CMS Cougar Newsletter - Week 9 & 10

Every Day Counts. Every Cougar Matter

Dear CMS Families,

What an incredible two weeks it has been at Covington Middle School! From meaningful learning experiences and important academic milestones to opportunities that have brought our students, staff, families, and community together, there is so much to celebrate!

Our classrooms have been filled with curiosity, creativity, collaboration, and hard work. Our students have been challenged to think critically, demonstrate what they know, and take ownership of their learning. As we wrapped up our first-quarter benchmark assessments, we were reminded of the importance of perseverance, preparation, and giving our very best effort. We are proud of our students for the work they continue to put into their education and grateful to our teachers for the dedication they bring to every lesson, every day.

Building on Our Success: Q1 Benchmark Testing & Looking Ahead to Quarter 2!

As we prepare to begin the second quarter, our focus remains on helping every student learn, grow, and achieve their very best! Benchmark testing will resume on Monday, October 19, as our 7th and 8th grade students complete their Q1 Math Benchmark make-up assessments. We are incredibly proud of the hard work, preparation, and determination our students have demonstrated throughout this first quarter!

These assessments provide valuable information about what our students have learned, where they are finding success, and where additional support or enrichment may be needed. Our teachers will carefully review this data to celebrate student growth, identify areas for improvement, and make meaningful instructional decisions as we move into Quarter 2.

At CMS, assessment is not simply about a score — it is about understanding where our students are today and determining how we can help them achieve even more tomorrow! We are excited to build on the progress of our first quarter and continue challenging, encouraging, and supporting every Cougar as we race toward excellence!

One of the highlights of the past two weeks was our 8th Grade Reality Check experience! Our Class of 2031 had the opportunity to step into the real world of financial decision-making, exploring the responsibilities of budgeting for housing, transportation, groceries, childcare, and everyday expenses. It was an incredible learning experience made possible by our wonderful community volunteers, division leaders, AHS students and staff, and our own CMS team. A special thank-you to Mrs. Steege for her outstanding leadership in organizing this event!

Our 7th graders also had an exciting opportunity to explore their futures during Career Quest at the Berglund Center. Experiences like these help our students discover their interests, recognize new possibilities, and understand that the choices they make today help shape the opportunities available tomorrow.

We also had something very special to celebrate: Covington Middle School's recognition as a Fully Accredited, Meets Expectations school! This accomplishment reflects the hard work of our students, the commitment of our teachers and staff, and the continued support of our families. While we know there is always room to grow, we are incredibly proud of this important milestone and the progress we are making together!

Perhaps most importantly, these past two weeks have reminded us of the power of community. Through our Coins for Courage and Hat Day efforts in support of the Nicely family, our Cougars have demonstrated that kindness, compassion, and generosity are more than words - they are actions. We are grateful for the love and support our school community continues to show.

🏁 The Excitement Continues - A Look at the Weeks Ahead!

Get ready, Cougar families, because we have an exciting stretch ahead!

October 19–23 is CMS Spirit Week! Our students will celebrate with Pajama Day, Twin Day, Camo Day, Cougar Pride Day, and Neon Day! We cannot wait to see the creativity, enthusiasm, and school spirit throughout our building.

On Thursday, October 22, we will come together for our #TeamNicely Tailgate - Cougars for a Cause, followed by our CMS #TeamNicely Benefit football game. This special event is about much more than food, fun, and football. It is an opportunity to stand together, support a family in our community, and show what being a Cougar family truly means.

On Friday, October 23, we'll keep the celebration going with our Neon Themed Dance, giving students another opportunity to enjoy time with friends and create memories that make middle school special.

Looking a little further ahead, our students will experience the magic of storytelling during our schoolwide StoryFest field trip on Thursday, October 29, at the Historic Masonic Theatre. We are excited to provide this unique opportunity for our students to experience creativity, storytelling, and the arts beyond the classroom. There will be some delay in getting home that afternoon in order to accommodate all of our CMS students attending this event. More information to come.

And, of course, we are looking forward to our CMS Halloween Costume Contest on Friday, October 30th! We cannot wait to see our students' creativity shine through their costumes, whether they are homemade, hilarious, inspired by a favorite book, or created with friends!

💙 A Reminder of What Matters Most

October is also National Bullying Prevention Month, and we continue to emphasize the importance of kindness, respect, inclusion, and standing up for others. At CMS, we want every student to feel safe, valued, accepted, and proud to be part of our school family.

Families, thank you for trusting us with your children and for being such an important part of their educational journey. We know that middle school is a time of tremendous growth, and we are committed to helping every student discover their strengths, overcome challenges, build confidence, and recognize their potential.

There is so much to be proud of, so much to look forward to, and so much more we will accomplish together! At Covington Middle School, we are more than a school - we are a FAMILY. And when our Cougar family comes together, incredible things happen!

One Team. One Track. One Goal: Excellence for Every Student!

With Cougar pride and appreciation,

Lori Mattson
Principal, Covington Middle School💙🐾

Photo Credits: Lesley Nickell - all sports photos - Thank You!

Our Class of 2031 Makes Us Proud!

What an INCREDIBLE experience for our CMS eighth graders! On October 6, our Class of 2031 participated in Reality Check, an exciting and eye-opening experience that brought financial literacy, career exploration, and important life lessons together in a meaningful way!

As part of our continued GEAR UP efforts, students stepped into the role of working adults, received simulated monthly paychecks based on careers of interest, and navigated real-life expenses such as housing, transportation, groceries, childcare, and more. Along the way, they discovered the importance of budgeting, making thoughtful decisions, and understanding how the choices they make today can shape their futures.

But one of the most special parts of the entire experience was the incredible impression our students made on our guests! Throughout the event, our community volunteers repeatedly shared how impressed they were with our eighth graders. They RAVED about how polite, respectful, engaged, and thoughtful our students were as they moved through the stations, asked questions, and interacted with the adults who were there to support them. Hearing such wonderful compliments about our students meant the world to us! We could not be PROUDER of our Class of 2031! They represented themselves, their families, and Covington Middle School in an OUTSTANDING way!

A very special and heartfelt THANK YOU to Mrs. Steege, whose tremendous hard work, dedication, and countless hours of planning made this extraordinary experience possible! From coordinating volunteers and organizing stations to ensuring every detail came together, Mrs. Steege went above and beyond to create an opportunity that was meaningful, engaging, and memorable for everyone involved. Her commitment to our students and their futures truly made this event something special, and we are SO grateful for everything she did!

We also extend our sincere appreciation to our incredible community volunteers, current and retired division leaders, Alleghany High School staff and students, and our CMS team for generously sharing their time, knowledge, and encouragement. The success of this event was a beautiful reminder of what can happen when our schools and community come together for our children.

Reality Check was so much more than a financial simulation. It was an opportunity for our students to dream, discover, learn, and recognize that their futures are filled with possibilities. It was also a wonderful reminder of the remarkable young people we have walking our hallways every day.

To our Class of 2031: You made us SO proud! Keep dreaming BIG, working HARD, and showing the world what it means to be a CMS Cougar!

Your future matters. Your choices matter. And YOU matter! 💙🐾

Five Days. Three Grade Levels. ONE Coveted Spirit Stick!

Get ready, Cougar Nation, because CMS SPIRIT WEEK is HERE, and the competition is ON! Our very own 8th graders took the lead in selecting this week's Spirit Days, and they have planned an AWESOME week filled with creativity, excitement, laughter, and LOTS of Cougar pride!

From cozy pajamas and matching twins to camouflage, Cougar blue, and bright neon colors, we cannot wait to see our students and staff bring their school spirit to life!

But there's a little something extra on the line this week…

THE CMS SPIRIT STICK IS UP FOR GRABS!

That's right, Cougars! 6th Grade vs. 7th Grade vs. 8th Grade! Which grade level will rise to the challenge, show the MOST school spirit, and earn the ultimate bragging rights?

Will our 6th graders make their mark? Will our 7th graders steal the spotlight? Or will our 8th graders prove they've got what it takes to claim the Spirit Stick?

The challenge has been issued, and the competition starts TOMORROW!

Families, encourage your Cougars to participate, get creative, and help make this a week to remember! Let's fill our hallways with energy, excitement, kindness, and Cougar pride as we celebrate what makes CMS such a special place to be!

ONE SCHOOL. THREE GRADES. FIVE DAYS. ONE SPIRIT STICK.

💙🐾 LET'S GO, COUGARS! MAY THE MOST SPIRITED GRADE WIN! 🏆

We could not be PROUDER of our CMS students and families for the incredible kindness, generosity, and compassion they have demonstrated through our fundraising efforts to support the Nicely family! From Coins for Courage to our special Hat Days, our Cougars have shown that even the smallest acts of kindness can make a BIG difference when we come together for someone in need. And we're not finished yet! On Thursday, October 22, we will continue our efforts with our #TeamNicely Tailgate Party, followed by our #TeamNicely Benefit Football Game! Students who wish to participate in the tailgate will stay after school from 4:00–5:15 p.m. for an afternoon filled with food, games, friendship, and Cougar spirit! At approximately 5:15 p.m., students and CMS staff will walk together to Casey Field to cheer on our Cougars as they take on Staunton River at 5:30 p.m.! The cost to participate in the tailgate is $3.00 per student, which includes a hot dog, chips, dessert, and a drink, with all proceeds benefiting the Nicely family. Admission to the football game is $5.00 per person. Students will bring home a permission form that must be signed and returned to their first-period teacher by Wednesday, October 21, at 9:00 a.m. to participate. Students attending with our school group must be picked up at Casey Field following the game, no later than 6:45 p.m. Families are also encouraged to join us at the game as we come together for this special cause!

This is about SO much more than football or fundraising. It's about teaching our children the power of compassion, the importance of standing beside others during difficult times, and what it truly means to be part of a caring community. Thank you, CMS families, for helping our students put kindness into ACTION. We are incredibly proud of our Cougars and grateful for the opportunity to show the Nicely family just how much love and support surrounds them!

ONE TEAM. ONE COMMUNITY. ONE HEART. #TeamNicely! 💙🐾🏈

Get ready, Cougar Nation, because our CMS PE Department is turning a little friendly competition into a WHOLE LOT of kindness! 💙 Our PE classes are going head-to-head in THE GREAT CMS BLANKET BATTLE, with Skidmore & Turner's classes taking on Akers & Carter's classes in a special effort to collect blankets for our local Christmas Mother program!

Our students have an opportunity to make a REAL difference in the lives of families throughout our community by helping provide warmth, comfort, and care during the upcoming holiday season. While the competition between our PE teams is sure to bring plenty of excitement, teamwork, and Cougar pride, the true purpose goes far beyond winning!

We are incredibly proud of our PE teachers for creating this meaningful opportunity for students to experience the importance of generosity, compassion, and giving back. Families, we invite you to join us in supporting this wonderful cause! Every donated blanket represents more than warmth - it represents kindness, hope, and a reminder that someone cares.

So, Cougars, which team will rise to the challenge and collect the most blankets? LET THE BLANKET BATTLE BEGIN!

Because at CMS, we know that the greatest victories aren't always measured by a scoreboard - they're measured by the lives we touch and the difference we make!

Two Teams. One Mission. Countless Warm Hearts! 💙🐾

Strong attendance begins with a strong partnership between home and school. Families can help their students arrive every day, on time, and ready to learn by:

• Establishing consistent bedtime and morning routines.
• Preparing clothes, Chromebooks, backpacks, and school materials the night before.
• Scheduling appointments and family trips outside the school day whenever possible.
• Encouraging students to attend unless they are truly ill.
• Talking regularly about why attendance matters and how missed days can affect learning.
• Monitoring attendance through the PowerSchool Parent Portal.
• Contacting the school promptly when an absence is necessary.
• Reaching out to CMS when transportation, health, anxiety, or another challenge is making regular attendance difficult.

We understand that families sometimes face circumstances beyond their control. Please do not wait until absences begin to add up - contact us early so we can listen, connect you with support, and work together on a path forward.

Attendance is not just a school responsibility - it takes all of us. When families and schools work together, students are more likely to feel connected, remain on track academically, and experience everything CMS has to offer.

Every student matters. Every day counts. We need them here. 💙🐾

Our CMS artists have been busy exploring their creativity and developing their artistic talents! 6th grade students have been creating beautiful landscapes inspired by the famous artist Vincent van Gogh, while 7th graders have been exploring colored pencil techniques to bring their artwork to life. Our 8th graders have been working on still-life drawings using colored pencils, focusing on detail, shading, and dimension. We are so proud of the creativity, effort, and imagination our students continue to demonstrate! A special thank-you to our Art Department for inspiring our Cougars to express themselves and discover their artistic abilities! 💙🎨

Let the CMS Halloween Costume Contest Begin!

Get ready, Cougar Nation, because things are about to get SPOOKTACULAR at CMS! 👻 We are excited to celebrate Halloween with our CMS Halloween Costume Contest, and we cannot wait to see our students' creativity, imagination, and Cougar spirit come to life! Whether your costume is homemade, hilarious, inspired by a favorite book, or planned with your best friends, this is your chance to have some FUN and show off your creativity!

🏆 Our Costume Contest Categories Include:

• 🎨 Most Creative Costume - Let your imagination run wild!

• 🧵 Best Homemade Costume - Show off your creativity and hard work!

• 😂 Funniest Costume - Bring on the laughs!

• 📚 Best Book Character - Bring your favorite story to life!

• 🐾 Cougar Spirit Award - Show us your CMS pride!

• 👯 Best Duo or Group Costume - Grab your friends and get creative together!

Winners will be selected in each grade level (6th, 7th, and 8th) for our individual categories, along with ONE schoolwide winner 🏆

Families, encourage your Cougars to start planning their costumes and get those creative ideas flowing! Remember, all costumes must be school-appropriate and follow our costume guidelines. No masks, no weapons or look-alikes, and students must arrive at school dressed and ready for the day. HATS ARE ALLOWED!

We are looking forward to a day filled with laughter, creativity, school spirit, and unforgettable middle school memories!

WHO WILL TAKE HOME THE TITLE? LET THE COSTUME CREATIVITY BEGIN! 🎃💙🐾

Our CMS Cougars continued to show determination and effort on the football field in their matchup against Christiansburg Middle School. Although the Cougars fell 33–7, Dailynn Smith scored CMS's touchdown on a 1-yard run, with Dalton Vance adding the extra point. We are proud of our players and coaches for their continued hard work, perseverance, and Cougar pride!

🏐 Cougar Volleyball – An 8th Grade Night to Remember!

Although their scheduled game was canceled, our CMS volleyball team wasn't about to let that stop the celebration! The Cougars made the most of the evening with a fun intersquad scrimmage while still honoring our incredible 8th graders on their special night!

And the excitement didn't stop there! Following the scrimmage, our 8th graders took on their COACHES and came away with an impressive 25–10 VICTORY! 🏆 What a fun and memorable way to celebrate our eighth-grade athletes!

Covington Middle School

Asst. Principal: Mr. Marty Wood

Asst. Principal/Athletic Director: Mr. Zach Hamilton

Main Office: 540-965-1410

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