PTSA Spirit Shirts Announcement

Announcement Regarding PTSA Spirit Shirts

The PTSA spirit shirts have not arrived as previously announced. We (PTSA) have had some problems getting the order corrected that is why there has been such a long delay. We bear full responsibility for the long wait for the shirts. We should have a definite date very soon and we will announce it through all available Cooper Middle School Channels.

Again this delay is not the fault of Cooper Middle School or the Administrators. it is on us.

We apologize for the delay 

Thank you

Cooper Middle School PTSA

Message from Dr. Watkins, Principal Cooper Middle School Week of November 9

PTSA Spirit T-Shirts Are Still on Sale

Basic T Shirts  up to size Adult XL are $10.00. Large sizes, long sleeves and sweat shirts are available. Contact  Cooper PTSA for more details on pricing.  

Progress Reports are Out

Parents, please contact your student's teachers via email if you have questions or concerns about their progress reports that were sent home on Friday.  We hope that you also read all of the information that was attached, especially about our Reading Challenge to get all students to read 3 books by Superbowl time!

Chorus Concert on This Tuesday

Please join us for our all chorus concert this Tuesday evening at 7 PM.

Veteran's Breakfast

We are also hosting our annual Veteran's Day breakfast this Wednesday at 8 AM in the Media Center. If you plan to attend, please contact the secretary, Teri Neal- Teri.neal@cobbk12.org.

School Council Meeting

The School Council will meet on Thursday morning at 8 AM

Chat N Chew

You don't want to miss the Chat and Chew this Thursday at 6:30 PM in the Parent Resource Room. There will be a guest presenter discussing the topic of social media and teenagers.

Thanksgiving Lunch

 Please look for the sign up genius on our website for our annual Thanksgiving lunch next Thursday for you to come and have lunch on us with your student.

Message from Dr. Watkins: Week of October 26

More Conferences Available

Parents who were unable to meet with one or more of your student's teachers for Conference Week are asked to call or send an email to the teacher for a phone conference.

Remember to Check Grades

A reminder to monitor students' grades on ParentVue.  The link is on the Cooper website- www.cobbk12.org/cooper. This Friday is the last day of the second six-week grading period.

School Dance This Friday

This Friday, October 30 from 4:30-6:00, we will have the school-wide dance and bash. Permission forms were given to students last week, and the cost of the dance and a permission form must be turned in together. Forms and payment will be accepted each day this week during lunch time and before school the end of the week. Parent chaperones and donations are needed.

Message from Dr.Watkins: Update on Conference Week

Conference Week

Conference Week will be held during the week of October 19-22. There is a Sign-up Genius Link on the Cooper website www.cobbk12.org/cooper on the left hand side under Conference Sign-ups. There you may sign up for 15 minute time slots to meet with individual teachers about your students' academic progress.  Students will be released each day that week at 2:15.

Reading Time for Students

Students' Reading Inventories were sent home with the last progress report. All Cooper students should be reading at least 30 minutes to one hour each day. This is very important to help students improve and excel in all subjects.

 PTSA Shirts Are On Sale

PTSA T-Shirts are on sale until November 7th. Please download your order form here 

Chat N Chew

Join us this Tuesday for our October Chat and Chew with the Principal on Tuesday at 9:30 AM in the Parent Resource Room.

School Council Meeting

The School Council will meet this Thursday at 8:00 AM in the main office.

Attention Cooper Students and Parents CEISMC Student Programs

K.I.D.S. Club 2012/13 is now open for registration! Is this email not displaying correctly? View it in your browser. K.I.D.S. Club 2015/16 dates have been announced! Registration coming soon!   The school year has started and we're excited to offer some great activities to further your student's STEM knowledge and interest. With the new year comes some great new STEM activities. We're hard at work coming up with new and exciting experiments for our KIDS club sessions. Additionally, we're looking to develop a new LEGO-based program. Stay tuned for more information! For more information visit: https://kidsclub-ceismc.gatech.edu/

Message from Dr. Watkins: Week of April 27

Meeting Regarding DC Trip

Parents of 6th grade students are invited to attend an informational meeting this Tuesday from 6:00-6:45 PM about a Washington, DC trip we are planning for next year. That meeting will be followed by the 6th grade band concert at 7:00 PM.

Register for Summer Camps Now

Parents are reminded to sign up their students for the Rising 6th grade summer camp and the Rising 7th and 8th grade STEAM Camp. The links are both on our website- www.cobbk12.org/cooper.  The deadline for transportation is May 4.

Parent Night

Our website also contains information for the South Cobb Parent Night which will be held on Monday, May 4. Cooper will host its Rising 6th grade parent night this Thursday at 6:30 PM.

Message from Dr. Watkins, Week of April 20

Testing Resumes This Week

Students will continue to take the Georgia Milestones test on Monday and Tuesday and parents are asked to ensure that students go to bed early and come to school each day and on time so that they can get breakfast. We will begin testing at 9:15. 

Summer Camp Information Coming!

Applications will be placed on the Cooper webiste www.cobbk12.org/cooper starting Tuesday, April 21 for our Rising 6th grade and STEAM summer camps.  Both camps will be held during the week of June 8 and space is limited.

McEachern Summer Bridge Program

McEachern is announcing their Summer Bridge Program to be held July 13-16. Applications are due by May 20. For more information please email Krystal Wattley- krystal.wattley@cobbk12.org

Message from Dr. Watkins Week of April 13

Welcome Back!

We hope that everyone had a safe and enjoyable spring break and feel prepared for the last six week of this school year.

GA Milestones Testing This Week

A reminder to all parents and students that the GA Milestones will be given beginning this Wednesday, April 15-Tuesday, April 21.  It is very important that students get a good night's sleep, come to school on time each day, and eat a healthy breakfast.  We will not be able to call into classrooms once testing has begun each day at 9:15.  We ask parents to encourage your student to take their time and do their very best. Information about the Georgia Milestones may be found on the Cooper website- www.cobbk12.org/cooper.

Sign up for Culinary Kids for Food Network's Rachael Ray's Kids Cook-Off!

Greetings PTA leaders. This week, the phone lines in the Georgia PTA office have not buzzing as much as they customarily do each day. We know that many schools are on Spring break. We hope that you are having plenty of fun with your families. Upon the impending reopening of many of Georgia's school districts, we wanted to share some news with you. Our office received formal notification of a search for kids with a talent for the culinary arts being conducted throughout the nation for Rachael Ray's Kids Cook-off on the Food Network. Ryan McRae (show's Senior Casting Associate) has solicited our assistance in getting the word out in Georgia. Please note the following: Rachael Ray's Kids Cook-Off is an exciting culinary reality series on the Food Network. Rachael Ray is in search of the most talented kid chefs in the country with captivating personalities who believe that they are at the top of their culinary game and want to inspire a Food Network audience through their passion for food and cooking. The winner will receive a grand prize that will help to kick-start their culinary career! The attached flyer further details what they are looking for and the method by which to apply. For more information and how to apply, just visit their website at www.JSCasting.com. Let's show the Food Network that Georgia has the most talented kid chefs in the country!

Message from Dr. Watkins Week of March 30

Georgia Milestones Test Information

We have been preparing our students for the upcoming GA Milestones test which replaces the CRCT. A letter from the district about the test will be sent home with all students on Tuesday. We also have a link on our website with information/videos to help you assist your student to do their very best.

Junkyard Art Wars Coming Thursday

Come out and support our Art Program this Thursday from 6:00-8:00 PM as we host the Junkyard Art Wars Exhibit. 

Spring Break

Spring break begins April 6. Happy Easter and a safe spring break to everyone.

Message from Dr. Watkins week of March 9

Parent Surveys Are Due

Please give your completed SACs survey to your student to return by this Tuesday.

Performing Arts Magnet Tryouts

Pebblebrook Magnet tryouts will be held on March 31 at 9:30 at Cooper. All applications are due by March 23.

School Council Meeting

The School Council will meet this Thursday, March 12, at 8:00 AM in the main office.

Please Check Student Devices for Inappropriate Content

Parents, we ask that you check your student's electronic devices and review their accounts for Instagram, Kik, Snapchat, photo galleries, etc. to make sure that they are following your values and are safe.

Cooper Career Day Set For March 24th

Cooper Career Day Set For

 March 24th

Cooper Middle School is committed to helping our students learn  through experience. Our Career Day allows students the chance to interact with professionals from a variety of career fields.

This year we invite parents and professionals in the following career fields to participate in our Career Day. Please register below.

• Aerospace Engineer
• Architect
• Artists
• Athletes
• Attorneys
• Automotive Mechanics
• Chiropractors
• Civil Engineers
• Doctors
• Electrical Engineers
• Financial Planners
• Fire Fighters
• Healthcare Administrators
• Information Technology
• Pharmacists
• Police
• Nurses

Many more.... 

Register for Cooper Career Day

Georgia PTA Legislative Report

The General Assembly has adjourned for 27th legislative day. This week at our state capitol, lawmakers are diligently working to pass their education or child-related bills out of committee or the chamber. If their bills do not pass committee this week, there is little time to receive a full vote before Crossover Day next Friday, March 13th. The General Assembly is scheduled, SR 167, to convene next week on March 9, 11, and 13. If these bills do not receive a full vote in the current chamber before Crossover Day, they will not move to the opposite chamber, therefore, no opportunity to pass this legislative session. 

Also This Week  

Georgia PTA Day at the Capitol was held on Tuesday. The theme was "Educate, Advocate, and Empower". Georgia PTA received overwhelming support of more than 270 PTA members and advocates wearing red from across the state. I received many wonderful comments from our state legislators about our PTA members. I would like to offer my sincere gratitude to everyone who was able to come to the capitol and speak to our legislators on behalf of our children.  

Gov. Nathan Deal and First Lady Sandra Deal were joined Monday by Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning (DECAL) Commissioner Amy Jacobs to kick off Read Across Georgia Month, a campaign that supports increased childhood literacy in the state.   Read More

Gov. Nathan Deal today praised the Senate for passing legislation that would allow for an Opportunity School District (OSD) to aid chronically failing schools throughout the state. The constitutional amendment resolution and the implementing legislation will now move to the House for consideration. Read More  

House Committee Favorably Reported

These bills will move to rules for consideration for vote by House chambers:

HB 3,   prohibit persons from entering into or soliciting a transaction with a student-athlete that would result in sanctions to the student-athlete.

HB 16, add a new code under QBE Act for students enrolled in a magnet school in the school system who tryout for or participate on an athletic team at their resident public high school shall be subject to the same standards and comply with the same requirements as apply to students enrolled in such public high school to tryout for or participate on an athletic team.

HB 131, Expands the oversight of schools for cyber bullying to cover events off school property as long as the electronic bullying is directed at students or school personnel and is done with the intention and has a "high likelihood" of threatening their safety or disrupting school.  

HB 268, when mandatory reporters receive reliable information regarding child abuse involving another mandatory reporter, such mandatory reporter receiving information shall   the person in charge of such hospital, school, agency, or facility, or the designated delegate thereof, and the person so notified shall report or cause a report to be made.

HB 296, waives the one-year residency requirement for special needs students who are lawful refugees or as defined by Title IV of the federal Immigration and Nationality Act. 

HB 366, requires the issuance of employment certificate for m inors who are at least 12 years of age 17 but less than 16 years of age.

HB 353,   exempt the commission from the Georgia Administrative Procedure Act.

Passed House This Week 

Now move to the Senate: HB 170, Transportation Funding Act of 2015; enact (Substitute) (Trans-Roberts-155th) (Rules Committee Substitute LC 34 4595S) AM# 34 0676; maintain use of school funds for educational purposes and defines education transportation purposes as defined for purposes to  constitute a proper expenditure of school funds derived from proceeds from the levy of a sales tax.  

There is much concern that this bill would replace the fuel sales tax with an exercise tax. The state would keep all the revenue from the excise tax. Some of the education local option sales tax funds come from fuel sales.  

Senate Committee Favorably Reported  

These bills will move to rules for consideration for vote by Senate chambers:

SB 132,   known as the 'Move on When Ready Act',  revise provisions relating to the program for high school students to attend postsecondary institutions and  provide a program for eligible students to take dual credit courses.

SB 156,  authorize the State Charter Schools Commission to establish a nonprofit foundation.

SB 164,  provide for positive behavioral interventions and supports and response to intervention initiatives.

Passed Senate This Week 

These bills will move to the House:   

SB 89, "Digital Classroom Act"; require instructional materials and content to be in digital or electronic format after a certain date (As Introduced) (Substitute) (S&T-56th)  

SR 287,   Opportunity School District; allow the General Assembly to authorize the establishment; provide for state intervention for failing schools (As Introduced) (Substitute) (ED&Y-49th)

SB 133, Opportunity School District; establishment; provide for definitions; supervision of public elementary and secondary schools that are failing (As Introduced) (Substitute) (ED&Y-49th) 

HB 305, pprovide for the membership and the appointment of members of the authority and their terms of office, qualifications, duties, and powers; to provide for vacancies, organization, meetings, and expenses; to provide for definitions; to provide for the transfer of property

HB 448, revise a provision relating to the time to appoint a member to a vacancy on the board 
 

Committee Meetings

The members of the education subcommittee will meet Friday, March 6, 2015 at 8:30 AM in room 310 CLOB. The agenda includes a review of the FY16 General budget for Department of Early Care and Learning, Department of Education, Governor's Office of Student Achievement, and Professional Standards Commission.  

General Calendar

• Senate will convene March 9, 2015 at 10:00 AM 
• House will convene March 9, 2015 at 10:00 AM
• Live broadcasts of both chambers.  Watch Live

Thank you for your support and advocacy on behalf of the children in Georgia. I welcome you to reach out to me and share your thoughts and opinions as we move throughout the legislative session this year.  I can be reached via email at tbarr@georgiapta.org. 

Tyler Barr

Legislative Policy Specialist/Lobbyist

Georgia PTA 

Important Parent Imformation: Operation Liberate

Operation Liberate is an organization that rescues victims from sex trafficking. They are getting ready to rescue around 100 girls in the Atlanta area this Spring! They are in need of Freedom Bags for the rescued girls. The girls will be rescued in just the clothes  on their backs! Some of these girls are as young as 11 years old!

To learn more, please see the linked letter and flyer below:

Operation Liberate  Workshop

Message from Dr. Watkins week of February 16

GEMS Has Success

 Thanks to everyone for helping to contribute to the GEMS Jeans for Teens community service project. In one week 926 jeans were collected for needy teens.

Chat & Chew Coming

Join us for the next Chat and Chew with the Principal on Thursday, February 26, at 9:30 AM in the Parent Resource Room.

Special - Watch Live! National PTA President and Other Education Leaders

This message is being sent on behalf of the Georgia PTA Family Engagement Chair, Angel Little and Rita Erves, Georgia PTA President: As part of the activities surrounding formal recognition of this week (Take Your Family to School Week), please watch a live discussion with a host of California state and local parent and education leaders. This Roundtable discussion will include participation by the California PTA and the National PTA President, Otha E. Thornton, Jr. The Roundtable will center around the need for increased collaboration among families, educators and administrators to support student success and school improvement. It will take place on Thursday, February 19 at the Los Angeles County Office of Education. Join Roundtable Discussion with National PTA and California State PTA National PTA and California State PTA will bring together state and local parent and education leaders on Thursday, Feb. 19 at the Los Angeles County Office of Education for a discussion on the need for increased collaboration among families, educators and administrators to support student success and school improvement. Hear from: Otha Thornton - National PTA President Dr. Arturo Delgado - Los Angeles County Superintendent of Schools Justine Fischer - California State PTA President-Elect Josephine Lucey - California School Boards Association Immediate Past President Dr. Ramona Bishop - California Association of African-American Superintendents and Administrators President-Elect and Vallejo Unified School District Superintendent The forum, which is being held in conjunction with National PTA's Take Your Family to School Week, also will include discussion on effective, meaningful ways families and schools can work together to ensure successful implementation of these important reforms. Watch the livestream of the discussion online tomorrow at 5 p.m. EST (2 p.m. PST) .