Covington Connection

Mother Nature continues to remind us that living in Ohio means expecting the unexpected. One day we experience near 60-degree temperatures, and the next we are navigating snow, ice, and frigid conditions. With approximately four weeks remaining until the official start of spring, many of us are looking forward to longer days, warmer weather, and the beginning of spring sports.

The transition from March through May represents more than a change in seasons. Spring symbolizes renewal, growth, and new beginnings. It provides an ideal opportunity for students to reflect, reset, and refocus. Just as trees endure winter and bloom again in the spring, this time of year encourages students to leave behind habits that may have hindered their progress and recommit themselves to academic and personal growth. The months ahead are filled with opportunities to finish strong and build momentum for the future.

As we begin to conclude our winter season, I would like to recognize the outstanding accomplishments of our students who represent Covington in athletics, clubs, and music. Winter is a demanding season, and our students have balanced practices, competitions, rehearsals, performances, meetings, and academic responsibilities with determination and pride.

We are especially proud of our winter athletic achievements. The seventh-grade boys’ basketball team secured the Three Rivers Conference Championship, Covington’s first conference championship in 20 years—marking an exciting and historic milestone for our program. Our seventh grade Lady Buccs also had an exceptional season, finishing as Three Rivers Conference Runners-Up. Our wrestling program continues to excel, with three Buccaneers earning individual TRC titles and the team finishing second overall. In addition, we are proud to recognize Brock Gessner for advancing to state competition in swimming, an extraordinary accomplishment that reflects dedication, discipline, and countless hours of preparation. These achievements are a testament to the commitment of our student-athletes, coaches, and families, and the strength of our athletic programs.

We also celebrate the many students representing Covington through academic clubs and the arts. Our Drama Club is diligently preparing for its upcoming play, demonstrating creativity, collaboration, and hard work. We congratulate Aiden Adams on winning the Ohio History Bee, an impressive academic accomplishment that showcases his knowledge and dedication. Additionally, our Quiz Bowl team has compiled an impressive record this season, exemplifying teamwork and academic excellence. Whether in competition or on stage, our students continue to represent Covington with distinction.

As we enter this important stretch of the school year, I encourage all students to remain engaged, embrace new opportunities, and continue striving for excellence each day. This season is filled with meaningful milestones, growth, and lasting memories. By staying focused and supporting one another, we can ensure a strong and successful finish to the school year.

With warmer days ahead and spring just around the corner, I extend my best wishes to all of our families for a wonderful March.

Seventh Grade Lady Buccs--Three Rivers Conference Runners-Up!

TRC CHAMPIONS! The seventh grade boys’ basketball team defeated Lehman Catholic 40-27, to secure a Three Rivers Conference Championship! Congratulations Buccs!

STATE BOUND!!! Brock Gessner swam a personal record in the 100 Butterfly, placed 3rd at Districts, and has automatically qualified for the STATE meet!!!

Congratulations to #11 Brant Angle on being named to the District 9 Coaches Team for Division 6!

Covington Exempted Village Schools is proud to celebrate CMS and CHS music teacher Jessica Moore, who was recently honored with the Outstanding Music Education Alumni Award from Miami University at the Ohio Music Education Association State Conference.

This prestigious award recognizes outstanding music educators who demonstrate excellence in teaching and a deep commitment to the success of their students. Mrs. Moore exemplifies these qualities each day through her passion for music education and her dedication to helping students grow both musically and personally.

Through her leadership, Covington students have countless opportunities to develop their musical talents while building confidence, discipline, and a love for the arts. Mrs. Moore’s enthusiasm and commitment create a positive and inspiring environment that encourages students to reach their full potential.

We are fortunate to have such a talented and dedicated educator leading our music program. Please join us in congratulating Mrs. Moore on this well-deserved recognition and for the lasting impact she continues to make on our students and school community.

Covington High School sophomore Aiden Adams has been named the top winner of the inaugural Ohio History Bee, earning $2,500 in scholarship funds after outperforming 17 of the state’s highest-achieving high school history students in a live trivia competition at the Ohio Statehouse.

Aiden rose to the top during the high-stakes competition held on Thursday in Columbus, where Ohio’s brightest young historians faced off in multiple fast-paced rounds, testing their knowledge of the people, places, and pivotal moments that have shaped the Buckeye State.

The event, part of the America 250 Ohio initiative commemorating the nation’s 250th anniversary, brought together 18 sophomores, juniors, and seniors who qualified by earning the highest scores on the American Legion’s Americanism and Government Test.

More than 65,000 students statewide initially participated in the rigorous exam. From that group, only the top 18 advanced to compete live at the Statehouse.

Aiden’s journey to the championship began on November 4 when he took the Americanism & Government Test, sponsored locally by American Legion Post 80 in Covington. His performance was extraordinary — scoring higher than any sophomore in our district, in the region, and across the entire state of Ohio.

In addition to the $2,500 scholarship award, Aiden has earned a five-day, all-expense-paid educational trip to Washington, D.C., and Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. He will also be formally recognized in Columbus for his outstanding achievement.

The Ohio History Bee not only celebrates academic excellence but also promotes civic engagement and historical understanding during this milestone anniversary year. Covington Exempted Village Schools proudly congratulates Aiden on this remarkable accomplishment and commends him for representing the Covington community with distinction and excellence.

As we move into the spring months, student attendance often begins to decline — a pattern commonly referred to as the “Spring Slump.” Research shows that students who miss just two days of school per month, approximately 10% of the school year, are at a greater risk of falling behind academically. Consistent attendance plays a key role in student achievement, engagement, and long-term success.

Tips for Maintaining Strong Attendance

Maintain Consistent Routines
Students with regular bedtime and morning routines are more likely to attend school consistently and arrive ready to learn. Establishing predictable schedules helps set the tone for a successful day.

Reinforce the Importance of Attendance
Students are more engaged and motivated when families emphasize the importance of showing up every day. Encouraging your child to attend school even when it feels challenging helps build responsibility and resilience. Sharing your own experiences of pushing through difficult days can be a powerful example.

Schedule Appointments Wisely
Whenever possible, schedule medical appointments and family trips outside of school hours to minimize the amount of instructional time missed. If appointments must occur during the school day, consider having your child attend school before or after the appointment.

Seek Support When Needed
If your family is experiencing challenges that affect attendance, such as transportation or health concerns, please contact your school counselor or building office. Our district has resources available to help support students and families.

Working together, we can help ensure students stay on track for a strong and successful finish to the school year.

Covington Exempted Village Schools is proud to recognize our outstanding Students of the Month for February. These students exemplify Bucc Pride through their hard work, positive attitudes, and commitment to excellence both in and out of the classroom.

February Students of the Month

• Elementary: Adleigh Wray

• Middle School: Sady Graley

• High School: Mary Larson
  
  

Each of these students has demonstrated exceptional character, leadership, and dedication to learning. We are incredibly proud of their achievements and grateful for the positive impact they make within our schools.

Covington UVCC FFA members recently earned an impressive sweep of Gold Officer Book Awards, and we couldn’t be more proud of their outstanding accomplishments.

Receiving Gold honors were:

• Gold Reporter: Aubrey Hoying

• Gold Secretary: Bella Batdorf

• Gold Treasurer: Addi Moore
  
  

These exceptional student leaders will be recognized on stage this May at the Ohio FFA Convention, a well-deserved honor that reflects their hard work and dedication throughout the year. The Gold Officer Book Awards recognize FFA officers who demonstrate excellence in recordkeeping, organization, leadership, and service to their chapter.

Their commitment and leadership truly represent the very best of Covington UVCC FFA. Congratulations to these outstanding officers for their achievements and for making Covington proud!

The 100th Day of School was a day full of excitement, learning, and celebration for our first graders as they marked this special milestone together. Reaching 100 days of school is an important accomplishment, and our students have grown so much since the first day — academically, socially, and personally.

Classrooms were filled with smiles and energy as students took part in activities centered around the number 100. In Mrs. Larson’s class, the celebration included a series of fun and fast-paced 100-second challenges that had students working hard and cheering each other on. Their challenges included writing numbers, building cup towers, flipping water bottles, and bouncing and catching a ball, all within just 100 seconds!

The activities highlighted teamwork, perseverance, and plenty of Bucc pride. It was a wonderful way to celebrate how far our first graders have come and all they have accomplished so far this school year.

Covington students recently showcased their curiosity and creativity at the Miami County Science Day, and we could not be prouder of the outstanding job they did representing our school.

Through research, experimentation, and thoughtful presentations, these students demonstrated the dedication and problem-solving skills that make Covington such a special place to learn.

Several students earned Regional Qualifier honors, advancing their projects to the next level of competition.

Congratulations to:

• Eden Pellman and Rylynn Palser
• Kennedy Shively and Ella Collins
• Zella Nickol and Dallas Skaggs
• Kyle Hart and Khloe Yowler
• Kendall Peters
  

In addition to qualifying for regionals, several students were recognized with special awards for their exceptional work:

• Kendall Peters – Cargill Plant Science Award
• Zella Nickol – Spirit of Science Award
• Kennedy Shively and Ella Collins – Spirit of Teamwork Award
  

Miami County Science Day provides students with an opportunity to explore real-world scientific questions, think critically, and share their discoveries with others. Their hard work and enthusiasm were evident in every project.

We are incredibly proud of these young scientists for their commitment to learning and innovation. Congratulations on a job well done, and best of luck at Regionals!

The Covington High School Drama Club is preparing to entertain audiences with this year’s spring production, This Murder Was Staged, a suspenseful and engaging mystery that promises an evening of drama, intrigue, and outstanding student talent.

Performances will be held on March 6 and 7 at 7:00 PM in the Covington K–8 Building, where our dedicated cast and crew will bring this thrilling story to life. Students have spent weeks rehearsing, building sets, and perfecting their performances, and their hard work is sure to shine on stage.

This production highlights the creativity, collaboration, and commitment of our Bucc performers both on stage and behind the scenes. From acting and stage management to lighting and set design, many students have contributed their time and talents to make this show a success.

Tickets are $8 for students and seniors and $11 for adults. Tickets may be purchased in the high school office beginning Monday, February 23, online at cevs.booktix.com, or at the door on performance nights.

We invite families and community members to come out and support our talented Drama Club students as they present an entertaining evening of mystery and theater. It’s sure to be a performance you won’t want to miss!

School delays or closings may occur at any time during the school year. Covington Schools will notify families as soon as decisions are made to ensure everyone has the information they need as quickly as possible. When possible, announcements may be made the evening before; otherwise, updates will be shared as early as we can the following morning.

To stay informed:

• Check the district website homepage

• Watch for updates on Covington’s Facebook page

• Look for notifications through our system via email, phone call, text message, and push notification (for those using the Remind app)

• Local TV and radio stations will also be notified
  
  

Please make sure your contact information is updated in FinalForms so you don’t miss important alerts.

As we transition from winter to spring, the weather can change quickly from cold mornings to milder afternoons. During this in-between season, it’s important for students to dress in layers so they stay comfortable throughout the school day, from morning drop-off to recess and dismissal.

To help students stay warm and comfortable while enjoying time outdoors, here’s a simple guide for dressing appropriately for the changing weather:

Reporting an Absence Is Easy!

We offer several convenient ways to let us know if your child will be absent:

📞 Call the attendance line
📝 Send a note to school with your child
📧 Email the school

Check out the infographic below for more details and make reporting absences quick and simple!

Kindergarten Registration Now Open for 2026–2027 School Year

Covington Exempted Village Schools is excited to announce that Kindergarten Registration for the 2026–2027 school year is now open! Families with a future Bucc ready to begin their school journey are encouraged to complete the online registration process.

Children who will be 5 years old by August 26, 2026, are eligible to enroll in kindergarten for the upcoming school year. Starting school is an important milestone, and our staff looks forward to partnering with families to ensure a smooth and successful beginning for each student.

Parents and guardians can find information and complete the online registration forms by visiting the district website:
https://www.covington.k12.oh.us/.../kindergarten...

After online forms are submitted, families will be contacted to schedule a Kindergarten Screening appointment, which will take place in late April. Screenings help us get to know each child and prepare for a strong start to the school year.

If you have questions or need assistance with the registration process, please contact the K–8 Office. Our staff is happy to help guide you through each step.

Families should also note that online registration for new students in Grades 1–12 for the 2026–2027 school year will open in mid-March.

We look forward to welcoming our newest Buccaneers and beginning an exciting educational journey together!

Join us for the CHS Annual Spaghetti Supper on March 17, 2026, from 4:30–6:30 PM!

Enjoy a delicious spaghetti dinner — dine in or carry out — while supporting a great cause. Meals are just $7.00, with seniors and kids only $5.00.

• Performances by select Covington music students
• All proceeds benefit the CHS Scholarship Fund
• Enter through Door 1 (Elementary Entrance)

Bring your family, invite your friends, and come hungry for a great meal and even better community spirit!

Running through the end of March 2026, the Covington school building is open for walking hours every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 6:15 to 7:15 a.m. District residents are invited to use the hallways and gymnasiums to walk during these times. Door 28, the main entrance to CHS, will be unlocked at 6:15 a.m. and will remain open for the entire hour.

If the schools are closed or delayed due to weather, winter walking hours will also be canceled for that morning. Closures are posted on the district website.

It’s never too early to plan ahead! The 2025–2026 Calendar Snapshot calendar includes all the major milestones for this school year.