Time to Sharpen the Saw

Wow!   We had 52 students prepare and give students for the Student Lighthouse Team!  Not only were the speeches amazing but the audiences were wonderful as well.  Votes were cast and the counting commenced!  Sally counted the votes and was blown away by the amount of votes each student received.  Stay tuned for the announcement of our new Student Lighthouse Leaders!

We've been back at work for almost a month now.  Have you been sharpening the saw?  We're seeing lots of early cold and flu symptoms and we've had lots of late nights.  Don't forget to spend time on your big rocks!

Kristi's son, Ian, with Cooper students!

Sarah's family after our 60 mile relay!

"To live is the rarest thing in the world.  Most people just exist."  Oscar Wilde (Let's Live People!)

Big Rocks: 

Our Student Lighthouse leaders have been selected and it's a great group.  Such a nice representation of 5th and 6th and boys and girls.  Sally will hold the first meeting on Monday from 11:45-12:30 in the Community Meeting Room, next to Sandy Wise's room.

Teachers please remember you need to take attendance daily both in the AM and PM.  Please be sure to include lunch count.  On Friday, the lunch ladies were told that 170 students had ordered lunch but they served 240!  Let's help them out!

We're celebrating Tracy's babies on Wednesday, September 30!  Please join us at 4:00 in the LMC.  We are so excited to share in this amazing time with Tracy and Jack!

Calendar for the Week of September 28, 2015

Monday: Instructional Practices Meeting at CO (Sarah) 10:00

               11:00 Mass for Shelley DeLaGarza-Rupp, Cody Rupp's mom (Victoria's class) 

               Student Lighthouse 11:45-12:30

               DSIT Change Management meeting at CO (Sarah) 12:30-2:00

Tuesday: Literacy Meeting at CO (Sarah) 1:00-3:00

               Lighthouse Meeting 3:45-5:00

Wednesday: IST 8:00

                    QAR Meeting (Sarah) 9:30-11:00

                    Bond Furniture Meeting (Sarah and Kitty) 1:00-3:00

Thursday: Staff Meeting 8:00 in Bill Lietz's room (John Raymond will be here to talk briefly about  lockdowns.)

                LIM Meeting @ Stevenson Middle School, Wayne-Westland (Sarah and Robin) 9:00

                DSIT Meeting (Kristi) 8:00-10:30

                EPM at CO (Sarah and Kristi) 1:00-4:30   

Friday: ???

It's Just a Phase...

This week, Kitty and I were talking in her classroom and we were discussing one of her students.  She explained how he had been taking his markers and putting them end to end to make a long sword.  Kitty laughed as she recounted the story; how she had appreciated his building and then quietly asked him to put them away.   Then Kitty said, "All I can do is love them."

How often have students demonstrated similar, typical, childhood actions and we have become frustrated with them?  Sometimes, I'm just amazed when a student describes playing with her American Girl dolls or collecting match box cars.  It's like a lightbulb goes off-"They're only 10, 11, 12!"

Our new culture and climate goal emphasizes mutually respectful and supportive interactions between adults and students, as well as adult to adult, and student to student.  As I talked with Kitty, I was reminded of a recent video that Kristi first shared on Facebook called "It's Just a Phase."  I encourage you to watch the less than 3 minute video.  If you are a parent, bring the Kleenex!  It's a beautiful reminder of how short a time we share with our kids.  Parents have 936 weeks between birth and graduation.  We will only share 38 weeks on that journey with our students.  Yet, research and experience show us that those weeks matter.  Please, as you interact with our students, remember "it's just a phase, so don't miss it."

Big Rocks

• Sixth grade Curriculum Night will be held Monday from 6:00-7:00 and Open House from 7:00-8:00.  The PTA has organized a Dine to Donate at Noodles and Company that night from 4:00-9:00 so please consider grabbing dinner there!  Please turn in attendance numbers for both 5th and 6th grade nights.
• We apologize that we made some mistakes with scheduling staff meetings.  Per LEA contract, you cannot have more than 4 meetings a month.  Please cancel the October 15th staff meeting!  Also, we know that you can't have a staff meeting on a conference day!  There will be no staff meeting on November 12.
• Our most popular word on our Cooper Wordle was FUN!  We would like to encourage the fun!  On picture day, September 23, Lifetouch is going to help us provide some fun for free!  They will be taking a very professional picture and also a FUN one!  We will have props available but if you have a particular look you are going for-pirate, southern belle, mickey mouse-bring it!  Pictures will start at 8:00.  If you are here earlier, we'll see if they are ready!  Check out Marshall Upper Elementary's staff pics!

 

• We are concerned about unsupervised students in the hallway.  We would like to have some conversation regarding students working in the hallway over the next couple of weeks.  Unsupervised students is a safety concern and very often large groups become noisy and disruptive to other classes.  In addition, the process does not align very well to our hallway expectations.  Please consider using Mary Ann's old room as a community room, as well as, the new science rooms if you need more space.
• The Lock Down drill went as well as it could.  Please remember that doors do still need to be locked.  Sarah has placed a call to John Raymond to conference with him to provide additional clarity on our questions.
• Kristi and I are really trying to increase parent communication.  We are using blogs, social media, e-blast, Peek at the Week, and robocall.  We also will be having our first "Fall in Love with Cooper Coffee with the Principals" on Thursday the 24th from 9:15-10:15.  Please encourage parents to attend.  We will be holding a "Pop in with the Principals" with popcorn and Costco on October 29th.
• Thank you for getting your camp information to Robin.  We are still short male chaperones for Kopacko/Mansour, Lietz/Erickson, Martin/Spence and a female chaperone for Martin/Spence.  We have sent out an e-blast but please ask your parents, grandparents, uncles, aunts, etc.
• The I-Ready testing window is coming up.  Thank you Robin for starting the schedule.  Stay tuned for more information.

Week of September 21, 2015

Monday: 6th Grade Curriculum Night 6:00-7:00, Open House 7:00-8:00 Book Fair

                Noodles & Company Dine to Donate 4:00-9:00

Tuesday: Tornado Drill 10:15

                Lighthouse Meeting 3:45-5:00

                Elementary Report Card Literacy Meeting 4:30-6:30 Board Office

                PTA Meeting 6:30

Wednesday: Picture Day-Staff Pictures starting at 8:00 

                     I-Ready Training 1:00-4:00 @ Johnson (Robin, Sandy, Shawn)

Thursday: Coffee with the Principals 9:15-10:15

                  Elementary Report Card Math Meeting 4:30-6:30 Board Office

                  Extended Staff Meeting 3:45-4:45 Instructional Rounds/Learning Walks

Friday: LEAD time Speeches in Pods

             Camp $ due

                   

What is your Mission?

"It is not hard to make decisions once you know what your values are." Roy E. Disney

"If you are working on something really exciting that you really care about, you don't have to be pushed.  The vision pulls you."  Steve Jobs

"What you do today is important because you are exchanging a day of your life for it."


I truly believe that if you try to live the 7 Habits, you will see them in everything you do.  How many of you have noticed business mission statements that you would have never noticed before?  Home Depot and Whole Foods have them prominently displayed, as do many other businesses.  I not only see mission statements now but I also hear them.  No, I have not turned into a crazy lady who hears things!  However, I think that I listen to people differently than I did before embarking on this journey.

This weekend, my daughters had the opportunity to attend a horse camp run by a old high school friend of mine.  We have watched each others' lives unfold on Facebook and have passed by each other several times over the years but hadn't really connected in almost twenty years.  My daughters had the most wonderful time at Fox Farms.  When I picked them up, they could not contain their excitement.  Wet, dirty, and cold they talked incessantly about the horses, Stephanie, and all of the future horse dates they had planned.  My girls were not the only ones who were flushed with excitement.  Stephanie was clearly in her element and overjoyed at spending a day outdoors introducing children to horses and nature.

Stephanie called me Sunday morning and we talked excitedly for quite a while.  She talked about how while she had been living the city life in California and taking classes to finish school, she kept dreaming of horses.  When other life events brought her back to Michigan, the calling to connect with nature and horses made her stay.  She finished up her psychology degree and has been working with children in schools.  However, she is frustrated by the standardized testing system, children's addiction to technology, and believes strongly that many of the problems children experience today can be changed if we reconnect with animals and nature.  Stephanie has embarked on her new adventure teaching horse lessons and horse therapy at Fox Farms.  Carys exclaimed to her on Saturday, "This is my dream come true," Stephanie replied, "Mine too Carys."

I have started to think that our missions are clear if we listen.  If you believe, as I do, that it is our mission to help children reach their true potential, then we must help them Begin with the End in Mind.  We must talk less and listen more.  We are raising learners and leaders that will help make the world a better place.  We must understand both our means and our end on this journey.  Mission statements are personal.  You don't have to share yours but you should have an understanding of what it is.  Know it.  Reflect on it.  Helps others find theirs.  This process starts with us.

The First Fox Farm Horse Camp

Big Rocks:

Our new I-ready trainers are Sandy Wise and Shawn Webster.  Victoria also volunteered but as our Illuminate Trainer the district wanted to spread the wealth!  Thank you to all of you for volunteering!

Our LPS Foundation Champions are Kitty Yost, Michelle Stackpoole, and Robin Della Mora.  I'm sure we are the only school with three champions!  Wahoo!

Constitution Day is September 17th and it is a federal requirement that we hold an educational program.  Christine Fankell has to know how we are fulfilling the requirements so Kristi has made a Google doc.  Please put a brief description of how you are fulfilling this obligation.

Please remember that you must complete the Universal Precaution training videos.  A special checklist form was placed in your box last week.  Please complete the videos by September 18 and place in Sarah or Kristi's box.

Fatino has distributed recess equipment and put out equipment on the recess carts.  At this time, no more equipment will be distributed.  We are really in desperate need for some new equipment and are looking into how to meet this need.  Please be reminded that students cannot borrow equipment from the gym.  Finally, Fatino and Lorraine will pump up equipment before or after school but cannot accommodate this request while they are teaching.  Please do not send students down during the school day.

Sarah and Kristi went over the recess rules on Tuesday.  We will distribute the rules to everyone.  Students were great listeners.

Sarah is very interested in finding a day to have a running/walking club at recess to run with the students.  She is also interested in running after school one day a week.  If anyone else is interested, please let her know!

The first fire drill was a great success!!  We have another one this Wednesday and a Lock Down drill on Friday.  Please practice the Lock Down as "ready to run."  If you would like to practice escaping, please try it.  Talk to Sarah or Kristi if you want to talk it through.

Calendar for the Week of September 14, 2015:
Monday: Camp Forms Due
               Noon Monitors Meeting 10:00
               5th Grade Curriculum Night (6:00-7:00) and Open House (7:00-8:00)
               Book Fair will be set up and ready to rock Monday night!
Tuesday: Lighthouse Team 3:45-5:00
Wednesday: IST 8:00
                    Fire Drill 2:00
Thursday: Staff Meeting 8:00 -CPS Mandatory Reporting.  If you miss this meeting, you must make  it up at another building.  Please let Sarah or Kristi know if you need support with this.
                  11:30 Literacy Liaison Meeting (Sarah)
                  1:00-4:30 Elementary Principals' Meeting
Friday: Lead Time
             Lock Down 1:15

               

The Most Important Work

"Today is your day; your mountain is waiting, so get on your way!" Dr. Seuss

http://www.skinnymom.com/get-inspired-60-inspirational-prints/

My weekend was a busy one.  It always is in my house, as I know it is in many of yours!  We were able to head away to Grand Haven for a night with four healthy children only to return with another sick little girl.  I took T to Urgent Care Sunday morning with another high fever which left her unable to walk on her own, confused, and very sleepy.  Thanks to antibiotics we are now well on our way to health!  

Why do I tell you this?  Because sometimes I find myself saying that I just need to be perfect enough.    Not perfect.  Just perfect enough.  We're often told that "good is the enemy of great" and we can't be great, we must be exceptional.  I believe we can do this.  I believe we can be good and great and even exceptional.  However, we must remember to Sharpen the Saw.  We must, as Charles said, often put us at the center to achieve balance.  Lean on one another.  Be patient with yourself.  Remember your "why."  We do important work.

I wouldn't normally quote pop stars but I heard a quote on the radio recently that struck a chord with me.  Mackelmore has a new song called "Growing Up" which is a letter to his newborn daughter.  In it, he says, 

" Don't try to change the world, Find something that you love

 And do it everyday

Do that for the rest of your life,

And eventually, the world will change."

Aren't we lucky to do something that we love?  To change the world just by being in it?  To have a profession that saves lives, works miracles, and makes a difference everyday?  We do important work.  We do it everyday.  That, my friends, changes the world.

Here's our Cooper Word Cloud from our 5 word activity.  The top words were fun, safe, respectful, leaders, inspiring, collaborative, innovative, and supportive.

Big Rocks: 

• The first day of school is here!  Please join us to welcome our new students as they get off the buses and enter the building.  Sixth grade will be led into the gym.  Fifth grade will meet in the cafe.  Yard sticks with teacher names will help the students know where to go.  Sarah will start with 6th grade.  Kristi will start with 5th grade. We will do a short introduction and then get you back to your class.  At the end of the day, please lead your students out to the buses and ensure they all go where they need to go.  Staff will be outside with clipboards of student bus assignments.  
• Please call all students who do not attend school the first day.  Please inform the office if they are a drop.
• Camp packets will go home the first day.  Camp assemblies with HNC will be held Thursday, September 10.  
• 1:30-2:15 Daraskavich, McGlinch, Spence, Martin, Lietz, Erickson
• 2:30-3:15 Mansour, Kopacko, Backiel, Redmond, Kimball, Webster
• A Parent Camp Meeting will be held Thursday night from 6:30-8:00.
• There will be a Fire Drill on Friday at 10:00.
• 5th Grade Curriculum Night and Open House will be held on September 14 and 6th Grade Curriculum Night and Open House will be held on September 21.  The Curriculum Night portion will be held 6:00-7:00 and the Open House 7:00-8:00.  I know that in the past teachers often sent out their own times but often parents arrived very confused and sometimes missed the curriculum night portion.  Obviously, you do not need to take the whole hour to speak on the curriculum but by having this portion first we hope to make it smoother and easier for parents.

Calendar for the Week of September 8:

Tuesday: First day of school.  Half Day.  Lighthouse meeting 3:50-5:00

Wednesday: 

Thursday: Staff Meeting 8:00 Behavior Expectations: Bathroom, Lunchroom, Buses, Technology,     Hallways

Student Camp meetings 1:30-3:15

Parent Camp meetings 6:30-8:00

Friday: Fire Drill 10:00

Kindness Welcome

“Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around.” – Leo Buscaglia

It's time.  It's the beginning of a new school year when every new possibility, every risk, every chance, every potential has yet to be realized.  Everything is brand new.  I have a quote that hangs in my kitchen that says "What will you do for the world today?"

What will we do for our students this year?  What will you do for your colleagues?  How will we work with, empathize, and help our parent community?  If you do just one thing, I would urge you to be kind.  Research shows that people who practice compassion and kindness are more content on an everyday level.

Terry used to ask me constantly, "Are you still happy here?"  It seemed like a small thing but I know now that it was not.  There is so much research now to support happiness in the workplace.  This is a great article entitled "Rethinking Work" that was published by the New York Times.  nyti.ms/1PCRleR In it, the author talks about how, as humans, we are not money driven by nature and that most of all, we want work that is meaningful.  As educators, we do meaningful work everyday.  Even with all of the negative media surrounding education, I have never doubted that what we do makes a difference.  We do the most important work!  As we begin the new school year, remember that what you do makes a difference, practice kindness, smile often, and be happy.

“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” 
– Maya Angelou

“How lovely that everyone, great and small, can make a contribution toward introducing justice straightaway. And you can always, always give something, even if it is only kindness!” – Anne Frank

Big Rocks:

Building Access this week:

• Jeff will be working approximately 7:00-3:30 this week.  
• A night custodian will be coming to code out the building at 7:00 pm.
• Paul and the regular Cooper night crew will not be returning until Tuesday, September 8. Please be patient and help Jeff as he is the only building supervisor currently working at Cooper. 

Work Day: Kristi and I will be around will some treats and your Level Up LPS booklets on Monday morning.  We will try our very best to keep all students away from your rooms so you can get ready.  Let us know if there is anything you need!  We can't wait to see you!

• Please be reminded that we cannot put tape on the lockers.  It is almost impossible for the custodians to remove.  You may use sticky tape or magnets.  Also, please be careful about what you put on your new cabinets.  Stickers and other lettering are proving very difficult to remove.

Professional Development: All PD days are 8:00-3:30 with lunch from 11:00-12:30.

• Level Up LPS: https://goo.gl/0h0FV7 
• A big thank you to Judy Bowling who has been a crucial leader in bringing another exciting professional development opportunity to LPS.  The keynote speaker is Eric Sheninger,  author of Digital Leadership.  I'd highly recommend his book if you are interested in how technology can strengthen schools.  Follow him on Twitter!  He has 89,400 followers!  Remember to tweet #leveluplps!  Food trucks are back!
• Next Generation Science Standards: 
• This will be held at Stevenson High School.  Fifth grade will be in room E-12 and Sixth grade in room E-13.  A round of applause for Ron who is helping present!  Cooper keeps representing!
• Building PD with Charles Fonbuena:
• Charles unexpectedly stopped by on Friday and chatted with the Lighthouse team.  We explained what we have been doing, staff concerns, and our need to elevate LIM from more of an "introduction" to "living the habits" for our students.  Being Charles, he kept bringing it back to what are "we" doing as staff, how are we living the habits, and are we living our mission of "learning and leading."  He also gave some great ideas of how we can tweak our mission.  He suggested the idea of adding several key words.  "Everyone Learning, Everyone Leading, Together."  We will discuss our thoughts as staff.  I'm not sure exactly where Charles is going to go with us on Thursday but as always I'm sure he will reignite us and get us ready for the year!
• We are going to order Jimmy John's in for lunch.  If you would like to order and eat with Charles, please let us know and watch out for a sign up and envelope in the office.

Evaluation Updates:

• Kristi and I will be sharing the evaluation list at our opening staff meeting.  The legislature has still not passed the Teacher Evaluation Bill.  Therefore, the 50% student data (F &P for classroom teachers) will go into effect this year.  We will share more information as we get it!

Assessment Updates:

• i-Ready: The district has purchased i-Ready Math for all buildings.  We will no longer be using the EDM benchmark tests!  More information to come!
• The tentative testing window is 9/21-10/23.
• The district is asking us to send several teachers to be trained to be trainers.  Robin is definitely going as she has some experience already and will be utilizing the data for Title I.  Please let us know if you are interested!  The session will be held 9/23 from 1:00-4:00.

• M-Step: The state made adjustments based on the teacher survey results.
• The testing window with be April 11-May 27, 2016.  
• 5th grade 4/11/16-5/2/16
• 6th grade 4/25/16-5/16/16
• Students will not be required to complete the testing in one sitting.  It can be administered over multiple days.
• The ELA Performance Task will only be administered in grades 5 and 8.  No more ELA performance task in 6th grade.  The Math Performance Task will continue to be administered in grades 3-8.

Planning/Lighthouse Team Meeting:

• At the end of last year, the Planning team and Lighthouse Team combined.  We went back and forth on names but decided on Friday to just go with Lighthouse Team.  
• The team decided to meet Tuesdays after school from 3:50-5:00.  
• We created new norms.
• Start and end on time.
• Start with humor.
• Bring treats.
• Stay on topic.
• Assume best intentions.
• Promote and support the mission of "Learning and Leading."
• Find your voice.
• We discussed uses for the empty rooms.  The team deliberated for a long time on this topic.  They decided that Bubar's old room should be used as a Community Room.  The Student Lighthouse Team could meet here.  Any classes can sign up to use this as a meeting room.  
• There were lots of people that came to Sarah at the end of the year about a need for a science room.  The team decided that Aronson's old room should be used as a 6th grade science room and Jillian Black's old room should be used as a 5th grade science room.  
• Emily Hiser's old room will be used as the Title I room with Christine McQuiston.  
• Judy would like to utilize the Media room as a Makerspace and for Kid Edcamp.  More info to come as we explore these ideas.  
• Thank you to Bill Lietz for joining us.  We welcome everyone to join Lighthouse!  We are looking to hear your voice!

Calendar for the Week of August, 31, 2015:

8/31/15: Cooper Work Day

              Sixth Grade Packet Pick-Up 9:00-11:30

              Fifth Grade Orientation and Packet Pick Up 6:00-7:00

9/1/15: LPS Level UP at Churchill 8:00-3:30 

9/2/15: Science PD at Stevenson 8:00-3:30

9/3/15: Cooper Building PD with Charles Fonbuena 8:00-3:30

9/4/15: Building Closed

Back to School

"Desire is the starting point of all achievement, not a hope, not a wish, but a keen pulsating desire which transcends everything."
~Napoleon Hill

We all have the desire to be better.  I think it is the nature of human beings to want to reach their full potential.  We are so lucky to work in a profession that allows us to start over every year.  Many of you have been up to the building working on your rooms.  It has been so fun to see everyone and reconnect!  

I should say it was just the students that made me want to take the position as principal of Cooper but really it was all of you.  I love this staff.  You are a joy to work with and I truly look forward to the amazing year that lies ahead.

Big Rocks:

• I am on version #3 of the special schedule.  I will have it to all of you as soon as I can!
• Pam and Colleen are back!  Hooray!  They were working on drops and adds today.  They should be able to give teachers their class lists as early as Wednesday.  However, please know that we are sure to get more students over the next few weeks.  Your class list is likely to change.
• There are many technology updates.  Judy will be sending out an email to inform you about all the changes.  Please make sure you read it!
• The LPS Level Up PD will be held at Churchill on Tuesday, September 1.  We will have the Level Up brochures in the office on Monday morning.  Please stop by on the work day and pick it up so you have the opportunity to check out the sessions.  
• 5th Grade Orientation is this Friday.  If any of you would like to help with pack pick-up from 9:00-11:30, we would love to have you but it is completely voluntary.  
• There is going to be a Planning Team/Lighthouse Team meeting on Friday, August 28 from 12:30-3:30 for anyone that would like to attend.
• Sad News...Elizabeth Jaworski has been pulled from Cooper.  Our psychologist has still not been determined for the 2015-2016 school year.

Calendar:

8/24/15 Secretaries Back

              Safety and Security Meeting Kristi @ CO 1:00-4:30

8/25/15 PTA Board meeting w/ Sarah and Kristi 9:00

              Emerson Packet Pick Up @ Cooper in the Cafe

              Bounce Back 5:30-8:30

8/26/15 Planning with Cooper Leaders for 5th Grade Orientation 9:00-12:00

             DSIT meeting @ CO Sarah 1:00-2:00

8/27/15 Principals' Meeting 8:30-12:30 

8/28/15 5th Grade Orientation A-M 9:00-10:00 N-Z 10:30-11:30

              Planning Team 12:30-3:30
8/31/15 Cooper Work Day!
             6th Grade Packet Pick-Up 9:00-11:00
             5th Grade Orientation 6:00-7:00
9/1/15 LPS Level Up 8:00-3:30 Churchill
9/2/15 Science PD 8:00-3:30 Location TBD
9/3/15 Cooper PD LEAD 8:00-3:30

              

Dare to Dream

"To achieve great things, we must dream as well as do."
Anatole France

Wow!  It's almost here.  The beginning of a new school year.  We've purchased the new backpacks and lunch boxes.  New clothes hang fresh and clean in the closets.  The soles of new shoes are bright white, unscathed, yet to experience the joy of play, blacktops, and gym class.

Am I ready?  Not quite yet... but I will be.  Our students are excited and nervous and I think I feel the same.  All of you should know by now that I am here for you: willing to listen, wanting to talk, an advocate for you and our students, a positive believer in the power of shared leadership, public education, staff and student voice.

I continually try to work on my personal mission statement and it is always difficult.  It is a work in progress but overall I believe...
-my life is my message to the world.  I need to make it inspiring.
-assume the best in others.  There is greatness in everyone.
-when you lead to teach, you teach to lead.

My greatest fear is that I cannot be everything to all people: to all of you, to my family, to the parents that entrust us with their children.  I will try.  Yet, I hope you know that balance is best.  I always want you to be your best too.  Take time for yourself.  Take time for your families.  Ask questions.  Ask for help.  I truly believe that the best leaders are humble.  I too will have lots of questions as we begin this journey.  If I don't know the answer to your question, be patient.  I will find it!

Big Rocks

• Welcome to our new staff!  
• A big welcome to our new Assistant Principal, Kristi Collyer!  We are so excited to have her bring her Leader in Me experience to Cooper.  
• Also, we would like to welcome our new physical education teacher Lorraine Giorgino.  We have heard wonderful things from Webster and are excited to have her on board.  
• We are sad to report that Annette Garbutt will be leaving us.  After several summers working with K-1 students at Camp Emerson, Annette felt called back to the classroom.  While we are so sad for her to leave us, we are happy for the students who she will impact and wish her much success!  We would like to welcome Jason Sproule to Cooper as our new Instructional Technology teacher.  
• Additionally, we would like to welcome Dawn Redmond to Cooper.  Dawn will be our new 6th grade teacher.  Linda Cohan will be moving to 5th grade at her request.  They will both be fabulous.  Please lend your helping hands to all!
• Jeff is working 6:30-2:30.  You may come up to the school anytime this week between those times.  Enter through his office.  I can check if there is more time available later than 2:00.  
• Kristi and I are back on the 18th!  We are at an Opening Day Administrator's Leadership Team meeting at Schoolcraft that day.  We should be at Cooper at least 8:00-4:00 the rest of the weeks.  

Calendar

8/18/15 Administrators return

8/24/25 Secretaries return

8/28 5th Grade and New Student Orientation A-M 9:00-10:00, N-Z 10:30-11:30

8/31 Cooper Teacher Work Day

        6th Grade Packet Pick-Up (We'll keep students away from your rooms!)

        5th Grade and New Student Evening Orientation 6:00-7:00

9/1 Level Up LPS PD 8:00-3:30

9/2 Science PD 8:00-3:30

9/3 Cooper LEAD PD with Charles Fonbuena 8:00-3:30

9/8 1st Day

9/10 Howell Nature Center Parent meeting

9/14 5th Grade Open House/Curriculum Night

9/21 6th Grade Open House/Curriculum Night

10/12-10/14 6th Grade Camp: Kopacko/Mansour, Kimball/Webster, Lietz/Erickson

10/14-10/16 6th Grade Camp: Martin/Spence, McGlinch/Daraskavitch, Backiel/Redmond