IMPORTANT DATES
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
November 11, 2026 - Veteran's Day Event for Military Families @9:30AM
November 19, 2026 - Picture Day Make-Up - Information to Follow
November 25 - 27, 2026 - Thanksgiving Break
🗓️Cooper Calendar
2026-2027 School Year Calendar
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 took part in digital citizenship lessons during advisory on Friday, October 16, and Tuesday, October 20. On Tuesday, October 20, we had a Spirit Day. Students were 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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World Language Credit by Exam (WLCBE)
Students should expect to receive an email with their individual testing information, including the test date, by the end of October.
In the meantime, families may visit the WLCE website (search World Language Credit on FCPS.edu) for more testing information and resources.
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
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!
Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology (TJHSST) Admissions Process
TJHSST Admissions — Written Assessment - Student Overview
Main Assessment Date: Saturday, January 9th
For more information regarding the application process click on the following:
https://www.fcps.edu/about-fcps/registration/tjhsst-admissions/freshman-application-process
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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Celebrate on Tuesday, October 27th!
Join us for Lights On After-School and VIP Camp Reunio
October 27, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM
Hosted by Carson Middle School
Celebrate out-of-school time with after-school programs from Carson, Cooper, Herndon, Hughes, and Longfellow Middle Schools—one community, five schools, and endless possibilities!
- Learn about the after-school program offerings from the five middle schools
- Receive information about middle school sports
- Get information on teen programs through Fairfax County Neighborhood and Community Services
- Spotlight: VIP Camp 2026 Reunion:
- Join in some fun activities from camp like cookie decorating and STEAM; test your hand at Improv with our Theatre crew; and join us for basketball and futsal!
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LIGHTS ON AFTER-SCHOOL
OCTOBER 27th
6-8PM
Hosted by Carson Middle School
Celebrating Out of School Time
One community. Five schools. Endless possibilities.
Logos pictured:
Langston Hughes Middle School,Cooper Middle School,LMS,Carson Middle School,Herndon Middle School
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Parents, WE NEED YOUR PHOTOS!
Help us make the yearbook even more special!
Please email your student photos to: cooperyearbook@gmail.com
We're looking for photos from throughout the school year, including (but not limited to):
- First Day of School
- Summer Photos
- Sports
- Friends
- Family
- Celebrations
- Birthdays
- Community Service
- Travel
- Things You Do on the Weekend
- Students with Pets
- Anything You Want to Share from This School Year!
Thank you for helping us capture the memories!
ORDER A YEARBOOK
DEADLINE: 11/30/26
YEARBOOK COST: $45
COOPER MIDDLE SCHOOL "A TRADITION OF EXCELLENCE"
Cooper Middle School
USE OUR ORDER NUMBER 5267 WHEN YOU LOG ON TO
YEARBOOKORDERCENTER.COM
QUESTIONS? CONTACT: LMBOVENZI@FCPS.EDU
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
Complete the Federal Impact Aid Survey Online
The Federal Impact Aid Survey is now available in ParentVUE. Your response helps FCPS receive funding for which it is eligible by identifying military and other federally connected families, including families living on a military base.
- Please complete one survey for each child. Only the parent who enrolled the student with FCPS can submit the form. Your information will be kept strictly confidential.
- To complete the survey, sign in to ParentVUE and click on Online Registration. From there, scroll down to find the Federal Impact Aid Survey.
- If you are experiencing difficulty completing the survey, sign in to ParentVUE using Google Chrome, select Online Packets, then choose Federal Impact Aid Survey.
- If you need help accessing ParentVUE, please contact Ms. Cannon at mcannon@fcps.edu.
- Paper forms will be sent home with students starting November 4 for families who cannot access ParentVUE.
FCPS Resources
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.
Time: Saturdays, 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Cost: Free
Registration: Register online at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe3kpXrd4T50tep9lB_4Px7KdMHV6Hm8t0qz-QkI29vN4iH2w/viewform
Contacts: Hiba Abdulwahhab, haabdulwahha@fcps.edu, (571) 567-0972; Amal Elsayed, aielsayed@fcps.edu, (703) 204-3956; Nafisa Mohamed Taha, nmmohamedtah@fcps.edu, (703) 813-8820)
Fairfax County Government Programs and Resources
Fairfax County Fuel Assistance (Applications open through November 13)
Eligible households can apply for help with winter heating costs. If approved, applicants will receive their benefit amount in late December; payments are made from January through April or until the benefit is used.
Apply online at https://commonhelp.virginia.gov/access/?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery or call 855-635-4370.
Department of Family Services, Disability Rights (Friday, October 23, noon–2 p.m., virtual)
Join this free training to learn how schools and families can work together to support students with disabilities, and about resources and family engagement support from the Virginia Department of Education. Registration is required.
Register at https://vbpd.virginia.gov/event/special-education-family-engagement/?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery.
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 10, 2026
Time: 6:30 to 8 p.m.
Location: Virtual
Registration: Register for the English session at https://events.gcc.teams.microsoft.com/event/6325e4ed-92cd-4926-b09d-516666cbebc5@a26156cb-5d6f-4172-9d7d-934eb0a7b275
Contact: BuildingStrongerFamilies@FairfaxCounty.gov, 703-324-7720
Community Partners and Organizations
Langley World Affairs Club and Delegation of the European Union (Deadline: Tuesday, December 1)
FCPS students in grades 7–12 are invited to write an essay of up to 650 words for Alliances That Sustain America, exploring how the relationship between Europe and the United States has shaped the American story. Every entrant will receive a certificate signed by the EU Ambassador, and the top three middle school and high school entries will be honored at the EU Delegation in Washington, D.C.
Learn more and submit at https://www.langleyworldaffairs.org/2026-essay-contest.
7th & 8th Grade Haunted Masquerade at Old Firehouse Center
A live DJ, an open dance floor, and light refreshments for participants. Come enjoy great music and a fun, lively atmosphere. Registration is required.
When: Saturday, Oct. 24, 6-9 p.m.
Cost: $35/$25 MCC district residents, $15 OFC ASP member
For more information and to register visit https://mcleancenter.org/events/7th-8th-grade-haunted-masquerade/?occurrence=2026-10-24.
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.
Date: Saturday, November 14, 2026
Time: 8:30 a.m.–3 p.m.
Location: Hayfield Secondary School
Cost: Free
Registration: Register for the conference
More Information: Special Education Family Conference webpage at https://www.fcps.edu/special-education-family-conference or contact SpecialEdFamilyConf@fcps.edu
November 16, 2026. Parents & Teens: Learn How to Build Independence, Resilience & Strong Connections
An evening with New York Times bestselling author and educator Jessica Lahey. Author of The Gift of Failure and The Addiction Inoculation, Jessica will share practical, research-backed strategies for helping teens build resilience and independence while navigating anxiety, substance use, gambling, and other challenges.
When: November 16, 2026
Time: 7:00 PM
Where: The Alden Theatre at the McLean Community Center
Tickets: $20 adults | $15 students (appropriate for grades 7–12) in advance; $25 at the door.
Register at https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/22vhdz5/lp/cb50063d-efa3-4dd7-8303-624c9d6fd267.
November 19th, 2026. Self-Esteem and Executive Functioning Sills: Breaking the Cycle of Shame and Stress.
Does your child struggle to start tasks, lose their belongings, or melt down over homework? This discussion is ideal for parents of school-aged children and teens who seem "bright but scattered” and appear to be losing confidence in their academic and social abilities.
When: November 19, 2026 7:00 - 8:30 PM
Where: McLean Community Center
Cost: Free information sessions designed specifically for parents and caregivers to gain professional insights, share experiences, and build a toolkit for supporting your family’s well-being.
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)
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.
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.
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!
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.
📎 Quick Links:
🌐 Cooper MS Website
🧑🏫 Counselor Contact Information
💳 My School Bucks
🗺️ Transportation Contact
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