Come back to visit often! This page will have current updates and community news. You can also find links to our meeting minutes and this years budget from the drop down menu.
PTO NEWSLETTERS
Review recent issues of the Cooper PTO Newsletters here
PAGE INDEX LINKS:
PTO UPCOMING MEETINGS AND SCHOOL EVENTS
GENERAL MEMBERSHIP PTO MEETING
Friday, November 9th
9:30AM
💥 Special Guest Speaker Lucy Sgroi, LCSW 💥
"Raising Resilient Teens: Validation, Confidence, and Critical Thinking in the Middle School Years"
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
COOPER VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!
1) 
PICTURE DAY VOLUNTEER SUG HERE!
2) 
BOOK FAIR VOLUNTEER SUG HERE!
OTHER SCHOOL VOLUNTEERS :
None at this Time
COMMUNITY SERVICE :
1) Earn service hours by saving trees!
During the four weekends of October, adults and students will be coming together for the ‘Fairfax Tree Rescue Extravaganza II.’ This is a community-wide effort to rid our trees of the invasive vines that threaten them. Multiple events will take place throughout Fairfax where anyone can try their hand at personally saving trees by clipping the invasive vines (while preserving the native vines) at the base. Details and registration at FairfaxPRISM.org.
COMMUNITY NEWS
(these are not sponsored nor endorsed by CMS or the Cooper PTO)
LANGLEY BOYS VOLLEYBALL BLOOD CANCER FUNDRAISER
October 19th at 7pm
The Langley Boys Volleyball team is hosting a fundraiser next Monday night, October 19 at 7:00pm to raise awareness for Blood Cancer.
Saturday, October 17
7:30 a.m.
George Mason University – Fairfax Campus
Great Falls Basketball
Winter Registration is Open!
School Opportunities:
1) Sparks Creative Writing Workshop
2) The Alden
Registration is open for The Alden’s School Show Program! Tickets to these performances are free and only offered to public schools within the McLean and Langley High School Pyramids. Register using The Alden’s 26-27 School Show Registration Form Survey
Questions? Email: alden@mcleancenter.org.
Family-Focused Events:
Alden Season Ticket Sales Open
Tuesday, Sept. 8
The Alden’s exciting 2026 season is almost here, featuring an exceptional lineup of dance, theatre, music, comedy, film and family performances. Season tickets go on sale on Tuesday, Sept. 8, offering audiences the opportunity to experience a diverse range of outstanding artists and performances in The Alden’s beautiful, intimate 383-seat theatre. Enjoy an unforgettable season of live entertainment close to home, with convenient free parking at the McLean Community Center.
Youth/Teen Opportunities:
OFC’s After School Program
August 24, 2026 – June 17, 2027, 2:30-6 p.m.
The Old Firehouse Center
Join the Old Firehouse Center’s After School Program, where 5th–8th graders can enjoy free after-school activities, themed clubs, daily snacks, homework space, pet therapy and more! The membership also includes transportation options from all elementary and middle schools in the McLean and Langley pyramids, and discounted Friday Night Activities. Registration for the 2026-2027 school year is open now!
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The Alden’s 2027 Youth Production: Rotten Apples
Jan. 5 & 6, 6:30-9 p.m.
Youth ages 10-16 who reside in or attend school within the MCC tax district are invited to audition for Rotten Apples, the Alden’s 2027 Youth Production. There will be a $150 participation fee if cast. Participants must be available for rehearsals Tuesday-Thursday, 6:30-9 p.m., January through March, plus Tech Week beginning March 8. Limited rehearsal conflicts are permitted and must be disclosed at auditions. Apply here!
Fall Community Mental Health Chats lead by Licensed Mental Health Professionals
Co-sponsored by the McLean Community Center and the Safe Community Coalition ~ Check out mcleanscc.org for more details.
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Where: McLean Community Center
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Cost: Free for all community members.
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Fall Dates: September 10th, October 8th, and November 19th
October 8th ~ Facilitators: Melissa Sporn, Ph.D. and Alexis Guerrero, LCSW
Topic: From Eye-Rolls to Heart-to-Hearts: Connecting with Your Child & Teen Through Effective Communication
This discussion offers practical, evidence-based communication skills to bridge the gap between parents and their children/teens. Parents will learn how to shift from lecturing to active listening, navigate challenging conversations, and use techniques to build connection and trust.
November 19th ~ Facilitators: Carey Hitchcock, LCSW, Robyne Davis, LPC, and Becky Kohm, Ed.S.
Topic: Self-Esteem and Executive Functioning Skills: Breaking the Cycle of Shame and Stress
Does your child struggle to start tasks, lose their belongings, or melt down over homework? Sometimes a deficit in Executive Functioning doesn't just feel like a messy desk; it feels like a personal failure. We will explore how building a child’s "executive functioning toolkit" can be the fastest way to repair their self-esteem and reduce family conflict. This discussion is ideal for parents of school-aged children and teens who seem "bright but scattered” and appear to be losing confidence in their academic and social abilities.
REGISTRATION IS OPEN!
Join the Safe Community Coalition on Monday, November 16, 2026, 7–8:30 p.m. at The Alden Theatre for an evening with New York Times bestselling author and educator Jessica Lahey. Author of The Gift of Failure and The Addiction Inoculation, Jessica will share practical, research-backed strategies for helping teens build resilience and independence while navigating anxiety, substance use, gambling, and other challenges. Tickets: $20 adults | $15 students (grades 7–12) in advance; $25 at the door. Made possible by a generous grant from the McLean Community Foundation. Register here to save your seat!
