Cougar

Dear Cooke Families,

In just two days, we open the doors to a brand-new school year — and we could not be more excited to welcome your child back to Cooke Magnet School. Whether this is your first year as a Cougar or your sixth, we hope this weekend is filled with anticipation for all the learning, friendships, and growth ahead.

This year, our school theme is "The Road to Greatness". Throughout the year, we'll be reminding students that success isn't about racing anyone else — it's about the daily choices that move each of us forward: showing up, trying hard, being kind, and never giving up. You'll see this theme woven into our newsletters, our classrooms, and our celebrations all year long.

It was wonderful seeing so many of you at Meet & Greet — thank you for taking the time to connect with your child's teacher before the big day. If you weren't able to attend, don't worry; there will be plenty of chances to connect with your teacher throughout the year.

A few reminders as you get ready for Monday morning are listed below and include:

• Morning Procedures and Times
• Dismissal Procedures and Time
• Transportation Changes

Please remember to:

• Please label backpacks, water bottles, and lunch boxes with your child's name.
• Watch for our weekly Cooke Chronicle newsletter every Friday with important dates, classroom highlights, and ways to stay involved.

We know that first-day mornings can bring a mix of excitement and nerves — for kids and grown-ups alike. Please know that our entire staff is ready and so glad to welcome your child with open arms.

Thank you for trusting us with your child this year. We can't wait to start the Road to Greatness together.

Warmly,
The Cooke Magnet School Family

General Information

• The first day of school is August 17, 2026.
• Students may arrive beginning at 8:00 am. If they want school breakfast, they will enter through Door 8 (the small grey door in the back of the MPR). Students who plan to eat breakfast will need to eat before they play outside.
• The entry bell will ring at 8:18. Students will line up, by class, on the blacktop near their entry door. Staff will be outside to guide parents and students, and teachers will have signs with their names on them so you can find them easily.
• Students are expected to be in the classroom by 8:30am. Any time after 8:30, they will be marked tardy. Plan to arrive each day with enough time for you child to travel to their classroom and enter by 8:30am.
• To allow our teachers to begin setting routines right away, and to align with our safety policy, we do not allow parents to walk students into the classroom.

Arrival Transportation

Parents who wish to drop their child(ren) off for school may do so by entering the northernmost entrance of the parking lot. Please remain in the inside lane. Turn left when you reach the dumpster. The main circle drive is for busses only in the morning. Drive forward towards the crosswalk before allowing your child to exit the vehicle. PLEASE make every effort to have your child on the passenger side of the vehicle when you arrive. This is for their safety. Students who get out on the driver's side and have to walk between cars may not be seen by drivers with larger vehicles.

If you choose to walk your child up to the school grounds, you will need to find a designated parking spot. Please do not block driveways on West Street or double park so others are not able to leave.

Please be patient with the bus company the first several days as they work hard to verify every child as they enter the bus to be sure they have the right students in the right place. Students who arrive late on busses will not be marked tardy.

Dismissal Transportation

Parents who wish to pick their children up will park in a designated spot and go to door 7 (by the North playground). When the doors open at 3:03, you will enter and sign your child out. Once you sign the release, your child's name will be added to a list, notifying them to come to the parent pick up area. If your child is going to be a pick up every day, and never ride the bus, please notify your child's teacher or he main office at (224) 303-1700.

Students who ride busses will be walked to their bus afterschool by their classroom teacher. Again, the drivers will verify students. Only students on rosters will be allowed to ride the bus. This for for the safety of our students.

Changing Transportation

If you have a change in your child's transportation or will be picking them up early from school for any reason. Please DO NOT call the or message teachers. On the day of the request for the temporary change, please complete this form. This will allow us to have accurate record of changes made to student routines for their safety.

All changes in transportation for the day MUST be made by 2:00 PM the day of by completing the form!

Temporary Transportation Change

Reminders:

• The first week for busses and parent pick up are usually busy. Please be patient with us as the process will get much smoother after the first week.
• Students with bus assignments will be placed on busses after school unless we have a “Change in Transportation” form completed, or you have notified the office that you will never use the bus

Regular attendance is one of the strongest predictors of student success, and this year our school-wide goal is 95% attendance. Just one year of chronic absenteeism can significantly increase the risk of falling behind in reading and, for older students, dropping out later on. Every day in class counts toward building strong academic habits and a sense of belonging in our school community. Each week we will share the average attendance for each grade level in our newsletter. Students who help us reach our 95% attendance goal will be invited to a special end-of-year celebration! We appreciate your partnership in making sure your child is here, on time, every day.

Reminder: Champions don't wait until the last lap to catch up. Every school day matters from Day One

August 17 - First Day of School

August 26 - House Spirit Day/Sorting Ceremony/Early Release 1:03 pm

September 2 - Open House 5:30 - 6:30 pm

September 7 - No School

September 9 - House Spirit Day/Early Release 1:03 pm

September 14 - 18 - Book Fair

September 18 - Fall Fest 5:30 -7:30 pm

September 23 - House Spirit Day/Early Release 1:03 pm