Open House This Thursday 5/15 6:30pm-7:30pm

Come Celebrate An Amazing Year

Last Homework Club is Today!

This Friday is a Minimum Day!! All Kinders attend from 8:15am-11:35am. 1st-6th graders are dismissed at 12:15pm.

Covington School Howler – May 13, 2014

Dear Covington Parents and Community Members,

Great Ready…one month left of school and there are lots of events to put on the calendar:

May 13 – Last Day of Homework Club – Today!
May 15 – Covington Open House 6:30pm-7:30pm
May 16 – Covington Minimum Day. Thank you for picking up your children promptly at dismissal, there is no supervision after 12:15pm. No Hot Lunch is served. Grab & Go lunches only, as ordered.
May 19 – 4-6th Grade Music Concert 1:00pm
May 22 – Jr. Olympic Slide Show 1:45pm
May 23 – Last Indoor Assembly
May 26 – Memorial Day Holiday– No School
May 30 – PTA Volunteer Breakfast
May 30 – Spirit Day: International Day
May 30 – Covington Multicultural Fair, 4pm-7pm
June 4 – Primary (K-3) Music Concert 10:30am-11:30am
June 6 – Field Day/Minimum Day
June 12 – Last Day of School
6th Grade Promotion
Minimum Day

GREAT Opportunity-Kindergarten Instructional Assistant for 2014-2015 School Year Los Altos School District and specifically Covington School have openings for Kindergarten instructional assistants for the next school year. If you are interested in part-time work and you enjoy working with and managing children, we have an opportunity for you! For more information, please call our School Office.

PTA Minimum Day Events: On Friday, May 16 the PTA sponsored minimum day camp sign ins begin at 12:30 at 2nd grade lunch tables.

Please remind your child to sit and eat lunch at the 2nd grade lunch tables after school dismissal.
The minimum day party information is as follows-
Tennis at Rosita from 12:30-2:00
Red star soccer at field from 12:30-2:30
Steve & Kate at multi from 12:30-2:30
Game truck at Covington parking lot from 12:45-2:15
Please remember to sign your child out at pick up from a camp!

Field Day 2014 is quickly approaching. On Friday, June 6th from 10:00 - 12:00 all students will be participating in Field Day. If you haven't had much of a chance to volunteer this year, this is the event for you! Field Day is a fun filled two-hour event where the children participate in tons of games, face painting and a blow-up obstacle course. We need your help to make Field Day a success. Please sign up on the Google doc found here: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1VUa_Xxjl6rEQIwJYJ4m-eV3Jw-UnicPCfKDtkwddc8c/edit?usp=sharing

We need at least two parents from each class to help!! Let me know if you have any questions. Thank you! Louanne Gonzalez (louannegonzalez@gmail.com)

Library Open During Open House: You are invited to include the library among the many places to visit this Thursday evening during Open House. All students have attended library classes throughout the year and I am certain they will prove to be the best of tour guides.

I look forward to seeing you then! -Maureen Drobot

LIBRARY END-OF-YEAR RAPIDLY APPROACHING: It's been a wonderful year in the library, but all good things must come to an end. All books will be due when students visit the library for their last library class the week of May 19-23. Parents, please help your students keep track of their books and return them on time. If you have problems locating a book, please contact me. -Maureen Drobot mdrobot@lasdschools.org
 

Dodge Ball Derby with Mr. Heeb
Kids, join our wonderful Mr. Heeb for an action-packed game of dodge ball! This Covington fundraiser is being held on Monday, June 5th right after school in the green field. The game for 1st - 3rd graders happens from 2:30 - 3:30; the game for 4th - 6th graders runs from 2:45 - 3:45. Cost is $30 per student. Please email sonia_brunner@yahoo.com if your child is interested in joining. Spots are limited.

The School Toolbox Store is Open! To enhance the educational experience of all of our students, we are requesting sufficient donations of supplies and materials to provide for each child at Covington. We do this through your online orders to School Toolbox. Our online School Tool Box store is now open for the 2014-2015 school year! The store will remain open until June 6, 2014. Orders are online only. School toolboxes are $60 for First Grade, $75 for Fifth Grade, and $70 for all other grades. Toolboxes include all the supplies your teachers have requested. Toolboxes are offered as a convenience to families wishing to donate school supplies to their child's classroom and supplies are purchased in bulk, which saves costs. School Toolbox also donates a meal through "Feed My Starving Children" for each toolbox sold. So please go online to www.schooltoolbox.com and order today!! Just register at the website and follow the easy instructions. Thank you from Covington PTA!

After School Program Survey. Parents: Please provide feedback on current after-school activities and potential new classes to help us evaluate 2014-2015 offerings. Respond by 5/16/14. Contact kathrynhan@gmail.com for any questions or issues. Thanks!
https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/RTCRMQB

AMAZON SHOPPERS – Make Your Summer Shopping Count for Covington! Earn referral fees for Covington year-round when you buy just about anything at Amazon. It's EASY and DOESN'T COST YOU ANYTHING! 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 of at least 6.5%! No sign-up required. Questions? Contact Dale Tritschler at aletritschler@gmail.com.

Participation matters. This year's grant was the highest goal in LAEF's history, and we still need your support! If you haven't already made a donation, or would like to contribute a little more to smaller classes, art, PE, music, Living Classroom, STEM and more, please go to www.laefonline.org today. A "BIG" LAEF Thank You to Ms. Aubrey's 6th grade class at Almond for making your Project Cornerstone lesson meaningful for our schools and our community. The "BIG" bake sale donation to LAEF supports excellence in education at all the elementary and junior high schools in the district.

LAEF Representatives at Covington are: Matt Abrahams, matt.abrahams@gmail.com, Anjana Nagarajan-Butaney, anjana.nagarajan1@gmail.com, Jessica Speiser, jessica@speiser.net, Ritu Kapoor (member at-large), ritu.kapoor@gmail.com

District & Community News: http://www.lasdk8.org/PDF_Files/Current_School_News.pdf

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.

Dear Covington Parents and Community Members,

Celebrate Amazing Teachers! This Tuesday our entire LASD organization will come together to celebrate amazing teaching at our first Teacher of the Year Reception!  At Covington, 8 teachers were initially nominated for this honor.  For her amazing talent and passion for teaching, Eileen Cuzzi was elected by her peers as Covington's Teacher of the Year!  

Covington Named Distinguished School: Last week, State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson announced the California Distinguished Schools for 2014, named for their strong commitment and innovative approaches to improving student academic achievement.  Please see press release at end of this Howler.  Thank you to our entire school community for your efforts, collaboration and enthusiasm in making this award possible for our school!

LASD Film Fest this Friday 4pm! Come join us at the Los Altos Student Film Festival this Friday, May 9th! The festival will take place from 4-6pm at the Covington multi, and will celebrate a wide variety of student films. The gallery walk of student films will be from 4-5pm, and award presentations will take place from 5-6pm. Student teams willbe running a snack booth and helping guide guests to the different galleries. Students across the district have worked very hard on their films, so this a great opportunity to show support and visit with students from other schools. It’s going to be a wonderful event, so come join us for an afternoon of fun and films! The event promises to be extra special for Covington students as Miss Kingman's class has worked hard to coordinate, plan and execute the entire Film Festival as a project-based learning venture this year. Click here for the LASD Film Fest web site.

Parent Input Form: Next year’s classes will be formed soon. If you feel your child has specific needs that we may not be aware of, please stop by the office and complete a parent input form. Forms are due by May 25th.  Thank you ahead of time for not requesting a specific teacher by name.

Friday PTA Meeting and Parent Coffee
Please join us this coming Friday in our staff room immediately after the flag assembly!  Following our PTA business, Terry Pomposo, 3rd grade teacher, will share how the team uses technology in the classroom and there will be a special visit from our LASD School Board and Superintendent Baier Regarding: Preserving Our Small Schools:  A Potential Bond Measure

In the last decade, student enrollment in our local public schools has increased by more than 25%.  The current enrollment is as high as it was in the 1970s, when our school district had twelve sites instead of nine, as we do currently.  

To accommodate growing enrollment, preserve our small schools, complete basic repairs to keep our schools well-maintained and to provide updated learning technology, the Los Altos School District is considering placing a bond measure on the November 2014 ballot.  The potential $150 million bond would cost property owners no more than $30 per $100,000 of assessed valuation (not market) annually.  

To provide information and seek your input about the potential bond and the projects it could complete at our school, our Superintendent and a member of the Board will be at our parent coffee on Friday, May 9th at 9:10am.

Thank you for your ongoing support!

Kind Regards,
Erin S. Green

Important Dates – Please Note:

PTA Budget News: We will be voting to approve the PTA Budget for the 2014/2015 school year this Friday at 8:30 am. As our agenda is jam packed, we thought it best to publish the budget for your review before the meeting.  The budget can be found here: http://tinyurl.com/ov4zql6. Happy reading!

Computer Lab Change of Lunchtime Hours: Mondays will be 1st-3rd grade only and Wednesdays will be 3rd-6th only.

Thank you to all who contributed to the Birthday Book Club!

Donations to the Birthday Book Club make a significant contribution to our library pleasure reading collection.  With May birthdays soon to be recognized, our library will soon have over 270 new hardcover books added to our shelves for the enjoyment of all of our students.  These books include picture books, easy readers, popular series for our emerging readers, chapter books for older readers, and high interest narrative nonfiction.  Hats off to you and thank you! Maureen Drobot, Covington Librarian

The School Toolbox Store is Open!  To enhance the educational experience of all of our students, we are requesting sufficient donations of supplies and materials to provide for each child at Covington.  We do this through your online orders to School Toolbox.  Our online School Tool Box store is now open for the 2014-2015 school year!   The store will remain open until June 6, 2014.  Orders are online only. School toolboxes are $60 for First Grade, $75 for Fifth Grade, and $70 for all other grades.  Toolboxes include all the supplies your teachers have requested.  Toolboxes are offered as a convenience to families wishing to donate school supplies to their child's classroom and supplies are purchased in bulk, which saves costs.   School Toolbox also donates a meal through “Feed My Starving Children” for each toolbox sold.  So please go online to www.schooltoolbox.com and order today!!  Just register at the website and follow the easy instructions.  Thank you from Covington PTA!

PTA Minimum Day Events: May 16th is a minimum day and we have a few spots open for minimum day parties held on this day!  You can sign up for these parties through our auction link or by sending an e- mail to kavithaherle@gmail.com.

The minimum day parties with spots open are as follows-

- Red Star Soccer at Covington Field:- 12:30-2:30 ( spots open)

- Steve and Kate Animation and More at Covington Multi:- 12:30-2:30 (spots open)

There is also a Piano Party, Sunday May 18th 1-2:30 in the Covington Multi (spots open) - use the auction link and/or email Sharon Clay at sharonroseclay@yahoo.com.   More Info.

Auction bid/sign-up link:  https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/viewform?formkey=dGJhN1B5MUdSMFNzelg5MlYtRGVTbUE6MA#gid=0

Did you Know?...LAEF is Music to our Ears: The upper grade vocal and instrumental music programs are taught by lifelong musicians who also have their teaching credentials. Students in 4th grade enjoy vocal music, learn to read music and play the recorder.  The 5th grade program includes additional work on vocal skills, and weekly instrumental lessons in band or orchestra.  Instruments available include the flute, clarinet, trumpet, trombone, violin, viola and cello.  6th graders participate in instrumental lessons in band or orchestra once a week.  Additionally, 6th graders have the opportunity to participate in a joint concert with the junior highs, play at the Junior Olympics and try out for the after school Jazz Band. Make plans to enjoy their spring concerts this May, and please continue to support these upper grade music opportunities with your donations to LAEF! LAEF Representatives at Covington are:Matt Abrahams, matt.abrahams@gmail.com, Anjana Nagarajan-Butaney, anjana.nagarajan1@gmail.com, Jessica Speiser, jessica@speiser.net, Ritu Kapoor (member at-large), ritu.kapoor@gmail.com

CUB SCOUT PICNIC – Join Cub Scouts. Meet Pack 76 (Los Altos / Los Altos Hills) Cub Scouts and their families to learn more about Cub Scouting at our annual Informational Picnic. When: Friday, May 16, 5-7pm Where: Shoup Park (400 University Ave, just south of Burke Rd), Los Altos What: Food, Beverages, and Fun provided.  For more information:  Chi-Ray Chien, Cubmaster (chi-ray@thechiens.net<mailto:chi-ray@thechiens.net>)

REL#14-45
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
APRIL 30, 2014

State Schools Chief Tom Torlakson Announces

California Distinguished Schools for 2014

            SACRAMENTO—State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson today named 424 public elementary schools California Distinguished Schools for their strong commitment and innovative approaches to improving student academic achievement.

            “I applaud these strong, thriving schools that are making such impressive strides in preparing their students for continued success,” Torlakson said. “This award is well-deserved by these school communities for their enduring dedication to high standards, hard work, and unwavering support.”

            The 2014 California Distinguished Schools Program focuses on California’s students’ right to an equitable and rigorous education, and recognizes those schools that have made progress in narrowing the academic achievement gap.

            To apply for Distinguished School honors, schools must meet a variety of eligibility criteria, including accountability measures. Once schools are deemed eligible, the California Department of Education (CDE) invites them to apply to be recognized as a California Distinguished School.   The process consists of a written application, which includes a comprehensive description of two of the school's signature practices, and a county-led site validation review process focused on the implementation of those signature practices.

            Schools earning the Distinguished School title agree to share their signature practices with other schools and become a mentor to those seeking to replicate their work. An updated searchable database of these Signature Practices will be available later this spring from the CDE. To view the current Signature Practices Web portal, please visit the Distinguished Schools Signature Practices Web page.

            Elementary and secondary schools are recognized in alternate years. For more information, please go to the California Distinguished Schools Program Web page. Schools selected as California Distinguished Schools will be honored in early June during regional award ceremonies.

            Also being honored during the ceremonies are the Title I Academic Achievement Awardees, which will be announced next week; Green Ribbon Schools; Civic Learning Award schools; and schools recognized last fall by the federal National Blue Ribbon Schools Program.

            In addition to being chosen as Distinguished Schools, 30 schools were given an additional honor of being selected as having an Exemplary Program in either Arts Education or Physical Activity and Nutrition after undergoing a separate application process. These schools will be denoted on the attached list by asterisks—one asterisk for an Exemplary Arts Education Program and two asterisks for an Exemplary Physical Activity and Nutrition Program. The awards, introduced in 2013, reflect Torlakson’s goals outlined in his A Blueprint for Great Schools report, which provides vision and direction for California’s education system. 

# # # #

The California Department of Education (CDE) is a state agency led by State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson. For more information, please visit http://www.cde.ca.gov or by mobile device at http://m.cde.ca.gov/. You may also follow Superintendent Torlakson on Twitter athttp://www.twitter.com/TorlaksonSSPI and Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/CAEducation.

District & Community News: http://www.lasdk8.org/PDF_Files/Current_School_News.pdf

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.

Dear Covington Parents and Community Members,

Celebrate Covington tonight!: 7pm LASD Board Room

Tonight at 7pm our 4th, 5th and 6th grade students will be presenting to the LASD Board on the topics of: Mindcraft & Missions, Rethinking Science Projects & the 7 Habits of Happy Students! Our students are excited to showcase some of the innovative projects they have been a part of this year. It would be great to come out and support our students!

What Olympic Spirit!:What a fantastic day it was Saturday! From the moment students marched into the stadium in their bright colors to the end of the day when students were exhausted and proud of their team, accomplishments and efforts. Students were proud to be a part of our awesome LASD community. What an incredible testimony to the spirit of LASD that the community comes together for every single child in grades 4-6.

I loved watching the students push themselves in the races and I loved seeing the energy (and perseverance!) of all of our students. It will be exciting to hear from students about their experiences and "personal bests."

This year was a special year for Covington, as our school was the "host" school. I cannot thank our parents enough for all they did for many months and weeks leading up to the event! The event was a HUGE success, so we thank our amazing committee of: Julie Altinger, Louanne Gonzalez, Mara Starkey, Laura Torres & Kathleen Vitakis.

Friday Fun: After school this coming Friday, our 6th graders will be competing in our LASD Basketball Tournament. The competition takes place at Blach and students will be participating round-robin style against all of the other schools. While our students are competing in basketball, our staff will be taking part in friendly competition themselves. The LASD Annual Amazing Race takes place this coming Friday. We look forward to an exciting afternoon!

Finally, mark you calendars for next Friday, May 9th. The LASD Film Festival, hosted by Miss Kingman and her 6th grade class, will be held at 4pm at Covington School.

Thank you for your ongoing support!

Kind Regards,
Erin S. Green

Important Dates – Please Note:

May 1 – LASD C-Stem Showcase @ Almond
May 2 – 6th grade fundraiser, Otter Pops after school
May 2 – 6th Grade Boys & Girls Basketball Tournament
May 9 – PTA Meeting/Parent Coffee
May 9 – LASD Film Festival
May 15 – Last Day of Homework Club
May 15 – Covington Open House 6:30pm-7:30pm
May 16 – Covington Minimum Day
May 19 – 4-6th Grade Music Concert
May 22 – Jr. Olympic Slide Show
May 23 – Last Indoor Assembly
May 26 – Memorial Day Holiday– No School
May 30 – PTA Volunteer Breakfast
May 30 – Covington Multicultural Fair, 4pm-7pm
June 4 – Primary (K-3) Music Concert
June 6 – Field Day/Minimum Day
June 12 – Last Day of School, 6th Grade Promotion, Minimum Day

Otter Pops To Go - Friday!

This Friday, May 2, the sixth graders will hold an Otter Pop To-Go Sale as a fundraiser for their end-of-year gift to the school. Otter Pops will be for sale in front of the Multi for $1 each beginning at 2:20pm. Buy an otter pop to go for the ride home. This is not a Stay and Play. Staff will not be on hand to supervise children after school and proper parental supervision is expected.

LOS ALTOS FILM FESTIVAL:

Come join us at the Los Altos Student Film Festival next Friday, May 9th! The festival will take place from 4-6pm at the Covington multi, and will celebrate a wide variety of student films. The gallery walk of student films will be from 4-5pm, and award presentations will take place from 5-6pm. Student teams will be running a snack booth and helping guide guests to the different galleries. Students across the district have worked very hard on their films, so this a great opportunity to show support and visit with students from other schools. It's going to be a wonderful event, so come join us for an afternoon of fun and films!

Coyote Pack Run Club News:

Our runners rock! Only four more Fridays of run club this year. Please come out and have fun with your runners! To volunteer, come out to the field at lunch (11:50am-1pm) and plan to have fun in the sun with some really awesome kids! No running required. Please go here to sign up...See TAB at bottom left of document for May dates. https://docs.google.com/a/lasdk8.org/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AnRkfFbJcu7-dG1HVXMzRl9rWW1KWXpua0NaT0JkSFE#gid=1

We will hold on to all the earned ribbons and present them to the runners at a Friday Flag Salute in June. Date TBD.

The 2014 Los Altos Hills Pathways Run/Walk is on May 10 and we'd love to see a ton of Coyote Runners out there.

Sign up here: https://app.lap.io/event/2014-los-altos-hills-pathways-run

The School Toolbox Store is Open! To enhance the educational experience of all of our students, we are requesting sufficient donations of supplies and materials to provide for each child at Covington. We do this through your online orders to School Toolbox. Our online School Tool Box store is now open for the 2014-2015 school year! The store will remain open until June 6, 2014. Orders are online only. School toolboxes are $60 for First Grade, $75 for Fifth Grade, and $70 for all other grades. Toolboxes include all the supplies your teachers have requested. Toolboxes are offered as a convenience to families wishing to donate school supplies to their child's classroom and supplies are purchased in bulk, which saves costs. School Toolbox also donates a meal through "Feed My Starving Children" for each toolbox sold. So please go online to www.schooltoolbox.com and order today!! Just register at the website and follow the easy instructions. Thank you from Covington PTA!

Junior Olympics: Dear 4,5,6 grade parents,

Junior Olympics was a fantastic day! Over 1,500 students, their families and friends came out to enjoy some friendly competition at Mountain View High School! We look forward to our awards ceremony and slideshow on Thursday May 22 at 1:45 pm. Parents are welcome to join.

So many people are needed every year the make this event happen:

PE specialists, LASD personnel, MVLA personnel, Parents, High School Students, Middle School Students, as well as our very own 4-6 participants.

We would like to extend our sincere thanks and appreciation to the following people in our community who went over and above to make the 54th Junior Olympics a spectacular event!

We could not do it without YOU!: Matt Abrahams, Suzy Allison, Timo Allison, Rick Altinger, Jayne Amsden, Sharon Au, Elias Balthazar, Shen Baronian, Sue Boennighausen, Wendy Boufford, Gabriella Bradley, Sonia Brunner, Anjana Nagarajan-Butaney, Valerie Cairns, Valeria Carty, Qin Chen, Ingrid Choong, Catherine Clark, Riki Cohen, Sara Colpitts, Doug Core, Tom Cox, Jill Croft, Anthony Custodio, Maria Dadoyan, Juan Dellarroquelle, Johri Dhanotra, Amer Diwan, Kathi Donnelly, Erin Donnelly, Dean Dragoli, Dolly Eckinger, Sandi Elefant, Jennifer Encinas, Susan Evard, Linda Figone, Dan Fischer, Kate Goines, Ed Gonzalez, Vanessa Gonzales, Maggie Gray, Ashley Green, Erin Green, David Hale, Johnathan Hale, Cameron Hamblin, Jay Heeb, James Hinnant, Marjorie Hondl, Cheryl House, Mei Huang, Nick Huang, May Huang, Scott Jordan, Jaya Kamath, Hina Khader, Lisa Kim, Toni King, Katie Kingman, Crysta Krames, Mary Lai, Ken Leong, Marlena Leong, Tracy Leong, Lee Lucca, Gaudi Lucca, Ivory Ma, Julie Maeyama, Neal Maeyama, Michael Magana, Georgia Markarian, Peter Meyn, Nabeel Mian, Rob Mihalko, Cole Miller, Monica Morchi, Nancy Morimoto, Nadiah Mshasha, Sarah NeSmith, Elaine Nguyen, Hiep Nguyen, Ron Ninomiya, Negar Parravi, Lori Parsons, Olga Pichkova, Jenny Portillo, James Reilly, Caroline Small, Jennifer Springer, Chad Starkey, Stuart Sweet, Alyssa Tan, Jennifer Townhill, Alex Vitakis, Christian Vitakis, Eden Vitakis, Quinn Vitakis, Yelena Volkova, Dan Walsh, Christine Wedner, Jolene Welch, Vanessa Werth, Diana Whittier, Christie Wilson, Karen Wilson, Amy Wyosnick, Li Zhao

All efforts were appreciated. THANK YOU!

The Covington JO Committee
Kathleen / Julie / Mara / Laura / Louanne

JO Chair Covington
jochaircovington@gmail.com / lasdjo.com

Pertussis Booster for Students in grade 6: Students currently in grade 6 must have proof of a Tdap or Dtap (Pertussis or Whooping Cough) booster given after their 7th birthday (after 10th birthday is recommended) in order to begin seventh grade in August of 2014. Please provide a copy of your child's immunization record to your school office by May 5th, 2014.

DezignKidz Summer Camp at Springer this summer

After 3 consecutive years at Covington, we will miss your beautiful campus. But we'll still be close by! Choose from Fashion and Accessory Dezign sessions (including Fashion Dezign 3 (for middle school fashionistas), Interior Dezign/Textile Dezign, Fashion Sketching and BRAND NEW Plush Toy Dezign and Cutting -Edge Quiltz. Learn hand and machine sewing and other textile art techniques as you turn your ideas from sketches into completed garments, accessories, home decor items or one-of-a-kind stuffed creations. Week-long programs run 6/16-7/18 at Springer School in Mountain View. DezignKidz is recognized by the Stanford d.School as a partner in bringing "design thinking" to the K-8 community.

Space is limited. Sign up online at www.dezignkidz.com or call 650 346-5896.

District & Community News: http://www.lasdk8.org/PDF_Files/Current_School_News.pdf

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.

Dear Covington Parents and Community Members,

Ready, Set, Go!
Spring is definitely here and this weekend kicks-off the annual end of the year busy, celebratory season.  Junior Olympics, Open House, CSTEM Showcase, 6th grade Basketball Tournament, 6th grade promotion…the list goes on!

Get ready to celebrate student's work, ideas and friendships.

This Saturday is one of my all-time favorite events in LASD. I love the Junior Olympics and the team spirit and camaraderie that go hand-in-hand with the athletic events.  The opening ceremony is one of the greatest experiences. I love seeing each school entering the field ablaze in their school colors.  I cannot wait to celebrate our Covington students this Saturday and look forward to all that the day will bring.  See everyone in ORANGE on Saturday!

Staffing News
Each spring brings transition and this year we have some news to share.  We are excited for our beloved teachers who are moving on, but will miss them dearly.  Eileen Cuzzi and Jennifer Portillo have shared a message with you below.

From Eileen Cuzzi
Dear Families,

I am both happy and sad to announce that I am retiring.  I’m sad because I know I will miss working with your children.  The teaching profession is so wonderful in that it gives you the opportunity to love children other than your own, and this is what has happened to me at Covington.  It has been so delightful to connect with a new group of children every year, and also to see students grow and progress through Covington. 

My plans are pretty simple- spend time with my family, hike, take classes, learn Spanish (again!), finish the never ending house projects, and garden.  There will probably be a trip or two in there somewhere, too.  You will still see me around, and might even run into me on the Mist Trail at Yosemite, as just happened over Spring Break.

Your children are great and I really appreciate the opportunity to have been a part of their lives.  Thanks for everything!

From Jennifer Portillo
Dear Covington Families,

I have some big, personal news to share. After almost four years of law school, Bar prep, and applying for jobs, my husband, Devan, was recently hired as a District Attorney for Mariposa County! He has started his job there and loves it! My son and I will be joining him at the end of the school year. I am very excited for our family and this big move, and also very sad I will be leaving the Covington community. I have learned so much from this school and my colleagues and principal and I will miss everyone very much. 

We wish our colleagues the best as they embark on their next adventure.

Spirit Friday
The April indoor assembly will take place this coming Friday in our Multipurpose room.  We will conclude with a pep rally to cheer on our athletes competing in the Junior Olympics. Hope to see you there!

Sincerely,
Erin S. Green

Important Dates – Please Note:

April 25 – Indoor Assembly
April 25 – Jr. Olympic Pep Rally –Wear JO shirts
April 26 – LASD Junior Olympics
May 1 – LASD C-Stem Showcase
May 2 – 6th Grade Boys & Girls Basketball Tournament
May 9 – PTA Meeting/Parent Coffee
May 9 – LASD Film Festival
May 15 – Last Day of Homework Club
May 15 – Covington Open House
May 16 – Covington Minimum Day
May 19 – 4-6th Grade Music Concert
May 22 – Jr. Olympic Slide Show
May 23 – Last Indoor Assembly
May 26 – Memorial Day Holiday– No School
May 30 – PTA Volunteer Breakfast
May 30 – Covington Multicultural Fair, 4pm-7pm
June 4 – Primary (K-3) Music Concert
June 6 – Field Day/Minimum Day
June 12 – Last Day of School, 6th Grade Promotion, Minimum Day

http://www.treeering.com/validate

and enter in the passcode:

1013595707721745

Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact, Christine Wedner, cwedner@mac.com. Thank you.

Dear 4,5,6 Grade parents,

Junior Olympics is here!!This Saturday 8-4pm

We hope you are as excited as us!

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!!

Please, PLEASE, sign up to help this weekend.

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AqjTYn1OjU9odDZCMjhoQ0JMRzVTOW9RVm5QNFcxNlE&usp=sharing

REMINDERS

T-Shirts: Wear JO t-shirts on Friday for the Pep Rally and again on Saturday at the Jr. Olympics.

1320 Participants: Arrive between 7:30am and 7:45am. RACE ORDER: ^G, 6B, 5G, 5B, 4G, 4B.  New Course this year!  Please see map http://lasdjo.com/map to find starting line and to understand the course.

6th Grade Band: Arrive with instruments to band staging area near track entrance by 8:30am.  Plan a place to drop your instrument with your parent after opening ceremonies are over.

Opening Ceremonies: Arrive between 8:30am and 8:45am to walk with Covington in the opening ceremonies. Gather on grass near track entrance.  All 4,5,6 grade students and teachers are welcome!

Schedule: The afternoon schedule has been changed slightly.  Dash and Hurdles are immediately following the Jeffrey Baier Mascot Mania.  All relays will continue after finals.  See schedule here: http://lasdjo.com/eventschedule

NOTE: 5th grade boys will have a very quick turnaround between the dash prelims and the dash finals. Results will post online at lasdjo.com and on the fence ASAP after events are finished.

MORE DETAILS

For additional details see this packet https://drive.google.com/file/d/0BxYlNlJa9WyTMEhCdFFfNWtpUUU/edit?usp=sharing

and visit lasdjo.com

Covington Coyotes can help save the Polar Bears! Covington 3rd grade Girl Scout Troop 61164 is challenging Covington to walk, bike, scooter, or carpool to school during the six school days from April 30-May 7.  Not only is this good for you and your community, it will reduce CO2 pollution which helps save the polar bears.  Each student in the class that has the most participation will win tokens to use at Area 151 in downtown Los Altos.  Any student that participates all 6 days will be entered into a drawing to win Miyo Frozen Yogurt or Baskin-Robbins Ice Cream (2 winners per grade).  We will be sending a flyer home in this Thursday's folder that contains the tickets the kids will need to put in the envelopes in their classroom.  How it works:  If you carpool, walk, bike or scooter to school that week, fill in a ticket and bring it to the envelope in your teacher’s class.  Winners will be announced May 9 at morning assembly.  Thank you from the girls in Troop 61164!

Pertussis Booster for Students in grade 6: Students currently in grade 6 must have proof of a Tdap or Dtap (Pertussis or Whooping Cough) booster given after their 7th birthday (after 10th birthday is recommended) in order to begin seventh grade in August of 2014. Please provide a copy of your child’s immunization record to your school office by May 5th, 2014.

Did you Know?...LAEF funds Physical Education Specialists for 1st-6th graders Junior Olympics is this weekend! Your contributions to LAEF help make this very special tradition possible, by funding the Physical Education program for all first through sixth graders. Make plans to cheer on our student athletes on Saturday, April 26 at Mountain View High School, and please continue to support the PE program with your donations to LAEF! LAEF Representatives at Covington are: Matt Abrahams, matt.abrahams@gmail.comAnjana Nagarajan-Butaney, anjana.nagarajan1@gmail.com Jessica Speiser, jessica@speiser.net Ritu Kapoor (member at-large), ritu.kapoor@gmail.com

District & Community News: http://www.lasdk8.org/PDF_Files/Current_School_News.pdf

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.

Dear Covington Parents and Community Members,

This Friday is Teacher/Principal for the Day
Friday, the Auction Winners for Teacher & Principal for the Day will be hard at “work” in their various assignments.  They will also share a special lunch with their teachers and the staff.  Congratulations to all the winners! 

2014-2015
Staffing plans are currently being made for the 2014-2015 school year.  Each year there are a few staff adjustments in teaching assignments due to postings within LASD, and other various reasons.  As soon as plans are finalized, I will share our 2014-2015 staffing list with you.

As we look forward to next year, our staff will continue our commitment to building balanced classes.  Research indicates that achievement is higher in classrooms that have healthy dynamics.  We seek to develop the best possible dynamics in EVERY classroom.  This includes balancing classes by gender, personality types, social needs, cognitive skills, and English language needs so that all students have an equal opportunity to learn, be challenged and develop into their full potential. Teachers, administrators and specialists follow a systematic process to ensure each child is placed in the best possible learning environment for his/ her success.

If you feel your child has specific needs that we may not be aware of, please stop by the office and complete a parent input form.  Forms are available in the office from May 5th-May 25th.  Thank you ahead of time for not requesting a specific teacher by name.  I appreciate your support and look forward to sharing our staffing assignments with you in the near future.

PTA Meeting/Parent Coffee
Please join us this Friday morning for our monthly PTA meeting/parent coffee. We have members of our fabulous 4th grade team sharing how they are engaging students and using technology in the classroom.   We meet in the staff room after the morning flag salute!

Erin S. Green
Principal, Covington School

Important Dates – Please Note:

April 18 – PTA Meeting/Parent Coffee
April 25 – Indoor Assembly
April 25 – Jr. Olympic Rally Assembly
April 26 – LASD Junior Olympics
May 1 – LASD C-Stem Showcase
May 2 – 6th Grade Boys & Girls Basketball Tournament
May 9 – PTA Meeting/Parent Coffee
May 9 – LASD Film Festival
May 15 – Last Day of Homework Club
May 15 – Covington Open House
May 16 – Covington Minimum Day
May 19 – 4-6th Grade Music Concert
May 22 – Jr. Olympic Slide Show
May 23 – Last Indoor Assembly
May 26 – Memorial Day Holiday– No School
May 30 – PTA Volunteer Breakfast
May 30 – Covington Multicultural Fair
June 4 – Primary (K-3) Music Concert
June 6 – Field Day/Minimum Day
June 12 – Last Day of School, 6th Grade Promotion, Minimum Day

JO is getting close- less than 2 weeks away.

Saturday April 26, 8am - 4pm

Please read the following information...

EVENT SELECTIONS
Children are finalizing their event selections in PE. Parents will receive a print out with their children’s events this week as well as other important details about Junior Olympics.

T-SHIRTS
Shirts will arrive to classrooms next week - all 4,5,6 graders will get a complimentary JO shirt this year.

Children should wear them on April 25th to Covington’s Morning assembly pep rally as well as to Junior Olympics (a shirt is required to participate)

VOLUNTEERS
Many volunteers are needed for Junior Olympics day: Baked goods, food sales, set up, clean up, basketball counting, info booth, and Covington booth. Please sign up for a shift here:

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AqjTYn1OjU9odDZCMjhoQ0JMRzVTOW9RVm5QNFcxNlE&usp=sharing

EVENT DAY MAP AND SCHEDULE
The JO Schedule and Map are online at http://lasdjo.com/eventmap/

** PLEASE NOTE - there have been changes to the JO schedule & map this year **

1320 New Course: start (on the grass) and end (on the track) at different locations this year.

1320 begins at 8am (not 8:15am) - participants should arrive no later than 7:45

Dash Finals & Hurdles Finals are immediately after Mascot Mania (Dash Finals begins at 1:45pm)

Blue Relay is after finals and immediately before White and Red

RELAYS
Coaches please remember to observe the practice guidelines - more details can be found at

http://lasdjo.com/relays/

NOT TOO LATE
25% off running shoes at On Your Mark on Main Street in Los Altos through April 25th. Let them know you are a JO participant!

QUESTIONS
Info is available at lasdjo.com

Contact Covington JO Chairs at jochaircovington@gmail.com

Thanks, Kathleen / Julie / Laura / Mara / Louanne

Pertussis Booster for Students in grade 6: Students currently in grade 6 must have proof of a Tdap or Dtap (Pertussis or Whooping Cough) booster given after their 7th birthday (after 10th birthday is recommended) in order to begin seventh grade in August of 2014. Please provide a copy of your child’s immunization record to your school office as soon as possible!

STEM Expo: More than a Science Fair This year, the LAEF Innovation Grant includes funding for a new Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) lab and dedicated teacher at each elementary school. STEM teachers offer opportunities for special class projects, provide grade level support, and hold very popular lunch club activities for students. LASD parent input and financial support have made this exciting program possible. The pilot STEM Expo at Loyola was April 3, and at Gardner Bullis and Santa Rita this week. Students in Kindergarten through sixth grade participate and showcase their work; designing hands-on STEM projects and exploring just how fun STEM can be! Thank you for supporting the STEM program with your LAEF donations. If you haven’t yet, you can donate now at www.laefonline.org. LAEF Representatives at Covington are: Matt Abrahams,  matt.abrahams@gmail.comAnjana Nagarajan-Butaney, anjana.nagarajan1@gmail.com Jessica Speiser, jessica@speiser.net Ritu Kapoor (member at-large), ritu.kapoor@gmail.com

Children’s Health Council is putting on a talk called "Bullying: What Parents Need to Know" on Wed, 4/16 from 6:30-8:  http://www.eventbrite.com/e/bullying-what-parents-need-to-know-tickets-7851611381?aff=eorg

District & Community News: http://www.lasdk8.org/PDF_Files/Current_School_News.pdf

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.

Dear Covington Parents and Community Members,

What a Week!

Remarkable Night!

It was wonderful to see so many parents and staff members at the Carnaval Auction last Saturday.  The energy and community spirit was contagious. So many times throughout the night I thought to myself how fortunate I am to work in a community with such a supportive group of parents.

Everything we know about student lifelong success and health is grounded in a strong support system that includes parents, staff and peers. We are lucky to have such a strong sense of that here at Covington. Thank you for your continued extremely generous support of our programs.  I am deeply committed to creating a strong community of learners that nurtures each child’s passion, creativity, and spirit, while also maintaining a rigorous and challenging academic environment.

Thanks and gratitude to Ula Ghosheh, Jenny Bennett and Christine Sellers and their entire auction committee for putting on such a fantastic night! We appreciate you so much.

Here's to great things for Covington in the future!

Big Day Tomorrow!

All of us at Covington are so excited for our California Distinguished School Validation Visit tomorrow. A team of educational leaders will be visiting our school to observe in every classroom, talk with parents, students and staff and walk the halls and campus of our school looking for evidence of our two signature practices at Covington:

Covington Cares—how our community, staff and students all work together to create a positive climate here for all.  This topic includes: Project Cornerstone, Expect Respect Workshop, Project Cornerstone Club, Free the Children work, Student Council, The 7 Habits of Happy Kids (Student council is sharing), Upstander Awards, 3 Be's, Buddy Class Program, Run Club—basically any initiative here that helps to create collaborative, supportive and caring relationships at school

Culture of Learning/ Innovation-how our staff and students are all learners.  Specifically for staff: Taking classes at Ilearn, collaborating with coaches, taking risks and trying new things, Growth Mindset, Pilot programs, anything that involves learning and engaging students in creative ways.  Concepts students would know (I shared with them at the flag assembly on Monday):  CSTEM/ STEM, Film Festival, Computers, iPads & Tech in the classroom, Skype in the classroom, Brainology, Design challenges, Educreations and Google tools, Habitudes, Minecraft (mission projects) Science projects-Rube Goldberg, and ZSPace.  There are many more things, we highlighted in the application that demonstrates how our staff is really moving and engaging our students in fun, challenging, creative ways.

We cannot wait for tomorrow to highlight all of the amazing things going on at Covington!  I hope to report good news very soon.

Have a wonderful spring break!

Erin S. Green
Principal, Covington School

Important Dates – Please Note:
April 3 – Last chance to claim items from Lost & Found
April 7-11 Spring Break
April 26 – LASD Junior Olympics
May 1 – LASD C-Stem Showcase
May 9 – LASD Film Festival
May 15 – Last Day of Homework Club
May 15 – Covington Open House
May 16 – Covington Minimum Day
May 19 – 4-6th Grade Music Concert
May 26 – Memorial Day Holiday– No School
May 30 – PTA Volunteer Breakfast
May 30 – Covington Multicultural Fair
June 4 – Primary (K-3) Music Concert
June 6 – Minimum Day
June 12 – Last Day of School

Did you Know?...LAEF funds Physical Education Specialists for 1st-6th graders.  Your LAEF contributions fund the elementary Physical Education program for all first through sixth grade students. The 2013-14 LAEF grant allows for specialists to teach lessons every week to first through third graders, and two every week to the fourth, fifth and sixth graders. The PE program works to provide age appropriate gross motor skills, encourage teamwork and healthy living, and inspire a life-long love for physical activities. It also makes the very special tradition of Junior Olympics possible. Make plans to cheer on our upper grade student athletes on Saturday, April 26 at Mountain View High School, and please continue to support the PE program with your donations to LAEF!  LAEF Representatives at Covington are: Matt Abrahams, matt.abrahams@gmail.com Anjana Nagarajan-Butaney, anjana.nagarajan1@gmail.com Jessica Speiser, jessica@speiser.net Ritu Kapoor (member at-large), ritu.kapoor@gmail.com

District & Community News: http://www.lasdk8.org/PDF_Files/Current_School_News.pdf

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.

Dear Covington Parents and Community Members,

This Thursday, March 27th 3:30pm - We Need YOU for Facilities Planning

As part of our district facilities master planning study, we will be having a meeting at Covington this Thursday, March 27th from 3:30 to 6:00. Some of our SSC representatives will serve on this committee, but I am looking for a few additional parents excited about thinking of the future of Covington School. What will learning look like over the next 30 years and what will our facility needs be?

Some provocative questions: If we looked at the total computer lab and library space, what would our space of the future need to be? What is needed in a future classroom space? What the configuration of our school changed, what would we want to look like? Bring your creative thinking caps! The meeting will take place in our Library.

Our architect, Lisa Gelfand, and her team will be at Covington on Thursday, March 27th to guide us through a process, show us some ideas, and listen to our feedback. If you are interested in attending the meeting this coming Thursday please email Susan Evard @ sevard@lasdschools.org

Covington's Auction "Carnaval" is Here! It is hard to believe after months of planning and anticipation, our Covington Auction "Carnaval" is here!

I know it promises to be an amazing evening. I want to take this opportunity to thank you ahead of time for your commitment and support to our school and our programs. We truly appreciate you all and know we could not do what we do without your partnership.

The catalog is rich with so many amazing items and opportunities for both students and adults. Thank you to all of you who have donated in some way, whether it be your time, ideas, or gifts. I also want to thank you ahead of time for all of your generous bidding this Saturday night, which will no doubt contribute to enhancing our programs, technology and resources. Thank you for making Covington the most amazing place for students; I feel lucky to work in a community that is so committed to kids!

Look forward to seeing you at "Carnaval" this weekend!

Erin S. Green
Principal, Covington School

Important Dates – Please Note:
Mar 29 –Covington School Auction
April 7-11 Spring Break
April 26 – LASD Junior Olympics
May 1 – LASD C-Stem Showcase
May 9 – LASD Film Festival
May 15 – Last Day of Homework Club
May 15 – Covington Open House
May 16 – Covington Minimum Day
May 19 – 4-6th Grade Music Concert
May 26 – Memorial Day Holiday– No School
May 30 – PTA Volunteer Breakfast
May 30 – Covington Multicultural Fair
June 4 – Primary (K-3) Music Concert
June 6 – Minimum Day
June 12 – Last Day of School

From the PTA President: A Big Shout Out and Thank You to the hardworking team that helped with Campus Beautification last week: Sandi Elefant, Gabriella Bradley, Katherine Lyons, Vanessa Werth & Tawni Atherly

What a great team we had working on all the school planters and gardens!!!! –Suzanne Kasso, PTA President.

LAEF: STEM Expo, More than a Science Fair. This year, the LAEF Innovation Grant includes funding for a Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) lab and dedicated teacher at each elementary school. STEM teachers offer opportunities for special class projects, provide grade level support, and hold very popular lunch club activities for students. LASD parent input and financial support have made this exciting program possible. Next month, three schools will be hosting the pilot STEM Expo: Loyola, Gardner Bullis, and Santa Rita. Students in Kindergarten through sixth grade will participate and showcase their work; designing hands-on STEM projects and exploring just how fun STEM can be! Thank you for supporting the STEM program with your LAEF donations. LAEF Representatives at Covington are: Matt Abrahams, matt.abrahams@gmail.com Anjana Nagarajan-Butaney, anjana.nagarajan1@gmail.com Jessica Speiser, jessica@speiser.net Ritu Kapoor (member at-large), ritu.kapoor@gmail.com

Junior Olympic Update

Dear 4,5,6 parents,

Junior Olympics is getting closer — Sat. April 26, 8am - 4pm — and the kids are enjoying their PE trainings!

PERMISSION SLIP / ATTENDANCE CONFIRMATION.
Please print the Junior Olympic permission slip. Every 4, 5, 6 grade parent is asked to confirm their student's attendance (or absence) by filling in the form and returning to student's classroom no later than Friday, April 4.

TRAINING UPDATE:
The kids have completed 75 yard dash time trials and have begun learning & practicing more Junior Olympic Events.
For more information on events, please visit http://lasdjo.com/juniorolympicevents/
Please sign up to help with a training session or two. Mr Heeb could really use an hour of help. 6th grade parents are especially needed.

EVENT SELECTION
Students will begin selecting their three Junior Olympic events next week, March 31.
They will be asked during PE by our parent volunteers.
Students will be sent home with a print out confirming these events the week prior to Junior Olympics.

MORE DETAILS:
Many more details about Junior Olympics day will be communicated in the coming weeks including an information packet. 6th grade band students are invited to play in Opening Ceremonies. T-shirts will also be sent the week prior to Junior Olympics. For further information check lasdjo.com or contact the JO chairs, jochaircovington@gmail.com

25% off running shoes for LASD JO participants at On Your Mark in downtown Los Altos through April 25, 2014.

Please let us know if you have questions!

Thank you!

Covington's JO Committee: Kathleen Vitakis, Julie Altinger, Laura Torres, Mara Starkey, Louanne Gonzalez

JO Chair Covington
jochaircovington@gmail.com / lasdjo.com

AMAZON SHOPPERS – Make Your Shopping Count for Covington!Earn referral fees for Covington when you buy books, electronics, toys, and more. It's EASY and DOESN'T COST YOU ANYTHING! Go to www.covingtonschool.org, click theAmazon 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 of at least 6.5%! No sign-up required. Questions? Contact Dale Tritschler at daletritschler@gmail.com.

District & Community News: http://www.lasdk8.org/PDF_Files/Current_School_News.pdf

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.

Family Night at the Science Fair Tonight: Please join us tonight for Family Night at the Science Fair in the Multi from 6:00pm-8:00pm. Students have been hard at work conducting experiments and are excited to share their innovative and creative projects with you tonight.  Special thanks to Ingrid Choong for her leadership and coordination of our Science Fair.

Auction Catalog is now online!  Be sure to check out our Auction Catalog and see what fantastic items have been donated. http://covington.schoolauction.net/auction2014  Our auction is only 2 weeks away and our wonderful team of volunteers is hard at work making sure it will be a great night.  Printed copies of the auction catalog will be going home with your students at the end of this week.

Minimum Day, This Thursday March 20th: Remember we have a staff development day this week.  All Kinders attend from 8:15am-11:35am.  1st -6th graders are dismissed at 12:15pm.  Thank you for picking up your children promptly at dismissal and enjoy the afternoon.

Important Dates – Please Note:
Mar 18 – Family Science @ Science Fair 6:00pm-8:00pm in Multi
Mar 20 – Minimum Day
Mar 29 –Covington School Auction
April 7-11 Spring Break
April 26 – LASD Junior Olympics
May 1 – LASD C-Stem Showcase
May 9 – LASD Film Festival
May 15 – Covington Open House
May 16 – Covington Minimum Day
May 19 – 4-6th Grade Music Concert
May 26 – Memorial Day Holiday– No School
May 30 – PTA Volunteer Breakfast
May 30 – Covington Multicultural Fair
June 4 – Primary (K-3) Music Concert
June 6 – Minimum Day
June 12 – Last Day of School

LAEF: Did you Know?  Art lessons are in every grade thanks to your LAEF donations. The Los Altos Art Docent program has brought a sense of excitement about art and the freedom to be creative to students in the Los Altos School District since 1970. A combination of art appreciation and hands-on lessons build on each other from year to year, and art elements are woven throughout the elementary curriculum. By the end of sixth grade students have gained an appreciation for fine art, learned a basic art vocabulary, and have participated in the process of creating their own individual works of art.  Student Art Shows will be at four schools this Spring: April 3rd at Oak, April 24th at Springer, May 22nd at Santa Rita and May 22nd at Gardner Bullis. Stop by and see the creativity!  Please visit laefonline.org to make a donation that benefits this treasured program. LAEF Representatives at Covington are:Matt Abrahams,  matt.abrahams@gmail.com Anjana Nagarajan-Butaney, anjana.nagarajan1@gmail.com Jessica Speiser, jessica@speiser.net Ritu Kapoor (member at-large), ritu.kapoor@gmail.com

Robotics Volunteers Needed: Are you interested in volunteering to help with robotics in the STEM Lab?  Classes will be held on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings from 9:00 - 10:10, and on Friday afternoons from 12:40 - 1:50.  Please contact STEM teacher Katie Farley at kfarley@lasdschools.org for more information.

YEARBOOK INFORMATION: We need your photos! If you have pictures that you would like to share for the yearbook, please email, Christine Wedner, cwedner@mac.com. An invitation to the DropBox folder created will be sent to you and will allow you to upload photos to your child's class folder.

Also, don't forget that the deadline to create and customize 2 pages in the yearbook for your child is Wednesday, April 23rd. You can start customizing by clicking, www.TreeRing.com/validate and enter in the passcode: 1013595707721745

         Have any other questions, please contact, Christine Wedner, cwedner@mac.com

Minimum Day Activities March 20th: The PTA is once again offering some minimum day activities that you can sign your child up to attend.  Costs and more information available here:

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/viewform?formkey=dFZmYS03TnMxZGttdVFGUWhndE8zR3c6MQ#gid=0  Questions: sangeethperuri@gmail.com  

Fifth Grade Junior Scouts Food Drive - March 10th-20th

The Covington Fifth Grade Junior Scouts Troop 61100 is holding their third annual Food Drive from March 10th-20th. All donations will be distributed to a food bank operated by InnVision Peninsula Programs, which provides food, showers, clothing, emergency assistance, medical care, and counseling to those in need in our communities in Santa Clara County and San Mateo County. Items in demand: canned meat, canned tuna, meals and soups in a can, canned beans/legumes and powdered milk.  Items not accepted: baby food, canned tomatoes, items past their due date or already opened, and perishable items. Troop 61100 will host an ice cream party for the classroom collecting the most donations.  Please place your donations in the box in your classroom. Thanks for your support! 

AMAZON SHOPPERS – Make Your Shopping Count for Covington!

Earn referral fees for Covington when you buy books, electronics, toys, and more. It’s EASY and DOESN’T COST YOU ANYTHING! Go to www.covingtonschool.org, click theAmazon 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 of at least 6.5%!  No sign-up required. Questions? Contact Dale Tritschler at daletritschler@gmail.com.

District & Community News: http://www.lasdk8.org/PDF_Files/Current_School_News.pdf

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.

Dear Covington Parents and Community Members,

Don't MISS the Fabulous Film Festival: The countdown has begun! There are two weeks left to submit videos for the LASD Student Film Festival. The submission window closes on Friday, March 28th. The festival will take place on May 9th from 4-6pm in the Covington multi; we are hoping to showcase many original entries!

FILM FESTIVAL CATEGORIES: (EDUCATIONAL, MUSIC VIDEOS, ANIMATION/CLAYMATION, COMEDY, STORY, CLASS COLLABORATION)

EACH CATEGORY WILL BE JUDGED BY GRADE LEVEL:
(K-2, 3-5, 6-8)

For more information, please visit http://lasdfilmfest.org/home.html . This website includes event information, submission information, rules, frequently asked questions, and a thank you to last year’s sponsors! The submission form is on the website, or can be accessed here.  If you have any questions, please email lasdfilmfestival14@gmail.com  

Thank you, and have a great week! We’re looking forward to receiving all entries!

-Film Festival Team, Covington 6th Grade

To hear more about this, come to our Principal Coffee this coming Friday, where Miss Kingman and several students will share about the process!  

PTA / Principal Coffee: Report cards come home this coming Friday!  I hope to see everyone at our PTA/ Principal Coffee, where the Film Festival will be featured.

Thank you for your ongoing support!

All the best,
Erin S. Green
Principal
Covington School

Important Dates – Please Note:
Mar 12 – Hearing Screening for Grades K, 2nd, 5th & SDC
Mar 14 – JO t-shirt size change deadline
Mar 17-19 – Science Fair
Mar 18 – Family Science @ Science Fair 6:00pm-8:00pm in Multi
Mar 20 – Minimum Day
Mar 29 –Covington School Auction
April 7-11 Spring Break
April 26 – LASD Junior Olympics
May 1 – LASD C-Stem Showcase
May 9 – LASD Film Festival
May 15 – Covington Open House
May 16 – Covington Minimum Day
May 19 – 4-6th Grade Music Concert
May 26 – Memorial Day Holiday– No School
May 30 – PTA Volunteer Breakfast
May 30 – Covington Multicultural Fair
June 4 – Primary (K-3) Music Concert
June 6 – Minimum Day
June 12 – Last Day of School

LAEF: Thank you to our community donors! LAEF has received generous contributions from local realtors, merchants, and community members. Please visit www.laefonline.org and see the lists under Our Supporters. 

Honor Roll of Realtors is a program that was developed in partnership with the Mountain View/Los Altos High School Foundation (MVLA). More than 50 Realtors contributed to this 2013-14 fundraising campaign. Some have been supporting Los Altos schools for more than 15 years. View the list on our Honor Roll Of Realtors page, at www.laefonline.org.  Many businesses also support our schools with special promotions, donations of a portion of their sales, discounted services to LAEF, and matching contributions. The list of participating companies can be found on our Corporate Sponsors page, at www.laefonline.org.

Please join us in thanking all of the Realtors and merchants for their commitment to a strong community and excellence in education.

LAEF Representatives at Covington are:
Matt Abrahams, matt.abrahams@gmail.com
Anjana Nagarajan-Butaney, anjana.nagarajan1@gmail.com
Jessica Speiser, jessica@speiser.net
Ritu Kapoor (member at-large), ritu.kapoor@gmail.com

Parking Lot Reminders: By popular request, here is a reminder about Parking Lot Safety:

Thank you ahead of time for remembering the following when dropping off or picking up your children:

Do not use your cell phone while driving in the school parking lot.

If driving through the pick up lane, pull as far forward as possible and do not leave your car. Or park your car in a space and walk over with your children.

Do not pick up or drop off children from the middle of the parking lot.

Once you drop off your children, please proceed out of the parking lot.       

YEARBOOK INFORMATION: We need your photos! If you have pictures that you would like to share for the yearbook, please email, Christine Wedner, cwedner@mac.com. An invitation to the DropBox folder created will be sent to you and will allow you to upload photos to your child's class folder.

Also, don't forget that the deadline to create and customize 2 pages in the yearbook for your child is Wednesday, April 23rd. You can start customizing by clicking, www.TreeRing.com/validate and enter in the passcode: 1013595707721745

Have any other questions, please contact, Christine Wedner, cwedner@mac.com

Minimum Day March 20th: Remember that our next Minimum Day is Thursday March 20th.  All Kinders attend in the morning with dismissal at 11:35am, and dismissal for 1-6th grades is at 12:15pm. The PTA is once again offering some minimum day activities that you can sign your child up to attend.  Costs and more information available here:

Questions: sangeethperuri@gmail.com  

Dear 4,5,6 grade parents:

Fifth Grade Junior Scouts Food Drive - March 10th-20th

The Covington Fifth Grade Junior Scouts Troop 61100 is holding their third annual Food Drive from March 10th-20th. All donations will be distributed to a food bank operated by InnVision Peninsula Programs, which provides food, showers, clothing, emergency assistance, medical care, and counseling to those in need in our communities in Santa Clara County and San Mateo County. Items in demand: canned meat, canned tuna, meals and soups in a can, canned beans/legumes and powdered milk.  Items not accepted: baby food, canned tomatoes, items past their due date or already opened, and perishable items. Troop 61100 will host an ice cream party for the classroom collecting the most donations.  Please place your donations in the box in your classroom. Thanks for your support! 

AMAZON SHOPPERS – Make Your Shopping Count for Covington!

Earn referral fees for Covington when you buy books, electronics, toys, and more. It’s EASY and DOESN’T COST YOU ANYTHING! Go to www.covingtonschool.org, click theAmazon 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 of at least 6.5%!  No sign-up required. Questions? Contact Dale Tritschler at daletritschler@gmail.com.

District & Community News: http://www.lasdk8.org/PDF_Files/Current_School_News.pdf

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.

Dear Covington Parents and Community Members,

Covington Ready for our Distinguished School Visit April 2nd

Before the holidays, I shared with you that our school district had been notified that Covington was eligible to apply to be honored as a California Distinguished School for 2014.  I also told you that a team of parents and staff took on the challenge and collaborated to submit our Distinguished School comprehensive application back in December.  After all of our research, writing and work, I am proud to announce great news!  Our application was successful and a team of educational leaders will be visiting our school on Wednesday, April 2nd, to validate our application.  During that visit, the team will meet with our staff and talk with our teachers, classified staff, a representative group of parents and of course, our students!  We cannot wait to showcase our strong community, amazing students and passionate and talented staff.  Stay tuned for more information about this event. 

On a personal note, I am off campus this week taking care of a family situation. Linda Eckols, retired LASD principal will be here all week to serve as our principal designee, so all will be in good hands.   I want to assure you everything is fine, and I look forward to coming back to school on Monday, March 10th.

Thank you for your ongoing support!

All my best,
Erin S. Green
Principal
Covington School

Important Dates – Please Note:

Our next club meeting will be this Thursday, 3/6/14, at lunch in Room 10.  We will be discussing ideas for our next initiative and details of our upcoming event on March 26: We Day!  As always, all 4th, 5th, and 6th grade students are welcome to join our Thursday meetings and participate in the Cornerstone Club fun.

ATTENTION 4,5,6 Grade Parents

JO TRAINING KICKS OFF!

Yesterday the kids enjoyed a kick-off assembly. Information about training and events was shared. Today is the first day of training. Students will run 75 yard dash time trials this week and next (every Tues/Thurs) - appropriate dress, especially shoes, is required for students to perform to the best of abilities.

T-SHIRTS
All 4,5,6, grade students will receive an new, Adult Small sized, shirt this year because of design change. Shirts expected to last three years - or duration of JO participation.  

Should your student require a different size, please let us know here:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1Ekk6C75IPisBP--q6gZmaUgMpAoeYw0SZQe6u9mvL9I/viewform

VOLUNTEERS for TRAININGS
Parents are needed to volunteer during PE Sessions over the course of the next 7 weeks. This is a quick outdoor duty that is a lot of fun. Please sign up as much as you can do:
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AqjTYn1OjU9odHN0cEg3dVJvQ3BFYW1EM1gwUS1ieVE&usp=sharing

Running Shoe Offer!! - ON YOUR MARK
is offering 25% to LASD Junior Olympics participants (participants only, please)  

On Your Mark
378 Main St, Los Altos, CA 94022
(650) 209-5526

QUESTIONS
Please contact: jochaircovington@gmail.com

Covington Auction: Remember to RSVP and buy your auction tickets for a wonderful evening that benefits Covington School.  For more information and ticket purchase, http://covington.schoolauction.net/auction2014

C-STEM. Be sure to read the latest C-STEM newsletter.  It includes information on the amazing work done by students on a challenging new project that required them to build and program circuits.

C-STEM http://tinyurl.com/cstemfeb2014newsletter

After School Programs Upate: After School programs are registering for Spring. Check the Covington website for flyer and registration information: http://www.covingtonschool.org/covingtones/4757-After-School-Programs.html

Living Classroom: Become a LIVING CLASSROOM docent... share your love of nature with kids!  It's time to prepare for planting tomato seeds, baking pretzels, taking habitat hikes, and learning about ancient civilizations!  If you like all those things and more, please consider becoming a Living Classroom docent.  The Living Classroom is looking for docents to help deliver hands-on garden-based lessons to the students of the Los Altos School District.  No experience necessary as we provide all the training needed!  Our spring docent training series will take place from 9-11:30am on March 10th and 17th at the Mountain View Whisman School District Conference Room (750-A San Pierre Way, MV) and March 24th and 31st at the LASD Conference Room #2 (201 Covington Rd., Los Altos).  Attend one or all four of the training days.  Breakfast will be provided.  Please click here to view our spring training flyer.  Questions?  Please email the Living Classroom at livingclassroom@lasdschools.org or call us at (650) 947-1103.  Additional information about Living Classroom can be found on our website: www.living-classroom.org.

District & Community News: http://www.lasdk8.org/PDF_Files/Current_School_News.pdf

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.