Covington Connection
November December Edition
District Newsletter- November & December 2025
A Message From Superintendent Dr. Joseph Hoelzle
As the cold weather settles in just in time for the Christmas holidays, the gift of cheer is wrapping itself around our schools and the entire Covington community. This season always brings so much kindness, spirit, and togetherness inside our classrooms, hallways, and buildings.
As we prepare to bid farewell to 2025 and welcome a new year, it’s worth pausing to reflect on the remarkable first four months of the 2025–2026 school year. Our students and staff have already accomplished a great deal—academically, artistically, and athletically. From classroom achievements and creative performances to impressive teamwork across our sports programs, it has been an inspiring start to the year.
This is a busy time for our students as they wrap up the second quarter, prepare for exams, and look ahead to the opportunities a new semester brings. Yet even amid the busyness, we take time to celebrate, appreciate, and serve—three values that define what it means to be a Covington Bucc.
I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to our dedicated educators, support staff, and volunteers who work tirelessly to create a safe, caring, and engaging learning environment. Your commitment to excellence and devotion to our students does not go unnoticed, and our district is stronger because of you.
To our students: may the joy of learning and the excitement of discovery continue to guide you. Your potential is limitless, and I am confident that the year ahead will bring even more accomplishments to celebrate.
To our families: thank you for your trust, partnership, and unwavering support. Your involvement in the education and growth of our students is invaluable; together, we build the foundation for a bright future.
On behalf of the Covington Board of Education, I wish you a joyous, restful, and memorable holiday season. May it be filled with peace, laughter, and the warmth of time spent with loved ones.
We look forward to welcoming our students back on Monday, January 5, as we begin an exciting new chapter in 2026.
Happy Holidays and Go Buccs!
Covington FFA Shines at Ohio FFA Middle School CDEs!
Congratulations to Natalie, Kendale, and Tessa for proudly representing Covington at the Ohio FFA Middle School Career Development Events! These three showed incredible dedication, professionalism, and Bucc Pride throughout the competition.
A special shout-out to Natalie, who earned the Top Sixth Overall in the Career Exploration Speech contest! We are so proud of her hard work and can’t wait to see her final results once they’re released online.
Great job to all three students—you continue to make Covington proud!
November & December Students of the Month
Covington Exempted Village Schools is proud to recognize our outstanding Students of the Month for November and December. These students exemplify Bucc Pride through their hard work, positive attitudes, and commitment to excellence both in and out of the classroom.
November Students of the Month
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Elementary: Maisie Hoying
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Middle School: Eden Pellman
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High School: Landon Reynolds
December Students of the Month
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Elementary: Laynie Stager
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Middle School: Charlotte “Charlie” Ransom
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High School: Dakohta Kenworthy
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.
Welcome to Covington! Meet Our New Third Grade Teacher, Ms. Heidi Toner
Please help us welcome our newest Covington staff member — Ms. Heidi Toner!
We’re excited to share that Heidi will be joining our Bucc family as our new third grade teacher! She steps into the position formerly held by the wonderful Christie Brown, who recently retired.
Heidi is a graduate of Wilmington College, a Sidney native, and a proud alum of Lehman Catholic High School. She completed her student teaching at Holy Angels, and we are thrilled to have her bring her passion and energy to Covington.
Please join us in giving Ms. Toner a warm Covington welcome and wishing her the very best as she begins her journey here at Covington Exempted Village Schools!
Welcome to Covington, Heidi!
Stay Weather Alert-- Delay & Closure Information
As temperatures drop, delays or school closings may become necessary. Covington Schools will notify families as soon as a decision is made. When weather conditions are clear enough the night before, a decision may be announced early. Otherwise, updates will be shared as soon as possible the following morning.
To stay informed:
- Check the homepage of the district website
- 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.
Caylor Eastman Chosen to Represent CHS at Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership Seminar
We are proud to share that Caylor has been selected by a faculty committee to represent Covington High School at the Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership Seminar! This prestigious opportunity is offered to CHS sophomores each year and includes a competitive application process, which requires writing an essay about leadership and service within our school community.
Caylor’s dedication, character, and leadership truly shine, and we are excited to see him represent the Buccs at this outstanding program.
Kindergarten Celebrates Thankfulness at Covington Elementary
Our kindergarten students got into the spirit of Thanksgiving, and their creativity was on full display! From thankful placemats to thankful turkeys to adorable pilgrim hats, our little Buccs spent the day celebrating gratitude, friendship, and all the things that make the season special.
Their smiles said it all — we had so much to be thankful for at Covington Elementary!
Buccs Boys Basketball Teams Step Up to Serve
On November 23, our Covington Exempted Village Schools boys basketball teams stepped up in a big way. They volunteered with Operation Veteran and Caregiver Support to pack Thanksgiving boxes for local families in need.
A task that normally takes more than two hours was completed in just 20 minutes — all thanks to their teamwork, efficiency, and positive Bucc spirit.
We are incredibly proud of their service and the example they set both on and off the court!
Covington Athletes Earn Top Honors Across Multiple Sports
A huge congratulations goes out to all our outstanding Covington players who were honored at the Three Rivers Conference awards! We are incredibly proud of your hard work, dedication, and the team spirit you bring to the field and beyond.
Your commitment to excellence — both athletically and academically — represents the best of Covington Exempted Village Schools. We can’t wait to see what you’ll achieve next. Keep representing!!
Football
• Lucas Lester – 1st Team Offense
• Day’Lynn Garrett – 1st Team Offense
• Trenton Havenar – 1st Team Offense
• Trenton Havenar – 1st Team Defense
• Filip McMaken – 1st Team Defense
• Filip McMaken – 1st Team Special Teams
Volleyball
• Dakohkta Kenworthy – 1st Team
• Addison Ventura – 1st Team
Boys Golf
• Brodie Manson – 1st Team
• Jayden Wackler – 1st Team
Girls Golf
• Bella Batdorf – 1st Team
Girls Cross Country
• Alice Larson – 1st Team
Highlights from our Schools
Hands-On Science in Sixth Grade!
Learning Through Exploration in Mr. Shilt’s Class!
Ava Hembree Crowned Miss Northern International Pre-Teen Queen
Covington Basketball Takes Over Gainbridge Fieldhouse
Celebrating Academic Greatness at Covington Elementary
WHIO Meteorologist Nick Dunn Visits Covington Schools
Covington Honors Veterans with Patriotic Breakfast and Assembly
The Covington FFA hosted their annual Veterans Day Breakfast and Appreciation Assembly on November 6, and it was truly a packed house. Students, staff, and community members came together to honor the brave men and women who have served our country with courage and sacrifice.
Guests enjoyed fresh-baked cinnamon rolls—a delicious treat compliments of our amazing cafeteria staff—before a heartfelt program filled with student performances, patriotic tributes, and an inspiring message from Retired Master Sergeant James Silfe, our guest speaker.
Thank you to all who joined us and to our incredible veterans for your service.
Covington High School Athletic Hall of Fame
The Covington High School Athletic Hall of Fame will hold their 43rd annual Induction Ceremony on Saturday, December 20, 2025, prior to the High School Boys’ Basketball game vs. Milton-Union. This year’s Hall of Fame inductees include: Nathan Dunn, Class of 2015; Anna Dunn-Sturgis, Class of 2017; Samantha Whiteman, Class of 2019; and Honorary Inductee, Michael Schaffer, Class of 1966.
https://bucctownusa.com/covington-athletic-hall-of-fame/
📸 Photo credit: Ben Robinson / Color Green Photo
Winter Walking Hours
Beginning Monday, December 1, and 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 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.
Winter walking hours will not be available on holidays when all school offices are closed, including Wednesday, December 24; Wednesday, December 31; Friday, December 26; Monday, January 19; and Monday, February 16.
Upcoming Events
December 19: 2-Hour Early Dismissal
December 22-January 2: Winter Break (No School)
January 5: School Resumes
January 9: End of Second Quarter/First Semester
January 19: Martin Luther King Jr. Day No School
January 28: 2-Hour Early Dismissal (Professional Development)
February 12: 2-Hour Early Dismissal Parent/Teacher Conferences 1:30-9:00 PM
February 13: No School
February 16: President's Day-No School
Buccs Calendar Snapshot: 2025–2026 School Year
It’s never too early to plan ahead! The 2025–2026 Calendar Snapshot calendar includes all the major milestones for this school year.
