Dear Parents/Guardians:
It is with sincere enthusiasm and great pride that I welcome you to the 2017-18 school year. For parents and guardians whose children are entering our schools for the first time, a special welcome and a heartfelt thank you for the trust that you have placed in us.
As we look forward to the first day of school for students on Wednesday, August 23, I would like to take this opportunity to share information about the upcoming school year. Our Board of Education, teachers, staff and administrators have worked hard throughout the summer to improve outcomes for our students by attending workshops, upgrading schools and planning for the future.
Like many school districts across the state, Covington is now a 100 percent Tobacco Free district. The Board of Education voted in favor of a 100 percent tobacco free schools policy in June. The policy prohibits tobacco use by staff, students and visitors 24 hours a day, seven days a week, inside board owned buildings or vehicles, on school owned property and during school related trips. We believe the youth of Covington are our most precious commodity. We invest many hours and years nurturing them, educating them and protecting them. We help them grow and develop into strong, mature, responsible adults. We also need to protect them from the harmful effects of tobacco use including the influences of adults using tobacco around them.
Students will see other changes as well. Some buildings have been upgraded to include a new entrance and new cafeterias. While other buildings now have solar energy panels to help the schools run more efficiently. To see firsthand the upgraded Holmes High School Stadium, please attend the celebration at 7 p.m., August 24.
This summer, staff attended many workshops, including Safe and Civil Schools – a training that includes a collection of strategies designed to create productive, safe and respectful learning environments. Staff will be implementing some of those strategies during the school year. Administrators and staff this school year also will focus on establishing a new district-wide curriculum. In addition, we will continue some initiatives from last year, such as giving each high school student a laptop to take home and use during the school year.
We are here to serve our students and look forward to working with you and the community to make Covington Independent Public Schools a successful school district. For all the great news and events of our district, please like Covington Independent Public Schools on Facebook, visit our website, www.covington.kyschools.us and follow us on Twitter, @covkyschools.
I look forward to a great school year.
Alvin Garrison, Superintendent
Covington Independent Public Schools