Cougar Chronicle

As we enter the final week of October, our school is buzzing with learning, laughter, and incredible acts of kindness. While academics are at the heart of what we do, we also believe that helping students become caring, respectful, and responsible people is just as important.

Kindness is contagious. A smile, a kind word, an encouraging note, or simply including someone who feels left out can completely change another person's day. When students consistently practice kindness, they create classrooms where everyone feels safe, welcomed, and ready to learn.

This week, I encourage every family to participate in a simple challenge: perform one unexpected act of kindness each day. Together, we can help our children discover that making a positive difference in someone else's life is one of the greatest rewards. Thank you for helping us create a school where every child belongs!

• October 28 - House Spirit Day/Early Release @ 1:03

• October 30 - Fall Parties and Parade

Kindness is a skill children build through practice and example, not something that simply happens on its own. Everyday moments at home... sharing, waiting a turn, and noticing when someone needs help are where kindness habits take root.

● Point out kind acts you notice, in real life or in stories.

● Give your child chances to help without being asked.

● Model kindness in how you talk about others, even when frustrated.

Children are always watching how the adults around them treat people, especially when things don't go smoothly, a difficult phone call, a disagreement, a stressful moment in traffic. Those everyday interactions teach as much as any lesson about kindness. Small, consistent moments of kindness at home build the habit that shows up at school, including someone at recess, checking on a classmate, or simply saying something encouraging to a friend.

At Cooke, kindness is more than just being nice—it’s how we make our classrooms a place where everyone feels welcome, valued, and ready to learn! Students show kindness by using friendly words, including others, helping classmates, listening respectfully, taking turns, and offering encouragement when someone is having a tough day. In our classrooms, even the smallest acts of kindness can make a BIG difference! Families can help reinforce this expectation at home by talking about ways to show kindness each day. Together, we’re creating a school community where every Cougar knows they matter!

We are proud to showcase our Brothers of Excellence! These boys have completed their first Pillar - BE Yourself. Over six sessions they discussed the foundation of "self" including topics such as self-worth, cultural pride, and purpose through honest reflection and community building. The presenters for this pillar included:

• Mr. Nelson Campos, Principal of Juarez Middle School
• Abraham Palomar, former Cooke student and Public Service Supervisor for the Illinois Secretary of State
• Mr. Oscar Dupuy, Director of Student Outreach, Waukegan School District
• Mr. Adam Carson, Founder of Drip & Culture, Waukegan
• Mr. LeBaron Moten, Deputy Superintendent at Waukegan Public Schools
• Mr. Victor Felix, Waukegan 4th Ward Alderman

The focus of the program is to empower and build capacity in our boys of color. If you know of any male figures who may be interested in being a presenter/facilitator, please let Dr. Stone know.

• Last call for Boo Grams! Orders will be accepted through Monday 10/26. Paper forms and money need to be turned in to the main office. You can pay online: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/pto-boo-gram-sale--2026
• Spirit Wear orders are due this Sunday, October 25! Order online only: https://andrewcooke2026.itemorder.com/shop/home/
• Kroll’s + Cooke Community Night Out (Weds 10/28)— there are still tickets available! Paper forms & money can be turned in to the main office, or register & pay online: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/krolls-fun-on-the-farm--2026
• Trunk-or-Treat Friday 10/30, 4:00-5:00pm at Cooke. Stop by the PTO trunk for a treat (or a trick!).
• Buffalo Wild Wings (Fountain Square)— Monday, November 2, 4:00-9:00pm, restaurant fundraiser and cheer on the Chicago Bears!
• PTO meeting— Wednesday, November 4, 5:00-6:00pm in the Cooke MPR or join virtually on Google Meet (popcorn $$ is due this day too!)
• Popcorn Friday— November 6; deliveries during the school day.
• Reach out at anytime: cookepto@gmail.com

Here our our stats for Week Ten:

School-Wide Attendance: 96.44%

School Goal: 95%

Grade-Level Champions

● Kindergarten:97.7% - FIRST PLACE!!

● Grade 1: 96.59%

● Grade 2: 96.59%

● Grade 3: 96.65%

● Grade 4: 95.15%

● Grade 5: 96.44%

Just a reminder that students with 95% attendance or higher will be invited to an end of year celebration.

October 28 - House Spirit Day/Early Release @ 1:03

October 30 - Fall Parties and Parade

November 3 - No School - Election Day

November 4 - PTO Meeting 5:30-6:30

November 6 - Third and Fourth to Ravinia 9am - 12pm

November 11 - No School - Veteran's Day

November 16-20- Thanksgiving Grfam Sale

November 18 - Picture Retake Day