Cooper News 10/7

Fairfax County Public Schools sent this bulletin at 10/07/2026 04:30 PM EDT

IMPORTANT DATES

October 9, 2026 - PTO GM Meeting 9:00AM

October 9, 2026 - NO AFTER SCHOOL ACTIVITIES

October 12, 2026 - Student Holiday (School Planning Day)

October 14, 2026 - SOS Screening for Grade 7

October 16 & October 19, 2026 - Picture Day

October 30, 2026 - Two Hour Early Release Day - End of First Quarter

🗓️Cooper Calendar 

2026-2027 School Year Calendar

Signs of Suicide (SOS Screening)

Parents/Caregivers of our 7th graders

Please refer to the Cooper e-Notify sent to you on September 15th with important details about our upcoming Signs of Suicide (SOS) screening on Wednesday, October 14th, 2026. 

October 14, 2026  Block Schedule for SOS Screening Day

  • Block 4:  7:30 AM – 8:56 AM
  • Block 2:  9:00AM – 10:26 PM
  • Block 6:  School-wide Recess 10:30AM – 10:45AM
  • Lunches : 10:45 AM – 12:45 PM
  • Block 8:  12:49PM – 2:15PM

October 30, 2026

Block Schedule for Two Hour Early Release Day - End of First Quarter

Even Day Two-Hour Early Release (w/QST and no advisory)

  • Block 2: 7:30 AM – 8:40 AM
  • Block 4: 8:44 AM – 9:50 AM
  • Block 6: 9:54 AM – 11:00 AM
  • Block 8: 11:04 AM – 12:15 PM (*Release for Grab & Go Lunch)
parent digital consent

Parent Digital Consent System

Remember to Complete Permission Forms for School Resources

Families can easily grant consent for their children to access a variety of school resources through the Parent Digital Consent system. This online tool can be accessed using your SIS ParentVUE account login. Parents can easily opt their child in or out of a variety of resources, including online educational tools, school counseling services, and more.

Visit the Parent Digital Consent webpage to access the system. Watch this video to see how to use the tool.

School Picture Day is Coming!

📅 Date: Friday October 16th & Monday October 19th 2026

📸 Pictures Available: Approximately two weeks after photo day

🛒 Pre-order Online: https://shop.imagequix.com/g1001416956

📧 Questions about Ordering? www.vosphoto.com/contact-us

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.  

Attendance📅⏰

Not Feeling Well? When Your Child Can Come to School

School is better when your child is here! But we do understand that some days, they may feel unwell. Learn more about which symptoms are ok at school (like sneezing or sniffles), and when your child should stay home (if they have a fever, diarrhea, or vomiting, for example). 

If your child has a chronic illness, make sure to notify the school so that assistance can be provided if needed. Keep an open line of communication with your school public health nurse. Call the school as soon as you know your child will be absent and, if possible, let them know how long you think they will be out.

If you or your family need any kind of support, please reach out to our front office. We are here for you! Visit FCPS’ Attendance webpage for tips and strategies.

Importance of Strong Attendance Habits September is Attendance Awareness Month. Some of the ways parents can help their children create healthy routines and a habit of getting to school on time every day include:

  • Setting a regular bedtime and morning routine. (Need help? Download this checklist in English or Spanish.)
  • Laying out clothes and packing backpacks the night before.
  • Talking to teachers, school counselors, or other parents for advice on how to make your child feel comfortable and excited about learning, if they seem anxious about going to school.
  • Developing back-up plans for getting to school if something comes up. Call on a family member, a neighbor, or another parent.
  • Avoiding medical appointments or extended trips when school is in session.

Unexcused Absences

Five (5) Days 

When a student reaches five (5) or more unexcused absences, the Virginia State Code 22.1-254 requires that we reach out to the parent and/or guardian to develop a plan of action for the student.

Ten (10) Days

When a student reaches ten (10) or more unexcused absences, the Code of Virginia, 22.1-254, requires that the parent and/or guardian and the child participate in an attendance conference with designated members from the school’s attendance team.

Fifteen (15) Days

When a student misses fifteen consecutive school days, the student is required to be withdrawn from school.

If you or your family need any kind of support, please reach out to our front office. We are here for you! 

Supporting Twice-Exceptional (2e) Learners in FCPS

Fairfax County Public Schools is committed to challenging all students through talent development and differentiated instruction. Twice-Exceptional (2e) learners are students who are both gifted and have learning challenges or disabilities. 

Families can learn more about 2e learners, how to support them, and how to partner with schools on the 2e webpage, which also includes a link to the Special Education Handbook.

New information, including printable flyers, has been added under the heading Supporting 2e Learners in FCPS. 

For more information, please contact Rachel Wolfe at (703) 442-5856.

Click this link to view the informational flyer.

Annual Special Education Family Conference

Annual Special Education Family Conference: Registration Open, Call for Volunteers

Join us for the annual Special Education Family Conference: Connected Communities, Thriving Students on Saturday, November 14th, 8:30am - 3:00pm, at Hayfield Secondary School. 

Families, educators, and community members are invited to this no-cost, in-person event to connect, learn, and explore available special education services, supports, and resources. Lunch will be provided for all participants.

How to Get Involved

Visit the Special Education Family Conference webpage for more information. Email SpecialEdFamilyConf@fcps.edu with any questions. 

Click this link to view the informational flyer.

Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology (TJHSST) Admissions Process 

TJHSST Admissions — Written Assessment - Student Overview

Main Assessment Date: Saturday, January 9th

Time: 1.5 hours total (90 minutes)

Sections: Student Portrait Sheet (SPS) and Problem-Solving Essay (PSE)

1) Student Portrait Sheet (SPS)

  • You’ll write 4 short essays.

○ Each essay can be up to 1,500 characters (about 200–250 words).

  • These essays will focus on Portrait of a Graduate (POG) skills:

○ Collaborator, Communicator, Creative & Critical Thinker, Ethical/Global Citizen, Goal-Directed & Resilient.

  • Before the test: think of specific times you showed these skills (at school, home, or in your community). Try to link them to STEM activities when you can.
  • During the test:

○ Read the prompt carefully — answer everything it asks.

○ Use scratch paper to make a quick outline.

○ Be specific: say what you did, why it mattered, and what you learned.

○ Watch the character counter and save your work

2) Problem-Solving Essay (PSE)

  • You’ll write 1 longer essay (max 3,700 characters).
  • It will include math and science (Algebra I level through first semester, and 7th/8th grade science).
  • You must show both your answer and your thinking — explain and justify every step.
  • Before the test: ask math/science teachers for sample questions and practice writing full explanations.
  • During the test:

○ Read the whole problem carefully.

○ Answer all the questions you are asked.

○ Do calculations on scratch paper.

○ Write your solution as an essay — explain your reasoning, not just the final number.

○ Check the character count

Time plan (suggested)

  • SPS: 4 essays × 15 minutes = 60 minutes
  • PSE: 30 minutes Keep an eye on the character counter (bottom right).

Extra tips

  • Look at TJ’s lab options (Chemistry, Oceans, Planetarium, Tech, Robotics) — note which ones excite you and mention them if it fits an essay.
  • Practice short, clear writing. Try prompts like: “Describe a time you showed strong communication skills.”
  • Ask math and science teachers for practice “Problem-Solving” Essay questions.

Test-day checklist

  • Print your test site letter and know where you’re going.
  • Charge your computer and make sure you can log into your TJ application account.
  • Bring two pencils
  • Arrive by 7:30 AM.
  • Leave phones and smartwatches at home.

You’ve got this — be specific, show your thinking, and let your passion for STEM shine through.

Strategic Plan

Our Focus on Academic Growth and ExcellenceThe FCPS 2023-30 Strategic Plan sets five main goals to create positive change in the division. These goals show where we should focus our attention and will help us align our efforts.

The third goal is for all students to achieve academic growth and excellence. We want our students to have the academic skills to be successful, including reading on level by third grade. See how Goal 3 is being put into practice. 

team store

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.

Visit our Team Store for more information.

LANGLEY HIGH SCHOOL

YOUTH VOLLEYBALL NIGHT

Thursday, October 8th @ 5:45PM

Youth with Jerseys Get In For Free

Games and Prizes In Between Sets with the Players

 

 youth volleyball

Superintendent Community Conversations

Join us for a series of Community Conversations that will be held across the school division. Share your thoughts with Dr. Reid and ask her questions. Click on the date to register for any of the following events:

Registration is not required, but it helps with planning. 

Community Updates from our Family Liaison

HOW CAN YOUR FAMILY LIAISON HELP?

Think of me as a connector, navigator, and partner.

  • Find the right person, service, or community resource.
  • Navigate ParentVUE, Talking Points, transportation tools, forms, and FCPS processes.
  • Connect early when attendance, transitions, or other barriers affect student success.
  • Find meaningful volunteer, partnership, and family leadership opportunities.

Check this out!  In A Few Words FCPS: FCPS’s Multilingual Family Podcast

Listen to timely school news, information, and resources for families. The podcast is available in English, Spanish, Arabic, and Korean. Listen to all episodes at https://www.fcps.edu/multilingual-family-podcast-all-episodes 

Upcoming

  • October 7, 2026 PEATC Special Education Webinar Series. PEATC’s 2026 virtual webinar series will help families better understand the special education process, including eligibility, IEPs, 504 Plans, and family-school collaboration. Families may attend only the sessions that best meet their needs. 
  • October 8, 2026 Langley Boys Youth Volleyball Night. Activities at both the JV games and Varsity games. Lots of prizes, fun and goodies for the kids to take home. Event starts at 5:45pm in the Langley High School main gym.  Youth wearing jerseys  get in for free.
  • October 8, 2026 Family Cafe Growing Together: Talking About Social-Emotional Learning at Home. Parents and caregivers of students in all grade levels are invited to learn how to understand their child’s SEL Screener results and use them to start conversations at home. Childcare, interpretation, and snacks will be provided. Please register in advance to help with planning at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1K4MBEX_PUnjAmIRQSacxs_hFdBj1IqbgHU-o6amAQ2Y/viewform?edit_requested=true. 
  • Time: 6:30 to 8 p.m.
  • Location: Skyview High School, 2949 Education Dr., Herndon, VA 20171
  • Contact: Family and School Partnerships Office, 703-204-4300, FamilyEngagement@fcps.edu
  • October 19, 2026 at 6:30 PM at Springhill Elementary School. Superintendent Community Conversations. Families are invited to attend a series of community conversations across the school division. Participants can share their thoughts and ask questions of Superintendent Dr. Reid. 
  • November. Special Education Family Conference: Connected Communities, Thriving Students.Families, educators, and community members are invited to this free conference focused on partnerships that support student success. The event will include an opening session, breakout sessions, an exhibitor hall, and lunch.

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
  • 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.
  • 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 flyers: (English/Spanish)

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.

Reporting Discrimination or Harassment

FCPS is committed to providing a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment for people of all races, national origins, and ethnicities. Individuals experiencing harassment or discrimination should report the incident as soon as possible. 

Volunteer

Interested in Volunteering with FCPS? Learn more and sign up at https://www.fcps.edu/get-involved/volunteer-fcps.  Cooper will need volunteers throughout the school year to help with afterschool activities, field trips, and educational trips. Become a part of our vibrant community and help shape the future by volunteering today!

yearbook

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 

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