at 7pm in the library on Thursday night.


Connecting with the Principals

Connecting and being available for our students and parents are of high priority for us. As a principal team, we value our partnership with you.  If at any time we can assist you, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at Covingtonprincipal@lasdschools.org. We welcome visits and / or emails. To make an appointment with one or both of the principals, call the school office at 650.947.1100.  


New Clerk Joins Covington

Please welcome Beth Wolff who is joining our Front Office as Clerk.  Feel free to stop by and say hello when you are on campus.


Warmest regards,


Erin S. Green and Kami Thordarson


 

Message from the Office Staff

file0001635072929 (1)

This might shock you. But most the children who come the office to use the telephone, don’t know how!  Yes, even 5th and 6th graders!  Please take a few minutes at home to teach your children how to use the telephone.  


Here are some helpful hints:

Teaching Kids to Use the Phone*

There are a few reasons kids need to know how to use the phone:

  • Safety – Have you heard the stories about young children who’ve saved their parents’ lives by calling 911? These are extreme examples, but as kids get older it’s important that they know how to call for help. This is especially true when they’re away from home, and need to reach you in a hurry.
     

  • Family Connection – While using the phone is falling out of vogue for younger generations, the odds are pretty good that your kids’ grandparents and great-grandparents still rely heavily on the phone. If your kids know how to call them, it can help foster that family relationship.
     

  • Life Skill – The phone is still the most efficient way to make most appointments, get a quick question answered when you can’t find the information online, or interact with many businesses. As your kids get older, you’ll want them to know how to do these things themselves.

Tips for Teaching Kids About the Phone

In a day and age when the phone is used less and less often, how do you teach your kids how to use it? We have a few tips.

  1. Keep the Land Line – Long before your kids are old enough to have cell phones of their own, they can use the landline to make and receive calls. Not only is it easier to use than a smart phone, it doesn’t have all the features to distract a young child. If you hand a seven-year-old your iPhone to make a call, for instance, you’re just as likely to find them playing Angry Birds as talking to Grandma.

  2. Tell Your Child What to Say – It may seem obvious to you how to place a call or answer the phone, but if your little one has never done it before, they may need coaching. Explain how the ringing works, what a busy signal means, and what voicemail is. When your child places a call, explain what to say when someone answers. When your child answers the phone, explain what to say then, as well.

  3. Make Sure Your Child Knows Their Phone Number – If you’re going to be using the phone, it’s important that you know how other people can reach you. It’s also a safety issue, as it will allow your child to call home if needed. Kids as young as four or five can start to learn a phone number. You can also write it in a school backpack or on a coat, so that if your child is away from home they know how to find it.

  4. Practice Makes Perfect – The best way to get better at anything, including using the phone, is to practice. Have your child answer incoming calls at home, especially if you happen to know someone friendly is calling. Have your child place calls to friends and family members. As they get older, you can even have your kids use your phone to relay messages to your partner while you’re driving.  


*article from http://torontomomnow.com/2013/teaching-kids-to-use-the-phone/ by Amber Strocel.


 

PTA NEWS

MONSTER BOOK FAIR and BOOK DRIVE - Happening Right Now!

11/30/15 - 12/4/15

Daily Hours:   8:15am - 3:30pm, November 30th - December 4th

Family Night:  Wednesday, Dec. 2nd   6:00pm - 8:00pm


During the upcoming MONSTER Book Fair, we will be hosting a Book Drive to benefit The Children's Book Project.  They are a local non-profit that distributes books to schools and other non-profits in the Bay Area and beyond. (http://www.childrensbookproject.org/).


How you can help the Book Fair AND the Book Drive:

1. Donate gently used children's books (K-6 only)

2. Purchase books at the fair to donate (This helps raise funds for the PTA too!)

3. Donate spare change in the All for Books boxes at the register

4. VOLUNTEER!

We still need volunteers! No experience necessary!  Please sign up through SignUpGenius through the Covington Website, or by clicking here: Volunteer for Monster Book Fair!

www.signupgenius.com/go/20F044DACAD2FAA8-2015

Questions?  Ask Mara (marastarkey@gmail.com) or Elise (elise55@gmail.com)


HOLIDAY AMAZON SHOPPERS – Make Your Holiday Shopping Count for Covington! Earn referral fees for Covington on purchases of books, electronics, toys, and more.  It’s EASY and DOESN’T COST YOU ANYTHING! Please use this link or go to www.covingtonschool.org, click the Amazon logo on the lower right side to go to the Amazon website, then select and purchase your items as you normally would.

Covington will automatically receive a referral fee from Amazon.  No sign-up required. Questions? Contact Jennie Ebbitt at jtebbitt@gmail.com.


Aladdin Jr. Registration Deadline for the Covington PTA 2016 musical, Aladdin Jr. has been extended to December 10th. Sign up early to ensure a spot. All 4th-6th graders encouraged to participate. Registration forms are in the office.

Auditions: December 15th and 18th 2:45-4:30pm (must attend both)

Everyone gets a part!

Rehearsals: Tuesdays and Fridays 2:45-4:30pm starting January 5th.

Performances:  Sat and Sun April 23rd and 24th.

Registration: $250 includes a Tshirt.

Scholarships available.

Students must attend ALL  rehearsals and performances.

Please contact Arezou Bahman (arezoua@yahoo.com) with any questions.

Principal’s M

LAEF

Donate to LAEF on #GIVINGTUESDAY 12.1.15

We have a day for giving thanks. We have two for getting deals. Now we have #GivingTuesday, a global day dedicated to giving back. On Tuesday, December 1st, charities, families, businesses, and students around the world will come together for one common purpose: to celebrate generosity and to give.

We are pleased to announce that DeLeon Realty will match every dollar you give to LAEF on #GivingTuesday, up to $10,000. Pledge today at LAEFonline.org (click on the “Donate” button and select option #5) and we’ll get in touch to ensure your donation is processed (and doubled!) on December 1st. Thank you!


 

 

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 Howler scheduled for the following Tuesday.

 


Covington Howler

November 17, 2015

 

In This Issue:

  • Message from the Principals

  • When to Keep Sick Children Home

  • Combined Payment Donations

  • News and Announcements

Quick Dates for your Calendar:

  • Nov 23 & 24: Parent-Teacher Conferences. No School for Students.

  • Nov 25 - 27: Thanksgiving Holiday: No School.

  • Nov 30 - Dec 4: Book Fair

  • Dec. 3: Kinder & New Student Information Night

  • Dec.. 8: Music Concert Grades 4-6, 1pm.

  • Dec 9: Dine Out for Covington @ Maltbys

  • Dec 21-  Jan.1 : Winter Recess: No School.

  • March 19: Covington Auction: Save the Date!

 

Message from the Principals

November 2015

Dear Parents:


It was great to see so many of you at the parent coffee last week where we talked about the shift to standards based grading and the upcoming parent/ teacher conferences.  Covington Teachers are committed to providing you with clear and informative communication about your child’s progress. We believe that conversation and meaningful feedback are essential for both students and parents.We look forward to the ongoing conversation between staff, parents and students.


Student progress will be reported using a 1-4 rubric score and aligned to Standards. All teachers will report at least one subject area using this scoring mechanic and some subjects may be reported out in traditional grading modes. Teachers are using this year to prototype and explore some different reporting options as we work to fully develop our Standards Based Reporting practices for next year.


We are excited that you are receiving the first installment of our new progress report.  The chart below shows you what each level means on a child’s journey toward mastery of grade-level standards.  Your child’s classroom teacher can provide more information about what assessments, assignments, and classroom experiences were used to determine mastery levels.


4

Secure

The student demonstrates mastery of the standard: he or she is able to independently apply the knowledge or the skills assessed to evaluate or create original work in new contexts, with no gaps in understanding and minimal errors in execution.

3

Approaching

The student is able to recall or reproduce the knowledge or skills assessed, and is also able to apply, evaluate or create original work using the knowledge or skill in new contexts. They may have some small, non-critical gaps in understanding or errors in execution,

and may require limited teacher assistance.

2

Developing

The student is able to recall or reproduce the knowledge or skills assessed, and is also able to apply them at a basic level.  

The student may demonstrate some gaps in understanding,

significant errors in execution, or is not fully capable of completing a task independently.

1

Beginning

The student is able to recall or reproduce some of the knowledge or skill assessed, but is not able to correctly or accurately apply the knowledge or skill.  The student will demonstrate significant gaps in his or her understanding, major errors in execution or may require continuous teacher guidance in order to complete a task.

---

Not Assessed

This standard has not been assessed - either no evidence has been submitted by the student relating to the mastery of this standard, or this standard has not yet been addressed at this point in the school year.


We hope you find these reports informative and helpful as you partner with us to support your child’s academic, social, and emotional development.  Again, we look forward to partnering with you and continuing the conversation around this topic.

On behalf of our staff and school, we wish you are wonderful holiday weekend.  Happy Thanksgiving!


Warmest regards,


Erin S. Green and Kami Thordarson

 

Notice From The District Nurse: When to Stay Home

School is a place where colds and diseases can spread rapidly. Children who are ill should stay home from school, rest and recuperate. Sometimes it is difficult, especially early in the morning, to know whether or not to send your child to school. The following guidelines are indications that you should keep your child home:


  • Fever of 99.6 F or higher

  • Vomiting or diarrhea

  • Chills

  • Nausea

  • Coughing, sneezing and/or runny nose

  • Headache

  • Wheezing or trouble breathing

  • Sore throat or trouble swallowing

  • Rash or unusual sores or spots

  • Generalized muscle aches and pains

  • Unusually red, crusted or burning eyes

  • Head Lice or Nits

It is required to keep your child home until he/she has been symptom free without medication for 24 hours.


Also, NOTIFY THE OFFICE IMMEDIATELY if your child is exposed to or contracts chicken pox, mumps or measles.  These conditions can be life threatening to students who are undergoing therapies that suppress their immune systems. Please click here for the LASD Health policies.


Attendance


Absences and late arrivals are to be reported to the school by a parent or guardian by calling the Covington Attendance Line at (650) 947-1101 by 9:00am, or sending a electronic form via our website http://covingtonschool.org/covingtones/8208-Untitled.html


Children who arrive after the school day begins must sign in at the office to receive a late arrival (blue slip) pass. For an appointment during school hours, please go to the office to sign out your child. Your child will be sent to the office to meet you.

Observed religious holidays are considered excused absences as long as the absence has been requested in advance in writing by the parent or guardian and approved by the principal or designee (E.C. 48205, B.P. 5113).

 

 

PTA Combined Payment Forms Still Needed

Back to School Combined Payment! We still need donations to avoid canceling some assemblies & field trips.   Keep those donations coming to help pay for field trips, assemblies, school supplies, class parties etc.  We depend on your generosity to make our school great. If we don’t meet our goal, some field trips and assemblies will need to be canceled.  You can find the form online and pay by echeck: http://covingtonschool.org/covingtones/4770-Back-to-School-Purchases.html

Paper forms are also available in the school office, in the Combined Payment cubby.

Thank you from the Covington PTA.

 

Lost & Found: Claim Items by This Friday!

LOST & FOUND!!! Please check the Lost & Found bin outside the Multipurpose Room. There are now over 50 jackets & coats hanging on the rack!!! In the bin below, there are long forgotten lunch boxes, water bottles, baseball caps, socks, pens, rulers, etc.


NOTE: All unclaimed contents will be emptied out & donated to charity during the Thanksgiving Holiday.


LAEF

Donate to LAEF on #GIVINGTUESDAY 12.1.15

We have a day for giving thanks. We have two for getting deals. Now we have #GivingTuesday, a global day dedicated to giving back. On Tuesday, December 1st, charities, families, businesses, and students around the world will come together for one common purpose: to celebrate generosity and to give.

We are pleased to announce that DeLeon Realty will match every dollar you give to LAEF on #GivingTuesday, up to $10,000. Pledge today at LAEFonline.org

 

LASD & Community Announcements

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


 

Questions?  Contact parent volunteer Ann Hepenstal at annhep@yahoo.com or LASD STEM Coach Karen Wilson at kwilson@lasdschools.org


Become a LIVING CLASSROOM docent... share your love of nature with kids!  Our Winter Docent Training will take place Monday mornings from 9 - Noon on 12/7, 12/14, 1/11 and 1/25.  Please click HERE to view our Winter Training Flyer which lists the locations of each of our trainings.  Apprentice-style training is also available to those who can’t make our Monday morning trainings.

Questions? Email us at livingclassroom@lasdschools.org or call (650) 947-1103.  For more information about Living Classroom, please visit our website at www.living-classroom.org.


 

 


Covington Howler

November 10, 2015

 

In This Issue:

  • Message from the Principals

  • When to Keep Sick Children Home

  • Parking Lot Protocols

  • Hot Lunch News

  • Combined Payment Donations

  • News and Announcements


Quick Dates for your Calendar:

  • Nov. 11:  Veteran’s Day: No School

  • Nov 13: PTA Meeting

  • Nov 16: Walkathon Assembly


  • Nov 23 & 24: Parent-Teacher Conferences. No School for Students.

  • Nov 25 - 27: Thanksgiving Holiday: No School.

  • Nov 30 - Dec 4: Book Fair

  • Dec. 3: Kinder & New Student Information Night

  • Dec.. 8: Music Concert Grades 4-6, 1pm.

  • Dec 9: Dine Out for Covington @ Maltbys

  • Dec 21-  Jan.1 : Winter Recess: No School.

  • March 19: Covington Auction: Save the Date!


Message from the Principals

Dear Covington Families,    

Please join us at our Covington PTA Meeting/Principal Coffee this Friday at 8:40am in the staff room. Our STEM teacher, Katie Farley, will be talking about our fabulous STEM program and sharing some of the projects our students are working on with our 3D printer.

Remember there is no school tomorrow as we take a day off to honor our veterans who have served our country.  School resumes on Thursday on a regular schedule.   

Warmest Regards,

Erin S. Green and Kami Thordarson

 

Notice From The District Nurse: When to Stay Home

School is a place where colds and diseases can spread rapidly. Children who are ill should stay home from school, rest and recuperate. Sometimes it is difficult, especially early in the morning, to know whether or not to send your child to school. The following guidelines are indications that you should keep your child home:


  • Fever of 99.6 F or higher

  • Vomiting or diarrhea

  • Chills

  • Nausea

  • Coughing, sneezing and/or runny nose

  • Headache

  • Wheezing or trouble breathing

  • Sore throat or trouble swallowing

  • Rash or unusual sores or spots

  • Generalized muscle aches and pains

  • Unusually red, crusted or burning eyes

  • Head Lice or Nits

It is required to keep your child home until he/she has been symptom free without medication for 24 hours.


Also, NOTIFY THE OFFICE IMMEDIATELY if your child is exposed to or contracts chicken pox, mumps or measles.  These conditions can be life threatening to students who are undergoing therapies that suppress their immune systems. Please click here for the LASD Health policies.


Attendance


Absences and late arrivals are to be reported to the school by a parent or guardian by calling the Covington Attendance Line at (650) 947-1101 by 9:00am, or sending a electronic form via our website http://covingtonschool.org/covingtones/8208-Untitled.html


Children who arrive after the school day begins must sign in at the office to receive a late arrival (blue slip) pass. For an appointment during school hours, please go to the office to sign out your child. Your child will be sent to the office to meet you.

Observed religious holidays are considered excused absences as long as the absence has been requested in advance in writing by the parent or guardian and approved by the principal or designee (E.C. 48205, B.P. 5113).


Safety First: Parking Lot Reminders

When driving through the pick up lane, pull as far forward as possible and please stay in your car (please do not leave your car unattended to go and pick up your child).  If your children need assistance unloading their backpacks from the car, please park in a space and escort them to the front of the school. Stopping to unload Zucas and other rolling backpacks in the drop off lane causes problematic traffic jams.


  • You are welcome to park your car in a space and walk with your children in the morning or to meet your children after school.

  • Please make sure to pull all the way up to the curb when you drop off your children off at the curb.

  • Once you drop off your children, please proceed out of the parking lot. Traffic needs to continue to flow to avoid back-ups on neighboring streets.

  • Thank you for not using your cell phone while driving in the school parking lot.

  • If the Covington parking lot is full, you may park in the back portion of the St. William’s parking lot.  The church is generously sharing their parking lot and we respect their wish to keep the front lot available for their functions.  

  • Thank you so much for helping to keep all of our students be safe!


 

PTA Combined Payment Forms Still Needed

Back to School Combined Payment! We still need donations to avoid canceling some assemblies & field trips.   Keep those donations coming to help pay for field trips, assemblies, school supplies, class parties etc.  We depend on your generosity to make our school great. If we don’t meet our goal, some field trips and assemblies will need to be canceled.  You can find the form online and pay by echeck: http://covingtonschool.org/covingtones/4770-Back-to-School-Purchases.html

Paper forms are also available in the school office, in the Combined Payment cubby.

Thank you from the Covington PTA.



PTA NEWS

COMING SOON:  COVINGTON BOOK FAIR- 11/30 thru 12/4

Come visit our Scholastic Monster Book Fair!  From November 30th through December 4th, 2015 the Covington Multi will be transformed into an amazing bookstore filled with engaging, fun books.  

Daily Hours:   8:15am - 3:30pm, November 30th - December 4th

Family Night:  Wednesday, Dec. 2nd   6:00pm - 8:00pm

Our Book Fair needs volunteers as well as shoppers!  Please sign up through SignUpGenius through the Covington Website, or by clicking here: Volunteer for Monster Book Fair!

www.signupgenius.com/go/20F044DACAD2FAA8-2015

Questions?  Ask Mara (marastarkey@gmail.com) or Elise (elise55@gmail.com)


Aladdin Jr. Registrations for the Covington PTA 2016 musical, Aladdin Jr., will begin this week. All 4th-6th graders are encouraged to participate! Registration forms will go home with all 4-6th graders in their weekly folders. Additional registration forms will be available in the office in the “school play cubby”  towards the end of this week.

Registration deadline is December 4th.

Auditions will be held December 15th and 18th from 2:45-4:30pm. Students must attend both days. Everyone gets a part!


Rehearsals will begin January 5th, Tuesdays and Fridays 2:45-4:30pm.

Performances will be on Sat and Sun April 23rd and 24th. Students must be available on both performance dates and all rehearsal dates to register.Registration is $250 which includes a Tshirt. Scholarships available.

Please contact Arezou Bahman (arezoua@yahoo.com) with any questions.


Hot Lunch Crunch: We still need volunteers to help with hot lunch. Without an adequate number of volunteers to help distribute lunches, we will have to eliminate hot lunch at least one day each week. Please see the google doc and sign up to help. Each shift is only from 11:45-12:10 and you get a $5 credit toward hot lunch with each shift you work. Please contact yasmin.braun@gmail.com with any questions.


Girls on the Run!. WHAT IS GIRLS ON THE RUN? Girls on the Run is a life-changing, after-school program for girls in 3rd-6th grades. Girls learn life skills such as healthy decision-making, teamwork and confidence while training to complete a 5K!. WHEN IS GIRLS ON THE RUN? The season starts the week of February 29 and culminates in the end-of-season Girls on the Run 5K on Saturday, May 14, 2016, at Vasona Park in Los Gatos. Our team will meet on Mondays and Wednesdays from 2:40-4:30 pm (lessons take place on campus).  HOW DO I REGISTER MY DAUGHTER? This year Girls on the Run has moved to a lottery registration system. Registration is online only at www.gotrsv.org/program-registration.

- Lottery Registration Period: Saturday, December 5-Monday, December 7, at 11:59 pm. ARE NEED-BASED SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE Yes! Scholarships MUST be applied for and approved BEFORE registering your daughter for the program.

- You MUST apply by Tuesday, December 1, in order to receive a scholarship code in time to use and register during the lottery registration period.

- The scholarship application and instructions are available at www.gotrsv.org/scholarships.

QUESTONS? Contact Head Coach Suzanne Kasso at crazee_kasso@yahoo.com or Director Miyoko Beetem at miyoko@gotrsv.org or visit www.gotrsv.org.


 


 

Lost & Found: Come Claim Items Before Thanksgiving!

LOST & FOUND!!! Please check the Lost & Found bin outside the Multipurpose Room. There are now over 50 jackets & coats hanging on the rack!!! In the bin below, there are long forgotten lunch boxes, water bottles, baseball caps, socks, pens, rulers, etc.


NOTE: All unclaimed contents will be emptied out & donated to charity during the Thanksgiving Holiday.

Principal’s Me

LAEF

100,000 Matching Grant Met & Surpassed

We are most grateful to the 284 families who made their first donation to LAEF or increased their donation this year. Their participation lead to $176,201 in donations, of which $100,000 was doubled by the LAEF Board! Through the generosity of these and many more families, we are close to reaching the $2M mark towards meeting our $3.5M goal.

 

Did you know that LAEF funds our school’s PE teacher?

We don't have to share our awesome PE teacher with other schools as in years past, thanks to LAEF's increased grant for 2015-16. If you didn’t catch it on Facebook (www.facebook.com/LAEFonline/?fref=ts), Loyola’s PE Teacher, Mr Cercedes, organized a fun “Thriller” dance for their Halloween Parade. Three cheers for our LASD PE Teachers, all funded by LAEF.

 

To learn more about LAEF, pledge or donate, go to LAEFonline.org.


 

 

LASD & Community Announcements

Covington Howler

November 3, 2015

 

In This Issue:

  • Message from the Principals

  • Combined Payment Donations

  • Vision Screening

  • News and Announcements


Quick Dates for your Calendar:

  • Nov 5: Vision Screening: K,2,5

  • Nov. 11:  Veteran’s Day: No School

  • Nov 13: PTA Meeting

  • Nov 16: Walkathon Assembly


  • Nov 23 & 24: Parent-Teacher Conferences. No School for Students.

  • Nov 25 - 27: Thanksgiving Holiday: No School.

  • Dec. 3: Kinder & New Student Information Night

  • Dec 21-  Jan.1 : Winter Recess: No School.

  • March 19: Covington Auction: Save the Date!


Message from the Principals

Dear Covington Families,         

This month we are focusing on safety procedures at Covington. Last week, your children may have shared with you that we practiced our comprehensive earthquake/ evacuation drill with a full search and rescue mission.  The great news is our staff is definitely prepared for an emergency!  All of our students were safe and accounted for last Tuesday. (We typically have 1-2 students hide and have our search and rescue safety team find them!)

Tomorrow the fire department will be visiting Covington and reviewing our fire drill safety procedures.  (We have at least one drill per month).

Volunteer/Visitor Sign-In is another area where student safety is a high priority at our school. Therefore, you must always report to the office before you begin your volunteer activity. Orange Volunteer/Visitor badges are provided and must be worn at all times. This will ensure that students and staff can easily identify you. Any adult without a badge will be sent to the office to sign in. Safety is vital to all of us, and will give our students the best possible school environment. We appreciate your cooperation!

Finally, we have some good and bad news to share.  Jayne Amsden, our school clerk who has been with us for the last three years, will be moving to Egan to serve as school secretary. Although congratulations are in order for Jayne, we are very sad to see her go.  We appreciate her many positive contributions to our school and community.  Her last day with Covington will be Tuesday, November 10th.

Warmest Regards,

Erin S. Green and Kami Thordarson


Hot Lunch News Flash

Reminder Parents! Hot Lunch Session 2 is now open and orders can be placed for now until February 26, 2016. Orders must be placed by midnight on Sunday to apply for that week. Please double-check whether your order has gone through before sending your kids to school without lunch! Several children were without lunches these past couple days.


Hot Lunch Crunch: We still need volunteers to help with hot lunch. Without an adequate number of volunteers to help distribute lunches, we will have to eliminate hot lunch at least one day each week. Please see the google doc and sign up to help. Each shift is only from 11:45-12:10 and you get a $5 credit toward hot lunch with each shift you work. Please contact yasmin.braun@gmail.com with any questions.


School News

MISSING ANYTHING?!  Please check the Lost & Found bin outside the multi!!! So far, there are about 40 jackets, 10-15 lunch boxes, over 10 water bottles, a variety of caps, socks, pencils, rulers, etc. All contents will be emptied out & donated on 11/25/15 during the Thanksgiving Holiday.




PTA Combined Payment Forms Still Needed

Back to School Combined Payment! We still need donations to avoid canceling some assemblies & field trips.   Keep those donations coming to help pay for field trips, assemblies, school supplies, class parties etc.  We depend on your generosity to make our school great. If we don’t meet our goal, some field trips and assemblies will need to be canceled.  You can find the form online and pay by echeck: http://covingtonschool.org/covingtones/4770-Back-to-School-Purchases.html

Paper forms are also available in the school office, in the Combined Payment cubby.

Thank you from the Covington PTA.


Principal’s Message

Vision Screening

The LASD Nurses will be doing vision screening, at Covington School for all Kindergarten, 2nd and 5th grades on Thursday Nov. 5th.  If your child has glasses or contacts, please make sure that they wear them to school on the day of the screening. The nurse will mail a referral form to the parents of students who do not pass the vision screening.


PTA NEWS

Walkathon Pledges Due This Friday! It is time to turn in your pledge forms. Please place all pledges (and checks!) in the Walkathon Box in the office by the November 6th deadline.  Thank you!


PTA Movie Night: Please join us for the PTA Community event this Friday at 6:00 pm in the Multi. We will be  screening 'Inside Out' and providing pizza and popcorn. Hope to see you all there!  Adult supervision required - please do not just drop your children off.


Covington’s Run Club is starting on Friday, November 6th at lunch time!!  Run Club is offered every Friday at lunchtime, except on special party days and when it’s raining.   Run Club is an optional noontime activity available to all 1st - 6th graders.  Kids can choose weekly if they’d like to participate and they can run as many or as few laps as they desire.  Parent volunteers help encourage kids, count laps by punching mile cards, distribute ribbons and help the activity run smoothly.  Every week 100 - 150 kids participate.  Run Club volunteers enjoy seeing their child at school and get to participate in this fun community building activity.  


If you are interested in participating and seeing this program continue at Covington, please sign-up here to help. There is NO RUNNING required for the volunteers.   


https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1OA-6YskBAHBDE-danHUzm62zcTD71dKQARSsTU-U-ps/edit?pli=1#gid=799801726


Kids sign-up happens on the day of the event at lunchtime.  


Jen Springer

jen_springer@mac.com



We have some spots left! Please join us for:

An Afternoon of Middle Eastern Food, Dance and Henna (Auction Party)           

Date: Saturday, 11/07/15, 3pm - 5pm

Location: Dishdash Restaurant, Sunnyvale

Cost: $50 per person, please email nadiah@dishdash.net to sign up and drop off a check in the office made out to "Covington PTA"

Want to learn how to shake what your mama gave you AND get a henna tattoo? Take the opportunity to learn some sultry moves from a professional belly dancer, and get a temporary henna tatoo all while munching on authentically delicious Middle Eastern food from Dishdash Restaurant in Sunnyvale. For centuries, the art of henna painting on the body has been practiced in India, Africa and the Middle East. A paste made from the crushed leaves of the henna plant is applied to the skin in the form of distinctly unique designs, and when removed, leaves a temporary work of art that may last for up to 1 month.  Join us for an afternoon of good food, unique dance moves, and henna art.


Aladdin Jr. Registrations for the Covington PTA 2016 musical, Aladdin Jr., will begin this week. All 4th-6th graders are encouraged to participate! Registration forms will go home with all 4-6th graders in their weekly folders. Additional registration forms will be available in the office towards the end of this week.

Registration deadline is December 4th.

Auditions will be held December 15th and 18th from 2:45-4:30pm. Students must attend both days. Everyone gets a part!

Rehearsals will begin January 5th, Tuesdays and Fridays 2:45-4:30pm.

Performances will be on Sat and Sun April 23rd and 24th. Students must be available on both performance dates and all rehearsal dates to register.Registration is $250 which includes a Tshirt. Scholarships available.

Please contact Arezou Bahman (arezoua@yahoo.com) with any questions.


 

LAEF

LAEF Phonathon Was a Big Success – Thank you!

In the past week, 228 families have pledged or donated a total $285,967 (and counting) to LAEF. Thank you! We are processing donations and will have an update about the LAEF Board’s $100,000 matching grant soon. To learn more about LAEF, pledge or donate, please go to LAEFonline.org.

 

Have you checked out the LAEF Annual Report 2014/15?

Learn more about the amazing difference our community of supporters made in the well-rounded education of our students’ last year. Check it out at LAEFonline.org. Thank you!

 

LASD & Community Announcements

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


Information Session: Synopsys Silicon Valley Science & Technology Championship. Sponsored by Synopsys, the Championship is a regional science and engineering fair competition for students in Santa Clara County held on March 17, 2016.  LASD 6th, 7th and 8th graders are invited to enter!! LASD students may compete in the middle school (grades 6-8) division for awards and prizes in multiple areas of study.  LASD students have won prizes in prior years, and gained valuable experience with science, engineering and project management.  Winners of the Synopsys Championship compete in the California State Science Fair and may advance to the prestigious Intel International Science & Engineering Fair, which presents nearly $4 million in prizes and scholarships each year. Students and parents are invited to attend the Synopsys Championship Information Session to learn more about this opportunity and how to enter:

 

Sunday, November 15

3:30 - 4:00 pm

Covington Elementary Multipurpose Room

201 Covington Road, Los Altos

 

For more information, see the 2016 Synopsys Championship website at

http://www.science-fair.org

Questions?  Contact parent volunteer Ann Hepenstal at annhep@yahoo.com or LASD STEM Coach Karen Wilson at kwilson@lasdschools.org

 

Information Session. Tech Challenge

Come to the informational meeting for all LASD 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th and 8th grade students and their parents interested in participating in The Tech Challenge, hosted by the Tech Museum.  You'll form a team to compete to solve a real-world problem in this annual design challenge.  This year's challenge is "Taking Flight: "Your team will build a glider to deliver supplies to a remote location, and this year, you tell the story! What is your glider carrying? Where are you going? Why?  New this year, there will be an award for the Top Tech Challenge story. Tech Challenge projects build skills in problem solving, time management, creativity, and teamwork, while working through the engineering design cycle as you build and test your design.  Most importantly--it's great fun!!!

 

Students and parents are invited to attend the Tech Challenge Information Session to learn more about this opportunity and how to enter:

 

Sunday, November 15

4:30 - 5:00 pm

Covington Elementary Multipurpose Room

201 Covington Road, Los Altos

 

The event day will be April 23, 2016 for grades 4 to 6, and April 24 for grades 7 and 8.  (No conflict with Junior Olympics this year!)

 

For more information on the Tech Challenge, visit the website at http://thetechchallenge.thetech.org/

 

Questions?  Contact parent volunteer Ann Hepenstal at annhep@yahoo.com or LASD STEM Coach Karen Wilson at kwilson@lasdschools.org



 


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 Howler scheduled for the following Tuesday.

 


Covington Howler

October 27, 2015

 

In This Issue:

  • Message from the Principals

  • Combined Payment Donations

  • Vision Screening

  • News and Announcements

 

Quick Dates for your Calendar:

  • Oct 29 - Picture make up day.

  • Oct. 30: Halloween Parties & Costume Parade

  • Nov 5: Vision Screening: K,2,5

  • Nov. 11:  Veteran’s Day: No School

 
  • Nov 23 & 24: Parent-Teacher Conferences. No School for Students.

  • Nov 25 - 27: Thanksgiving Holiday: No School.

  • Dec. 3: Kinder & New Student Information Night

  • Dec 21-  Jan.1 : Winter Recess: No School.

  • March 19: Covington Auction: Save the Date!

 

Message from the Principals

Dear Covington Families,         

Halloween Parade on Friday 10/30 at 2pm

Halloween is upon us and is being celebrated this Friday at Covington School! In order to make the celebration fun, safe and appropriate for all students, please remember that the following are prohibited:  costumes with violent themes and weapons, excessive blood and gore, and rubber masks that cover the entire head and/ or face.  Since the parties and Costume Parade all take place in the afternoon, we request that you send your child in grades K-6 to school with their costume in a bag.  After lunch, Everyone in grades K-6 will change into his or her costumes. Your child's teacher will explain this procedure to students and if you have any questions related to costumes and changing, please contact the teacher or the office.

 

Schedule:

12:50 pm K-6th Grade students dress in their costumes

1:00-1:50pm Classroom Parties

2:00-2:30pm Halloween Parade on blacktop

 

Since the parade will end at 2:30, please make sure upper grade (4th-6th) students are checked out with their child's teacher before leaving campus.  Kinder-3rd Grade students will also be excused at the conclusion of the parade.  We look forward to seeing you on Friday!

Warmest Regards,

 

Erin S. Green and Kami Thordarson

 

School News

Sock Drive. Thank you all so much for supporting our Socktober Sock Drive.  Together, we collected 503 pairs of socks!  All donations will be delivered to Haven Family House and Redwood Family House.  Thanks again! -Miss Gibo

Kindergarten, Covington Elementary School

 

MISSING ANYTHING?!  Please check the Lost & Found bin outside the multi!!! So far, there are about 40 jackets, 10-15 lunch boxes, over 10 water bottles, a variety of caps, socks, pencils, rulers, etc. All contents will be emptied out & donated on 11/25/15 during the Thanksgiving Holiday.

 

Covington’s Run Club is starting on Friday, November 6th at lunch time!!  Run Club is offered every Friday at lunchtime, except on special party days and when it’s raining.   Run Club is an optional noontime activity available to all 1st - 6th graders.  Kids can choose weekly if they’d like to participate and they can run as many or as few laps as they desire.  Parent volunteers help encourage kids, count laps by punching mile cards, distribute ribbons and help the activity run smoothly.  Every week 100 - 150 kids participate.  Run Club volunteers enjoy seeing their child at school and get to participate in this fun community building activity.  

 

If you are interested in participating and seeing this program continue at Covington, please sign-up here to help. There is NO RUNNING required for the volunteers.   

 

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1OA-6YskBAHBDE-danHUzm62zcTD71dKQARSsTU-U-ps/edit?pli=1#gid=799801726

 

Kids sign-up happens on the day of the event at lunchtime.  

 

Jen Springer

jen_springer@mac.com



 

 

PTA Combined Payment Forms Still Needed

Back to School Combined Payment! We still need donations to avoid canceling some assemblies & field trips.   Keep those donations coming to help pay for field trips, assemblies, school supplies, class parties etc.  We depend on your generosity to make our school great. If we don’t meet our goal, some field trips and assemblies will need to be canceled.  You can find the form online and pay by echeck: http://covingtonschool.org/covingtones/4770-Back-to-School-Purchases.html

Paper forms are also available in the school office, in the Combined Payment cubby.

Thank you from the Covington PTA.

 

 

Vision Screening

The LASD Nurses will be doing vision screening, at Covington School for all Kindergarten, 2nd and 5th grades on Thursday Nov. 5th.  If your child has glasses or contacts, please make sure that they wear them to school on the day of the screening. The nurse will mail a referral form to the parents of students who do not pass the vision screening.

 

PTA NEWS

We have some spots left! Please join us for: An Afternoon of Middle Eastern Food, Dance and Henna (Auction Party).
Date: Saturday, 11/7/15, 3pm
Location: Dishdash Restaurant, Sunnyvale.
Cost: $50 per person

Please email nadiah@dishdash.net to sign up and drop off a check in the office made out to "Covington PTA"

Want to learn how to shake what your mama gave you AND get a henna tattoo? Take the opportunity to learn some sultry moves from a professional belly dancer, and get a temporary henna tattoo all while munching on authentically delicious Middle Eastern food from Dishdash Restaurant in Sunnyvale. For centuries, the art of henna painting on the body has been practiced in India, Africa and the Middle East. A paste made from the crushed leaves of the henna plant is applied to the skin in the form of distinctly unique designs, and when removed, leaves a temporary work of art that may last for up to 1 month.  Join us for an afternoon of good food, unique dance moves, and henna art.

Aladdin Jr.. Registrations for the Covington 2016 musical, Aladdin Jr., will begin in November.  All 4th-6th graders are encouraged to participate!

Auditions will be held the week of December 14th (details coming soon).

Rehearsals will begin January 5th, Tuesdays and Fridays 2:45-4:30.

Performances will be on Sat and Sun April 23rd and 24th.

Registration is $250 which includes a Tshirt.

Scholarships available. More details and info will follow in the coming weeks.

Please contact Arezou Bahman (arezoua@yahoo.com) with any questions.

 

LAEF

$41,983 to go to meet the LAEF Board’s $100,000 Challenge by 10/30

There are just a few days left to get your donation matched by the LAEF Board of Directors! Special thanks to the 98 families who made their first donation or increased their donation during our phonathon. It’s not too late to double your gift and help fund district-wide enrichment programs and smaller classes in K-3 and 7-8 this year. To learn more, pledge or donate at LAEFonline.org.

 

Have you checked out the LAEF Annual Report 2014/15?

Learn more about the amazing difference our community of supporters made in the well-rounded education of our students’ last year. Check it out at LAEFonline.org. Thank you!


 

                    

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 Howler scheduled for the following Tuesday.

 

 


Covington Howler

October 20, 2015

 

In This Issue:

  • Message from the Principals

  • Combined Payment Donations

  • Vision Screening

  • Covington Auction: Save the Date

  • News and Announcements

 

Quick Dates for your Calendar:

  • Oct 21: Dine Out for Covington @ The Counter, MV

  • Oct 23: Deadline for Kinder Socktober donations

  • Oct 23: 6th grade fundraiser, After School Snow Cone Social.

  • Oct 27 - Picture make up day.

 
  • Oct. 30: Halloween Parties & Costume Parade

  • Nov 5: Vision Screening: K,2,5

  • Nov. 11:  Veteran’s Day: No School

  • Nov 23 & 24: Parent-Teacher Conferences. No School for Students.

  • Nov 25 - 27: Thanksgiving Holiday: No School for Students.

  • March 19: Covington Auction: Save the Date!

 

Message from the Principals

Dear Covington Families,         

  During our Minimum Day this week,  staff will continue our work around Standards Based Reporting.  We are currently working within a “season of experimentation and prototyping.”  Teachers are working on different rubrics and types of assessment as well as having deep conversations about defining mastery of a standard. Our work is challenging and we are pushing each other’s thinking around traditional models and long held assumptions. We know that many of yesterday’s practices are outdated and we are working to reframe and unlearn many of our routines and thrive in a world of “what if?”

  Sound familiar? It is a current state of being as we live in our new exponential world of rapid growth. New infrastructures require new skills, new ideas, and new models. We are constantly needing to play with change. So how do we do that? We imagine, create, tinker, and experiment. We assess, ask questions, gather feedback, and redesign. “We make the strange familiar through knowing, making, and playing.” -John Seely Brown (Learn more here.)

  As we move into conferences and reporting, please know that we are in a process. We consider students and parents as partners in our process and look forward to feedback and questions as we move ahead through this season of change.

 

Have a great week!

 

Erin S. Green and Kami Thordarson

*Coming in Next Week’s Howler: Information about our Halloween Festivities and Parade, happening on Friday 10/30/15.

 

IMPORTANT REMINDER: TODAY Tuesday October 20th, is a Minimum Day.  All STUDENTS attend from 8:30am-12:15PM.  No Regular After school Programs (i.e. No Chess, Mad Science or Bald Eagle Sports). NO HOMEWORK CLUB.  LUNCH IS TO GO for Anyone Who Ordered Hot Lunch: take lunch to the park or home and enjoy the afternoon. Please pick your children up promptly as the office staff and teachers will be participating in staff development.   No supervision is provided after dismissal at 12:15pm.

 

School News

Snow Cone Sale: Come support Covington's 6th grade class for a Snow Cone Social, this Friday 10/23 after school! Every snow cone you buy helps the 6th grade class raise funds to commemorate a special gift to our school. Cool off with a yummy snow cone and help your classmates at the same time :-)For more info contact Gabri_gallo@yahoo.com or  nadiah@dishdash.com.

 

Socktober Sock Drive: Our kindergartners are excited to host our second annual Socktober Sock Drive (inspired by Kid President's pep talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eCtVlNcmCgw). To help the homeless, we are collecting new pairs of socks.  Last year, we collected 467 pairs of socks… We're hoping to top that with your help!  Please put donations in the boxes by the kindergarten playground by Friday, October 23.  Donations will be given to Haven Family House and Redwood Family House.  Thank you!


 


 

Covington Auction

                                        

Covington Auction: Save the Date

March 19, 2016

5:30pm @ Clover Headquarters    

             

                     

 

Combined Payment Forms Still Needed

Back to School Combined Payment! We are halfway to our goal. Keep those donations coming to help pay for field trips, assemblies, school supplies, class parties etc.  We depend on your generosity to make our school great. If we don’t meet our goal, some field trips and assemblies will need to be canceled.  You can find the form online and pay by echeck: http://covingtonschool.org/covingtones/4770-Back-to-School-Purchases.html

Paper forms are also available in the school office, in the Combined Payment cubby.

Thank you from the Covington PTA.

 

Principal’s Message

Vision Screening

The LASD Nurses will be doing vision screening, at Covington School for all Kindergarten, 2nd and 5th grades on Thursday Nov. 5th.  If your child has glasses or contacts, please make sure that they wear them to school on the day of the screening. The nurse will mail a referral form to the parents of students who do not pass the vision screening.

 

PTA NEWS

Dine out for Covington: Step up to The Counter on Wednesday, October 21 and have a burger for Covington!  Burgers include vegetarian, poultry and seafood options. The Counter will donate 15% of all earnings to the Covington PTA.  The flyer is required and is available on our website: http://www.covingtonschool.org/covingtones/8151-dine-out.html

The Counter is located at 2580 W. El Camino Real.  (650) 948-2333.  Please contact manjitabhaumik@yahoo.com with any questions.  Flyers will also be available in the school office.

 

                                    ------------------------------------------------------------------

We have some spots left! Please join us for: An Afternoon of Middle Eastern Food, Dance and Henna (Auction Party). Date: Saturday, 11/7/15, 3pm -  Location: Dishdash Restaurant, Sunnyvale. Cost: $50 per person, please email nadiah@dishdash.net to sign up and drop off a check in the office made out to "Covington PTA"

Want to learn how to shake what your mama gave you AND get a henna tattoo? Take the opportunity to learn some sultry moves from a professional belly dancer, and get a temporary henna tattoo all while munching on authentically delicious Middle Eastern food from Dishdash Restaurant in Sunnyvale. For centuries, the art of henna painting on the body has been practiced in India, Africa and the Middle East. A paste made from the crushed leaves of the henna plant is applied to the skin in the form of distinctly unique designs, and when removed, leaves a temporary work of art that may last for up to 1 month.  Join us for an afternoon of good food, unique dance moves, and henna art.

Registrations for the Covington PTA 2016 musical, Aladdin Jr., will begin in November.

All 4th-6th graders are encouraged to participate!

Auditions will be held the week of December 14th (details coming soon).

Rehearsals will begin January 5th, Tuesdays and Fridays 2:45-4:30.

Performances will be on Sat and Sun April 23rd and 24th.

Registration is $250 which includes a Tshirt.

Scholarships available. More details and info will follow in the coming weeks.

Please contact Arezou Bahman (arezoua@yahoo.com) with any questions.

 

LAEF

It’s LAEF Phonathon Week!

Our volunteers and LASD staff are busy making calls to help LAEF meet our $3.5M goal and to encourage 100% participation from every district family. It’s not too late to help LAEF pay for our amazing enrichment teachers, staff, and smaller class sizes in K-3 and 7-8 this year. To learn more, pledge or donate at LAEFonline.org.

 

The LAEF Annual Report 2014/15 is Here!

Our board of parent volunteers would like to recognize the amazing difference our community of supporters made in our classrooms last year. We are pleased to share our 2014-15 Annual Report. Check it out at LAEFonline.org and you’ll learn more which programs received 59% of our grant, why 2,285 donors contributed and how 400 families doubled their donation. Thank you!

 

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 Howler scheduled for the following Tuesday.

 

 





Back to Top
Success!