Dear Families,
Welcome to the 2025–2026 School Year!
The first day of school for K-12 students is Monday, August 25, and for preschool students is Tuesday, September 2. As we begin a new school year, we want to ensure that all families are informed about important updates regarding state and federal laws, district policies, and communication procedures. Please take a few moments to review the information below. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact your school. We look forward to a successful and collaborative year ahead!
Traceable Communication – Senate Bill 181
In compliance with Senate Bill 181 and KRS 160.145, the Covington Board of Education has adopted approved communication systems to ensure that all electronic interactions between school staff/volunteers and students are traceable, secure, and monitored.
Approved Platforms for the 2025–2026 School Year:
· Rooms by Apptegy (new this year)
· Microsoft Outlook (using @covington.kyschools.us email accounts)
· Infinite Campus
· Google Classroom
Rooms by Apptegy is a new and secure platform that centralizes all communication in one place. Like Class DoJo, TalkingPoints, text messages and other platforms, it allows teachers/staff members to communicate directly with parents/students, however, every message is time-stamped, archived, and accessible by authorized school personnel. This system will help protect both students and staff by maintaining transparency and accountability. Rooms by Apptegy is available through the new district app that provides general updates and event information. While the app is available to all community members, access to Rooms is limited to current families and school personnel. Families will receive invitations at the beginning of the school year with login credentials to access Rooms.
Please note:
· All communication with students must occur through district-approved platforms.
· Staff and volunteers are prohibited from using personal devices or platforms (such as text messaging, private emails, or social media) to interact with students.
· A parental consent waiver form is required for communication outside approved platforms, and this consent may be withdrawn at any time.
· Any unauthorized communication must be reported by school employees to the building principal, who will notify district leadership and the Kentucky Department of Education as required by law.
For more information, please visit the traceable communication section of our website.
Moment of Silence – House Bill 96
As part of new legislation passed during the 2025 Kentucky General Assembly, all schools are now required to observe a moment of silence or reflection at the start of each school day.
Key Guidelines:
· The moment will last at least one minute and no longer than two minutes.
· Students must remain seated and silent, without distracting others.
o During this time, students may choose to pray, meditate, or engage in another silent, personal activity.
o Students’ choices must not interfere with or distract from others’ use of this time.
· School personnel will not instruct or guide students on how to use this time.
We encourage you to speak with your child about how they may want to use this time for reflection each morning.
Thank you for your continued support and partnership. We are excited to work together to make the 2025–2026 school year one of growth, safety, and success for every student.
Sincerely, Alvin L. Garrison, Superintendent
Covington Independent Public Schools