The Cooper PAWS
Please "PAWS" with us for an update from Cooper School
September 2, 2024
Happy Labor Day!
Student & Staff Wellness
WE ARE ALMOST THERE...
The Cooper Staff cannot wait to welcome our students tomorrow for the 1st Day of School! Let's make this the best year yet! Remember the first day of school is an Early Dismissal Day. Students will be dismissed at 1:00pm tomorrow, September 3, 2024.
Here are a few reminders for a smooth morning arrival:
Arrival begins each day at 8:45am.
1st Day Photos:
- Please try to take all photos at your home before coming to school.
- Any family wishing to take a photo at the school, before school starts, please do so before 8:15am so the property is clear prior to arrival. The parking area needs to be clear and ready for the car line.
Bus Riders:
- Arrive at the bus stop early, and be patient if the bus is a little late. Let's give our drivers grace as they learn the new bus routes and navigate construction traffic throughout Cherry Hill.
- Students will not be marked late if the bus is delayed.
- Remain seated and buckled the entire bus ride (even while waiting in the school parking lot.)
- Use appropriate voices (not too loud) and appropriate words (only kind words) on the bus.
- Staff will assist students as they exit their buses and find their classrooms.
Car Riders:
- Enter the car line and pull all the way forward as close as you safely can toward the car in front of you.
- Students must exit on the driver's side in the unloading zone only.
- Please DO NOT PARK and walk your child through the car line.
- Remain in your vehicle. Teachers and staff will assist with school supplies, backpacks, and finding classrooms.
- Families of students in the Autism Support Program, may utilize the parking area in the front of the building near the tennis courts if closer classroom access is needed.
Walkers:
- Walkers may not arrive before 8:45am as there is no supervision before 8:45am.
- From Birchwood Dr.: Enter at Door 19 for Gr. K & 1, and at Door 14 for Gr. 2-5
- From Hilltop Dr.: Enter at Door 3 for Gr. K & 1, and Door 8 for Gr. 2-5
BREAKFAST & LUNCH WILL BE SERVED BEGINNING TOMORROW
Any student wishing to purchase breakfast at school may do so beginning tomorrow at 8:45am. PLEASE talk with your child to tell them if they should or should not go to breakfast when they arrive.
Students will have lunch on early dismissal days. Please send your child with a packed lunch, or use the PaySchools portal to put money on your child's account. Your child's lunch number is the last four digits of their School ID.
MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORTS FOR THE COMMUNITY
CHPS has partnered with Care Solace to provide free Mental Health Supports to our students, staff, and families. The Care Solace team can quickly connect you to verified providers in our community. Click Here to connect with a care provider or contact your school counselor for more information.
Purpose & Passion
PREPARING FOR THE UPCOMING SCHOOL YEAR
General School Information
The Cooper Family Information Packet provides families with all school related information regarding procedures, curriculum, and services available to students. Please be sure to review this information as you and your child prepare for the school year.
ST Math Program
Students' Google Log In, or the ST Math Homepage.
INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC FOR GRADES 4 & 5
Calling all Rising 4th & 5th Graders! Be sure to sign up for our Cooper Band or Orchestra.
No experience? No Problem!
Instrumental music lessons are provided to students in grades 4 and 5 during the school day. You will also have an opportunity to participate in the Winter and Spring Concerts to showcase what you have learned.
Instruments to choose from include:
BAND: Flute, Clarinet, Saxophone, Trumpet, Trombone*, Baritone*, and Percussion*
ORCHESTRA: Violin, Viola, Cello*, and Bass*
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
- Below is a link to an instrument choice Prezi. Please take the time to go over all the
presentation information WITH your student!
- https://prezi.com/view/Cw0IydMAr9hxgTUd4GJk/
- District Website:
- SIGN UP HERE:
- https://forms.gle/cETHeG72KjyBy64z8
***PLEASE NOTE***
Students are not permitted to transport large instruments on the bus. If a student selects a large instrument, it will be the parents’ responsibility to transport the instrument to and from school. We have some large instruments at the school which may be used for in-school practice. If you have questions regarding the District's safety procedure, questions may be forwarded to Mr. Prettelt at aprettelt@chclc.org.
Connecting Beyond the Classroom
COOPER PARENT-TEACHER ASSOCIATION ~ PTA
PTA EXECUTIVE BOARD
President: Shazia Ansari shazia.ansari@jfcooperpta.org
Vice President of Ways & Means (Fundraising): Bridget Moore bridget.moore@jfcooperpta.org
Vice President of Programs and Events: Kristin Podolsky kristin.podolsky@jfcooperpta.org
Secretary: Ramona Hamill ramona.hamill@jfcooperpta.org
Treasurer: Jen Carapetyan jen.carapetyan@jfcooperpta.org
Be sure to visit the PTA Website (click here) for information on upcoming events, fundraisers and community service projects!
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
There are a variety of opportunities to support the Cooper Students through PTA and school activities. This includes both frequent and one-time events and programs. If you are interested in volunteering at any level, please complete this Volunteer Interest Form.
PTA WATER-ICE NIGHT
District & Community Information
FROM THE OFFICE OF THE SUPERINTENDENT:
All families should be receiving the broadcast messages including CHPS Weekly, periodic district notices and reminders, and the CHPS Summer Postcard. If you are not receiving the district emails from the sender, Public Information - publicinfo@chclc.org, please check your spam/junk folder and add this email to your Safe Senders List.
UPDATED DISTRICT CALENDAR
Please note that the district calendar for the 2024-2025 school year has been updated. The revised calendar can be found on the district website.
SCHOOL-AGE CHILD CARE ~ SACC
SACC Begins September 3rd
The SACC program at the elementary schools will be open on Tuesday September 3rd. Morning SACC begins at 7:00am, and Afternoon SACC ends at 6:00pm.
SACC is Hiring!
Do you know anyone looking for part-time employment who loves working with children? Our district School-Aged Child Care program is in need of SACC Program Aides for the 2024-2025 School year. Please click here for additional information about the available positions.
New Wireless Device Policy Takes Effect with the Start of 2024-2025 School Year
Effective this school year, 2024-2025, student use of wireless devices will be prohibited during instructional periods. Students will be allowed to have wireless communication devices on their person during the school day. The policy merely limits the use of the devices.
Research shows that student use of wireless communication devices in schools, particularly cell phones, has negative effects on academic performance, focus, and mental health. Under Policy 5516.01 - Student Use of Wireless Communication Devices, wireless devices include cell phones and other devices that transmit and receive voice or data via electromagnetic signals without the use of wires or cables, including but not limited to ancillary devices such as smart watches, ear buds, and wireless headphones.
An exception to this policy is provided for students using a wireless device for a purpose documented in a classified student’s IEP or a student’s 504 Plan. Discipline for violation of this policy shall be governed by the Student Code of Conduct. The full policy is available online.
Informational Items
Important Dates
Link to the full Cooper Family Calendar
September
Hispanic Heritage Month (Begins 9/15)
9/2: School Closed- Labor Day
9/3: 1st Day for Students (1:00pm Dismissal)
9/4: Full Day for Students
9/6: PTA Water-Ice Night (6:30pm- 7:30pm)
9/11: Patriot Day
9/11: PTA Mum Sale Orders Due
9/12: School Picture Day
9/12: Back to School Night
9/13: Commodore John Barry Day
9/17: Constitution Day / Citizenship Day
9/20: PTA Spirit Wear Orders Due
9/25: PTA General Membership Meeting (6:15pm); Volunteer Training (7:30pm)
9/27: PTA Pretzel Day
9/30: Yearbook Photos Due from September Events
James Fenimore Cooper School
Email: ebartolome@chclc.org
Website: cooper.chclc.org
Location: 1960 Greentree Road, Cherry Hill, NJ, USA
Phone: (856) 424-4554
Facebook: facebook.com/JFCooperES
X(Twitter): @JFCooperES