IMPORTANT DATES
September 9, 2026 - Back to School Night 6:00 - 7:30PM
September 11, 2026 - PTO General Membership Meeting 9:30AM
September 14, 2026 - After School Activities Fair for Students 2:30 - 3:30PM
September 21, 2026 - No School - Holiday
🗓️Cooper Calendar
2026-2027 School Year Calendar
COOPER MIDDLE SCHOOL
BACK TO SCHOOL NIGHT 2026
Wednesday, September 9th 6:00–7:30 PM
This is a parent/guardian-only event
Parents/ guardians may arrive starting at 5:30 PM. Our cafeteria will be set-up with tables showcasing:
Parents/guardians should check their SIS ParentVUE account to access their child's schedule for the evening and/or bring the printed schedule their child will complete and bring home on Tuesday 9/8. Printed schedules will not be available.
Back to School Night presentations will be posted in each teacher's Schoology course on Friday 9/11 after 3 PM.
Parking is available at Cooper Middle School (front and back lots) and Holy Trinity Church (850 Balls Hill Rd). Carpooling or ride-sharing is encouraged.
Fall Screening Assessment Notification
The Virginia Literacy Act (VLA) and Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) require schools to provide reading and mathematics screening tests for all students in grades 3-8. These assessments are used to evaluate student readiness, identify instructional needs, and track progress over time. Test results help families and teachers know how to support each student’s learning and development.
-
Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) Math - required for all students who are scheduled to take the spring Standards of Learning (SOL)
-
iReady Reading - required for all students who are scheduled to take the spring SOL
-
Virginia Language and Literacy Screening System (VALLSS) - required for certain students based on other reading performance data
If your student is identified to participate in VALLSS, you will receive additional communication from your student’s school with details about this assessment. Families may also choose to opt-in to VALLSS participation by contacting their student’s teacher.
Teachers assess grade 3-8 students with MAP Math, iReady Reading, and VALLSS in fall, winter, and spring. The Academic Screening, Growth, and Diagnostic Tests webpage (https://www.fcps.edu/academic-screening-growth-and-diagnostic-tests) provides more information on these tests.
iReady will be delivered during the classroom instructional block. MAP testing will occur during the school day on September 16, 2026. VALLSS may be delivered within classroom instruction or at another time, such as an intervention or advisory period. The division schedule for iReady, MAP, and VALLSS tests can be found on the Grade Level Tests webpage (https://www.fcps.edu/academics/student-tests-assessments/grade-level-tests). Teachers set specific testing schedules for students in their class.
Based on academic screening results, some students may require a reading plan or math intervention plan. Some students may require additional diagnostic tests to help teachers determine specific areas for support. If you have questions about academic screening, growth, or diagnostic tests, please contact your student’s teacher or the school's test coordinator, Rachel Wolfe (rawolfe1@fcps.edu).
Fall Full-Time AAP Screening
Parents and teachers interested in referring students for the fall full-time AAP screening must submit a full-time AAP referral form to the school’s Advanced Academic Resource Teacher (AART) by October 15. 2026. Fall 2026 screening is only available to students newly enrolled in FCPS after January 1, 2026, who were not screened in Spring 2026.
For information pertaining to the Fall 2026 screening process, testing and identification timeline or identification and placement, please contact Rachel Wolfe at rawolfe1@fcps.edu.
World Language Credit by Exam (WLCBE)
Students who are proficient in a language other than English can assess language proficiency and earn up to 3 high school world language high school credits by taking the World Language Credit by Exam assessment. To learn more about the exam and how earned credits work, please visit the FCPS World Languages Credit by Exam website.
If you and your child would like to register for the exam, please fill out this Google Form, and Ms. Lewis (klewis1@fcps.edu) will submit the registration. Expect to receive a registration confirmation email within 1-2 school days of your account being registered.
Please make sure you and your child visit the Avant website to make sure you and your student know what to expect from this test, including sample tests and keyboard, computer, and headphone requirements. For more information on how to prepare for the exam and scoring criteria, you may visit the FCPS WLCBE web page.
Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology (TJHSST) Admissions Process Meeting for 8th Grade Students
The TJHSST information session will be in the Cooper Middle School Lecture Hall directly after school on Monday, September 28 from 2:30 - 3:30 pm. This event is for 8th grade parents and students only. A TJHSST representative will be speaking about the admissions process. For more information, please visit the TJ admissions website: https://www.fcps.edu/about-fcps/registration/tjhsst-admissions/freshman-application-process
Cooper Middle School Sports Update: Final Forms
Dear Cooper Middle School Families,
Final Forms is now available for parent registration for Middle School Athletics. To get started:
- Check your email for an account confirmation message from the FinalForms Mailman and click “Confirm Your Account.”
- Create a FinalForms password and select “Confirm Account.”
- Visit https://fairfax-va.finalforms.com/ and log in under the Parent icon.
- Select “Incomplete Forms” next to your student.
- Choose any sports, activities, or clubs in which your student plans to participate, then click “Update.”
- Complete and submit each required form, signing your full name in the parent signature field. A “Forms Finished” message will appear when registration is complete.
- Families may be asked to provide medical and health information, insurance details, physician contact information, hospital preferences, and emergency contacts. If required, students will receive an email prompting them to sign applicable forms. To register additional students, select “My Students.” You may update information at any time by selecting “Update Forms.” If you did not receive a confirmation email, please email Mr. Klena and Mr. Kaden for assistance.
Thank you,
Brian Klena
After School Program Specialist
& Building Use Coordinator
Cooper Middle School
FCPS and Final Forms Intro – Middle School
https://fcps.click/fcpsandfinalformsintromiddleschool
SFTP Parent Playbook
https://fcps.click/sftpparentplaybook
Final Forms Accounts for Families
https://fcps.click/finalformsaccountsforfamilies
🐾 Cooper Middle School Athletics Team Store 🐾
Students planning to participate on a sports team this year—take a second to check out the Cooper Middle School Athletics Team Store and get ready to represent your school in style!
Team Uniforms
The expectation is that Cooper athletes will wear Cooper gear at meets and games. Wearing our school gear helps our teams look united and shows pride in being a Cooper Cougar!
- Uniform tops will be provided by the school to all athletes.
- Coaches will communicate a common color for shorts for each sport.
- Cross Country: All XC athletes are required to wear navy shorts of their choice for meets.
- Cold-weather gear: Sweatshirts and long-sleeve shirts are available through the team store and are great options for cooler practices, meets, and games.
Team Store Link
After School Registration
Dear Cooper Families,
Cooper Middle School offers free after-school activities every Monday through Friday.
Whether your student wants to join sports, get help with homework, create and compete in STEM clubs, play video games, or attend special events—there is something for everyone!
Key Highlights:
-
Free Programs: Running Monday–Friday*
-
Bus Transportation: Available 4 days a week. *There are NO LATE BUSES on Friday; pick up/walk home only at 3:30 PM.
-
Full Schedule & Details: Coming soon
Action Needed: Complete Registration Today!
Even if your student isn't sure they want to participate right away, we strongly encourage every family to complete the registration form now.
-
No obligation: Registering does not require your child to attend.
-
Be prepared: Completing this form ensures your student is cleared to join in on any activity, any time during the school year!
👉 Click Here to Complete the Registration Form
Thank you for helping us prepare for a fantastic school year!
COOPER AFTER-SCHOOL ACTIVITIES FAIR
SEPTEMBER 14th 2:30PM - 3:30PM
CALLING ALL COOPER COUGARS!
JOIN US FOR THE
AFTER-SCHOOL CLUBS &
ACTIVITIES FAIR!
WHO: All Cooper students are invited!
WHAT: An opportunity for students to explore what Cooper has to offer after school -meet club sponsors and get information regarding clubs and activities.
WHEN: Monday, September 14th from 2:30-3:30 PM.
WHERE: 7th graders report to Gym 1 and 8th graders report to Gym 2 immediately after dismissal.
SIGN-UP for the Activities Fair using the Google Form posted in Schoology > Groups > After School Programs
Message from Cooper’s PTO
PTO Support Information
Please consider supporting the Cooper Middle School PTO! Your family membership, tax-deductible donation, sponsorship, and/or volunteer time help fund programs, classroom support, teacher and staff appreciation, campus improvements, and more.
Visit https://cooperpto.membershiptoolkit.com/support to learn more about joining the PTO, donating, corporate matching, purchasing spirit wear, promoting your business with banner sponsorship opportunities, and special projects to enhance your kids' experiences at Cooper.
Throughout the school year, the PTO will also sponsor fun Spirit Events (https://cooperpto.membershiptoolkit.com/events), where participating businesses give back a portion of sales to the PTO.
Questions? Email fundraising@cooperpto.org.
Community Updates from our Family Liaison
-
Upcoming: Getting to Know Fairfax County Public Schools: A Military Family Orientation Military families who are new to FCPS or moving to Fairfax County soon are invited to this virtual presentation. Families will learn about FCPS programs, digital resources, early enrollment for military families, strategies to support student success, and the Military Interstate Compact.
-
Ongoing: Teen Nights Teens ages 12–18 are invited to enjoy free activities in a safe and supervised environment on Friday and Saturday evenings. Activities include open gym, board and card games, table tennis, parties, talent shows, karaoke, and more.
- Date: Fridays and Saturdays
- Time: 6:00–10:00 p.m.
- Location: Mott Community Center, Lorton Community Center, Sully Community Center, Hybla Valley Community Center, Gum Springs Community Center, Jim Scott Community Center, Cathy Hudgins Community Center at Southgate, James Lee Community Center, Reston Teen Center, and Minnie H. Peyton Community Center at Bailey’s
- Cost: Free
- Eligibility: Teens ages 12–18
- Click Teen Centers and Teen Nights for more information.
-
Ongoing: Parenting Programs Free virtual and in-person parenting classes are available for Fairfax County parents and caregivers of children ages 0–18. Classes cover positive and effective parenting strategies for every age and stage. Dinner and child care are provided.
-
Ongoing: Inova Free or Low-Cost Healthcare for Kids Inova offers health care services and support for children and families, including help applying for or renewing Medicaid and FAMIS, primary care for children with Medicaid or no insurance, free virtual cooking classes, and care coordination for children with special health care needs.
- Eligibility: Services and eligibility vary by program.
- Contact: Partnership for Healthier Communities, PHC@inova.org, 703-698-2550
- Contact: Inova Cares for Children, 703-531-3100
- Contact: Care Connection for Children, CareConnectionforChildrenNOVA@inova.org, 703-698-2450
- See attached flyers: (English/Spanish)
- Community Health Initiative and University of Maryland College of Education (Upcoming: September 19 to October 25, 2026)
-
Upcoming: Free Parent-Child Connect and Youth Emotional Intelligence Workshops: Two concurrent, six-week virtual workshops are available this fall for Asian American families in the DMV area. The Parent-Child Connect Workshop is for parents and caregivers of school-aged children and is offered in English or Chinese. The Emotional Intelligence Workshop is for Asian American youth in grades 3–8 and focuses on emotional awareness, stress management, confidence, friendships, conflict resolution, and healthy self-esteem.
- Date: Parent workshop: Saturdays, September 19 to October 24, 2026, in Chinese; Sundays, September 20 to October 25, 2026, in English. Youth workshop: Saturdays, September 19 to October 24, 2026.
- Time: Parent workshop, 7:00–8:45 p.m. Youth workshop, 4:00–5:30 p.m.
- Location: Virtual via Zoom
- Cost: Free
- Eligibility: Asian American parents, caregivers, and youth. Youth participants must be in grades 3–8. Maryland residents receive priority.
- Registration: Scan the QR code on the appropriate flyer to register or on the websites linked below. Space is limited.
- More Information: Workshop information | Bullying Prevention and Mental Health Promotion Lab
- Flyers: Emotional Intelligence Workshop flyer | Parent-Child Connect Workshop flyer
- September Family Resource Webinars (Free)
-
September 11, 2026 at 10:00-11:30 AM. Supporting the ADHD Brain. Students with ADHD often know what they need to do but struggle to begin, stay focused, and follow through. This session, presented by The StudyPro, helps parents understand how executive function can make seemingly simple tasks much harder for students with ADHD and shares practical strategies designed to work with the ADHD brain. Register at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc3N_IbeQO_aNYNpL6POYdNRDyR1NUqmu1U10LQnwd40yN3tQ/viewform
-
September 18, 2026 at 10:00-11:30 AM. Digital Wellness and Cyber Threat Indicators in K-12:When Online Behavior Becomes a Safety Concern. This session will provide FCPS Parent/Guardians with a broad understanding of how digital wellness concerns can overlap with cybersecurity, student safety, behavioral risk indicators, and emerging online threats. This session focuses on awareness, early identification, and appropriate escalation pathways. Register at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfK-3tnnaDFfbt2SCpv0MSjHhcCvzPbXnCWOTEj_xe2BAXFjA/viewform
-
September 25, 2026 at 10:00-11:30 AM. Navigating the Digital Age: Creating Digital Balance as a Family. This session offers caregivers practical strategies for establishing healthy relationships with technology at home. We will explore how to model balanced digital habits, foster open communication, and work as a family to find a healthy balance. You will leave this session with steps on how to create healthy technology habits for the whole family, and how to keep kids connected without technology. Register at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfK-3tnnaDFfbt2SCpv0MSjHhcCvzPbXnCWOTEj_xe2BAXFjA/viewform
Langley Crew Fall 2026 Learn to Row
📅: Saturdays starting Sep 12 - Nov 7 (no session on 10/31)
📍: Sandy Run State Park Boathouse
10450 Van Thompson Rd.
Fairfax Station, VA
Fee: $200
Who May Attend?
1) All participants must be registered as a student at Langley High School or an 8th grader registered at Cooper/Longfellow Middle School who will be attending Langley High School in SY2027/28.
2) All participants must pass a Langley Crew swim test --dates and locations provided during registration.
REGISTRATION NOW OPEN: https://langleycrew.sportngin.com/register/form/765465081
For more details visit https://www.langleycrew.com or contact us at 📧langleyrowing@gmail.com
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 Cooperyearbook@gmail.com ASAP. THANK YOU!
From the Yearbook Staff.
Do you want your student to be in the yearbook?
Please email photos to cooperyearbook@gmail.com
|
📎 Quick Links:
🌐Cooper MS Website
🧑🏫Counselor Contact Information
💳My School Bucks
🗺️ Transportation Contact
|
