IMPORTANT DATES
October 16 & October 19, 2026 - Picture Day During HPE Classes
October 30, 2026 - Two Hour Early Release Day - End of First Quarter
November 2 & 3, 2026 - No School for Students
November 9, 2026 - PTO GM Meeting - 9:30AM
🗓️Cooper Calendar
2026-2027 School Year Calendar
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
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)
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Block 2: 7:30 AM – 8:40 AM
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Block 4: 8:44 AM – 9:50 AM
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Block 6: 9:54 AM – 11:00 AM
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Block 8: 11:04 AM – 12:15 PM (*Release for Grab & Go Lunch)
Digital Citizenship Week: Learn, Talk, Connect
Digital Citizenship Week is a chance for students and families to explore how we can use technology thoughtfully, safely, and in ways that support our well-being. This year, students will explore a daily topic from Monday, October 19, through Friday, October 23: Think Critically, Protect, Shape, Connect, and Balance.
Each day, students can visit the Cooper Corner course in Schoology for a short video and an asynchronous activity connected to that day’s topic. They can complete the activities independently and at their own pace. A student tracker will also be posted in Schoology, where students can record their reflections and learning throughout the week. Students will also take part in digital citizenship lessons during advisory on Friday, October 16, and Tuesday, October 20. On Tuesday, October 20, there will be a Spirit Day. Students are invited to wear their Cooper gear, or blue and white, to show they are part of a community dedicated to keeping themselves and others safe online.
Families can join in through the daily Family Activities, which are posted in the Parent and Guardian Information course in Schoology. Each one directly parallels the student activity, with a parent-focused question, a related resource, and a conversation starter to help families talk about the topic together. These activities are a simple way to connect what students are learning at school with the technology choices and conversations they encounter at home.
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.
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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.
American Mathematics Competitions (AMC) 10
Cooper will be offering the AMC 10A this year on Thursday, November 5th, after school at 2:30 PM. The AMC 10 is a 25-question, 75-minute multiple-choice examination in high school mathematics designed to promote the development and enhancement of problem-solving skills. This test is for students in 10th grade and below and covers the high school curriculum up to 10th grade.
The AMC 8, which we will be hosting in January, is targeted for middle school students in grade 8 and below. The AMC 10 is NOT required for the AMC 8, and historically, the majority of our Cooper students interested in the AMC competitions take only the AMC 8. Details will follow in the coming weeks on how to register for the AMC 8.
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.
LOST AND FOUND
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Please remind students to check the Lost and Found located in the cafeteria during lunch or at the end of the day for any missing items. Unclaimed items will be donated after school on Friday, October 30th.
Thank you for your support!
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SafeWalkr
FCPS Safe Routes to School is excited to invite Cooper families to try SafeWalkr, a new interactive walking map tool developed by Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology students in collaboration with our team!
If you live within Cooper’s designated walking boundary, explore information about sidewalks, road crossings, and crossing guard locations to help plan your walk to school.
Go to the SafeWalkr tool, select Cooper, and explore a route with your child. Review current conditions and consider your child’s abilities and supervision needs before walking. The tool does not change walking boundaries or transportation eligibility. Help us improve SafeWalkr by sharing your feedback during the pilot. Thank you for supporting safe, active trips to school!
Transportation Survey
Share Your Feedback on Traveling to and From School
The FCPS Office of Safety and Security and Safe Routes to School program are asking families to share their experiences traveling to and from their child’s school. The feedback will help inform the Fairfax County School Board’s annual assessment of traffic and pedestrian safety near schools.
The Traffic and Pedestrian Safety Survey asks about walking and biking routes, traffic near schools, kiss-and-ride experiences, accessibility, and other safety concerns.
Your feedback will help FCPS identify common issues. Your responses will be kept confidential and shared with school administrators and the Office of Safety and Security. The five-minute survey is open through Thursday, October 15.
Be sure to identify the school related to your feedback and include specific locations where you have observed a safety issue. If you have students at different schools in FCPS, please complete a different survey for each school.
If you have any questions about the survey, please contact SafeRoutestoSchool@fcps.edu.
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.
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.
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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:
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Monday, October 19, at 6:30 p.m., at Spring Hill Elementary School
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Monday, October 26, at 6:30 p.m., at Beech Tree Elementary School
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Thursday, October 29, at 6:30 p.m., at North Springfield Elementary School
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Friday, November 13, at 6:30 p.m., at Powell Elementary School
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 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.
Parent Project: Arabic Language Program (Registration Now Open)
This free, 10-week program helps Arabic-speaking families build positive relationships with their children and find practical ways to address parenting challenges. Sessions are held Saturdays from November 7, 2026, through January 30, 2027. Most sessions are virtual; the final session is in person.
Parent Café: “Talk. They Hear You.” November 10, 2026
Join a free virtual presentation for parents and others who support young people. Learn how to start conversations early and often about alcohol and other drugs, and get information and resources to help.
November 14, 2026. 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
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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
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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.
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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!
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
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📎 Quick Links:
🌐 Cooper MS Website
🧑🏫 Counselor Contact Information
💳 My School Bucks
🗺️ Transportation Contact
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