FCPS

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Well Wishes for Principal Barrow

Principal Barrow’s last day with us at Cooper is TOMORROW - Friday, January 17, 2025. We will miss her terribly, but we know she’ll be a welcome addition to the team at Glasgow Middle School.

For families who would like to express thanks, memories, or general warm wishes, the PTO has set up a “Kudoboard,” which is a virtual corkboard where you can “pin” your messages. We’ll give Mrs. Barrow the link to her Kudoboard on her last day.

Kudoboard link: https://www.kudoboard.com/boards/K53JpTt1

Kudoboard QR Code:

Cooper Principal Selection Process

Interested in the principal selection process but weren’t able to make the meeting last night? You can view the recording here:

https://myfcpsk12.zoom.us/rec/share/9C4Z2IrvzKJtu6SLzcY2q1zduSe3dSLn5GAV1MgCngaUMzgQ6_ibH2DBTstWZoWk.n2BrnZ7WGYrvbW9w

A few key takeaways:

• An advisory panel will interview candidates on Friday, January 31, 2025. The advisory panel will be comprised of three staff representatives and three parent (or community) representatives from the Cooper community.
• Those interested in serving as a panelist must submit their information by close of business on Tuesday, January 21, 2025 using this link: Principal Input and Advisory Panel Interest or the QR code below.
• Those who would like to provide input to help guide principal selection should also use this form: Principal Input and Advisory Panel Interest.
• The Region 1 Leadership Team will review all submissions and select staff and community members to serve as either panelists or alternates for these interviews. The Department of Human Resources will contact selected panelists. Please submit by Tuesday, January 21, 2025.

QR Code for Principal Input and Advisory Panel Interest:

Cooper's Skate Night - TOMORROW Friday, January 17, 2025, from 7:30 – 9:30 pm

Cooper Skate Night at SkateQuest! Strap on your ice skates and hang out with friends for a fun night of gliding (or falling!) on the ice. Tickets are available for $12 on MySchoolBucks.  Price increase to $13, if you purchase at the door. 

Spelling Bee – Last Day to Sign Up TOMORROW: Friday, January 17.

The PTO is proud to partner with Cooper to bring back the Scripps Spelling Bee. Sign up now! Signup deadline is tomorrow, January 17, 2025.  

Use this link:  https://forms.gle/TmSorNiBwnsE2tQN7  Once you sign up, you will receive an email with the vocabulary list to study.  You can also use an app called the “Word Club” – it’s free to download and contains all the words students need to know to compete in a fun, game format.

Spelling Bee: Thursday, February 27, 2025 at 2:30 pm in the Cooper Middle School Lecture Hall.

Women in STEM Essay Contest – Deadline February 10

The McLean Area Branch of AAUW (American Association of University Women) invites 7th and 8th girls and boys to discover and publicize women including women of color (non-white) who made a difference in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) fields, but who received little or no recognition for their contributions while they were alive. Strong preference is given to essays about women who are not well known even today.

Essays should be no more than 500 words to describe one woman's contribution to STEM, discuss the impact, and clearly state why he or she picked that woman. We will award five prizes: First Place ($100) and four Honorable Mention prizes (each $25).

For more information and to find application forms, visit the AAUW website here: https://mclean-va.aauw.net/stem-essay-contest-2025-copy/

Family Support Resources from FCPS Family Support Resources 

The Family Resource Center offers a variety of free webinars to help children and families succeed.  Speakers are invited from academic fields and from within FCPS experts.  Check out the link for sign up and more details. Recorded meetings can be sent to registered participants. 

https://www.fcps.edu/services/families-and-caregivers/family-resource-center/free-webinars-and-family-events

1/17     A Series on Supporting Your Child’s Executive Function Skills

1/24    Depression in Teens

2/7     Understand Executive Function Milestones, Challenges & Implement                Effective Strategies at Home for Children in Upper Elementary (3-6)

2/14   Comprendiendo el Trama en su Hijo (in Spanish)

2/18   FCPS Risk Prevention Series: Part 1 Risk Prevention

2/21    Nurturing Adolescent Growth: Part 4 – Supporting Mental Health:                      Recognizing and Addressing Anxiety and Depression in Teens

2/22   SibShops (for children grades 2-6)

2/25   FCPS Risk Prevention Series: Suicide Prevention – Supporting Your                 Child

 

“From Caregiver to Breadwinner: Empowering Underserved Women with the Skills to Move into the Technology Workforce” at Marymount University’s Center for the Innovative Workforce is a no-cost 12-week training program designed to help women gain new skills and find higher-paying, more flexible jobs in Virginia’s technology industry as help-desk technicians. The program focuses on minority populations who are in caregiver roles and is currently recruiting participants for its spring cohort. You can learn more and access the application until 1/31 at https://fromcaregivertobreadwinner.wordpress.com

Please contact our Family Liaison, Ms. Amy Bailey ([email protected]), with any questions. 

Parent Resources on PTO Website

Did you know that you can find additional parent resources and community news/activities on our PTO website?

• Mental health and crisis support links here: https://cooperpto.org/?page_id=7091
• Community News and Activities here: https://cooperpto.org/?page_id=9441

Recently Posted:

Understanding the Adolescent Brain, by Michele Saint Germain, M. Ed.

Check out this slideshow presentation shown during our October 2024 PTO meeting, when Cooper Middle School counselor Michele Saint Germain provided important information for those of us trying to understand what's going on inside the minds of our rapidly changing children. In this slideshow, Ms. Saint Germain shines a light on the inner workings of our children's social, academic, physical and emotional development and examines the many contradictions that appear in this growth stage. She also suggests ways to cope with and process our own shifting role as parents.

Volunteer Hours

Churchill Road Elementary – Bingo Night February 7, 2025

The CRES PTA invites Cooper students to earn volunteer hours by helping set up tables and clean up after the event. Sign up here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0E4EAAAB28A4F5C34-54429022-crspta#/

Community News Langley High School Girls Basketball Youth Night

Cheer on the Langley Varsity Girls Basketball Team and be part of the fun. There will be free admission to all youth who wear a local basketball jersey. Don’t miss out on t-shirt giveaways, half-time games, and concessions.

 When:    Friday, January 24th

                 LHS Gym – Langley vs. Washington-Liberty

                7:30PM – Varsity Game

 *Come support our Freshman (4:30PM) and JV (5:45PM) teams as well!  Prizes and halftime games will only be during the Varsity game.

  The Alden – Youth Production Auditions January 28-29

The Alden will host auditions for their 2025 Youth Production on January 28 and 29, with call backs on January 30. They will cast actors ages 10-16 who live in the MCC tax district.  

Actors must register to audition. For all the details, visit the Alden website: https://mcleancenter.org/events/alden-2025-youth-production-stuart-little/ 

Here’s the link to the audition form.

 

The Arts of Great Falls -- Winter Youth Art Classes

The Arts of Great Falls is located in Great Falls Village Centre next to The Old Brogue and offers fine art classes after school and on weekends for children ages 8-18. For their winter schedule of classes, use this link to their website:  https://bit.ly/YouthClassesW25

Calendar at a Glance:

January 17, 2025:    Principal Barrow last day at Cooper

January 20, 2025:    NO SCHOOL (MLK Day)

January 28, 2025:    End Q2

January 29, 2025:    NO SCHOOL 

February 3, 2025:    Counselor Appreciation Week

February 12, 2025:  PTO Meeting Parent Coffee 9:30 am

February 17, 2025:  NO SCHOOL (Presidents Day School Holiday)

February 21, 2025:  Bus Driver Appreciation Day

February 27, 2025:  Spelling Bee

977 Balls Hill Road, McLean, VA 22101 |  Main Phone: 703.442.5800
Attendance: 703.442.5858 | Student Services: 703.442.5812 | Web | Twitter

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

Calendar Reminders 

Monday, January 20 (Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday) - No school for students/staff

Tuesday, January 28 - 2nd Quarter Ends

Wednesday, January 29 (Teacher Workday) - No school for students

See the complete school year calendar.

Rise Against Hunger

Please reference today's email with more details about Rise Against Hunger. 

To reach our one-millionth meal, the Langley Pyramid needs to raise $34,475 by January 31st. Donations can be accepted online or students can bring cash to the Cooper MS main office collection jar. 

If your company matches contributions, please consider having them join you in making a tax-deductible donation today at Langley Pyramid Rise Against Hunger 2025 and help us Rise Against Hunger.

Sign up here to volunteer for the meal-packing event on February 1st at Colvin Run ES.

Pine Spring ES Thanks You

Our Pine Spring holiday party was a huge success, with over 100 gifts delivered to a lot of happy kindergartners. A huge thanks to all the Cooper families who made this event possible, and spread a lot of holiday joy.

Cooper's Skate Night  Friday, January 17, 2025, from 7:30 – 9:30 pm

Cooper Skate Night at SkateQuest! Strap on your ice skates and hang out with friends for a fun night of gliding (or falling!) on the ice. Tickets are available NOW on MySchoolBucks.

Keep Your Child Warm During Outdoor Activities

We will monitor the weather for low temperatures, wind chill advisories and warnings, and weather advisories which may prevent children from being outside. Make sure your child is dressed appropriately with a warm coat and other cold-weather clothing, so they can comfortably enjoy their time outdoors. See the National Weather Service’s tips on staying safe during cold weather.

Lost and Found

Please encourage your students to check the Lost and Found during their lunch time for any missing items. Items not claimed by Friday, January 17, will be donated.

2025-2026 Course Registration

Throughout the upcoming weeks, more information for rising 7th and rising 8th graders will be added to the Cooper Website and more information for the rising 9th graders will be added to the Langley Website. 

Rising 9th Grade Open House

On Sunday, January 26th, from 2-4pm, Langley High School is hosting an Open House.  Eighth-grade students and their families are invited to attend the information session presented by administrators, tour the building with student ambassadors, and chat with experienced parents and faculty. Interested families should RSVP to Assistant Principal Jim Robertson using this link by January 17th, 2025:

Who: Current 8th-grade students and their families in the Langley Pyramid

What: Langley High School Open House

Where: Langley HS Auditorium, park in the main lot and enter through door #14

When: Sunday, January 26th 2025, 2-4pm

Private School Application Process

If your student is planning to apply to a private school for the 2025-2026 school year, please find the required forms and timelines here.

Please ensure to submit all forms at least 10 school days prior to the application deadline.

Spelling Bee - Deadline to sign up 1/17/25

 

The PTO is proud to partner with Cooper to bring back the Scripps Spelling Bee. Sign up now! Signup deadline is Friday, January 17, 2025.  

Use this link or the QR code below:  https://forms.gle/TmSorNiBwnsE2tQN7  Once you sign up, you will receive an email with the vocabulary list to study.  You can also use an app called the “Word Club” – it’s free to download and contains all the words students need to know to compete in a fun, game format.

Spelling Bee: Thursday, February 27, 2025 at 2:30 pm in the Cooper Middle School Lecture Hall.

FCPS Family Resource Center Opportunities Webinars

The Family Resource Center offers a variety of free webinars to help children and families succeed.  Speakers are invited from academic fields and from within FCPS experts.  Check out the link for sign up and more details. https://www.fcps.edu/services/families-and-caregivers/family-resource-center/free-webinars-and-family-events

1/17      A Series on Supporting Your Child’s Executive Function Skills

1/24      Depression in Teens

2/7       Understand Executive Function Milestones, Challenges & Implement                Effective Strategies at Home for Children in Upper Elementary (3-6)

2/14     Comprendiendo el Trama en su Hijo (in Spanish)

2/18     FCPS Risk Prevention Series: Part 1 Risk Prevention

2/21     Nurturing Adolescent Growth: Part 4 – Supporting Mental Health:                     Recognizing and Addressing Anxiety and Depression in Teens

2/22    SibShops (for children grades 2-6)

2/25    FCPS Risk Prevention Series: Suicide Prevention – Supporting Your                 Child

 

Cohort Opportunity

“From Caregiver to Breadwinner: Empowering Underserved Women with the Skills to Move into the Technology Workforce” at Marymount University’s Center for the Innovative Workforce is a no-cost 12-week training program designed to help women gain new skills and find higher-paying, more flexible jobs in Virginia’s technology industry as help-desk technicians. The program focuses on minority populations who are in caregiver roles and is currently recruiting participants for its spring cohort. You can learn more by reviewing this flier and access the application until January 31st. 

 

Please contact our Family Liaison, Ms. Amy Bailey ([email protected]) with any questions. 

Request for Photos

Attention Parents! We need photos of your students and their Cooper friends for the yearbook. We are specifically looking for photos from last summer, sports, weekends, holidays, first day of school, and students with their families. Please email any photos you would want to see in the yearbook to [email protected] ASAP. THANK YOU!

977 Balls Hill Road, McLean, VA 22101 |  Main Phone: 703.442.5800
Attendance: 703.442.5858 | Student Services: 703.442.5812 | Web | Twitter

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

Well Wishes for Principal Barrow

Principal Barrow’s last day with us at Cooper is Friday, January 17, 2025. We will miss her terribly, but we know she’ll be a welcome addition to the team at Glasgow Elementary School.

To help our families wish her a fond farewell, we’re encouraging students to take advantage of opportunities provided at school over the coming weeks—they’ll get a chance to make cards or small posters during school hours. Of course, they are also welcome to get creative on their own time if they like!

For parents and caregivers who would like to express thanks, memories, or general warm wishes, the PTO has set up a “Kudoboard,” which is a virtual corkboard where you can “pin” your messages. We’ll give Mrs. Barrow the link to her Kudoboard on her last day.

Kudoboard link: https://www.kudoboard.com/boards/K53JpTt1

General Membership Meeting January 15, 2025: Rising 9th Grade Families Q and A

Rising 9th grade families will get a chance to meet and chat with Langley High School Principal Larry Stroud and Director of Student Services Braden Peterson. Following a few brief PTO announcements, Mr. Stroud and Mr. Peterson will speak and then be available to answer any questions you have as you navigate this next stage in your student’s education.

To help us plan ahead and organize our session, please RSVP now, and if you have questions, note them here: https://forms.gle/EdYt4XrWPV2kJmd68

Cooper's Skate Night  Friday, January 17, 2025, from 7:30 – 9:30 pm

Cooper Skate Night at SkateQuest! Strap on your ice skates and hang out with friends for a fun night of gliding (or falling!) on the ice. Tickets are available NOW on MySchoolBucks.

Spelling Bee

Cooper Middle School is excited to bring back the Spelling Bee at the end of February!  (Watch this space for the exact date – to come!)  Sign up now using the following link https://forms.gle/TmSorNiBwnsE2tQN7  Once you sign up, you will receive an email with the vocabulary list to study.  You can also use an app called the “Word Club” – it’s free to download and contains all the words students need to know to compete in a fun, game format.

Family Support Resources from FCPS

The Family Resource Center offers a variety of free webinars to help children and families succeed.  Speakers with various areas of expertise are invited from academic fields and from within FCPS.  Check out the link for sign up and more details.  Recorded meetings can be sent to registered participants. 

https://www.fcps.edu/services/families-and-caregivers/family-resource-center/free-webinars-and-family-events

1/10      Help! My Kids Won’t Go to School

1/17      A Series on Supporting Your Child’s Executive Function Skills

1/24      Depression in Teens

 

“From Caregiver to Breadwinner: Empowering Underserved Women with the Skills to Move into the Technology Workforce” at Marymount University’s Center for the Innovative Workforce is a no-cost 12-week training program designed to help women gain new skills and find higher-paying, more flexible jobs in Virginia’s technology industry as help-desk technicians. The program focuses on minority populations who are in caregiver roles and is currently recruiting participants for its spring cohort. You can learn more and access the application at https://fromcaregivertobreadwinner.wordpress.com

Please contact our Family Liaison, Ms. Amy Bailey ([email protected]), with any questions. 

Parent Resources on PTO Website

Did you know that you can find additional parent resources and community news/activities on our PTO website?

• Mental health and crisis support links here: https://cooperpto.org/?page_id=7091
• Community News and Activities here: https://cooperpto.org/?page_id=9441

 

Recently posted:

Understanding the Adolescent Brain, by Michele Saint Germain, M. Ed.

Check out this slideshow presentation shown during our October 2024 PTO meeting, when Cooper Middle School counselor Michele Saint Germain provided important information for those of us trying to understand what's going on inside the minds of our rapidly changing children. In this slideshow, Ms. Saint Germain shines a light on the inner workings of our children's social, academic, physical and emotional development and examines the many contradictions that appear in this growth stage. She also suggests ways to cope with and process our own shifting role as parents.

Community News The Alden – Youth Production Auditions January 28-29

The Alden will host auditions for their 2025 Youth Production on January 28 and 29, with call backs on January 30. They will cast actors ages 10-16 who live in the MCC tax district.  

Actors must register to audition. For all the details, visit the Alden website: https://mcleancenter.org/events/alden-2025-youth-production-stuart-little/ 

Here’s the link to the audition form.

 

The Arts of Great Falls -- Winter Youth Art Classes

The Arts of Great Falls is located in Great Falls Village Centre next to The Old Brogue and offers fine art classes after school and on weekends for children ages 8-18. For their winter schedule of classes, use this link to their website:  https://bit.ly/YouthClassesW25

Calendar at a Glance:

January 15, 2025:   PTO GMM 9:30

                                 Topic: Langley Transition for rising 9th grade families

                                 Speakers: Principal Lawrence Stroud Director of                                           Student Services Braden Peterson

January 17, 2025:     Principal Barrow last day at Cooper

January 20, 2025:    MLK School holiday

January 28, 2025:    End Q2

January 29, 2025:    NO SCHOOL 

977 Balls Hill Road, McLean, VA 22101 |  Main Phone: 703.442.5800
Attendance: 703.442.5858 | Student Services: 703.442.5812 | Web | Twitter

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

Calendar Reminders 

Monday, January 20 (Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday) - No school for students/staff

Tuesday, January 28 - 2nd Quarter Ends

Wednesday, January 29 (Teacher Workday) - No school for students

See the complete school year calendar.

Happy New Year Cooper Middle School families! 

We hope you enjoyed the unexpected snow days.  As we prepare to get back into our routines, it's a good time to remind everyone of our "Away for the Day" policy. Cell phones, cellular watches, and Airpods must be turned off and stored in student backpacks during the school day. Please also ensure that your child's Chromebook is charged each night so they are ready for learning.

The first semester ends on Tuesday, January 28, so let's work together for a strong finish! Please remind your students of our Cooper Culture expectations for responsible behavior in the building, on the bus, and at bus stops. And remember to keep the snow on the ground!

Cheers to a fantastic 2025!

Keep Your Child Warm During Outdoor Activities

We will monitor the weather for low temperatures, wind chill advisories and warnings, and weather advisories which may prevent children from being outside. Make sure your child is dressed appropriately with a warm coat and other cold-weather clothing, so they can comfortably enjoy their time outdoors. See the National Weather Service’s tips on staying safe during cold weather.

Lost and Found

Please encourage your students to check the Lost and Found during their lunch time for any missing items. Items not claimed by Friday, January 17, will be donated.

2025-2026 Course Registration

Throughout the upcoming weeks, more information for rising 7th and rising 8th graders will be added to the Cooper Website and more information for the rising 9th graders will be added to the Langley Website. 

⏰ Update on Potential Changes to Middle School Start Times

During the December School Board work session, staff from Prismatic Services, Inc., presented options for adjusting start times at FCPS middle schools. As a reminder, Prismatic is charged with developing an action plan to help the School Board reach its goal of starting middle school at or after 8 a.m.

The presentation includes five options for adjusting middle school start times based on the consultant’s analysis from community forums, surveys, and interviews with staff, parents, associations, and other groups. The School Board will provide next steps to the superintendent.

Watch a video of the work session. Visit the Middle School Start Times webpage for more information on the project.

American Mathematics Competitions (AMC) 8

Cooper MS will again host the Mathematical Association of America (MAA) AMC 8 test.  The AMC 8 is a 25-question, 40 minute multiple choice exam in middle school mathematics designed to promote the development of problem solving skills.  Additional information can be found on the MAA website.

This optional competition will be offered after school on Wednesday, January 22nd from 2:30 - 4:00 PM.  Students can be picked up at Cooper at 4 PM, students can take a late bus home at 4:30, or any student that typically is a walker can walk home.  

If your child is interested in taking the AMC 8, please complete this Google Form no later than Monday, January 13th; late registrations will not be accepted. 

Please contact Lisa Walsh ([email protected])  with any questions.

Rising 9th Grade Open House

On Sunday, January 26th, from 2-4pm, Langley High School is hosting an Open House.  Eighth-grade students and their families are invited to attend the information session presented by administrators, tour the building with student ambassadors, and chat with experienced parents and faculty. Interested families should RSVP to Assistant Principal Jim Robertson using this link by January 10th, 2025:

Who: Current 8th-grade students and their families in the Langley Pyramid

What: Langley High School Open House

Where: Langley HS Auditorium, park in the main lot and enter through door #14

When: Sunday, January 26th 2025, 2-4pm

Private School Application Process

If your student is planning to apply to a private school for the 2025-2026 school year, please find the required forms and timelines here.

Please ensure to submit all forms at least 10 school days prior to the application deadline.

Spelling Bee

 

Cooper Middle School is excited to bring back the Spelling Bee at the end of February!  Sign up now using the following link https://forms.gle/TmSorNiBwnsE2tQN7  Students who sign up will be emailed the vocabulary list to study.  Thank you to the PTO for sponsoring this event.  There is also an app called the “Word Club” that is free to download which contains all the words students need to know to compete in a fun, game format.

FCPS Family Resource Center Opportunities Webinars

The Family Resource Center offers a variety of free webinars to help children and families succeed.  Speakers are invited from academic fields and from within FCPS experts.  Check out the link for sign up and more details. https://www.fcps.edu/services/families-and-caregivers/family-resource-center/free-webinars-and-family-events

1/10      Help! My Kids Won’t Go to School

1/17      A Series on Supporting Your Child’s Executive Function Skills

1/24      Depression in Teens

 

Cohort Opportunity

“From Caregiver to Breadwinner: Empowering Underserved Women with the Skills to Move into the Technology Workforce” at Marymount University’s Center for the Innovative Workforce is a no-cost 12-week training program designed to help women gain new skills and find higher-paying, more flexible jobs in Virginia’s technology industry as help-desk technicians. The program focuses on minority populations who are in caregiver roles and is currently recruiting participants for its spring cohort. You can learn more by reviewing this flier and access the application at https://fromcaregivertobreadwinner.wordpress.com

 

Please contact our Family Liaison, Ms. Amy Bailey ([email protected]) with any questions. 

Request for Photos

Attention Parents! We need photos of your students and their Cooper friends for the yearbook. We are specifically looking for photos from last summer, sports, weekends, holidays, first day of school, and students with their families. Please email any photos you would want to see in the yearbook to [email protected] ASAP. THANK YOU!

977 Balls Hill Road, McLean, VA 22101 |  Main Phone: 703.442.5800
Attendance: 703.442.5858 | Student Services: 703.442.5812 | Web | Twitter

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

Winter Break Starts Friday

The PTO would like to wish everyone in our Cooper community a warm and peaceful winter break and happy holidays.

Chili Potluck Thanks

Thanks to the many parents who contributed delicious food, time, and energy to create a festive chili lunch for our teachers and staff. It was a wonderful afternoon, and we are grateful to you all for making it possible to show our thanks and appreciation.

General Membership Meeting January 15, 2025: Rising 9th Grade Families Q and A

It’s hard to believe nearly half the school year is finished … and our 8th graders will be signing up for their freshman year at Langley soon after we get back to school in 2025.

Got questions? (LOTS of questions?) No worries. We’ve got people who can answer those questions. Please join us on January 15, 2025 when we welcome Langley High School Principal Larry Stroud and Director of Student Services Braden Peterson. They’ll each make a brief presentation and be available to help you navigate this next stage in your student’s education.

To help us plan ahead and organize our session, please RSVP now, and if you have questions, note them here: https://forms.gle/EdYt4XrWPV2kJmd68

Cooper's Skate Night  Friday, January 17, 2025, from 7:30 – 9:30 pm

Something to look forward to when school starts up again next month … Cooper Skate Night at SkateQuest! Strap on your ice skates and hang out with friends for a fun night of gliding (or falling!) on the ice. Tickets are available NOW on MySchoolBucks.

Family Support Resources from FCPS

The Family Resource Center offers a variety of free webinars to help children and families succeed.  Speakers with various areas of expertise are invited from academic fields and from within FCPS.  Check out the link for sign up and more details.  Recorded meetings can be sent to registered participants. 

https://www.fcps.edu/services/families-and-caregivers/family-resource-center/free-webinars-and-family-events

12/20   Youth Mental Health First Aid for Families

1/10      Help! My Kids Won’t Go to School

1/17      A Series on Supporting Your Child’s Executive Function Skills

1/24      Depression in Teens

 

 

“From Caregiver to Breadwinner: Empowering Underserved Women with the Skills to Move into the Technology Workforce” at Marymount University’s Center for the Innovative Workforce is a no-cost 12-week training program designed to help women gain new skills and find higher-paying, more flexible jobs in Virginia’s technology industry as help-desk technicians. The program focuses on minority populations who are in caregiver roles and is currently recruiting participants for its spring cohort. You can learn more and access the application at https://fromcaregivertobreadwinner.wordpress.com

Please contact our Family Liaison, Ms. Amy Bailey ([email protected]), with any questions. 

Parent Resources on PTO Website

Did you know that you can find additional parent resources and community news/activities on our PTO website?

• Mental health and crisis support links here: https://cooperpto.org/?page_id=7091
• Community News and Activities here: https://cooperpto.org/?page_id=9441

 

Recently posted:

Understanding the Adolescent Brain, by Michele Saint Germain, M. Ed.

Check out this slideshow presentation shown during our October 2024 PTO meeting, when Cooper Middle School counselor Michele Saint Germain provided important information for those of us trying to understand what's going on inside the minds of our rapidly changing children. In this slideshow, Ms. Saint Germain shines a light on the inner workings of our children's social, academic, physical and emotional development and examines the many contradictions that appear in this growth stage. She also suggests ways to cope with and process our own shifting role as parents.

Community News Langley High School Boys Basketball Youth Night

Cheer on the Langley Varsity Boys Basketball Team and be part of the fun. There will be free admission to all youth who wear a local basketball jersey. Don’t miss out on t-shirt giveaways, half-time games, and concessions. We will be raffling off a free week of LHS basketball summer camp.

 

When:    Wednesday, January 8th

                 LHS Gym – Langley vs. Washington-Liberty

                7:30PM – Varsity Game

 

*Come support our Freshman (4:30PM) and JV (5:45PM) teams as well!  Prizes and halftime games will only be during the Varsity game.

 

The Alden – Youth Production Auditions January 28-29

The Alden will host auditions for their 2025 Youth Production on January 28 and 29, with call backs on January 30. They will cast actors ages 10-16 who live in the MCC tax district.  

Actors must register to audition. For all the details, visit the Alden website: https://mcleancenter.org/events/alden-2025-youth-production-stuart-little/ 

Here’s the link to the audition form.

 

The Arts of Great Falls -- Winter Youth Art Classes

The Arts of Great Falls is located in Great Falls Village Centre next to The Old Brogue and offers fine art classes after school and on weekends for children ages 8-18. For their winter schedule of classes, use this link to their website:  https://bit.ly/YouthClassesW25

Calendar at a Glance:

December 23, 2024 – January 3, 2025: Winter Break

January 15, 2025:   PTO GMM 9:30

                                 Topic: Langley Transition for rising 9th grade families

                                 Speakers: Principal Lawrence Stroud Director of                                           Student Services Braden Peterson

January 20, 2025:    MLK School holiday

January 28, 2025:    End Q2

January 29, 2025:    NO SCHOOL 

977 Balls Hill Road, McLean, VA 22101 |  Main Phone: 703.442.5800
Attendance: 703.442.5858 | Student Services: 703.442.5812 | Web | Twitter

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

Calendar Reminders 

Monday, December 23 - Friday, January 3 (Winter Break) - No school for students/staff

Monday, January 20 (Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday) - No school for students/staff

Tuesday, January 28 - 2nd Quarter Ends

Wednesday, January 29 (Teacher Workday) - No school for students

See the complete school year calendar.

Keep Your Child Warm During Outdoor Activities

We will monitor the weather for low temperatures, wind chill advisories and warnings, and weather advisories which may prevent children from being outside. Make sure your child is dressed appropriately with a warm coat and other cold-weather clothing, so they can comfortably enjoy their time outdoors. See the National Weather Service’s tips on staying safe during cold weather.

⏰ Update on Potential Changes to Middle School Start Times

At Tuesday’s School Board work session, staff from Prismatic Services, Inc., presented options for adjusting start times at FCPS middle schools. As a reminder, Prismatic is charged with developing an action plan to help the School Board reach its goal of starting middle school at or after 8 a.m.

The presentation includes five options for adjusting middle school start times based on the consultant’s analysis from community forums, surveys, and interviews with staff, parents, associations, and other groups. The School Board will provide next steps to the superintendent.

Watch a video of the work session. Visit the Middle School Start Times webpage for more information on the project.

Boundary Meetings

Boundary Review Community Meeting

Community meetings regarding FCPS’ comprehensive boundary review will take place in each of the division's six regions. You are encouraged to attend the meeting in our region, which will take place today, Wednesday, December 18, 6:30-8 p.m., at Madison High School (Cafeteria). If you are unable to attend on this date, please view the full list of meetings on the Comprehensive School Boundary Review webpage.

Please register in advance by clicking on the date. Language interpretation will be available. 

American Mathematics Competitions (AMC) 8

Cooper MS will again host the Mathematical Association of America (MAA) AMC 8 test.  The AMC 8 is a 25-question, 40 minute multiple choice exam in middle school mathematics designed to promote the development of problem solving skills.  Additional information can be found on the MAA website.

This optional competition will be offered after school on Wednesday, January 22nd from 2:30 - 4:00 PM.  Students can be picked up at Cooper at 4 PM, students can take a late bus home at 4:30, or any student that typically is a walker can walk home.  

If your child is interested in taking the AMC 8, please complete this Google Form no later than Monday, January 13th; late registrations will not be accepted. 

Please contact Lisa Walsh ([email protected])  with any questions.

Office of Student Testing

Fall Student Testing Results - Available in SIS ParentVUE

Each fall, FCPS students take part in screening assessments for reading and mathematics to identify strengths and areas for support. Score reports for families are posted in ParentVUE in the “Documents” section, generally about one month after testing has been completed.

• iReady reports in grades 1-8 are available in ParentVUE now. 
• Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) Growth reports for grades 6-12 will be available by Friday, December 13, following an extension to the fall testing window. 

Visit FCPS’ website for additional information about student tests at each grade level, including what each test is for and when each test takes place. Caregivers may follow up with their children’s teachers for more information about how they use test results to support student success.

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener Results

Students in grades 3-12 took the SEL Screener during the month of October, providing information on their SEL skills like achieving goals, understanding and managing emotions, establishing and maintaining relationships, and making responsible decisions. The screener also asks students how well their school community makes them feel valued, included, and supported.

Individual student SEL Screener results are now available to families in the Documents section of SIS ParentVUE. For families who do not have an active ParentVUE account, results will be sent via postal mail.

For support in understanding your individual student’s results or for ideas on how to support them at home, please review the Family Guide or reach out to our school staff with any questions.

Rising 9th Grade Open House

On Sunday, January 26th, from 2-4pm, Langley High School is hosting an Open House.  Eighth-grade students and their families are invited to attend the information session presented by administrators, tour the building with student ambassadors, and chat with experienced parents and faculty. Interested families should RSVP to Assistant Principal Jim Robertson using this link by January 10th, 2025:

Who: Current 8th-grade students and their families in the Langley Pyramid

What: Langley High School Open House

Where: Langley HS Auditorium, park in the main lot and enter through door #14

When: Sunday, January 26th 2025, 2-4pm

Private School Application Process

If your student is planning to apply to a private school for the 2025-2026 school year, please find the required forms and timelines here.

Please ensure to submit all forms at least 10 school days prior to the application deadline.

FCPS Family Resource Center Opportunities Webinars

The Family Resource Center offers a variety of free webinars to help children and families succeed.  Speakers are invited from academic fields and from within FCPS experts.  Check out the link for sign up and more details. https://www.fcps.edu/services/families-and-caregivers/family-resource-center/free-webinars-and-family-events

12/20  Youth Mental Health First Aid for Families

1/10      Help! My Kids Won’t Go to School

1/17      A Series on Supporting Your Child’s Executive Function Skills

1/24      Depression in Teens

 

Cohort Opportunity

“From Caregiver to Breadwinner: Empowering Underserved Women with the Skills to Move into the Technology Workforce” at Marymount University’s Center for the Innovative Workforce is a no-cost 12-week training program designed to help women gain new skills and find higher-paying, more flexible jobs in Virginia’s technology industry as help-desk technicians. The program focuses on minority populations who are in caregiver roles and is currently recruiting participants for its spring cohort. You can learn more by reviewing this flier and access the application at https://fromcaregivertobreadwinner.wordpress.com

 

Please contact our Family Liaison, Ms. Amy Bailey ([email protected]) with any questions. 

Student Celebrations Yearbook

The Cooper MS yearbook, Pathfinder, earned a finalist position for the Columbia Scholastic Press Association (CSPA) Awards.  Crown Awards are the highest recognition given by the Columbia Scholastic Press Association to a student print or digital medium for overall excellence. Finalists will be awarded either a Silver or Gold Crown at the CSPA 101st Annual Spring Convention on March 21, 2025, on the Columbia University campus in New York City.   Additional information about his recognition can be found here.

Congratulations to Ms. Bovenzi and her yearbook team for achieving this honor.

Cooper Quiz Bowl

Cooper QB pulled off another win at the Katherine Johnson MS Invitational in Fairfax, VA on 12/14. Cooper A (Ian C., Andrew D., Richard D.) went 8-0 and won the tournament. Cooper C (Sohum D., A.J. G., Dhruv R., Mihir J.) placed 5th, Cooper B (Sophie J., Oliver Y., Ananda A., Keshavan N.) placed 9th out of a field of 24 local schools.  Individually Sohum and Andrew medaled with 4th and 5th finish respectively.  Congratulations to the team!

Model UN

Cooper's Model UN team scooped up an impressive number of awards at the GW conference:

Verbal Commendations went to Mark T., Ahaana S.R., Andrew L., Nader T., Tyler P. and Arya I.  Honorable Mention went to Bella W. and Benjamin M. and Outstanding Delegate went to Ezgi G.

Congratulations to our award winners and everyone on the team that did an amazing job!  Please view our website for a few pictures. 

Request for Photos

Attention Parents! We need photos of your students and their Cooper friends for the yearbook. We are specifically looking for photos from last summer, sports, weekends, holidays, first day of school, and students with their families. Please email any photos you would want to see in the yearbook to [email protected] ASAP. THANK YOU!

977 Balls Hill Road, McLean, VA 22101 |  Main Phone: 703.442.5800
Attendance: 703.442.5858 | Student Services: 703.442.5812 | Web | Twitter

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

Chili Potluck – TOMORROW - December 13 – Contributions Needed

Looking to show some teacher appreciation? We are still in need of veggie chili and turkey or chicken chili, so if you’re able to contribute, we would truly be grateful! Please check out our signup list below to see if you can help us offer our teachers and staff a wonderful lunch.  

The potluck is TOMORROW: December 13.

Here’s our link to sign up to contribute—and thank you so much in advance!

Potluck Donation Dropoff Information:

Non-perishable items: please drop off in the main office any time Thursday, December 12, 2024.

Perishable items: please drop off in the main office no later than 9:30 am.

PLEASE: label all non-disposable, personal items. All personal items will be available for pickup in the main office the following week: Monday December 16 – Friday December 20, 2024.

Cooper Book Fair Ends Friday

We still have room for parent volunteers: please use this link to sign up—come help spread the love of reading! https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0B44ACAA2EA6FE3-53074726-2024#/

Winter Spirit Week

Time to bust out the ugly holiday sweaters! Spirit week means students will get to take a break from the usual sweatpants and hoodies gear. Check out the fun spirit wear calendar here:

Monday, December 16: Pajama Day

Tuesday, December 17: Twin Tuesday

Wednesday, December 18: Ugly Sweater Day

Thursday, December 19: Winter Gear Day

Friday, December 20: Student/Teacher Swap

General Membership Meeting January 15, 2025: Rising 9th Grade Families Q and A

It’s hard to believe nearly half the year is finished … and our 8th graders will be signing up for their freshman year at Langley soon after we get back to school in 2025.

Got questions? (LOTS of questions?) No worries. We’ve got people who can answer those questions. Please join us on January 15, 2025 when we welcome Langley High School Principal, Larry Stroud and Director of Student Services, Braden Peterson. They’ll each make a brief presentation and be available to help you navigate this next stage in your student’s education.

To help us plan ahead and organize our session, please RSVP now, and if you have questions, note them here: https://forms.gle/EdYt4XrWPV2kJmd68

DiverseARTLangley – Calling All Cooper Artists

DiverseARTLangley is an annual art exhibition sponsored by the Langley High School PTSA and our PTO. We welcome ALL students to submit art that speaks in some way to the following driving question: Investigating Normal: What does it mean to be “normal?” What do you wish was “normal?” What does “normal” look like?

Art Exhibition is on February 11, 2025 in the Main Hall at Langley High School. Details to follow.

Family Support Resources from FCPS

The Family Resource Center offers a variety of free webinars to help children and families succeed.  Speakers with various areas of expertise are invited from academic fields and from within FCPS.  Check out the link for sign up and more details.  Recorded meetings can be sent to registered participants. 

https://www.fcps.edu/services/families-and-caregivers/family-resource-center/free-webinars-and-family-events

12/13   Protecting Kids Against Digital Exploitation: Keeping Kids Safe Online

12/20   Youth Mental Health First Aid for Families

1/10      Help! My Kids Won’t Go to School

1/17      A Series on Supporting Your Child’s Executive Function Skills

1/24      Depression in Teens

Please contact our Family Liaison, Ms. Amy Bailey ([email protected]), with any questions. 

FCPS Office of Family & School Partnerships

FCPS is offering a 10-week course designed to empower families and transform teens in Arabic. In taking this course, you will walk away with tools to learn (1) how to build a positive relationship with their child, (2) ways to prevent or intervene in alcohol and drug use, disruptive behavior at home and gang affiliation, and (3) ways to explore concrete solutions for active supervision. Classes are free, once a week and 2 hours each class.  Please sign up using this link OR the QR code on this flier.  The translated document can be found here on the 2nd page.

Parent Resources on PTO Website

Did you know that you can find additional parent resources and community news/activities on our PTO website?

• Mental health and crisis support links here: https://cooperpto.org/?page_id=7091
• Community News and Activities here: https://cooperpto.org/?page_id=9441

 

Recently posted:

Understanding the Adolescent Brain, by Michele Saint Germain, M. Ed.

Check out this slideshow presentation shown during our October 2024 PTO meeting, when Cooper Middle School counselor Michele Saint Germain provided important information for those of us trying to understand what's going on inside the minds of our rapidly changing children. In this slideshow, Ms. Saint Germain shines a light on the inner workings of our children's social, academic, physical and emotional development and examines the many contradictions that appear in this growth stage. She also suggests ways to cope with and process our own shifting role as parents.

Community News FREE Robotics Workshop – December 14th at Langley High School

Check out the QR code in the flyer below for more information.

  The Unruly Theatre Project – Auditions December 17

We are a professional teen improv group sponsored by the McLean Community Center, and we are holding auditions for the 2024-25 company on December 17. Auditions are open to all students in grades 8-11. Rehearsals are twice a week, with (paid!) performances throughout the year. 

Here’s a link to our website: https://mcleancenter.org/the-unruly-theatre-project/ 

Students can register to audition here: (the) Unruly Theatre Project Mid-Year Auditions Survey (surveymonkey.com)

Questions? Contact Cayla Hall: [email protected]

 

The Alden – Youth Production Auditions January 28-29

The Alden will host auditions for their 2025 Youth Production on January 28 and 29, with call backs on January 30. They will cast actors ages 10-16 who live in the MCC tax district.  

Actors must register to audition. For all the details, visit the Alden website: https://mcleancenter.org/events/alden-2025-youth-production-stuart-little/ 

Here’s the link to the audition form.

 

The Arts of Great Falls -- Winter Youth Art Classes

The Arts of Great Falls is located in Great Falls Village Centre next to The Old Brogue and offers fine art classes after school and on weekends for children ages 8-18. For their winter schedule of classes, use this link to their website:  https://bit.ly/YouthClassesW25

Calendar at a Glance:

12/4-13      Book Fair

12/13         PTO Staff Appreciation Event – Potluck Chili Luncheon

12/23-1/3   Winter Break

977 Balls Hill Road, McLean, VA 22101 |  Main Phone: 703.442.5800
Attendance: 703.442.5858 | Student Services: 703.442.5812 | Web | Twitter

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

Calendar Reminders 

Monday, December 23 - Friday, January 3 (Winter Break) - No school for students/staff

Monday, January 20 (Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday) - No school for students/staff

Tuesday, January 28 - 2nd Quarter Ends

Wednesday, January 29 (Teacher Workday) - No school for students

See the complete school year calendar.

⏰ Update on Potential Changes to Middle School Start Times

At Tuesday’s School Board work session, staff from Prismatic Services, Inc., presented options for adjusting start times at FCPS middle schools. As a reminder, Prismatic is charged with developing an action plan to help the School Board reach its goal of starting middle school at or after 8 a.m.

The presentation includes five options for adjusting middle school start times based on the consultant’s analysis from community forums, surveys, and interviews with staff, parents, associations, and other groups. The School Board will provide next steps to the superintendent.

Watch a video of the work session. Visit the Middle School Start Times webpage for more information on the project.

Boundary Meetings

Boundary Review Community Meeting

Community meetings regarding FCPS’ comprehensive boundary review will take place in each of the division's six regions. You are encouraged to attend the meeting in our region, which will take place on Wednesday, December 18, 6:30-8 p.m., at Madison High School (Cafeteria). If you are unable to attend on this date, please view the full list of meetings on the Comprehensive School Boundary Review webpage.

Please register in advance by clicking on the date. Language interpretation will be available. 

American Mathematics Competitions (AMC) 8

Cooper MS will again host the Mathematical Association of America (MAA) AMC 8 test.  The AMC 8 is a 25-question, 40 minute multiple choice exam in middle school mathematics designed to promote the development of problem solving skills.  Additional information can be found on the MAA website.

This optional competition will be offered after school on Wednesday, January 22nd from 2:30 - 4:00 PM.  Students can be picked up at Cooper at 4 PM, students can take a late bus home at 4:30, or any student that typically is a walker can walk home.  

If your child is interested in taking the AMC 8, please complete this Google Form no later than Monday, January 13th; late registrations will not be accepted. 

Please contact Lisa Walsh ([email protected])  with any questions.

American Mathematics Competitions (AMC) 8

Cooper MS will again host the Mathematical Association of America (MAA) AMC 8 test.  The AMC 8 is a 25-question, 40 minute multiple choice exam in middle school mathematics designed to promote the development of problem solving skills.  Additional information can be found on the MAA website.

This optional competition will be offered after school on Wednesday, January 22nd from 2:30 - 4:00 PM.  Students can be picked up at Cooper at 4 PM, students can take a late bus home at 4:30, or any student that typically is a walker can walk home.  

If your child is interested in taking the AMC 8, please complete this Google Form no later than Monday, January 13th; late registrations will not be accepted. 

Please contact Lisa Walsh ([email protected])  with any questions.

AAP Referrals

Parents/guardians of students in Grades 2-7 who would like their student to be considered for Full-Time advanced academic programs may submit the AAP Full-Time Referral Form to Sarah Reeser ([email protected]) no later than December 15, 2024. 

 

The window for families to submit a referral for Full-Time AAP services is the first day of school through December 15, annually.  Forms for Full-Time and part-time referrals are available on the AAP Forms Page. No late referrals for Full-Time AAP services will be accepted. 

 

Submitting a referral form for Full-Time AAP will initiate a process that begins at the local school and is then completed at the central office level. Our school will put together a portfolio that includes multiple data which are considered holistically. At the central office level, a committee of six trained professionals from various schools and roles will review the portfolio materials to determine eligibility for Full-Time placement.  Eligibility decisions are communicated by early April. Parents may request a copy of the portfolio that was submitted after they have been turned in for central selection by emailing Sarah Reeser ([email protected])

For more information, please visit the Advanced Academic Programs website.

Office of Student Testing

Fall Student Testing Results - Available in SIS ParentVUE

Each fall, FCPS students take part in screening assessments for reading and mathematics to identify strengths and areas for support. Score reports for families are posted in ParentVUE in the “Documents” section, generally about one month after testing has been completed.

• iReady reports in grades 1-8 are available in ParentVUE now. 
• Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) Growth reports for grades 6-12 will be available by Friday, December 13, following an extension to the fall testing window. 

Visit FCPS’ website for additional information about student tests at each grade level, including what each test is for and when each test takes place. Caregivers may follow up with their children’s teachers for more information about how they use test results to support student success.

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener Results

Students in grades 3-12 took the SEL Screener during the month of October, providing information on their SEL skills like achieving goals, understanding and managing emotions, establishing and maintaining relationships, and making responsible decisions. The screener also asks students how well their school community makes them feel valued, included, and supported.

Individual student SEL Screener results are now available to families in the Documents section of SIS ParentVUE. For families who do not have an active ParentVUE account, results will be sent via postal mail.

For support in understanding your individual student’s results or for ideas on how to support them at home, please review the Family Guide or reach out to our school staff with any questions.

PTO Spiritwear Pop-Up Shop at the Bookfair

The PTO will have a pop-up shop at the bookfair for one day only. They have warm winter hoodies, beanies, and socks to help students show their Cooper flair even when it’s cold outside. These also make great gifts for siblings who are up and coming Cooper students! The popup shop will be available only one day this week: TOMORROW: THURSDAY, December 12. Cash only—bring enough for your books, candy canes, and Cooper swag.

 

Students can visit the book fair, during designated times, through Friday, December 13.

Rising 9th Grade Open House

On Sunday, January 26th, from 2-4pm, Langley High School is hosting an Open House.  Eighth-grade students and their families are invited to attend the information session presented by administrators, tour the building with student ambassadors, and chat with experienced parents and faculty. Interested families should RSVP to Assistant Principal Jim Robertson using this link by January 10th, 2025:

Who: Current 8th-grade students and their families in the Langley Pyramid

What: Langley High School Open House

Where: Langley HS Auditorium, park in the main lot and enter through door #14

When: Sunday, January 26th 2025, 2-4pm

Private School Application Process

If your student is planning to apply to a private school for the 2025-2026 school year, please find the required forms and timelines here.

Please ensure to submit all forms at least 10 school days prior to the application deadline.

FCPS Family Resource Center Opportunities Webinars

The Family Resource Center offers a variety of free webinars to help children and families succeed.  Speakers are invited from academic fields and from within FCPS experts.  Check out the link for sign up and more details. https://www.fcps.edu/services/families-and-caregivers/family-resource-center/free-webinars-and-family-events

12/13  Protecting Kids Against Digital Exploitation: Keeping Kids Safe Online

12/20  Youth Mental Health First Aid for Families

1/10      Help! My Kids Won’t Go to School

1/17      A Series on Supporting Your Child’s Executive Function Skills

1/24      Depression in Teens

 

Cohort Opportunity

“From Caregiver to Breadwinner: Empowering Underserved Women with the Skills to Move into the Technology Workforce” at Marymount University’s Center for the Innovative Workforce is a no-cost 12-week training program designed to help women gain new skills and find higher-paying, more flexible jobs in Virginia’s technology industry as help-desk technicians. The program focuses on minority populations who are in caregiver roles and is currently recruiting participants for its spring cohort. You can learn more by reviewing this flier and access the application at https://fromcaregivertobreadwinner.wordpress.com

 

Please contact our Family Liaison, Ms. Amy Bailey ([email protected]) with any questions. 

Student Celebrations Quiz Bowl

The National Academic Quiz Tournament (NAQT), the organization that hosts the quiz bowl nationals, featured Cooper MS A Team as NAQT Middle School Team of the Week, due to our great performance in recent tournaments. Cooper A is currently ranked at 4th place nationally, Cooper B 29th place!  Congratulations to our Quiz Bowl team.

Chess Club

Congratulations to Zohran V., Andrew D., and Bryan T. on the Cooper MS Chess Club for their 7th place finish in the 2024 National K-12 Grades Championship by the US Chess Federation.

  Model UN

Cooper's Model UN team scooped up an impressive number of awards at the GW conference this past weekend:

Verbal Commendations went to Mark T., Ahaana S.R., Andrew L., Nader T., Tyler P. and Arya I.  Honorable Mention went to Bella W. and Benjamin M. and Outstanding Delegate went to Ezgi G.

Congratulations to our award winners and everyone on the team that did an amazing job!

  Model UN

Cooper's Model UN team scooped up an impressive number of awards at the GW conference this past weekend:

Verbal Commendations went to Mark T., Ahaana S.R., Andrew L., Nader T., Tyler P. and Arya I.  Honorable Mention went to Bella W. and Benjamin M. and Outstanding Delegate went to Ezgi G.

Congratulations to our award winners and everyone on the team that did an amazing job!

Request for Photos

Attention Parents! We need photos of your students and their Cooper friends for the yearbook. We are specifically looking for photos from last summer, sports, weekends, holidays, first day of school, and students with their families. Please email any photos you would want to see in the yearbook to [email protected] ASAP. THANK YOU!

977 Balls Hill Road, McLean, VA 22101 |  Main Phone: 703.442.5800
Attendance: 703.442.5858 | Student Services: 703.442.5812 | Web | Twitter

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

Chili Potluck – December 13 – Contributions Needed

Looking to show some teacher appreciation? Contribute a favorite chili or side dish to our annual teacher appreciation chili potluck lunch! We are still in need of quite a few items, so please check out our signup list below to see if you can help us offer our teachers and staff a wonderful lunch.  

The potluck is NEXT WEEK: on December 13.

Here’s our link to sign up to contribute—and thank you so much in advance!

SCA Fall Food Drive – LAST DAY TOMORROW - Dec 6 

This holiday season, help SCA collect canned food donations for McLean SHARE. Donations will be collected during advisory through tomorrow: December 6.

Remember that donations will earn class color points--the color team with the most donations wins. 

Cooper Book Fair HAPPENING NOW! Parent Volunteers Needed

The annual Cooper Middle School book fair is up and running! Every December, our library turns into a bookstore, where students shop for and purchase books for their own libraries and their teachers as well.

We still have room for parent volunteers: please use this link to sign up—come help spread the love of reading! https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0B44ACAA2EA6FE3-53074726-2024#/

 

Spiritwear Popup Shop at the Book Fair – Thursday, December 12

We’ve got warm winter hoodies, beanies, and socks to help students show their Cooper flair even when it’s cold outside. These also make great gifts for siblings who are up and coming Cooper students! The popup shop will be available only one day next week: THURSDAY, December 12. Cash only—bring enough for your books, candy canes, and Cooper swag.

Family Support Resources from FCPS

The Family Resource Center offers a variety of free webinars to help children and families succeed.  Speakers with various areas of expertise are invited from academic fields and from within FCPS.  Check out the link for sign up and more details.  Recorded meetings can be sent to registered participants. 

https://www.fcps.edu/services/families-and-caregivers/family-resource-center/free-webinars-and-family-events

12/6      Stress Less, Enjoy More! Reducing Stress and Increasing Happiness

12/13   Protecting Kids Against Digital Exploitation: Keeping Kids Safe Online

12/20   Youth Mental Health First Aid for Families

1/10      Help! My Kids Won’t Go to School

1/17      A Series on Supporting Your Child’s Executive Function Skills

1/24      Depression in Teens

Please contact our Family Liaison, Ms. Amy Bailey ([email protected]), with any questions. 

FCPS Office of Family & School Partnerships

FCPS is offering a 10-week course designed to empower families and transform teens in Arabic. In taking this course, you will walk away with tools to learn (1) how to build a positive relationship with their child, (2) ways to prevent or intervene in alcohol and drug use, disruptive behavior at home and gang affiliation, and (3) ways to explore concrete solutions for active supervision. Classes are free, once a week and 2 hours each class.  Please sign up using this link OR the QR code on this flier.  The translated document can be found here on the 2nd page.

Community News FREE Robotics Workshop – December 14th at Langley High School

Check out the QR code in the flyer below for more information.

  The Unruly Theatre Project – Auditions December 17

We are a professional teen improv group sponsored by the McLean Community Center, and we are holding auditions for the 2024-25 company on December 17. Auditions are open to all students in grades 8-11. Rehearsals are twice a week, with (paid!) performances throughout the year. 

Here’s a link to our website: https://mcleancenter.org/the-unruly-theatre-project/ 

Students can register to audition here: (the) Unruly Theatre Project Mid-Year Auditions Survey (surveymonkey.com)

Questions? Contact Cayla Hall: [email protected]

 

The Alden

The Alden will host auditions for their 2025 Youth Production on January 28 and 29, with call backs on January 30. They will cast actors ages 10-16 who live in the MCC tax district.  

Actors must register to audition. For all the details, visit the Alden website: https://mcleancenter.org/events/alden-2025-youth-production-stuart-little/ 

Here’s the link to the audition form.

 

The Arts of Great Falls -- Winter Youth Art Classes

The Arts of Great Falls is located in Great Falls Village Centre next to The Old Brogue and offers fine art classes after school and on weekends for children ages 8-18. For their winter schedule of classes, use this link to their website:  https://bit.ly/YouthClassesW25

Calendar at a Glance:

12/4-13      Book Fair

12/12         PTO Cooper Spiritwear Holiday Shop 

12/13         PTO Staff Appreciation Event – Potluck Chili Luncheon

12/23-1/3   Winter Break

977 Balls Hill Road, McLean, VA 22101 |  Main Phone: 703.442.5800
Attendance: 703.442.5858 | Student Services: 703.442.5812 | Web | Twitter

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

Calendar Reminders 

Monday, December 23 - Friday, January 3 (Winter Break) - No school for students/staff

Monday, January 20 (Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday) - No school for students/staff

Tuesday, January 28 - 2nd Quarter Ends

Wednesday, January 29 (Teacher Workday) - No school for students

See the complete school year calendar.

Pine Spring ES Gift Collection

We have partnered with Pine Spring ES this season to fulfill gift wishes for their kindergarten class. This is our 10th annual gift drive to partner with our sister school! Thank you to those who have already generously donated.  We have a few more available slots.  

Should you be interested in sponsoring a student, you may sign up HERE. 

Please drop off wrapped and labeled gifts by Friday, December 6th to the collection box in the main office at Cooper MS,

Rising 9th Grade Open House

On Sunday, January 26th, from 2-4pm, Langley High School is hosting an Open House.  Eighth-grade students and their families are invited to attend the information session presented by administrators, tour the building with student ambassadors, and chat with experienced parents and faculty. Interested families should RSVP to Assistant Principal Jim Robertson using this link by January 10th, 2025:

Who: Current 8th-grade students and their families in the Langley Pyramid

What: Langley High School Open House

Where: Langley HS Auditorium, park in the main lot and enter through door #14

When: Sunday, January 26th 2025, 2-4pm

Private School Application Process

If your student is planning to apply to a private school for the 2025-2026 school year, please find the required forms and timelines here.

Please ensure to submit all forms at least 10 school days prior to the application deadline.

Boundary Meetings

Boundary Review Community Meeting

Community meetings regarding FCPS’ comprehensive boundary review will take place in each of the division's six regions. You are encouraged to attend the meeting in our region, which will take place on Wednesday, December 18, 6:30-8 p.m., at Madison High School (Cafeteria). If you are unable to attend on this date, please view the full list of meetings on the Comprehensive School Boundary Review webpage.

Please register in advance by clicking on the date. Language interpretation will be available. 

Integirls DC Math Competition

The DC Chapter of Integirls will be holding their Math Competition on Saturday, December 14th at the Montgomery College Germantown Campus.  This competition is open to any girls who would like to participate – no previous experience necessary! 

The event runs from 10 am – 3 pm – Lunch and Prizes are provided!!  We have to register the team by this Friday, 12/6 so please respond right away if you are interested in participating.  Please email Lisa Walsh at [email protected] with the name of the participant and an email.

Cooper participated in this event last year – it was fun and a great opportunity for the students who participated!! 

❄️ Preparing for Winter Weather

Winter weather will be here before you know it! Watch this video to see how weather-related closing decisions are made.

FCPS’ website is generally the first place to find out about emergency weather closings. Other communication channels will be used as quickly as possible including email, text, social media, and news stations. Learn more about how schedule changes are communicated. 

Be sure to plan for the winter season. Update your contact information in SIS ParentVUE, bookmark the FCPS website, and arrange for childcare if needed.

Keep Your Child Warm During Outdoor Activities

We will monitor the weather for low temperatures, wind chill advisories and warnings, and weather advisories which may prevent children from being outside. Make sure your child is dressed appropriately with a warm coat and other cold-weather clothing, so they can comfortably enjoy their time outdoors. See the National Weather Service’s tips on staying safe during cold weather.

FCPS Family Resources Center Opportunity

The Family Resource Center offers a variety of free webinars to help children and families succeed.  Speakers are invited from academic fields and from within FCPS experts.  Check out the link for sign up and more details. https://www.fcps.edu/services/families-and-caregivers/family-resource-center/free-webinars-and-family-events

12/6  Stress Less, Enjoy More! Reducing Stress and Increasing Happiness

12/13  Protecting Kids Against Digital Exploitation: Keeping Kids Safe Online

12/20  Youth Mental Health First Aid for Families

1/10      Help! My Kids Won’t Go to School

1/17      A Series on Supporting Your Child’s Executive Function Skills

1/24      Depression in Teens

Please contact our Family Liaison, Ms. Amy Bailey ([email protected]) with any questions. 

FCPS Office of Family & School Partnerships

FCPS is offering a 10-week course designed to empower families and transform teens in Arabic. In taking this course, you will walk away with tools to learn (1) how to build a positive relationship with their child, (2) ways to prevent or intervene in alcohol and drug use, disruptive behavior at home and gang affiliation, and (3) ways to explore concrete solutions for active supervision. Classes are free, once a week and 2 hours each class.  Please sign up using this link OR the QR code on this flier.  The translated document can be found here on the 2nd page.

Cooper Families on the Go

Thanks to all of the military families that were able to make it out to our Veteran's Day event and coffee on November 8th.  In addition to these events, we plan to create an unofficial "Cooper Families on the Go" WhatsApp Group to include our military families and other families that move frequently.  We'd like to be inclusive of families of the State Department, FBI, diplomats, and others that move frequently. We plan to share information about upcoming "Cooper Families on the Go" events, best practices, and serve as a support network for one another.  If you would like to be a part of the WhatApp group and / or receive emails for this group, please fill out this google form. 

Cooper Quiz Bowl

Cooper Quiz Bowl Won TJ High School Novice Tournament!

Cooper Quiz Bowl competed in the TJ High School Novice Tournament held at TJHSST on 11/23. The tournament attracted 12 local high school novice teams, 9 middle school teams and 3 elementary school teams.

Cooper A (Leo W., Ian C., Ananda A.) went 10-0 and won the tournament!

Cooper B (Andrew D., Richard D., Andrew L., Isaac L.) went 9-1 and placed 2nd!

Cooper C (Sohum D., Ethan C., Dhruv R., Mihir J.) went 8-2 and placed 7th!

Cooper D (Oliver Y., Sophie J., Justin L., A.J. G.) went 7-3 and placed 9th!

 

Individually Leo was the highest scorer of the field in the preliminary rounds. Andrew D., Sohum, Ian placed 7th, 8th and 10th respectively.

Congratulations to the team for another great performance! We'd also like to thank our coaches Mr. Grimmelbein, Mrs. Xi and all the parent volunteers / chaperones!

Request for Photos

Attention Parents! We need photos of your students and their Cooper friends for the yearbook. We are specifically looking for photos from last summer, sports, weekends, holidays, first day of school, and students with their families. Please email any photos you would want to see in the yearbook to [email protected] ASAP. THANK YOU!

977 Balls Hill Road, McLean, VA 22101 |  Main Phone: 703.442.5800
Attendance: 703.442.5858 | Student Services: 703.442.5812 | Web | Twitter

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

 

Happy Thanksgiving

For all who celebrate, we wish you a happy and peaceful holiday full of good times, great food, and gratitude. We are grateful to be part of such a thoughtful, generous community here at Cooper.

Cooper Chili Potluck—Donations Needed

One of Cooper Middle School’s many well-loved traditions is the PTO-sponsored chili potluck lunch for our staff and teachers. Every year, our parent community generously donates a favorite chili, side dish, or dessert, and we invite our teachers and staff to come enjoy this wonderful lunch. This year, the potluck is on December 13, and we are excited to see what our many chili afficionados will come up with.

Here’s our link to sign up to contribute—and thank you so much in advance!

SCA Fall Food Drive - Nov 12- Dec 6 

This holiday season, help SCA collect donations for McLean SHARE. Help your student contribute canned goods for families in need. Donations will be collected during advisory from November 12 - December 6.

What's more, donations will earn class color points--the color team with the most donations wins. 

Cooper Book Fair – Parent Volunteers Needed

The annual Cooper Middle School book fair is around the corner! Every December, our library turns into bookstore, and students get a chance to shop for and purchase books for their own libraries and their teachers as well.

The fair is also a favorite opportunity for parents to volunteer. If you’re interested, please use this link to sign up—come help spread the love of reading!

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0B44ACAA2EA6FE3-53074726-2024#/

Family Support Resources from FCPS

The Family Resource Center offers a variety of free webinars to help children and families succeed.  Speakers are invited from academic fields and from within FCPS experts.  Check out the link for sign up and more details. https://www.fcps.edu/services/families-and-caregivers/family-resource-center/free-webinars-and-family-events

Upcoming Sessions:

11/2:  Starting the Conversation about Drugs

12/6:  Stress Less, Enjoy More! Reducing Stress and Increasing Happiness

12/13:  Protecting Kids Against Digital Exploitation: Keeping Kids Safe Online

12/20:  Youth Mental Health First Aid for Families

Community News FREE Robotics Workshop – December 14th at Langley High School

Check out the QR code in the flyer below for more information.

  The Unruly Theatre Project – Auditions December 17

We are a professional teen improv group sponsored by the McLean Community Center, and we are holding auditions for the 2024-25 company on December 17. Auditions are open to all students in grades 8-11. Rehearsals are twice a week, with (paid!) performances throughout the year. 

Here’s a link to our website: https://mcleancenter.org/the-unruly-theatre-project/ 

Students can register to audition here: (the) Unruly Theatre Project Mid-Year Auditions Survey (surveymonkey.com)

Questions? Contact Cayla Hall: [email protected]

 

The Alden

The Alden will host auditions for their 2025 Youth Production on January 28 and 29, with call backs on January 30. They will cast actors ages 10-16 who live in the MCC tax district.  

Actors must register to audition. For all the details, visit the Alden website: https://mcleancenter.org/events/alden-2025-youth-production-stuart-little/ 

Here’s the link to the audition form.

 

The Arts of Great Falls -- Winter Youth Art Classes

The Arts of Great Falls is located in Great Falls Village Centre next to The Old Brogue and offers fine art classes after school and on weekends for children ages 8-18. For their winter schedule of classes, use this link to their website:  https://bit.ly/YouthClassesW25

Calendar at a Glance:

11/27-29  Thanksgiving-NO SCHOOL

12/4-13    Book Fair and PTO Pop Up Holiday Shop 

12/13       PTO Staff Appreciation Event – Potluck Chili Luncheon

12/23-1/3 Winter Break

977 Balls Hill Road, McLean, VA 22101 |  Main Phone: 703.442.5800
Attendance: 703.442.5858 | Student Services: 703.442.5812 | Web | Twitter

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

Wishing you and your loved ones a Happy Thanksgiving.  As a reminder, schools and offices will be closed Wednesday, November 27 – Friday, November 29.

Calendar Reminders 

Wednesday, November 27 - Friday, November 29 (Thanksgiving) - No school for student/staff.  School offices closed

Monday, December 23 - Friday, January 3 (Winter Break) - No school for students/staff

See the complete school year calendar.

Pine Spring ES Gift Collection

We have partnered with Pine Spring ES this season to fulfill gift wishes for their kindergarten class. This is our 10th annual gift drive to partner with our sister school! For many of their Kindergarten students, this will be the only gift they will receive this year.

Should you be interested in sponsoring a student, you may sign up HERE. 

Please drop off gifts by Friday, December 6th to the collection box in the main office at Cooper MS,

Federal Impact Aid Survey

Return Your Federal Impact Aid Survey

FCPS is asking all families to fill out a Federal Impact Aid Survey. The form is available in SIS ParentVUE under Online Packets (in the upper right corner after logging in). Please complete it as soon as possible.

For any families who have not completed the survey in ParentVUE, Cooper will provide paper forms starting Thursday, November 21. Paper forms should be returned by Wednesday, December 4.

Completing this form for each school-aged child in every household is important. Information from this survey resulted in more than $4 million in funding last year from the U.S. Department of Education. These funds are used to support all Fairfax County public schools and centers.

For more information, please watch this video on Impact Aid and visit the Federal Impact Aid Survey page.

Need to Register for ParentVUE? 

Learn how to activate your SIS ParentVUE account, so you can easily submit your survey. 

Technical support for using ParentVUE or completing the survey online is available by submitting a Parent Support Request ticket. Select SISParent in the Application dropdown menu and type Federal Impact Aid Survey under Issue Description. Or, call the Parent Technology Help Desk at 833-921-3277 (833-921-FCPS).

Rising 9th Grade Open House

On Sunday, January 26th, from 2-4pm, Langley High School is hosting an Open House.  Eighth-grade students and their families are invited to attend the information session presented by administrators, tour the building with student ambassadors, and chat with experienced parents and faculty. Interested families should RSVP to Assistant Principal Jim Robertson using this link by January 10th, 2025:

Who: Current 8th-grade students and their families in the Langley Pyramid

What: Langley High School Open House

Where: Langley HS Auditorium, park in the main lot and enter through door #14

When: Sunday, January 26th 2025, 2-4pm

Private School Application Process

If your student is planning to apply to a private school for the 2025-2026 school year, please find the required forms and timelines here.

Please ensure to submit all forms at least 10 school days prior to the application deadline.

Boundary Meetings

Boundary Review Community Meeting

Community meetings regarding FCPS’ comprehensive boundary review will take place in each of the division's six regions. You are encouraged to attend the meeting in our region, which will take place on Wednesday, December 18, 6:30-8 p.m., at Madison High School (Cafeteria). If you are unable to attend on this date, please view the full list of meetings on the Comprehensive School Boundary Review webpage.

Please register in advance by clicking on the date. Language interpretation will be available. 

❄️ Preparing for Winter Weather

Winter weather will be here before you know it! Watch this video to see how weather-related closing decisions are made.

FCPS’ website is generally the first place to find out about emergency weather closings. Other communication channels will be used as quickly as possible including email, text, social media, and news stations. Learn more about how schedule changes are communicated. 

Be sure to plan for the winter season. Update your contact information in SIS ParentVUE, bookmark the FCPS website, and arrange for childcare if needed.

Keep Your Child Warm During Outdoor Activities

We will monitor the weather for low temperatures, wind chill advisories and warnings, and weather advisories which may prevent children from being outside. Make sure your child is dressed appropriately with a warm coat and other cold-weather clothing, so they can comfortably enjoy their time outdoors. See the National Weather Service’s tips on staying safe during cold weather.

Family Resource Center

The Family Resource Center offers a variety of free webinars to help children and families succeed.  Speakers are invited from academic fields and from within FCPS experts.  Check out the link for sign up and more details. https://www.fcps.edu/services/families-and-caregivers/family-resource-center/free-webinars-and-family-events

11/22  Starting the Conversation about Drugs

12/6  Stress Less, Enjoy More! Reducing Stress and Increasing Happiness

12/13  Protecting Kids Against Digital Exploitation: Keeping Kids Safe Online

12/20  Youth Mental Health First Aid for Families

 

Please contact our Family Liaison, Ms. Amy Bailey ([email protected]) with any questions. 

Request for Photos

Attention Parents! We need photos of your students and their Cooper friends for the yearbook. We are specifically looking for photos from last summer, sports, weekends, holidays, first day of school, and students with their families. Please email any photos you would want to see in the yearbook to [email protected] ASAP. THANK YOU!

Order a Yearbook

Deadline to order a yearbook is November 30, 2024 at the cost of $40.00.  Please enter order #5267 at www.yearbookordercenter.com

977 Balls Hill Road, McLean, VA 22101 |  Main Phone: 703.442.5800
Attendance: 703.442.5858 | Student Services: 703.442.5812 | Web | Twitter

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

Kendra Scott and Cooper – November 22-24

Starting TODAY, back by popular demand, the Kendra Scott-Cooper Middle School fundraiser is back! Get your holiday shopping started right by purchasing coveted items from Kendra Scott in Tysons Corner or online from November 22-24. Let them know you’re shopping for Cooper, and 20% of the proceeds go toward supporting Cooper classrooms and programs.  Offer code: GIVEBACK-HLVFF for online orders.

Cooper Chili Potluck LINK CORRECTION BELOW

One of Cooper Middle School’s well-loved traditions is the chili potluck lunch for our staff and teachers. Every year, our parent community generously donates a favorite chili, side dish, or dessert, and we invite our teachers and staff to come enjoy this wonderful lunch. This year, the potluck is on December 13, and we are excited to see what our many chili afficionados will come up with. Here’s our link to sign-up to contribute—and thank you so much in advance!

Cooper Theater - Performances This Weekend

The Cooper Middle School production ELSEWHERE runs through the weekend and is a perfect opportunity to take in some great theater and support our students. The hardworking cast and crew of ELSEWHERE has put tons of time and energy into this production, and they'd love to share the show with all of you.  You can purchase your tickets at the door OR in advance at this link.

Upcoming shows:

Friday at 7pm

Saturday at 2pm

Saturday at 7pm

977 Balls Hill Road, McLean, VA 22101 |  Main Phone: 703.442.5800
Attendance: 703.442.5858 | Student Services: 703.442.5812 | Web | Twitter

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

Kendra Scott and Cooper – November 22-24

Back by popular demand, the Kendra Scott-Cooper Middle School fundraiser is back! Get your holiday shopping started right by purchasing coveted items from Kendra Scott in Tysons Corner or online from November 22-24. Let them know you’re shopping for Cooper, and 20% of the proceeds go toward supporting Cooper classrooms and programs.  Offer code: GIVEBACK-HLVFF for online orders.

SCA Fall Food Drive - Nov 12- Dec 6 

This holiday season, help SCA collect donations for McLean SHARE. Help your student contribute canned goods for families in need. Donations will be collected during advisory from November 12 - December 6.

What's more, donations will earn class color points--the color team with the most donations wins. 

Cooper Book Fair – Parent Volunteers Needed

The annual Cooper Middle School book fair is around the corner! Every December, our library turns into bookstore, and students get a chance to shop for and purchase books for their own libraries and their teachers as well.

The fair is also a favorite opportunity for parents to volunteer. If you’re interested, please use this link to sign up—come help spread the love of reading!

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0B44ACAA2EA6FE3-53074726-2024#/

Cooper Chili Potluck—Contributions Needed

One of Cooper Middle School’s well-loved traditions is the chili potluck lunch for our staff and teachers. Every year, our parent community generously donates a favorite chili, side dish, or dessert, and we invite our teachers and staff to come enjoy this wonderful lunch. This year, the potluck is on December 13, and we are excited to see what our many chili afficionados will come up with. Here’s our link to sign-up to contribute—and thank you so much in advance!

Family Support Resources from FCPS

The Family Resource Center offers a variety of free webinars to help children and families succeed.  Speakers are invited from academic fields and from within FCPS experts.  Check out the link for sign up and more details. https://www.fcps.edu/services/families-and-caregivers/family-resource-center/free-webinars-and-family-events

Upcoming Sessions:

11/2:  Starting the Conversation about Drugs

12/6:  Stress Less, Enjoy More! Reducing Stress and Increasing Happiness

12/13:  Protecting Kids Against Digital Exploitation: Keeping Kids Safe Online

12/20:  Youth Mental Health First Aid for Families

Community News The Unruly Theatre Project – Auditions December 17

We are a professional teen improv group sponsored by the McLean Community Center, and we are holding auditions for the 2024-25 company on December 17. Auditions are open to all students in grades 8-11. Rehearsals are twice a week, with (paid!) performances throughout the year. 

Here’s a link to our website: https://mcleancenter.org/the-unruly-theatre-project/ 

Students can register to audition here: (the) Unruly Theatre Project Mid-Year Auditions Survey (surveymonkey.com)

Questions? Contact Cayla Hall: [email protected]

 

The Alden

The Alden will host auditions for their 2025 Youth Production on January 28 and 29, with call backs on January 30. They will cast actors ages 10-16 who live in the MCC tax district.  

Actors must register to audition. For all the details, visit the Alden website: https://mcleancenter.org/events/alden-2025-youth-production-stuart-little/ 

Here’s the link to the audition form.

 

The Arts of Great Falls -- Winter Youth Art Classes

The Arts of Great Falls is located in Great Falls Village Centre next to The Old Brogue and offers fine art classes after school and on weekends for children ages 8-18. For their winter schedule of classes, use this link to their website:  https://bit.ly/YouthClassesW25

Calendar at a Glance:

11/27-29  Thanksgiving-NO SCHOOL

12/4-13    Book Fair and PTO Pop Up Holiday Shop 

12/13       PTO Staff Appreciation Event – Potluck Chili Luncheon

12/23-1/3 Winter Break

977 Balls Hill Road, McLean, VA 22101 |  Main Phone: 703.442.5800
Attendance: 703.442.5858 | Student Services: 703.442.5812 | Web | Twitter

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

AM Drop Off Reminder

As a friendly reminder, please use the designated Kiss and Ride area when dropping off students in the morning. Students need to use designated sidewalks and have a safe route into Cooper.  Please do not park in the faculty parking lot and drop your student. This area will be coned off for staff only parking.  We appreciate your cooperation in supporting our students with a safe entry into Cooper each day.

Calendar Reminders 

Wednesday, November 27 - Friday, November 29 (Thanksgiving) - No school for student/staff.  School offices closed

Monday, December 23 - Friday, January 3 (Winter Break) - No school for students/staff

See the complete school year calendar.

Welcome Back Mr. Laspe

Huge thanks to Mr. Davies, who served as interim AP.  Mr. Laspe has returned to Cooper this week, please reach out to him with any 8th grade administrator needs.  He can be reached at [email protected] or 703-442-5800.

Federal Impact Aid Survey

Return Your Federal Impact Aid Survey

FCPS is asking all families to fill out a Federal Impact Aid Survey. The form is available in SIS ParentVUE under Online Packets (in the upper right corner after logging in). Please complete it as soon as possible.

For any families who have not completed the survey in ParentVUE, Cooper will provide paper forms starting Thursday, November 21. Paper forms should be returned by Wednesday, December 4.

Completing this form for each school-aged child in every household is important. Information from this survey resulted in more than $4 million in funding last year from the U.S. Department of Education. These funds are used to support all Fairfax County public schools and centers.

For more information, please watch this video on Impact Aid and visit the Federal Impact Aid Survey page.

Need to Register for ParentVUE? 

Learn how to activate your SIS ParentVUE account, so you can easily submit your survey. 

Technical support for using ParentVUE or completing the survey online is available by submitting a Parent Support Request ticket. Select SISParent in the Application dropdown menu and type Federal Impact Aid Survey under Issue Description. Or, call the Parent Technology Help Desk at 833-921-3277 (833-921-FCPS).

Cooper Families on the Go

Thanks to all of the military families that were able to make it out to our Veteran's Day event and coffee on November 8th.  In addition to these events, we plan to create an unofficial "Cooper Families on the Go" WhatsApp Group to include our military families and other families that move frequently.  We'd like to be inclusive of families of the State Department, FBI, diplomats, and others that move frequently. We plan to share information about upcoming "Cooper Families on the Go" events, best practices, and serve as a support network for one another.  If you would like to be a part of the WhatApp group and / or receive emails for this group, please fill out this google form. 

Purple Star Recognition

Cooper Middle School, along with 38 other FCPS schools, were recognized at the 11/14/24 School Board Meeting for their new Purple Star School designation.

Pine Spring ES Gift Collection

We have partnered with Pine Spring ES this season to fulfill gift wishes for their kindergarten class. This is our 10th annual gift drive to partner with our sister school! For many of their Kindergarten students, this will be the only gift they will receive this year.

Should you be interested in sponsoring a student, you may sign up HERE. 

Please drop off gifts by Friday, December 6th to the collection box in the main office at Cooper MS,

Rising 9th Grade Open House

On Sunday, January 26th, from 2-4pm, Langley High School is hosting an Open House.  Eighth-grade students and their families are invited to attend the information session presented by administrators, tour the building with student ambassadors, and chat with experienced parents and faculty. Interested families should RSVP to Assistant Principal Jim Robertson using this link by January 10th, 2025:

Who: Current 8th-grade students and their families in the Langley Pyramid

What: Langley High School Open House

Where: Langley HS Auditorium, park in the main lot and enter through door #14

When: Sunday, January 26th 2025, 2-4pm

Private School Application Process

If your student is planning to apply to a private school for the 2025-2026 school year, please find the required forms and timelines here.

Please ensure to submit all forms at least 10 school days prior to the application deadline.

Family Resource Center

The Family Resource Center offers a variety of free webinars to help children and families succeed.  Speakers are invited from academic fields and from within FCPS experts.  Check out the link for sign up and more details. https://www.fcps.edu/services/families-and-caregivers/family-resource-center/free-webinars-and-family-events

11/22  Starting the Conversation about Drugs

12/6  Stress Less, Enjoy More! Reducing Stress and Increasing Happiness

12/13  Protecting Kids Against Digital Exploitation: Keeping Kids Safe Online

12/20  Youth Mental Health First Aid for Families

 

Please contact our Family Liaison, Ms. Amy Bailey ([email protected]) with any questions. 

Cooper Student Celebrations Cross Country

Congratulations to Abigail P. who came in 1st place with a time of 11:26.4 in the Middle School XC Girls Championships on October 26th.  Pictured here with FCPS Superintendent, Dr. Michelle Reid.

 

 

 

Cooper Cross Country finished up the season at Liberty Middle School for the FCPS cross country championships. The athletes throughout the year ran faster times each meet. Our fastest boy this year was Dennis W. Dennis showed up to practice everyday and quickly became a leader on the team! The girls team also placed 7th out of all the middle schools in FCPS showing how strong of a team they are! The boys also did great! Dennis finished first on our team placing 56th out of 120 runners! The boys team finished middle of the pack out of all FCPS middle schools! Congratulations to our entire XC team.

  Quiz Bowl

Cooper Quiz Bowl Won Burleigh Manor MS Invitational

Burleigh Manor Quiz Bowl Middle School invitational is the largest regional tournament in the DMV area with 48 teams in the field. Cooper sent three teams on 11/17. Cooper A (Leo W., Ian C., Richard D., Ananda A., Keshavan N.) went 10-0 and won the tournament! Cooper B (Andew D., Andrew L., Isacc L., Sophie J., Orion Q.) won 4th place. Cooper C (Ethan C., Sohum D., A.J. G., Dhruv R., Mihir J.) placed 10th! Both A & B qualified for the Middle School National Championship through this tournament.

Individually Leo placed 2nd, Andrew D. 4th, Ian 9th and Ethan 19th and got individual awards.

Congratulations to the team for a great showing! 

 

Debate Team

Congratulations to Nia S.B. won #3 Top Speaker out of 90+ middle school debaters in Public Forum!

Of the 45+ teams competing:

• Olivia H. and Lily S. placed #3 with an undefeated 3-0 record (their first tournament EVER was three weeks earlier)
• Hannah G. & Sofia L. placed #5 with an undefeated 3-0 record (their first tournament EVER was two weeks earlier)
• Aashna U. & Nia S.B. placed #7 with a 2-1 record
• Five additional Cooper MS teams earned top placements with 2-1 records: Chelsea Z. and Ahaana S. R., Kaya O. and Brant P., Jessica X. and Sophie L., Meera B. and Nirosha R., and Saeeun J. and Alina S.M.
• Strong debates all around, including Zohran V. and Edwin P., Isaac J. and Arjan D., Bohan J. and Mihir J., and Dana P. and Aanya P.

Thanks to Cooper MS Debate Coach Pam Konde and volunteer parent judges, Gaurav Bansal, Benjamin Li, Hong Xi, and Julia Patterson. Thank you also to our awesome Langley HS Debate Team mentors, who have been supporting our kids during our Wednesday practices. 

 

Model UN

Model UN conference was held at Cooper on Oct 19th. We brought in Cooper Model UN alumni to give a short workshop on parliamentary procedure, and then students debated a series of issues from the Status of Women to the International Olympic Committee regulation. Students did amazing work leading and participating in the conference. We are gearing up to represent Cooper with pride at George Washington University on Dec 7th, and we can’t wait!

Request for Photos

Attention Parents! We need photos of your students and their Cooper friends for the yearbook. We are specifically looking for photos from last summer, sports, weekends, holidays, first day of school, and students with their families. Please email any photos you would want to see in the yearbook to [email protected] ASAP. THANK YOU!

Order a Yearbook

Deadline to order a yearbook is November 30, 2024 at the cost of $40.00.  Please enter order #5267 at www.yearbookordercenter.com

977 Balls Hill Road, McLean, VA 22101 |  Main Phone: 703.442.5800
Attendance: 703.442.5858 | Student Services: 703.442.5812 | Web | Twitter

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

Cooper Book Fair – Parent Volunteers Needed

The annual Cooper Middle School book fair is around the corner! Every December, our library turns into bookstore, and students get a chance to shop for and purchase books for their own libraries and their teachers as well.

The fair is also a favorite opportunity for parents to volunteer. If you’re interested, please use this link to sign up—come help spread the love of reading!

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0B44ACAA2EA6FE3-53074726-2024#/

Kendra Scott and Cooper – November 22-24

Back by popular demand, the Kendra Scott-Cooper Middle School fundraiser is back! Get your holiday shopping started right by purchasing coveted items from Kendra Scott in Tysons Corner or online from November 22-24. Let them know you’re shopping for Cooper, and 20% of the proceeds go toward supporting Cooper classrooms and programs.  Offer code: GIVEBACK-HLVFF for online orders.

SCA Fall Food Drive - Nov 12- Dec 6 

This holiday season, help SCA collect donations for McLean SHARE. Help your student contribute canned goods for families in need. Donations will be collected during advisory from November 12 - December 6.

What's more, donations will earn class color points--the color team with the most donations wins. 

Please Join the PTO!

Your membership is important! Our goal is to provide the most robust support possible for our Cooper classrooms, resources, support staff and teachers. YOUR MEMBERSHIP is how we can work together to create a vibrant school community for your children.

Your membership contributes to:

• Student social activities and community building
• Academic resources (e.g.: recent purchase: 24 microscopes to the Science Department)
• And more!

If you haven’t joined yet, please go to our website: https://Cooperpto.org and follow the links to sign up online.

School Directory

The directory is now available to all Cooper families via browser or the Membership Toolkit app.   To access via browser, visit https://cooperpto.membershiptoolkit.com/directory.

If you’d rather use the app, you can find it in your app store: Membership Toolkit OR here: https://cooperpto.membershiptoolkit.com.

Thank you to the families who have verified their directory information. Haven’t gotten to it yet? You can still confirm your information and update your preferences about what is visible to others—it’s a great way to connect with your children’s friends and Cooper families.  Need help with login or have other questions?  Contact [email protected]

Dues: $25/family ($26 online), plus a suggested $125 donation per student. Student Volunteer Opportunities

Churchill Road Elementary School International Night: November 15. 

8th grade volunteers needed to help with set-up and take-down on the day of the event. 

Sign up here:  https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0E4EAAAB28A4F5C34-52814874-churchill

Volunteer hours can be verified by Amy Tang, VP of Membership, as needed: [email protected]

Community News GIRLS WHO MATH

Our goal is to break down economic and social barriers and encourage more women to pursue careers in STEM.  

Our 2024-2025 school year tutoring program starts November 3 and continues through the first semester or until the end of the year, depending on the course.  

 Our tutors are highly qualified, including college students, TJHSST students, and certified teachers nationwide.

 Find more information about Girls Who Math here: https://girlswhomath.net or our Instagram (@_girlswhomath)

 

The Safe Community Coalition

Ned Johnson, best-selling co-author of The Self-Driven Child will discuss Calm Amid the Chaos: Being the Parent Teens Need in a Competitive, Distracted, Divisive World. 

November 20, 2024

7:00pm - 8:30pm

McLean Community Center

Adults $15/Students $10 pre-sale or $20 at the door. This program is appropriate for parents/caregivers and middle to high school students. Books will be on sale and a book signing will immediately follow the program.  You may register and purchase your tickets here.

 

The Unruly Theatre Project – Auditions December 17

We are a professional teen improv group sponsored by the McLean Community Center, and we are holding auditions for the 2024-25 company on December 17. Auditions are open to all students in grades 8-11. Rehearsals are twice a week, with (paid!) performances throughout the year. 

Here’s a link to our website: https://mcleancenter.org/the-unruly-theatre-project/ 

Students can register to audition here: (the) Unruly Theatre Project Mid-Year Auditions Survey (surveymonkey.com)

Questions? Contact Cayla Hall: [email protected]

 

The Alden

The Alden will host auditions for their 2025 Youth Production on January 28 and 29, with call backs on January 30. They will cast actors ages 10-16 who live in the MCC tax district.  

Actors must register to audition. For all the details, visit the Alden website: https://mcleancenter.org/events/alden-2025-youth-production-stuart-little/ 

Here’s the link to the audition form.

 

The Arts of Great Falls -- Winter Youth Art Classes

The Arts of Great Falls is located in Great Falls Village Centre next to The Old Brogue and offers fine art classes after school and on weekends for children ages 8-18. For their winter schedule of classes, use the QR code or this link to their website:  https://bit.ly/YouthClassesW25

Calendar at a Glance:

11/27-29  Thanksgiving-NO SCHOOL

12/4-13    Book Fair and PTO Pop Up Holiday Shop 

12/13       PTO Staff Appreciation Event – Potluck Chili Luncheon

977 Balls Hill Road, McLean, VA 22101 |  Main Phone: 703.442.5800
Attendance: 703.442.5858 | Student Services: 703.442.5812 | Web | Twitter

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

Calendar Reminders 

Wednesday, November 27 - Friday, November 29 (Thanksgiving) - No school for student/staff.  School offices closed

Monday, December 23 - Friday, January 3 (Winter Break) - No school for students/staff

See the complete school year calendar.

School Photos & Retakes

Picture Re-take/Make-Ups are scheduled for tomorrow, Thursday, November 14th during lunches. 

Families should have received an E-proof of your student's photo via email.  Please remember to check your spam.

For any questions about your student's school pictures please contact: [email protected]

Student Screeners & Surveys

Parents/Caregivers of our 7th graders, please refer to the Cooper email sent to you on October 15th with important details about our upcoming Signs Of Suicide (SOS) screening on Tuesday, November 19, 2024. 

 

Parents/Caregivers of our 8th graders, please refer to the Cooper email sent to you on October 30th with important details about our upcoming Fairfax County Youth Survey on Tuesday, November 19th, 2024.

 

Parents/Caregivers of our 7th AND 8th graders, please refer to the Cooper email sent to you on October 29th with important details about our upcoming Student Experience Survey in December. 

TJHSST Applications

Applications Open October 21 for Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology

Middle school students who have an aptitude and passion for STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) are encouraged to apply for admission to the Class of 2029 at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology (TJHSST). 

The application will be available on the TJHSST Admissions Office webpage starting Monday, October 21, at 4 p.m. Applications must be started by 4 p.m. Wednesday, November 13, with a deadline to submit the application by Friday, November 15, at 4 p.m. Visit the TJHSST registration page for more information.

Rising 9th Grade Open House

On Sunday, January 26th, from 2-4pm, Langley High School is hosting an Open House.  Eighth-grade students and their families are invited to attend the information session presented by administrators, tour the building with student ambassadors, and chat with experienced parents and faculty. Interested families should RSVP to Assistant Principal Jim Robertson using this link by January 10th, 2025:

Who: Current 8th-grade students and their families in the Langley Pyramid

What: Langley High School Open House

Where: Langley HS Auditorium, park in the main lot and enter through door #14

When: Sunday, January 26th 2025, 2-4pm

Private School Application Process

If your student is planning to apply to a private school for the 2025-2026 school year, please find the required forms and timelines here.

Please ensure to submit all forms at least 10 school days prior to the application deadline.

Outstanding Employee Award Nominations

Nominations are now open for the Outstanding Employee Awards! To submit a nomination for a Cooper MS Outstanding Employee in one of the categories below, please complete the nomination through this  Nomination Form. You may nominate one employee at our school or multiple employees (one individual may only nominate one employee per category.)

All that is required for a preliminary nomination is a paragraph or two about how this employee demonstrates exceptional work in the criteria for that category. The criteria for each of these awards and the eligibility requirements are below and on the FCPS website: https://www.fcps.edu/about-fcps/employees/recognition-programs/outstanding-employee-awards 

Outstanding Teacher 

Eligibility: Has at least three years of experience as a teacher (in any school/school district); librarians are included in this category

Outstanding New Teacher

Eligibility: Has up to three years of experience as a teacher (in any school/school district); librarians are included in this category.

Outstanding Leader 

Common positions in this category: Assistant Principals and Director of Student Services (not the building principal)

Outstanding Professional Employee 

Common positions in this category: School-Based Technology Specialist, Technology Support Specialist, Assessment Coach, Instructional Coach, Psychologist, Social Worker, School Counselor.

Outstanding Operational Employee

Common positions in this category: Administrative and Office Staff, Safety and Security Assistant, Custodial Staff, Food Service Staff, IA, PHA, PHTA, Parent Liaison

The deadline to submit a nomination is at 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday, November 13, 2023

If you have any questions, please contact Scott Davies (Interim Assistant Principal) at [email protected]. 

SCA Hurricane Helene Fundraisers

The SCA has coordinated multiple ways to support the relief efforts from Hurricane Helene.

• Donation to the Asheville Humane Society: your donation will be made through MySchoolBucks, once the fundraiser is closed, we will contribute all funds to the Asheville Humane Society.
• Donation to the Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina :your donation will be made through MySchoolBucks, once the fundraiser is closed, we will contribute all funds to the Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina.

Please contact our SCA sponsors, Ms. Harris ([email protected]) or Ms. Garrett ([email protected]) with any questions. 

Day of Service for Secondary Students 

When: Saturday, November 16, 2024 at 9-11:30 a.m.

Where: Edison High School

Sign up: Register FCPS Secondary Students 

Attend and earn service learning credit Our Voices, Our Future: Multilingual Learners’ Day of Service is being offered to FCPS secondary students as an opportunity to explore multilingualism as a strength in developing leadership and advocacy skills.  Students will plan for future success through their strengths and interests.  Attendees will be able to network and learn with other FCPS students and staff.  This event will also feature special guest Dr. José Luis Zelaya from the Multilingual Learners’ Summit.  “Language is an opportunity,” says Dr. Zelaya, “believe in the power of education!”  Secondary students should register through the link above and bring their FCPS laptop to the workshop.   

Event will also feature a table fair promoting college and career readiness. 

Language interpretation services will be available. 

To help with planning, please register if you can attend. 

Flyer: English  I  Spanish  I Arabic  I  Chinese  I  Korean  I  Urdu  I  Vietnamese

Safe Community Coalition

The Safe Community Coalition is pleased to welcome back Ned Johnson, best-selling co-author of The Self-Driven Child.  Learn what connects teen mental health and the motivational impacts of technology and social media, competitive schools and college pressure, and growing up in an unsettled and rapidly changing environment. Ned will provide tools for fostering close connections, navigating tough conversations, and helping teens feel grounded, understood, and resilient.

When: Wednesday, November 20 at 7pm
Where: McLean Community Center’s Alden Theatre

Tickets on sale now at McLeanSCC.org

Request for Photos

Attention Parents! We need photos of your students and their Cooper friends for the yearbook. We are specifically looking for photos from last summer, sports, weekends, holidays, first day of school, and students with their families. Please email any photos you would want to see in the yearbook to [email protected] ASAP. THANK YOU!

Order a Yearbook

Deadline to order a yearbook is November 30, 2024 at the cost of $40.00.  Please enter order #5267 at www.yearbookordercenter.com

977 Balls Hill Road, McLean, VA 22101 |  Main Phone: 703.442.5800
Attendance: 703.442.5858 | Student Services: 703.442.5812 | Web | Twitter

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

Veterans Day Military Family Coffee

A special Veterans Day thank you to our military families who are such a vital part of our community. We were glad to get to spend time together honoring our veterans and all our families; we are grateful today and every day for your service.

Kendra Scott and Cooper – November 23

Back by popular demand, the Kendra Scott-Cooper Middle School fundraiser is back! Get your holiday shopping started right by purchasing coveted items from Kendra Scott on November 23. Let them know you’re shopping for Cooper, and we get a portion of the proceeds to go toward supporting Cooper classrooms and programs. Stay tuned – more information to come!

Please Join the PTO!

Your membership is important! Our goal is to provide the most robust support possible for our Cooper classrooms, resources, support staff and teachers. YOUR MEMBERSHIP is how we can work together to create a vibrant school community for your children.

Your membership contributes to:

• Student social activities and community building
• Academic resources (e.g.: recent purchase: 24 microscopes to the Science Department)
• And more!

If you haven’t joined yet, please go to our website: https://Cooperpto.org and follow the links to sign up online.

School Directory

The directory is now available to all Cooper families via browser or the Membership Toolkit app.   To access via browser, visit https://cooperpto.membershiptoolkit.com/directory.

If you’d rather use the app, you can find it in your app store: Membership Toolkit OR here: https://cooperpto.membershiptoolkit.com.

Thank you to the families who have verified their directory information. Haven’t gotten to it yet? You can still confirm your information and update your preferences about what is visible to others—it’s a great way to connect with your children’s friends and Cooper families.  Need help with login or have other questions?  Contact [email protected]

Dues: $25/family ($26 online), plus a suggested $125 donation per student. Student Volunteer Opportunities

Churchill Road Elementary School International Night: November 15. 

8th grade volunteers needed to help with set-up and take-down on the day of the event. 

Sign up here:  https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0E4EAAAB28A4F5C34-52814874-churchill

Volunteer hours can be verified by Amy Tang, VP of Membership, as needed: [email protected]

Community News GIRLS WHO MATH

Our goal is to break down economic and social barriers and encourage more women to pursue careers in STEM.  

Our 2024-2025 school year tutoring program starts November 3 and continues through the first semester or until the end of the year, depending on the course.  

 Our tutors are highly qualified, including college students, TJHSST students, and certified teachers nationwide.

 Find more information about Girls Who Math here: https://girlswhomath.net or our Instagram (@_girlswhomath)

 

The Safe Community Coalition

Ned Johnson, best-selling co-author of The Self-Driven Child will discuss Calm Amid the Chaos: Being the Parent Teens Need in a Competitive, Distracted, Divisive World. 

November 20, 2024

7:00pm - 8:30pm

McLean Community Center

Adults $15/Students $10 pre-sale or $20 at the door. This program is appropriate for parents/caregivers and middle to high school students. Books will be on sale and a book signing will immediately follow the program.  You may register and purchase your tickets here.

 

The Alden

The Alden will host auditions for their 2025 Youth Production on January 28 and 29, with call backs on January 30. They will cast actors ages 10-16 who live in the MCC tax district.  

Actors must register to audition. For all the details, visit the Alden website: https://mcleancenter.org/events/alden-2025-youth-production-stuart-little/ 

Here’s the link to the audition form.

Calendar at a Glance:

11/27-29  Thanksgiving-NO SCHOOL

12/4-13    Book Fair and PTO Pop Up Holiday Shop 

12/13       PTO Staff Appreciation Event – Potluck Chili Luncheon

977 Balls Hill Road, McLean, VA 22101 |  Main Phone: 703.442.5800
Attendance: 703.442.5858 | Student Services: 703.442.5812 | Web | Twitter

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

Calendar Reminders 

Monday, November 11 (Veteran's Day) - No school for student/staff.  School offices closed

Wednesday, November 27 - Friday, November 29 (Thanksgiving) - No school for student/staff.  School offices closed

Monday, December 23 - Friday, January 3 (Winter Break) - No school for students/staff

See the complete school year calendar.

Student Screeners & Surveys

Parents/Caregivers of our 7th graders, please refer to the Cooper email sent to you on October 15th with important details about our upcoming Signs Of Suicide (SOS) screening on Tuesday, November 19, 2024.  *This is a date correction from last week's News you Choose. 

 

Parents/Caregivers of our 8th graders, please refer to the Cooper email sent to you on October 30th with important details about our upcoming Fairfax County Youth Survey on Tuesday, November 19th, 2024.

 

Parents/Caregivers of our 7th AND 8th graders, please refer to the Cooper email sent to you on October 29th with important details about our upcoming Student Experience Survey in December. 

Veteran’s Day Recognition & Military-Connected Family Appreciation

Friday, November 8th, students will recognize the contributions of our veterans to our community and the role they plan in the defense of our nation. Cooper will hold a Veterans’ Day assembly followed by a military-connected family appreciation coffee in our cafeteria.

If you would like to attend, please RSVP by November 6th to help us prepare for the event and coordinate with our staff.

•  Location: Cooper MS Cafeteria
• Veterans' Day Assembly: 9:00 AM - 9:30 AM
• Military-Connected Family Appreciation Coffee: 9:30 AM - 10:20 AM

We look forward to celebrating and connecting with our military families on this special day. Thank you for your service and dedication.

TJHSST Applications

Applications Open October 21 for Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology

Middle school students who have an aptitude and passion for STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) are encouraged to apply for admission to the Class of 2029 at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology (TJHSST). 

The application will be available on the TJHSST Admissions Office webpage starting Monday, October 21, at 4 p.m. Applications must be started by 4 p.m. Wednesday, November 13, with a deadline to submit the application by Friday, November 15, at 4 p.m. Visit the TJHSST registration page for more information.

Report Cards

The Gradebook Module in SIS ParentVue and StudentVue will be unavailable Monday, Oct 28, 2024 at 4:00 PM until Tuesday, Nov 12, 2024 at 6:00 AM for teachers to prepare first quarter grades. Paper copies of first quarter report cards will be distributed through Block 8 on Tuesday, November 13, 2024.  Additionally, a PDF will be posted in ParentVue after November 13.

School Photos & Retakes

Families should have received an E-proof via email.  Please remember to check your spam.

For any questions about your student's school pictures please contact: [email protected]

Picture Re-take/Make-Ups are scheduled for Thursday, November 14th during lunches. 

Outstanding Employee Award Nominations

Nominations are now open for the Outstanding Employee Awards! To submit a nomination for a Cooper MS Outstanding Employee in one of the categories below, please complete the nomination through this  Nomination Form. You may nominate one employee at our school or multiple employees (one individual may only nominate one employee per category.)

All that is required for a preliminary nomination is a paragraph or two about how this employee demonstrates exceptional work in the criteria for that category. The criteria for each of these awards and the eligibility requirements are below and on the FCPS website: https://www.fcps.edu/about-fcps/employees/recognition-programs/outstanding-employee-awards 

Outstanding Teacher 

Eligibility: Has at least three years of experience as a teacher (in any school/school district); librarians are included in this category

Outstanding New Teacher

Eligibility: Has up to three years of experience as a teacher (in any school/school district); librarians are included in this category.

Outstanding Leader 

Common positions in this category: Assistant Principals and Director of Student Services (not the building principal)

Outstanding Professional Employee 

Common positions in this category: School-Based Technology Specialist, Technology Support Specialist, Assessment Coach, Instructional Coach, Psychologist, Social Worker, School Counselor.

Outstanding Operational Employee

Common positions in this category: Administrative and Office Staff, Safety and Security Assistant, Custodial Staff, Food Service Staff, IA, PHA, PHTA, Parent Liaison

The deadline to submit a nomination is at 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday, November 13, 2023

If you have any questions, please contact Scott Davies (Interim Assistant Principal) at [email protected]. 

SCA Hurricane Helene Fundraisers

The SCA has coordinated multiple ways to support the relief efforts from Hurricane Helene.

• Donation to the Asheville Humane Society: your donation will be made through MySchoolBucks, once the fundraiser is closed, we will contribute all funds to the Asheville Humane Society.
• Donation to the Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina :your donation will be made through MySchoolBucks, once the fundraiser is closed, we will contribute all funds to the Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina.

Please contact our SCA sponsors, Ms. Harris ([email protected]) or Ms. Garrett ([email protected]) with any questions. 

Day of Service for Secondary Students 

When: Saturday, November 16, 2024 at 9-11:30 a.m.

Where: Edison High School

Sign up: Register FCPS Secondary Students 

Attend and earn service learning credit Our Voices, Our Future: Multilingual Learners’ Day of Service is being offered to FCPS secondary students as an opportunity to explore multilingualism as a strength in developing leadership and advocacy skills.  Students will plan for future success through their strengths and interests.  Attendees will be able to network and learn with other FCPS students and staff.  This event will also feature special guest Dr. José Luis Zelaya from the Multilingual Learners’ Summit.  “Language is an opportunity,” says Dr. Zelaya, “believe in the power of education!”  Secondary students should register through the link above and bring their FCPS laptop to the workshop.   

Event will also feature a table fair promoting college and career readiness. 

Language interpretation services will be available. 

To help with planning, please register if you can attend. 

Flyer: English  I  Spanish  I Arabic  I  Chinese  I  Korean  I  Urdu  I  Vietnamese

Safe Community Coalition

The Safe Community Coalition is pleased to welcome back Ned Johnson, best-selling co-author of The Self-Driven Child.  Learn what connects teen mental health and the motivational impacts of technology and social media, competitive schools and college pressure, and growing up in an unsettled and rapidly changing environment. Ned will provide tools for fostering close connections, navigating tough conversations, and helping teens feel grounded, understood, and resilient.

When: Wednesday, November 20 at 7pm
Where: McLean Community Center’s Alden Theatre

Tickets on sale now at McLeanSCC.org

Congrats to Cooper's Quiz Bowl Team

Cooper Quiz Bowl Won 1st Place at Centennial High Invitational Standard Division Cooper Quiz Bowl competed in the first tournament of the season, Centennial High School Invitational Standard Division in Ellicott City, MD on 10/13. Cooper A (Leo W., Ian C., Richard D., and Andrew D.) went 9-1 and won first place in the division which consisted of 30 high school novice and middle school teams. Cooper A got an invitation from NAQT to compete in the May 2025 Middle School National Championship Tournament (MSNCT).  Congratulations to the team and everyone who competed! We look forward to a strong season!

Cooper Quiz Bowl sent three teams to the Georgetown Day School Invitational on 11/2. Cooper C (Sohum D., A.J. G., Dhruv R., Ethan C., Orion Q.) finished 5th in the middle school division and qualified for the MSNCT to be held in Chicago in May 2025. This is the second team that Cooper qualified for this season!

Individually Leo W. placed 3rd and Oliver Y. placed 15th in the middle school division.

 

Congratulations to all players for a stellar performance!

Request for Photos

Attention Parents! We need photos of your students and their Cooper friends for the yearbook. We are specifically looking for photos from last summer, sports, weekends, holidays, first day of school, and students with their families. Please email any photos you would want to see in the yearbook to [email protected] ASAP. THANK YOU!

Order a Yearbook

Deadline to order a yearbook is November 30, 2024 at the cost of $40.00.  Please enter order #5267 at www.yearbookordercenter.com

977 Balls Hill Road, McLean, VA 22101 |  Main Phone: 703.442.5800
Attendance: 703.442.5858 | Student Services: 703.442.5812 | Web | Twitter

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

Diwali: October 31 – November 1

For those celebrating Diwali, we wish you a holiday full of peace, light, and happiness.

Student Fundraising Campaign - Hurricane Helene

• Donation to the Asheville Humane Society: your donation will be made through MySchoolBucks, once the fundraiser is closed, we will contribute all funds to the Asheville Humane Society.
• Donation to the Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina :your donation will be made through MySchoolBucks, once the fundraiser is closed, we will contribute all funds to the Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina.

Please contact our SCA sponsors, Ms. Harris ([email protected]) or Ms. Garrett ([email protected]) with any questions. 

Veteran’s Day Military Family Coffee

Next week, we’re proud to honor our military and military-connected families with a Veterans Day family appreciation coffee in our cafeteria, immediately following a school-wide Veterans Day assembly.

•  Location: Cooper MS Cafeteria
• Veterans' Day Assembly: 9:00 AM - 9:30 AM
• Military-Connected Family Appreciation Coffee: 9:30 AM - 10:20 AM

We look forward to celebrating and connecting with our military families on this special day. Thank you for your service and dedication.

If you would like to attend, please RSVP by November 6th to help us prepare.

Please Join the PTO!

Your membership is important! Our goal is to provide the most robust support possible for our Cooper classrooms, resources, support staff and teachers. YOUR MEMBERSHIP is how we can work together to create a vibrant school community for your children.

Your membership contributes to:

• Student social activities and community building
• Academic resources (we just contributed 24 microscopes to the Science Department)
• And more!

If you haven’t joined yet, please go to our website: https://Cooperpto.org and follow the links to sign up online.

Dues: $25/family ($26 online), plus a suggested $125 donation per student.

School Directory

The directory is now available to all Cooper families via browser or the Membership Toolkit app.   To access via browser, visit https://cooperpto.membershiptoolkit.com/directory.

If you’d rather use the app, you can find it in your app store: Membership Toolkit OR here: https://cooperpto.membershiptoolkit.com.

Thank you to the families who have verified their directory information. Haven’t gotten to it yet? You can still confirm your information and update your preferences about what is visible to others—it’s a great way to connect with your children’s friends and Cooper families.  Need help with login or have other questions?  Contact [email protected] 

Community News GIRLS WHO MATH

Our goal is to break down economic and social barriers and encourage more women to pursue careers in STEM.  

Our 2024-2025 school year tutoring program starts November 3 and continues through the first semester or until the end of the year, depending on the course.  

 Our tutors are highly qualified, including college students, TJHSST students, and certified teachers nationwide.

 Find more information about Girls Who Math here: https://girlswhomath.net or our Instagram (@_girlswhomath)

 

Travel Baseball Tryouts – November 1 and 2 at 3pm

The Great Falls Colts 13U travel baseball team is holding tryouts on Friday Nov. 1 & Saturday Nov. 2 at 3pm on Nike Field 5. The Colts program provides real playing time, dedicated positions and strong competition. If you cannot make Nov. 1 or 2nd, don't hesitate to get in touch with Mark Dalton, [email protected] to schedule a private tryout.

 

The Safe Community Coalition

Ned Johnson, best-selling co-author of The Self-Driven Child will discuss Calm Amid the Chaos: Being the Parent Teens Need in a Competitive, Distracted, Divisive World. 

November 20, 2024

7:00pm - 8:30pm

McLean Community Center

Adults $15/Students $10 pre-sale or $20 at the door. This program is appropriate for parents/caregivers and middle to high school students. Books will be on sale and a book signing will immediately follow the program.  You may register and purchase your tickets here.

 

The Alden

The Alden will host auditions for their 2025 Youth Production on January 28 and 29, with call backs on January 30. They will cast actors ages 10-16 who live in the MCC tax district.  

Actors must register to audition. For all the details, visit the Alden website: https://mcleancenter.org/events/alden-2025-youth-production-stuart-little/ 

Here’s the link to the audition form.

Calendar at a Glance:

October 31     EARLY RELEASE (END Q1)

November 1   NO SCHOOL

November 4   NO SCHOOL

November 5   NO SCHOOL

November 27-29  Thanksgiving-NO SCHOOL

977 Balls Hill Road, McLean, VA 22101 |  Main Phone: 703.442.5800
Attendance: 703.442.5858 | Student Services: 703.442.5812 | Web | Twitter