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
PTO UPCOMING MEETINGS AND SCHOOL EVENTS
Celebration of Completion Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
Celebrating the Capital Improvement Project at Cooper Middle School
Thursday, September 3, 2026
8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.
Cooper Middle School
977 Balls Hill Rd, McLean, VA 22101.
The brief ribbon-cutting ceremony will feature remarks from Superintendent Dr. Reid, along with invited Fairfax County Public Schools and county leaders.
This event marks a significant milestone in enhancing the learning environment for our students and reflects our shared commitment to providing high-quality educational facilities. We would be honored by your presence as we commemorate this achievement.
Thank you, Cooper Middle School and Fairfax County community, for supporting this capital project.
We look forward to celebrating this special occasion with you!
Fairfax County Public Schools
BACK TO SCHOOL NIGHT
Wednesday, September 9th
6:00 PM to 8 PM
Stop by our spirit wear table before event (5:30 PM) and after the event to gear up for the new school year!
FIRST GENERAL MEMBERSHIP PTO MEETING
Friday, September 11th
9:30 AM to 11 AM
Join us to review fundraising initiatives, vote on the annual budget, and learn about our speaker sponsorship program. (Spirit sales open at 9:00 AM).
AGENDA :
- Fundraising Initiatives
- Community-Building Events
- Voting on the Annual PTO Budget
- Sponsor a Speaker : Option for parents/businesses to sponsor a speaker of their choice, where the PTO partners with them to bring in qualified experts for future meetings.
GENERAL MEMBERSHIP PTO MEETING
Friday, October 9th
9:30 AM to 11 AM
“Tech Today: Navigating the Interactions with Mental Health and Technology”
Join us for a coffee talk with local mental health expert, licensed clinical psychologist Dr. Laura Gray (see bio below) to discuss the complex interactions between Technology and Mental Health. The presentation will educate parents on this timely topic, including a summary of mental health impacts through the lens of brain science, intervention techniques, teen insights, and practical parenting advice. This youth mental health expert will lead parents in a discussion to reflect on personal experiences and consider additional ways to support your developing children.
Laura Gray, Ph.D.
Gray Matters Virginia, PLLC
Dr. Laura Gray is a licensed clinical psychologist who specializes in providing cognitive behavioral
therapy for youth with anxiety and mood difficulties and for youth living with medical conditions, as well
as providing psychoeducational and psychodiagnostic assessments for children and adolescents. Dr.
Gray specializes in pediatric psychology, pediatric pain management, and offering clinical support to
high-achieving students and their parents. She also provides parent consultation to support high-
achieving youth seeking to balance demands in high pressure academic and athletic environments.
COMMUNITY NEWS
(these are not sponsored nor endorsed by CMS or the Cooper PTO)
SOFTBALL CLINIC
October 14th
Any Cooper student interested in playing Softball at Langley should attend to learn more!
Langley Crew
Great Falls Basketball
Fall clinics have sessions specific to 7th & 8th graders and we look forward to having many Cooper MS students join us.
School Opportunities:
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.
Fall Parking Lot Sale
Saturday, Sept. 12, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
McLean Community Center
Join the McLean Community Center for the Fall Parking Lot Sale on Saturday, Sept. 12, from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Shop a wide variety of treasures, including household items, clothing, toys, collectibles and more, from more than 60 local vendors. Admission is free; visit mcleancenter.org for more information.
OFC Block Party
Saturday, Sept. 19, 1 – 4 p.m.
The Old Firehouse Center
Celebrate the end of the season with the OFC Block Party! This outdoor community celebration brings classic block party energy to downtown McLean with live music, games, activities, food, giveaways, and fun for all ages. Gather with friends and neighbors for an afternoon filled with entertainment, laughter and the welcoming spirit that makes McLean such a special community.
Harvest Happenings
Saturday, Sept. 26, 10 a.m. – Noon
McLean Community Center
Celebrate the magic of autumn with your family at MCC! Harvest Happenings is a festive indoor-outdoor fall celebration filled with seasonal fun for all ages. Enjoy live entertainment, hands-on crafts, interactive games, and visits with friendly animals in the petting zoo. Pick out the perfect pumpkin to decorate and take home. With family-friendly activities and entertainment, and plenty of fall spirit, Harvest Happenings is the perfect way to make warm autumn memories together.
Are you 16+ and want to volunteer for the event? Register online!
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
September 10th ~ Facilitators: Carey Hitchcock, LCSW and Becky Kohm, Ed.S.
Topic: Beyond Back-to-School: Navigating Anxiety, Routines, and School Avoidance
The first weeks of school often bring more than routine adjustments—they can create anxiety, morning struggles, and even school avoidance. Join us for a supportive community discussion about how parents can recognize these challenges, respond in helpful ways, support school re-engagement, build routines that work, and care for their own peace of mind along the way.
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.
