Covington Howler

March 29, 2016

In This Issue:

• Principal’s Message

• Nurses’ Message

• School Reminders

• PTA News & Community Announcements

Quick Dates for your Calendar:

• March 29 - 6th Grade Band Night @ Egan

• March 30: PTA Family Science Night

• April 4-8: Covington Teacher Appreciation Week

• April 7 - Open House 6pm-7pm

• April 8 - Minimum Day, dismissal 12:15pm

• April 11th-15th: Spring Break: No School

• April 23rd & April 24th: PTA After School Play Performances: Aladdin

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

Principal’s Message

Dear Covington Parents & Community Members,

This week we celebrate Erin Green! Erin has served as the Covington Principal for the last seven years. Her work on this campus has had tremendous impact on students, staff, and parents.  One of the amazing things about Erin is that she has always made an effort to know the name of every student on campus. And with 571 children on campus, that is not an easy task.  

Erin has facilitated the implementation of many programs on campus that have enriched our community.  Some of these include Project Cornerstone, FIT at Lunch, and Khan Academy. Erin also led our school on the renewal of our California Distinguished School Award based on our Caring School Community and our Culture of Learning.

Our school community has been made richer by having Erin at the helm.   Her high energy presence is felt all over campus; at lunchtime on the playground, at the morning assemblies, and during many of our class presentations and special events.   Erin is always approachable and willing to dive in to help students, parents and teachers problem solve when necessary.  She also takes an interest in student success and loves to share in celebrating all those achievements and milestones.

We wish Erin much success in her new endeavor at the Los Altos District Office.  Our entire district will benefit from the energy and enthusiasm she will bring to her new position.

________________________________________________________________

We have had some parents requesting clarity around student cell phone usage on our school campus. Here is the LASD Board Policy regarding student cell phone usage:

Use of a cellular/digital telephone, pager, or other mobile communications device during instructional time:

Such devices shall be turned off in class, except when being used for a valid instructional or other school-related purpose as determined by the teacher or other district employee, and at any other time directed by a district employee. Any device with camera, video, or voice recording function shall not be used in any manner which infringes on the privacy rights of any other person.

No student shall be prohibited from possessing or using an electronic signaling device that is determined by a licensed physician or surgeon to be essential for the student's health and the use of which is limited to purposes related to the student's health. (Education Code 48901.5)

In a nutshell, this means the only time a student should be be using a cell phone during school hours is with teacher permission. Otherwise it needs to be kept put away until dismissal time.

Warm Regards,

Kami Thordarson

Covington Principal

Traffic Notice

The California Water Service Company is working on Giffin Road, between El Monte Ave & Gabilan Ave from 3/28/16 to 6/30/16.  Giffin Road will only be open to residents during that time.  Please make a note of this and if it affects your route to school, allow plenty of extra time in the morning to avoid an unexcused tardy.

Message from the School Nurse

Pertussis Booster for Students in grade 6: Students currently in 6th grade 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 7th grade in August of 2016. Please provide a copy of your child’s immunization record to your school office as soon as possible.

LASD Junior Olympics

The 56th LASD Junior Olympics is coming!

Saturday, April 30, 2016 /  8am-4pm  /  Mountain View High School

General Information

All LASD 4th - 6th graders are invited to participate in the 56th Annual Junior Olympics! This friendly track & field competition encourages everyone to strive for their personal best and cheer on their classmates. More information is available at lasdjo.com.

We Need Your Help!

Come help train our young athletes.  Click here to sign up.

PTA News

Covington Parents! Another fabulous Covington Auction has come and gone - thank you to everyone who joined the fun! We still have a few great items left from the Silent Auction that are available to the highest bidder and can be found here with instructions on how to bid.  There are also plenty of fixed priced Adult Parties, Kids and Family Parties, Minimum Day Parties and even some Physical Therapy Sessions that are described here that can be purchased directly from the Covington Storefront here.  

Additionally, it is not too late to make your Fund a Need donation to support Covington classrooms moving into the 21st century.  Any dollar amount will make a difference and remember, every $15,000 raised in Fund a Need outfits one classroom.  Please make your donation here.

Teacher for a Day Raffle Tickets are also still available for purchase here.  Each ticket purchased gives your little coyote a better chance of being a teacher for a day in his or her classroom!  The drawing will happen on April 8th!

Best,

Jessica Speiser and Christine Wedner, Auction Chairs

_______________________________________________________________

Lost & Found : Please check the bins by the Multi for jackets, water bottles, etc. We will be donating remaining items at Spring Break.

_______________________________________________________________

PTA Minimum Day Party: Don’t miss the fun! There is a minimum day on April 8th and we have one party still available for sign-ups.   Steve & Kate’s Mini Camp, 12:30-2:30pm, Room 32, open to all grades. Cost is $30. Sign-up and pay below:

http://covingtonpta.3dcartstores.com/Steve-and-Kates-Min-Day-Party-4816_p_42.html

Kids going to minimum day parties bring lunch and meet at the 2nd grade lunch tables immediately after school dismissal.  After the kids eat lunch and are checked in, they are walked over to the location of their party. Contact Kristi Snapp at ksnapp2@gmail.com with any additional questions. Thanks!

______________________________________________________________

Calling all Students!: This year the Yearbook would love to include your artwork. We are asking you to submit your best either photo or drawing of what you love about Covington. It could be a drawing of the Coyote to a picture of your and your friends doing your favorite activity at Covington.

Please make sure that you label your pictures/drawings with your name, grade and class. You can drop off the submissions off in the office into an envelope labeled “Yearbook submissions”. The deadline for the submissions will be in late April. Can’t wait to see what everyone loves about Covington!  Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact me, cwedner@mac.com. Thank you. Christine Wedner

___________________________________________________________

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR FAMILY SCIENCE NIGHT: Engineer & Invent Festival from The Lawrence Hall of Science! This 50-minute program is designed to give students and adults a free flowing, hands-on experience at being engineers and inventors, with activity stations/tables guided by adult or teenage volunteers. Participants can go to any station they want, in any order they want, and short of damaging the materials or each other, they can do whatever they want to complete the engineering/inventing challenge provided for them. To make this event successful, we need at least 12 to 14 parents to volunteer for the following list of stations:

March 30th (Wednesday Night at Multi Room – 5:30 to 7:30pm)

Covington Lawrence Hall of Science Event: “Engineer and Invent Festival”

• 1.    Hydraulics (2 – 4 tables)

• 2.    Wind Turbines (2 tables)

• 3.    Conductivity Testing (2 tables)

• 4.    WobbleBots (2 – 4 tables)

• 5.    Sturdy Structures (0 – 1 table)

• 6.    Bridge Building (1 – 2 tables)

Please see below a link to google doc for volunteer sign up. If interested, please include your name, email address, and phone number on the doc sheet.

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1bxZPjSikjPelPhUvgSfW89L49j-BCmD6JuVv28DUfWE/edit?usp=sharing

Logistics for volunteers:

• Be at space 20 to 30 minutes before program for orientation/training from Lawrence Hall staff;

• For last program, remain 20 to 30 minutes for clean-up/packing

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me:Amrit Bhuie (Parent Volunteer) abhuie@arenviron.com. Phone: 408-455-9683

6TH GRADE BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT, SAVE THE DATES

6TH GRADE BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT, SAVE THE DATES

The 20th annual 6th grade Bob Celeste "Everyone plays" basketball tournament will be played on the following dates.

• 6th grade girl's tournament, Friday May 13th

• 6th grade boy's tournament, Friday May 20th.  

Both tournaments will begin at 3:30, and will be played at Blach Jr. High.  More information about the tournament will be coming soon.

LAEF

STEM Expo: More than a Science Fair! Robots from PVC Pipe? A shoe that changes it’s design with a quick zip? A bicycle-driven lawn mower? These are just a few projects spotted out and about at the STEM Expos. LASD is reporting more K-6 grade students participated than ever before; designing hands-on projects and exploring just how fun STEM can be! LAEF’s annual grant helps to fund a dedicated STEM teacher at each elementary school and offering opportunities for special class projects, grade level support, and lunch club activities for students.

Counting down….all new gifts to LAEF will be matched until March 31st!

LAEF is pleased to share with you that an LASD family has just offered $15,000 in matching funds to double any new gift received by March 31st! Since LAEF’s annual grant benefits every student, we strive for 100% participation from all of our families.  That's why this family is giving now. To inspire you to donate today at LAEFonline.org and to match every dollar you give!

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

March 22, 2016

In This Issue:

• Message from the Principals

• School Reminders

• PTA News & Community Announcements

Quick Dates for your Calendar:

• March 24 - Hearing Screening, Grades K,2,5

• March 25 - Please, No Parking after 12pm at St. William Church

• March 29 - 6th Grade Band Night @ Egan

• March 30: PTA Family Science Night
   

• April 4-8: Covington Teacher Appreciation Week

• April 7 - Open House 6pm-7pm

• April 8 - Minimum Day, dismissal 12:15pm

• April 11th-15th: Spring Break: No School

• April 23rd & April 24th: PTA After School Play Performances: Aladdin

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

Message from the Principals

Dear Parents & Community Members,

Spring has sprung!

With the transition to Spring happening all around us (everything is in bloom!) there is much to celebrate. Last Saturday was the Covington auction, “The Roaring Twenties”  which was a magical night. There were many parents and teachers in attendance to support Covington students and the programs that we could not realize without the help of our special community. Thank you to all who volunteered their time and effort to create such a wonderful evening! And a special shout out to Jessica Speiser and her team for such an incredible job spearheading this fantastic event.

Please be sure to check the calendar for coming events this spring including Family Science Night, Open House and Jr. Olympics.

Warmest regards,

Erin S. Green and Kami Thordarson

No Parking at St. William Friday afternoon 3/25

Our neighbor, St. William Church, as asked that our community refrain from parking in their parking lot this  Friday 3/25 from noon onward. They have a special Good Friday service and will need all their available parking that afternoon. Thank you.

Messages from the School Nurse

The District Nurses will be doing Hearing Screening at Covington School for all Kindergarten, 2nd, 5th grades on 3/24/16.  If your child has a known hearing loss, please notify the Health Services Staff before the day of the screening.  The nurse will mail a referral form and call the parents of students who do not pass the Hearing Screening.

Pertussis Booster for Students in grade 6: Students currently in 6th grade 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 7th grade in August of 2016. Please provide a copy of your child’s immunization record to your school office as soon as possible!

Reminder About Staying Home When Sick: Sometimes it is difficult, especially early in the morning, to know whether or not to send your child to school.

LOS ALTOS SCHOOL DISTRICT HEALTH SERVICES DEPARTMENT

WHEN TO KEEP YOUR CHILD HOME FROM SCHOOL

Keep your child at home when he/she has any of the following symptoms:

Fever, Chills, Vomiting or diarrhea, Nausea, Sore throat or trouble swallowing, Coughing, sneezing, and/or runny nose, Rash or unusual sores or spots, Headache, Generalized muscle aches and pains ,Wheezing or trouble breathing, Unusually red, crusted or burning eyes.

If you or your child develops a cold that includes a severe cough or a cough that lasts a long time, it may be pertussis (whooping cough). The best way to know is to contact your doctor.

You need to keep your child home until he/she has been symptom free without medication for 24 hours.

Remember also you must call the Attendance Line Every Day that your child is absent: 650-947-1101 or email covingtonattendance@lasdschools.org

LASD Junior Olympics

The 56th LASD Junior Olympics is coming!

Saturday, April 30, 2016 /  8am - 4pm  /  Mountain View High School

General Information

All LASD 4th - 6th graders are invited to participate in the 56th Annual Junior Olympics! This friendly track & field competition encourages everyone to strive for their personal best and cheer on their classmates. More information is available at lasdjo.com.

We Need Your Help!

Come help train our young athletes.  Click here to sign up.

PTA News

Calling all Students!: This year the Yearbook would love to include your artwork. We are asking you to submit your best either photo or drawing of what you love about Covington. It could be a drawing of the Coyote to a picture of your and your friends doing your favorite activity at Covington.

Please make sure that you label your pictures/drawings with your name, grade and class. You can drop off the submissions off in the office into an envelope labeled “Yearbook submissions”. The deadline for the submissions will be in late April. Can’t wait to see what everyone loves about Covington!  Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact me, cwedner@mac.com. Thank you. Christine Wedner

_________________________________________________________________

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR FAMILY SCIENCE NIGHT: Engineer & Invent Festival from The Lawrence Hall of Science! This 50-minute program is designed to give students and adults a free flowing, hands-on experience at being engineers and inventors, with activity stations/tables guided by adult or teenage volunteers. Participants can go to any station they want, in any order they want, and short of damaging the materials or each other, they can do whatever they want to complete the engineering/inventing challenge provided for them. To make this event successful, we need at least 12 to 14 parents to volunteer for the following list of stations:

March 30th (Wednesday Night at Multi Room – 5:30 to 7:30pm)

Covington Lawrence Hall of Science Event: “Engineer and Invent Festival”

• 1.    Hydraulics (2 – 4 tables)

• 2.    Wind Turbines (2 tables)

• 3.    Conductivity Testing (2 tables)

• 4.    WobbleBots (2 – 4 tables)

• 5.    Sturdy Structures (0 – 1 table)

• 6.    Bridge Building (1 – 2 tables)

Please see below a link to google doc for volunteer sign up. If interested, please include your name, email address, and phone number on the doc sheet.

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1bxZPjSikjPelPhUvgSfW89L49j-BCmD6JuVv28DUfWE/edit?usp=sharing

Logistics for volunteers:

• Be at space 20 to 30 minutes before program for orientation/training from Lawrence Hall staff;

• For last program, remain 20 to 30 minutes for clean-up/packing

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me:Amrit Bhuie (Parent Volunteer) abhuie@arenviron.com . Phone: 408-455-9683

LAEF

LAEF’s 2015-16 Survey Complete

Thank you to the 1,725 parents who participated in our annual parent survey! Your feedback is now helping the LAEF Grantmaking Committee finalize our funding priorities for the 2016/17 school year. Your voice is vital in our strategic discussion with LASD Leadership and is already helping to shape our annual grant for next year.

Give before March 31st and every new gift to LAEF will be matched!

LAEF is pleased to share with you that an LASD family has just offered $15,000 in matching funds to double any new gift received by March 31st! Since LAEF’s annual grant benefits every student, we strive for 100% participation from all of our families.  That's why this family is giving now- to inspire you to donate today at LAEFonline.org and to match every dollar you give!

LASD & Community Announcements

District English Advisory Committee (DELAC) meeting: On Thursday, March 24th at 8:45 am in the LASD Board Room, 700 Los Altos Ave, Los Altos, there will be a district-wide meeting about the English Learner program in LASD.  This is a public meeting and all who are interested are invited to attend. Please contact Ann Haigh at (650) 947-1180 if you have questions.

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

Mar 15, 2016

In This Issue:

• Message from the Principals

• School Reminders

• PTA News & Community Announcements
   

Covington Howler

Mar 8, 2016

In This Issue:

• Message from the Principals

• School Reminders

• PTA News & Community Announcements
   

Message from the Principals

Dear Parents & Community Members,

Time seems to be zipping by at a phenomenal pace. We often get so caught up in a rapid learning mode as we adjust to constant change in our world, that we neglect to refine our process. We get focused on the “what” of what we’re doing and we forget to stop and reflect on the why and evaluate the how. At these times, we sometimes miss an important piece or “drop the ball” because we’re in a hurry to check the done box and achieve an outcome.

This happens with students all the time. In their hurry to “turn it in,” they miss out on bigger learning opportunities. Our goal for students is deeper learning. Common core standards and mastery of skills and concepts ask that we take our students down those rabbit holes so they gain experience and practice. We need to encourage exploration, rapid failure, and increase relevance. I enjoyed reading Monica Martinez’s article for Edutopia, “6 Rules to Break, for Better, Deeper, Learning Outcomes.” It’s not just about rule breaking with intention, but empowering our students as Super Learners, with skills that allow them to learn rapidly, adjust their process, and move forward. It directly relates to our LASD Learning Principle of Process + Outcome.

Our teachers have also embarked on a journey of discovery as they work to learn a new evaluating process around Standards Based teaching and learning. It requires deep understanding of “mastery,” and learning how to best give feedback to both students and parents. At next week’s staff development (Minimum Day -March 17th, 12:15 dismissal!), teachers will continue to collaborate and create new strategies and practices as we work towards this goal. While we know the outcome will be beneficial for all, the process may require some time, deeper thought, and an acknowledgment that although we may choose different learning roads, we will all eventually arrive at a similar destination.

Take time to think through the process, and you’ll be happier with the outcome.

Warmest regards,

Erin S. Green and Kami Thordarson

Hearing Screening

The District Nurses will be doing Hearing Screening at Covington School for all Kindergarten, 2nd, 5th grades on 3/24/16.  If your child has a known hearing loss, please notify the Health Services Staff before the day of the screening.  The nurse will mail a referral form and call the parents of students who do not pass the Hearing Screening.

LASD Junior Olympics

The 56th LASD Junior Olympics is coming!

Saturday, April 30, 2016 /  8am-4pm  /  Mountain View High School

General Information

All LASD 4th - 6th graders are invited to participate in the 56th Annual Junior Olympics! This friendly track & field competition encourages everyone to strive for their personal best and cheer on their classmates. More information is available at lasdjo.com.

We Need Your Help!

Come help train our young athletes.  Click here to sign up.

T-Shirts

All 4th graders and new students receive a free Adult Small JO shirt.  If your student would like a different size, please fill out this FORM.  

5th and 6th grade students should wear the shirt they received last year.  To purchase a replacement shirt for $10, please fill out this form.

Deadline for size changes and replacement t-shirt orders is March 11.

PTA Minimum Day Activities

PTA Minimum Day Activities:

Don’t miss the fun! There is a minimum day on March 17th and we have two parties available for after-school dismissal.  

1. Athena Girls Mini Camp, 12:30-2:30pm, Blacktop & Room 32, open to all grades. Cost is $30

2. Basketball Clinic, 12:30-2:30pm, Blacktop, open to all grades. Cost $30

If you are interested in signing your child up, please add your child’s name and your contact information to the following google doc:

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1HSyIY-rfk3NX0fSrZg9KEt8pqKehmRGdL2jW03bTQ-I/edit?pref=2&pli=1#gid=0

Make checks payable to Covington PTA. Drop them off in the school office, in the PTA Box.

Kids going to minimum day parties typically bring lunch from home on the day of the party, eat their lunch immediately after school dismissal and then they are walked over to their respective parties after checking them in. Contact Kristi Snapp at ksnapp2@gmail.com with any additional questions. Thanks!

PTA NEWS

Covington's "Roaring 20's" Auction. Tickets Still Available. http://www.covingtonschool.org/covingtones/8313-Auction-2016.html

6th Grade Parents

The Egan Parent Panel for incoming 6th grade parents has been rescheduled to April 28th at 7pm (from the original date of March 24th) due to a conflict with the Frank Bruni presentation.  For more information call the Egan Office, 917-2200.

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

Mar 1, 2016

In This Issue:

• Message from the Principals

• School Reminders

• PTA News & Community Announcements
   

Message from the Principals

Dear Parents & Community Members,

With the beginning of March, we start to look toward the exciting school and community events coming up in the next few months.

LAEF needs your input! Every Spring, the Los Altos Educational Foundation (LAEF) Board of Directors partners with LASD to determine its grant for the next school year. Keep an eye on your inbox this week for this annual survey.

Covington Auction March 19th: The auction promises to be a fun night! So many people to get to know without running after kids, and so many wonderful things to bid on to support our school! Please know that although it may be fun for some to wear roaring 20’s clothing, it is not a requirement and you are more than welcome to wear whatever you please.

Family Science Night: PTA is sponsoring a Family Science Night on Wed. March 30th called Engineer and Invent. from 5:30pm-7:30pm,  in the Multi. This exciting event is presented by the Lawrence Hall of Science.  

Open House: Celebration of Learning- SAVE THE DATE! As we did last year,  we will be opening our doors to students and parents earlier in the year for Open House. Please join us in celebrating the accomplishments of your child on Thursday evening April 7th. More details in the weeks ahead.

Jr. Olympics: Our 4th - 6th graders are beginning to practice in P.E. for our district-wide Junior Olympics on Saturday April 30th.  This is a long standing LASD tradition is a great day that promotes friendly competition and school spirit.

These are just a few highlights of the exciting events coming up at Covington.

Warmest regards,

Erin S. Green and Kami Thordarson

Hearing Screening

The District Nurses will be doing Hearing Screening at Covington School for all Kindergarten, 2nd, 5th grades on 3/24/16.  If your child has a known hearing loss, please notify the Health Services Staff before the day of the screening.  The nurse will mail a referral form and call the parents of students who do not pass the Hearing Screening.

LASD Junior Olympics

The 56th LASD Junior Olympics is coming!

Saturday, April 30, 2016 /  8am-4pm  /  Mountain View High School

General Information

All LASD 4th - 6th graders are invited to participate in the 56th Annual Junior Olympics! This friendly track & field competition encourages everyone to strive for their personal best and cheer on their classmates. More information is available at lasdjo.com.

We Need Your Help!

Come help train our young athletes.  Click here to sign up.

T-Shirts

All 4th graders and new students receive a free Adult Small JO shirt.  If your student would like a different size, please fill out this FORM.  

5th and 6th grade students should wear the shirt they received last year.  To purchase a replacement shirt for $10, please fill out this form.

Deadline for size changes and replacement t-shirt orders is March 11.

Kinder Movie NIght This Friday

Kinder Movie Night:

If you did not have an opportunity to sign up at the Walkathon last year, our wonderful Kinder teachers are hosting a priceless party on Friday March 4, 2016 from 5:00 - 7:15 pm in the Library at Covington.  The kids can come in their PJ's and enjoy pizza and juice before they relax and enjoy a movie with the Kinder teachers.

If you are interested in signing up, please email mona_parekh@yahoo.com with your child and teacher's name and leave a check made payable to PTA for $25.00 in the office PTA cubby.  Please note Kinder priceless party and child's name on the check.

Thanks,

Mona Gandhi and Sarah Andersen

PTA NEWS

Covington's "Roaring 20's" Auction. Tickets Still Available. http://www.covingtonschool.org/covingtones/8313-Auction-2016.html

________________________________________________________________

Dine out for Covington at Aldo’s on Monday, March 7 from 5-9 PM. Remember to mention Covington and a percentage of proceeds will be donated to our school.  Aldo is located at 388 Main Street in Los Altos. 650-949-2300.

Los Altos City Council Town Hall

LASD Parents are invited to a TOWN HALL with Los Altos City Council Members: March 3, 2016

9 a.m. to 10:15 am – Blach Intermediate Multi

7 p.m. to 8:15 pm – Almond Elementary Multi

Open Forum Q&A

Light Refreshments served 15 minutes before start

(prompt start on the hour)

Hosts: Jan Pepper & Mary Prochnow, City Council

LAEF

LAEF Parent Survey: We Need Your Feedback by 3/11

LAEF is currently meeting with LASD Leadership to determine our funding priorities for the 2016-17 school year. Please keep an eye on your inbox for our annual survey. Your feedback by Friday, March 11th is critical and will help to determine funding for smaller class sizes, enrichment staff and programs, and more at your child’s school.

LASD & Community Announcements

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

Become a LIVING CLASSROOM docent... share your love of nature with kids!  It's time to plant tomatoes, dissect flowers, explore the plants used by the Ancient Civilizations, and harvest and make yummy pretzels from the winter wheat the students planted last Fall!  If you like all those things and more, please consider becoming a Living Classroom docent!  LIving Classroom is looking for docents to help deliver fun 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 will take place Monday mornings in March from 9 - Noon on 3/7, 3/14, 3/21 and 3/28.  Please click HERE to view our Spring Training Flyer which lists the locations of each of our trainings.  Apprentice-style training 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.

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

Feb 23, 2016

In This Issue:

• Message from the Principals

• School Reminders

• PTA News & Community Announcements

Message from the Principals

Dear Parents & Community Members,

Welcome back everyone! We hope you enjoyed the gorgeous weather last week during our time away.  When the weather is nice, we all enjoy getting outside for recreation and play.

This past Sunday, there was an op-ed piece in the New York Times about ‘fear conditioning;’http://www.nytimes.com/2016/02/21/opinion/sunday/why-do-we-teach-girls-that-its-cute-to-be-scared.html   The piece was primarily addressing why girls are not encouraged to be risk takers as much as boys. But this premise can really be applied to any gender.  

The author pointed out that studies have shown that physical activity like sports, hiking and playing outside are related to developing self esteem.  Participating in adventurous activities, with supervision, teaches problem solving, responsibility and confidence.

For all children, we need to encourage free play outdoors; and rather than use the language of fear (be careful, that’s too scary), employ words that encourage bravery and resilience.  The author of the NYT piece is a firefighter in San Francisco and she said, “..fear is not a reason to quit.  I put my fear where it belonged, behind my feelings of focus, confidence and courage.”   In this way, we can prepare our children for the challenges they will find along their way in life.

Warmest regards,

Erin S. Green and Kami Thordarson

FRIENDLY REMINDER: ABSENCE REPORTING

Please Call or Email Attendance

Your student sick or at a doctor’s appointment?

TO REPORT AN ABSENCE: EMAIL CovingtonAttendance@lasdschools.org OR CALL THE ATTENDANCE LINE: 650-947-1101.  

Please include:

• Your name and relationship to the student

• Student’s First & Last Name

• Date of Absence

• Teacher

• Reason for the Absence

Thank you!

Pick Up Time Reminders

Please be sure to pick your children up promptly at dismissal. Safety is our upmost concern and there is no supervision provided unless your children are enrolled in an after-school program.  Students are not permitted to wait on the playground or in front of the school without an assigned, responsible adult present.  Thank you!

Kinder dismissal: 2:15pm

1st & 2nd grade dismissal: 2:20pm

3rd-6th grade dismissal: 2:40pm

6th Grade Fundraiser

6th grade fundraiser this Friday, 2/26, after school in front of the multi room. be Otter Pops and Rings Pops each for $1. Not a stay and play.

Incoming Jr. High Parent Tours/Meetings

Egan School: Feb. 24 @9:30am, Feb. 25 @ 1pm

Blach School: March 21st @9:30 and March 22nd @ 1:30.

PTA NEWS

Covington's "Roaring 20's" Auction. Tickets Still Available. http://www.covingtonschool.org/covingtones/8313-Auction-2016.html

________________________________________________________________

Dine out for Covington at Aldo’s on Monday, March 7 from 5-9 PM. Remember to mention Covington and a percentage of proceeds will be donated to our school.  Aldo is located at 388 Main Street in Los Altos. 650-949-2300.

Girl Scout Cookies

Girl Scout cookies!!

Covington Junior Troop 61164 and Brownie Troop 61101 will be selling Girl Scout Cookies on Thursday 2/25 and Friday 2/26 after school near the multi.  They are $5 a box. Make sure to stop by to pick up your favorites! Thank you for supporting the Girl Scouts!

LAEF

Elementary & Junior High

The White House, LASD & LAEF:  Computer Science for All!

On January 30th, the While House proposed $4 billion in funding for the “Computer Science for All” initiative for training teachers to bring computer science to students.

Our LASD students already have access to Computer Science thanks to LAEF’s generous grant, to LASD’s Leadership, who believed in an innovative education, to the fantastic STEM teachers who jumped in to learn code, to our principals and teachers for their support, and of course, thanks to our enthusiastic students.  Now the rest of the country will begin to catch up! To learn more or to make your annual gift; please go to LAEFonline.org.

LASD & Community Announcements

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

Become a LIVING CLASSROOM docent... share your love of nature with kids!  It's time to plant tomatoes, dissect flowers, explore the plants used by the Ancient Civilizations, and harvest and make yummy pretzels from the winter wheat the students planted last Fall!  If you like all those things and more, please consider becoming a Living Classroom docent!  LIving Classroom is looking for docents to help deliver fun 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 will take place Monday mornings in March from 9 - Noon on 3/7, 3/14, 3/21 and 3/28.  Please click HERE to view our Spring Training Flyer which lists the locations of each of our trainings.  Apprentice-style training 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.

LIVING CLASSROOM SPONSORED COMMUNITY EVENT:

NATIVE PLANT TALK: "The Magic and Importance of Native Plants in our School Gardens” by Frank Niccoli

Monday, February 29th from 10:00-11:00 a.m.

Los Altos School District Office (iLearn Studio)

201 Covington Road, Los Altos CA 94024

Please join us for a presentation about the importance of native plants in our school gardens by Frank Niccoli, an instructor of Environmental Horticulture at Foothill College and gardener for over 55 years.  The presentation will be followed by an optional tour of Covington School’s native plant garden.  Please RSVP to Living Classroom Program Coordinator Caroline Chan at cchan@lasdschools.org.  All are welcome…Bring a friend!  Click HERE to view and/or print a flyer for this event.

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

February 9, 2016

In This Issue:

• Message from the Principals

• Valentine’s Day Information

• PTA News & Community Announcements

Quick Dates for your Calendar:

• Feb. 12- Valentine’s Day Celebrated. Wear Red, Pink or Purple.

• Feb 12 - PTA Meeting/Principal Coffee 8:30am

• Feb 15 - Feb 19: President’s Day & Mid Winter Break: No School Next Week

• March 19: Covington Auction: Save the Date!

• April 23rd & April 24th: PTA After School Play Performances: Aladdin

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

Message from the Principals

Dear Parents,

PTA Meeting/Principal Coffee:  This Friday 2/12 at 8:30am, I hope you can all join us in the Staff Room after morning assembly. The PTA will be conducting normal business and we will be getting an update from the Living Classroom.

Auction: Remember to buy your tickets for the annual Covington Auction on Saturday March 19th, where Covington parents come to bond, have fun, and raise money to maximize our students’ educational experience!  The Covington Auction is our largest fundraising event of the year -- all proceeds derived from this spectacular evening are directly applied to Covington, our classrooms, and our students. Tickets are can be purchased here:  http://covingtonpta.3dcartstores.com/Auction_c_1.html

Please be a good neighbor: Just a reminder about the “overflow” parking next door at St. William Church.  Please remember the church graciously allows us to park in the back of the church, in designated parking spaces only. Please do not park in the front of the church or in the red zones along the curb.  

Remember: Next week is our Winter Recess from Feb. 15-19th.  Enjoy your week off whether you are skiing, going to the beach or just having a “staycation” in Los Altos.  

Warmest regards,

Erin S. Green and Kami Thordarson

Important Information About Valentine’s Day

Most classes will be celebrating Valentine’s Day with parties in the classrooms on Friday Feb. 12th. If you child is going to participate in bringing valentines for his or her classmates, we ask that they bring one for every child in the class.  Remember that valentine’s should not come with edible treats. Our teachers and room parents are putting together fun parties with yummy snacks for all.  We have a Wellness Policy that gives guidelines for all food events that happen at school.

Student Council School Spirit Day - Show the Love: Wear Red, Pink or Purple on Feb. 12th.

Pick Up Time Reminders

Please be sure to pick your children up promptly at dismissal. Safety is our upmost concern and there is no supervision provided unless your children are enrolled in an after-school program.  Students are not permitted to wait on the playground or in front of the school without a responsible adult present.  Thank you!

Kinder dismissal: 2:15pm

1st & 2nd grade dismissal: 2:20pm

3rd-6th grade dismissal: 2:40pm

Lost & Found!

Missing anything? Please check the bins next to the Multi for clothes, lunch bags, water bottles, gloves, etc. Items are donated to charity at every school break. Please pick up your items by Friday, February 12.  After that, they will be donated.

Incoming Jr. High Parent Tours/Meetings

Egan School: Feb. 24 @ 9:30am, Feb. 25 @ 1pm

Blach School: Feb. 11th @ 9:30am, Feb. 12th @ 1:30pm, March 21st @ 9:30am and March 22nd @ 1:30p.

PTA NEWS

Covington's "Roaring 20's" Auction. Buy your tickets now: http://www.covingtonschool.org/covingtones/8313-Auction-2016.html

________________________________________________________________

Party People in the Covington community!!

We are looking for party hosts interested in being a part of this year's auction parties.  If you have a great idea, some decorations you can't wait to put up, want to open your home or have another spot in mind, or are willing to host with some other people, we want to hear from you!

Please email cyberchristine@hotmail.com

LAEF

The White House, LASD & LAEF:  Computer Science for All!

On January 30th, the White House proposed $4 billion in funding for the “Computer Science for All” initiative for training teachers to bring computer science to students.

Our LASD students already have access to Computer Science thanks to LAEF’s generous grant, to LASD’s Leadership, who believed in an innovative education, to the fantastic STEM teachers who jumped in to learn code, to our principals and teachers for their support, and of course, thanks to our enthusiastic students.  Now the rest of the country will begin to catch up! To learn more or to make your annual gift; please go to LAEFonline.org.

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

February 2, 2016

In This Issue:

• Message from the STEM Teacher

• Valentine’s Day Information

• Covington Auction: Early Bird Registration Extended

• Kindergarten Open Enrollment ends this week.

• School, PTA News & Community Announcements

Quick Dates for your Calendar:

• Feb. 2- Feb 4: STEM EXPO

• Feb 3: STEM EXPO Open House 4:30pm-8:00pm

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

• March 19: Covington Auction: Save the Date!

• April 23rd & April 24th: PTA After School Play Performances: Aladdin

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

Message from our STEM Teacher

Dear Parents,

The 2016 Covington STEM Expo is finally here!

Just a few reminders:
1) Please join us in the Covington multipurpose room on Wednesday from 4:30 - 8:00 pm for the STEM Expo Open House!

2) Your child’s project should be removed from the multi no later than 3:00 pm on Thursday, February 4.  If you are unable to remove the project by that time, please email me to make arrangements.

If you have any questions, or would like further information on the Covington STEM Expo, please either visit the Covington STEM Expo website  or feel free to email me at kfarley@lasdschools.org.

Thanks again for your continued support through LAEF and PTA, and for continuing to be amazing cheerleaders for STEM in elementary education!

Regards,

Katie Farley
STEM Teacher
Covington School
Los Altos School District
Website: tinyurl.com/covingtonstem

Twitter:
@katiesfarley

#LASDSTEM

"Somewhere, something incredible is waiting to be known."

   ~ Carl Sagan

Important Information About Valentine’s Day

Most classes will be celebrating Valentine’s Day with parties in the classrooms on Friday Feb. 11th. If you child is going to participate in bringing valentines for his or her classmates, we ask that they bring one for every child in the class.  Remember that valentines should not come with edible treats. Our teachers and room parents are putting together fun parties with yummy snacks for all.  We have a Wellness Policy that gives guidelines for all food events that happen at school.

EARLY BIRD DEADLINE EXTENDED FOR COVINGTON AUCTION

Early Bird Deadline Extended for Covington Auction until 2/7:

Tickets are can be purchased here:  http://covingtonpta.3dcartstores.com/Auction_c_1.html

Open Enrollment For Kinder/TK Ends 2/5/16

2016 Kinder Registration: Open Enrollment until this Friday.  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.  Please visit the Covington Office to pick up a registration packet.

Friendly Reminder About Being On Time in the Morning

A few reasons why it is important to be on-time for school:

• A classmate who comes into the room after school has started causes a disruption. Disruptions can take time away from valuable activities.

• Your child needs time to greet friends and get settled into the classroom. Being late doesn’t make that transition easy for them and they may feel anxious or rushed.

• Being on time to school helps teach your child time management. This is a lifelong skill that they will need for success in school and future work endeavors.  

Tips for Parents: Getting off to a good start:

• Be conscious of time and re-examine how long your daily tasks take: Make sure that you’re not underestimating the time it takes to get ready and out of the house in the morning.

• Plan your daily commute: Check out the shortest route, where traffic jams might occur and alternate routes. Do this before you actually have to arrive at school.

• Organize: Pick out clothing the night before. Plan lunches and put together what you can the night before. If you need to take something with you to school, put it next to your keys or purse.

“ Better three hours too soon than a minute too late.” -William Shakespeare

And remember, in the off-chance your child is late to school, they must come to the office and get a Blue Admit Slip before going to class.  The bell to line up rings at 8:25am.  If your child has a morning appointment, please call the attendance line and let us know they will be late.  Thanks!

Incoming Jr. High Parent Tours/Meetings

Egan School: Feb. 24 @9:30am, Feb. 25 @ 1pm

Blach School: Feb. 11th @9:30, Feb. 12th @1:30, March 21st @9:30 and March 22nd @ 1:30.

PTA  NEWS

Covington’s Run Club is starting back up on Friday, February 5th at lunch time!!  Run Club is offered every other Friday at lunchtime, except on special party days and when it’s raining.   Run Club is an optional noon-time activity available to all 1st - 6th graders.  Kids can choose when they would 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.   

Click on this link to sign up to volunteer https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1OA-6YskBAHBDE-danHUzm62zcTD71dKQARSsTU-U-ps/edit?pli=1#gid=390428063

Sign-up happens on the day of the event at lunchtime.  Thank you for your help!

Jen Springer jen_springer@mac.com

Tracey Leong tsakumoto67@gmail.com

______________________________________________________________

Party People in the Covington community!!

We are looking for party hosts interested in being a part of this year's auction parties.  If you have a great idea, some decorations you can't wait to put up, want to open your home or have another spot in mind, or are willing to host with some other people, we want to hear from you!

Please email cyberchristine@hotmail.com

Girl Scout Cookies

Covington Girl Scouts will be selling cookies in front of the Multi on Thursday, February 4th and Friday February 5th from 2:20-3:30pm  All of your favorite cookies will be there waiting for you.  Cookies are $5 per box ($6 for Gluten Free Toffee-tastics). Cash and check are accepted.  Thank you for supporting Girl Scouts at Covington!

LAEF

LAEF: For EVERY child in EVERY grade in ALL LASD Schools!

Did you know that your donation to LAEF supports enrichment program staff and smaller class sizes THIS SCHOOL YEAR? Here’s what your elementary kids will get this year thanks to LAEF:

- Smaller class sizes in K-3

- Literacy Aides in 1st and 2nd grade

- Our STEM teacher and librarians

- Plus music, PE and art!

Every K-8 student benefits from LAEF's grant, and that’s why our goal is 100% parent participation. The suggested donation per student is $1,000 (or $100 per month for 10 months). Every gift in any amount is appreciated. Learn More & Make Your Tax-Deductible Donation Today!  www.laefonline.org

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 26, 2016

In This Issue:

• Message from the Principals

• Kindergarten Enrollment in Progress

• PTA News & Community Announcements

Quick Dates for your Calendar:

• 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 23rd & April 24th: PTA After School Play Performances: Aladdin

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

Message from the Principals

Dear Parents,

Next week is our Covington STEM Expo from Feb. 2nd-4th.  While engaging in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) projects, students will have an opportunity to design hands-on projects while exploring just how fun STEM can be!  

More Than A Science Faire

The Los Altos School District's STEM Expo invites students in grades K-6 to participate!  While engaging in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) projects, students will have an opportunity to design hands-on projects while exploring just how fun STEM can be!  

Students will be guided at their respective schools through a myriad of activities: STEM lunch clubs, opportunities for special class projects, and/or providing grade level support. This event lends itself to a variety of learning experiences either within the class or at home, working individually or collaboratively with their peers or with adults amongst a wide range of STEM categories. Ultimately, students get the chance to showcase their science work in a fun and unique venue, with learning opportunities for the entire family.

Warmest regards,

Erin S. Green and Kami Thordarson

FRIENDLY REMINDER: ABSENCE REPORTING

Please Call or Email Attendance

Your student sick or at a doctor’s appointment?

TO REPORT AN ABSENCE: EMAIL CovingtonAttendance@lasdschools.org OR CALL THE ATTENDANCE LINE: 650-947-1101.  

Please include:

• Your name and relationship to the student

• Student’s First & Last Name

• Date of Absence

• Teacher

• Reason for the Absence

Thank you!

Incoming Jr. High Parent Tours/Meetings

Egan School: Feb. 24  at 9:30am, Feb. 25 at 1pm

Blach School: Feb. 11th at 9:30, Feb. 12th at 1:30, March 21st at 9:30 and March 22nd at 1:30pm.

Open Enrollment For Kinder/TK In Progress Now

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.  Please visit the Covington Office to pick up a registration packet.

PTA NEWS

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

________________________________________________________________

An Afternoon of Middle Eastern Food, Dance and Henna.

Date: Saturday, 1/30/16 3pm - 5:30 pm

Location: Dishdash Restaurant, Sunnyvale

Cost: $50 per person

Covington women: Want to learn how to belly dance AND get a henna tattoo? Take the opportunity to learn some 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. Join us for an afternoon of good food, unique dance moves, and henna art.  Restrictions: Maximum 30 people. RSVP: Nadiah Mshasha <nadiah@dishdash.net>, payment to PTA.

LAEF

LAEF now makes corporate matching even easier!

Have you wondered if your company might match your donation to LAEF? Now it's easy to pop online to https://doublethedonation.com/laef and find out everything you need to know to potentially double the impact of your gift this school year. Did you know that in 2014/15 corporate matching contributed $530,000 towards our annual grant? Amazing! And it all starts with you. Learn more today via the link above or on the "donate page" at LAEFonline.org.

LASD & Community Announcements

District English Advisory Committee (DELAC) meeting: On January 28th at 8:45 am in the Santa Rita Multipurpose Room, 700 Los Altos Ave, Los Altos, there will be a district-wide meeting about the English Learner program in LASD.  This is a public meeting and all who are interested are invited to attend. Please contact Ann Haigh at (650) 947-1180 if you have questions.

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 19, 2016