CMS Cougar Newsletter

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

A Letter from the Principal

Dear CMS Families,

Lori Mattson

Interim Principal

Covington Middle School

Something strange is coming to CMS! Students are invited to our Stranger Things - themed Snowball Dance, “Winter in Hawkins,” happening Friday, January 30th from 4:00–6:30 PM in the school gym. This dance will be an event filled with music, friends, and winter fun - no scary costumes, we promise!

Tickets are $5 and will be on sale the week of the dance (no tickets will be sold at the door). The dance is open to middle school students only. Students are encouraged to dress the theme with winter wear, school colors, or fun ‘80s style, while following the school dress code. Please note: no masks, weapons, or scary costumes are permitted. Mrs. Simmons and Mrs. Boone are working hard on this dance, please see them should you have any questions or concerns.

Permission slips will be available in the main office starting Tuesday, January 20th. Tickets go on sale Monday, January 26th during all three lunches and throughout the week - NO TICKETS SOLD AT DOOR.

IMPORTANT: Permission slips and money must be turned in at the same time during lunches.

Grab your friends and don’t miss out - Friends don’t let friends miss the Snowball!

CMS is thrilled to announce that the first Cougar Chess Club meeting was a smashing success! Students built strategy, critical thinking, and sportsmanship while enjoying a fun afternoon of chess.

The club will continue to meet on the second Thursday of each month from 4:00-6:00 PM in Room 307, Mr. Linsin’s classroom. Our next meeting will be Thursday, February 12th. Students who haven’t yet joined are welcome to participate! Permission slips can be picked up in the main office and must be completed to attend.

Come join the fun and see what all the excitement is about! ♟️🐾

All students should have received the “Three Bee Study Words with Definitions” sheet to help them prepare - each student will got the list that matched their current grade which was passed out during Language Arts classes last week. The School Spelling Bee Study List is divided into three levels: One Bee, Two Bee, and Three Bee, with Three Bee words including challenging vocabulary for sixth, seventh, and eighth graders. Each sheet includes 50 words that will give students a strong foundation for their classroom bee.

This is your chance to shine! Every CMS student is capable of amazing things - practice your words, boost your confidence, and show off your spelling skills. To go even further, ask your teacher for the full 450-word School Spelling Bee Study List, which includes all One Bee, Two Bee, and Three Bee words if you are interested in being a contestant in the CMS Spelling Bee.

Believe in yourself—you’ve got this! 🌟

Spelling Bee Schedule:

Classroom Spelling Bee's: week of January 19th

CMS Spelling Bee: week of January 26th

Regional Spelling Bee: February 12th

🔢 Math Update

Students of the Week

We are excited to recognize our Students of the Week! These students were selected for

demonstrating hard work, positive attitudes, and a commitment to learning. They consistently

show respect, responsibility, and perseverance in the classroom. We are proud of their efforts

and encourage them to keep up the great work!

6th Grade: Willow Miller

7th Grade: Ajionna Texeira

8th Grade: Om’ere Nickle

Algebra: AnnaBella Bostic

Math Spotlight by Grade Level

6th Grade - Solving Equations

Sixth graders are building their algebra skills by solving equations. Students are learning how to

find the value of a variable by using inverse operations and checking their solutions to make sure

they are correct. This work helps strengthen logical thinking and prepares students for more

advanced algebra concepts.

7th Grade - Understanding Slope

Seventh graders are exploring slope as a rate of change. Students are learning how to identify

positive, negative, zero, and undefined slopes and connect slope to real-world situations. They are

also writing equations in the form y = mx and graphing proportional relationships.

8th Grade - The Pythagorean Theorem

Eighth graders are applying the Pythagorean Theorem to find missing side lengths in right triangles.

Students are learning when and how to use the formula and how it applies to real-world situations

such as distance and design. This foundational concept is an important step toward high school

geometry.

6th, 7th , and 8th Grade students need to complete 30 minutes of ZEARN each week.

🗺️ History Department Update

6th grade: Mr. Linsin’s history classes are exploring the events that led to the American Revolution.

8th Grade: This week, students explored the importance of political campaigns, including campaign costs and finance laws. Mr. Bauguess’ classes conducted a mock Civil War project to reinforce state-level government concepts, while Mr. Bradley’s classes analyzed campaign ads and identified strategies candidates have used over the decades. Our Civics department continues to bring real-world examples into the classroom, giving students opportunities for hands-on, engaging learning beyond traditional note-taking. Next week, CE.8 students will dive into the Electoral College. We also wish everyone a restful day off on Monday as we honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

🔬 Science Department Update

6th Grade: Our 6th graders continued their focus on water quality, and water pollution. They discussed various ways they can improve the water quality in their community, and how to help prevent pollution. They also reviewed for their benchmark, and tested this week.

7th Grade: Our 7th grade classes also took their benchmark! They began their genetic engineering unit. This unit covers interesting topics such as cloning, genetically modified foods, and medical applications.

8th Grade: Our 8th grade classes benchmarked as well, and began a new unit on Motion. They will continue this unit next week, and have some fun activities planned!

🎶 The Weekly Beat 🎶

Choir Updates

• This week we began work on Spring repertoire

• 8th Grade started work on their three pieces they will be taking to assessment.

• 6th and 7th grade bargain working on a song they will perform for a Black History Month program in February as well as other music to teach certain skills.

• We closed the week out with Karaoke on Friday!

Band Updates

• Band has settled on our Spring concert theme! Look forward to hearing us work on various fantasy themed pieces featuring castles, trolls, and other mythical creatures!

Special Opportunities

• Tri-M

• Next Regular Meeting January 28 from 4-5pm in Curfman Hall

• Spring Musical

• First Read Through will take place on Tuesday 1/20. All cast and crew are required.

• All cast and crew should join the Spring Musical TeamReach to view the rehearsal schedule and other important info. Parents of cast/crew members are welcomed to join as well! Please see or contact Mr. Snedegar or Ms. Martin if you need the join code.

🎨 Art Department Update

Covington Middle School

Asst. 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