CMS Cougar Newsletter
February 2, 2026
A Letter from the Principal - Week of February 16, 2026
One Team. One Track. One Goal: Excellence for Every Student!
A Letter from the Principal
Dear CMS Families,
Last week, I shared how much we missed our students during the winter storm and how critical it was that we “hit the ground running” upon our return. I also issued a call to action asking for your partnership in making attendance a top priority.
And CMS families - you answered that call in a BIG way.
Our attendance averaged 94.7% for the week, the highest attendance rate we have had all school year! That is something to celebrate. Thank you for ensuring your children were here, on time, and ready to learn. Your commitment makes a direct impact on student success.
After being apart longer than expected, having our halls filled again with energy, laughter, and learning reminded us why presence matters so much. Direct instruction, classroom discussions, hands-on learning, and teacher support truly cannot be replicated when students are absent. Last week proved what happens when we work together - students thrive.
We are also excited to share that interims were sent home on Friday. We are so proud of our students’ hard work and dedication! If your student needs additional support, please reach out to their teachers - together, we will ensure every student has the guidance and resources they need to succeed.
It was a powerful and meaningful week at CMS!
We proudly kicked off Black History Month, engaging students in learning experiences that honor the achievements, contributions, and lasting impact of African Americans throughout our nation’s history.
Our Kindness Week spirit days filled the building with positivity and joy. More importantly, our students demonstrated empathy and compassion through their words and actions - exactly the culture we strive to build each day.
We also began celebrating Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month, highlighting the many pathways available to our students as they prepare for their futures. As part of this focus, students have already started bringing in donations for our community food drive to support families in need. What better way to connect learning, leadership, and kindness than by serving others?
On Tuesday, we proudly crowned our grade-level Spelling Bee Champions:
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8th Grade Champion – Remmy Anderson
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7th Grade Champion – Liliana Bouguess
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6th Grade Champion – Amanda Sanchez Moreno
These outstanding young ladies represented CMS at the Alleghany Highlands Public Schools Division Spelling Bee on Thursday, and we are thrilled to share that our very own Amanda was named the AHPS Division Spelling Bee Champion!
Amanda will now advance to compete at the Regional Spelling Bee held at Radford University - an incredible accomplishment!
The momentum is strong, and we are excited to keep it going. Please continue to prioritize daily, on-time attendance and communicate with us if your child needs support. Together, we are building not just academic success, but a caring and connected school community.
Thank you for your continued partnership and support.
With Cougar Pride,
Lori Mattson
Interim Principal
Covington Middle School
8th Grade Spelling Bee
7th Grade Spelling Bee
6th Grade Spelling Bee
All-Area Band!
The Middle School District Band spent two full days rehearsing and refining their music under the direction of special guest conductor Carolyn Roblee from Loudoun County before delivering an outstanding performance!
These talented students demonstrated incredible dedication, focus, and musicianship throughout the event.
A huge shout out to our very own Ethan Townsend and Amanda Sanchez Moreno for representing Covington MS with pride and excellence! We are so proud of the way they showcased their hard work and talent on stage. 🎺🎼
Way to go, Cougars!
Celebrating CTE Month & Giving Back!
February continues to be an exciting time at CMS as we celebrate Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month - a reminder that learning extends far beyond textbooks and into real-world skills that prepare our students for college, careers, and life.
Our students have been actively participating in our school-wide Food Drive.
📦 Food Drive Reminder:
Non-perishable items are being collected during 1st period throughout the month.
🥞 Incentive:
The 1st period class with the largest total donation by the end of February will earn a pancake breakfast celebration!
Beyond the competition, what matters most is the lesson our students are learning: career readiness includes compassion, service, and giving back. Thank you for supporting this effort and for helping our students see that their actions - even one can at a time - truly make a difference in our community.
Agriculture in Action at CMS
Agriculture in Action at CMS
Agriculture in Action at CMS
Something strange (and super fun!) is coming to CMS! Our Stranger Things–themed Snowball Dance, “Winter in Hawkins,” will take place this Friday from 4:00 PM - 6:30 PM in the school gym.
Permission slips were distributed this past Friday during 7th period, and we hope all of our students will be able to join us for an evening of music, friends, and winter fun!
🎟️ Tickets are $5 and are being sold during lunches this week.
⚠️ Please remember: Permission slips and money must be turned in at the same time during lunch.
🚪 No tickets will be sold at the door.
Students are welcome to dress in winter wear, school colors, or fun ‘80s style - just be sure all outfits follow the school dress code. (No masks, weapons, or scary costumes permitted.)
We are excited to provide this opportunity for our students to reconnect, celebrate, and make memories together. We can’t wait to see our Cougars there - because friends don’t let friends miss the Snowball!
Real World Math In-Action
Real World Math In-Action
Real World Math In-Action
6th Grade | Davis Moss | Sugar Skull
7th Grade | Joy Peel | Northern Lights Over the Water
8th Grade | Jemma Wright | Gnomes
Contact Info
Covington Middle School
Principal: Ms. Lori MattsonAsst. Principal: Mr. Marty Wood
Asst. Principal/Athletic Director: Mr. Zach Hamilton
Main Office: 540-965-1410
Attendance Email: Attendance Notes
Website: https://cms.ahps.k12.va.us/
Location: 606 South Lexington Avenue, Covington, VA 24426
Phone: 540-965-1410
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CovingtonMSCougars
Instagram: cmscougars2023