STUDENT & PARENT HANDBOOK 2019-2020 

849 N. Mial St. 

Clayton, NC  27520 

Phone:  (919) 553-0256 

Fax:  (919) 553-0723 

Jamie Stoke Principal Ext. 2301

Tamara Poland Assistant Principal Ext. 2350
Allison Price Assistant Principal Intern Ext. 2362
Ann Fowler Head Secretary/Bookkeeper Ext. 2304
Ta-Tanisha Staten Data Manager/Office Support Ext. 2302
Kimberly Robitaille Receptionist Ext. 2300
Garfield Martin Counselor Ext. 2365
Crystal Glandon Nurse Ext. 2363
Kristen Percy Social Worker Ext. 2308
Cynthia Sessions Cafeteria Manager Ext. 2303
Mike Avery Head Custodian Ext. 2309
PRINCIPAL’S MESSAGE

Dear Cooper Academy Families,

On behalf of our Cooper Academy staff, we welcome you to the 2019-2020 school year! This will
be an exciting year as we work together to impact the growth of our students and prepare them
for the future.

At Cooper Academy we have high expectations for our staff, families, and students. In order to
effectively meet our high expectations, it is essential for you to take an active role in your child’s
education. We will have numerous family oriented events throughout the school year along with
conferences to share your student’s progress.

We strive to communicate the basic policies in this handbook that we all must follow to achieve
a common purpose, as well as to ensure ongoing high academic achievement, character
building, and personal development. We see each of you as active partners in this journey
together.

Cooper Academy Vision: ​By inspiring greatness all children at Cooper Academy will realize
their worth and potential.

Cooper Academy Mission: T ​ o empower students with the character traits, academic skills,
social experiences, and love of learning necessary to shape their own destinies, attend and
graduate from the college of their choice, and become world changing problem solvers.

We Value
Relationships​ - All Johnston County Public Schools will invest in bridging the gap between the
whole child and the larger community by engaging all stakeholders in the learning process.

Relevance​ - All Johnston County Public Schools will create shared learning environments that
are safe, encouraging and provide opportunities for reflection and personalized learning
experiences for all staff and students.

Innovation​ - All Johnston County Public Schools will embrace an evolving perspective for
meeting the needs of all students through the practices on invention and iteration.

This Handbook is designed to adhere Johnston County Public Schools Board’s policies and
Cooper Academy Guidelines. Please be aware that Handbook and policy adoption or
amendment/revision may occur throughout the year. Changes in policy and procedure or this
Handbook’s provisions will be made available to parents and students online, through
newsletters and other communications.

Sincerely,

Jamie Stoke, Principal

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GENERAL INFORMATION

Cooper Academy School Calendar​ is posted on the school’s website. The ​calendar of events​ is also on the
school’s website.

School Hours:
Before School Care: 6:30-8:00
Office Hours: 7:30-4:30
Student Hours: 8:30-3:30
Student Arrival: 8:05
Tardy Bell: 8:30
Dismissal Bell 3:30
After School Care: 3:30-6:00

● Students should not be dropped off before 8:05 am​ ​unless registered to attend Before School Care.
● If a child arrives after 8:30 am, he/she is tardy and must report to the office to be signed in by the adult that brought
him/her.
● Students may be escorted to class the first week of school by a parent/guardian who has signed in at the front office
and received a visitor pass.
● After the first week of school, students should exit cars and walk into the building independently.

Before School Care/After School Care

Cooper Academy offers an Early Care Program and an After School Program to our working parents at affordable
rates. Both programs are closely supervised by highly qualified staff members. Information and registration forms
can be obtained on the school’s website and in the front office.
JCPS Before School Care/After School Care Board Policy

Inclement Weather/School Closings:

Cooper Academy will follow Johnston County Public Schools (JCPS) for inclement weather/school closings. You
can check for information on the JCPS social media outlets Facebook/Twitter/Instagram, website, WRAL, or
ABC11.

MORNING ARRIVAL PROCEDURES

Bus Riders
● Students arriving on the bus will be directed by school staff upon arrival to enter the building. Students
should report to their classroom or may get free breakfast in the hallway near the STEAM lab. Bus riders
should not go to the cafeteria for breakfast.

Daycare Van Riders

● Students will be dropped off in the back parking lot (off Camel Street).

Car Riders​ ***​Carpool is located on Mial Street in the front drive.***

● Students should be prepared to exit the vehicle from the passenger side nearest the curb.
● Carpool is one lane, therefore, passing of other vehicles is prohibited at all times.
● Please use the designated parking spaces if you need to enter the building with your student.

Walkers
● Morning walkers should not arrive on campus before 8:05 am. Upon arrival, students should enter the
building and report to their classroom or may go to the cafeteria for breakfast.

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DISMISSAL PROCEDURES
Bus Riders Staff will walk students to the rear of the school for loading buses (off Camel Street).

Daycare Van Riders Students will load in the back parking lot (off Camel Street).

Car Riders Students will be picked up from the front driveway off Mial Street.
Families will be given Cooper carpool tags that must be displayed on the windshield for afternoon
dismissal. If you do not have a tag, you must park and enter the building with photo ID to check
out your student.
Carpool is one lane, therefore, passing of other vehicles is prohibited at all times.
Students not picked up by 4:15 pm will be sent to after school care for a drop in fee of $10.

Transportation changes must be submitted with a date and signature in writing and provided to school staff before
12:00 pm. NO PHONE CALLS WILL BE ALLOWED TO CHANGE TRANSPORTATION. (This is because we
cannot verify who a person is over the telephone.)

BUS TRANSPORTATION INFORMATION

For a change in bus pick up or drop off location a form must be filled out with the office and may take up to five to
seven business days for the location to be updated. Important resources for bus transportation include:

Bus Rider Registration Form

Bus Stop Concern Form

School Finder - What school district do I reside in?

Here Comes the Bus App

Here Comes the Bus is a school bus tracking app that gives parents real-time bus location information and
alerts to get students to the bus stop on time. The app is expected to roll out by the first day of school,
August 26, 2019.

Here Comes the Bus - Parent Letter

Riding a bus is a privilege.​ Students must be at their stops ready for pick up 10 minutes before the scheduled time.
Students must follow the directives of the bus driver and the rules and regulations of school bus safety, as well as,
the rules of the Johnston County Code of Student Conduct, while at the school bus stop, in the school parking lot, or
while riding on a school bus or school activity bus. Violation of these rules may result in temporary or permanent
suspension from the privilege of school transportation services, and may also result in suspension from school.

Bus Discipline
After a student receives a verbal warning from the driver, the following consequences will occur:
1​st​ offense: Counsel with student; parent notification and maximum 3 days off the bus.
2​nd​ offense: Maximum 5 days off the bus.
3​rd​ offense: Maximum 10 days off the bus.
4​th​ offense: Minimum of 10 days off the bus and student may be suspended from the bus for the remainder of
the school year.

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If a student is suspended off the bus, parents must provide transportation to and from school or the student will have
unexcused absences.

*Any severe infraction may result in immediate suspension from the bus.

North Carolina law prohibits an adult from stepping on the bus without permission of the driver and prohibits an
adult stopping a bus that is moving.

Late Buses:​ ​There can be many reasons for a late bus: driver illness, driver emergencies, bus malfunctions.
Cooper Academy is committed to keep parents informed. We will send a remind message to all parents of buses that
will be more than 20 minutes late. Parents should sign up for the Remind message that correlates with student bus
number in order to stay informed. In addition, parents should sign up for the Here Comes the Bus App to track the
location of your child’s bus.

ATTENDANCE
JCPS attendance policy (4110) requires students to be in school 91% of the instructional time missing ​no more than
4 days per nine weeks, 8 days per semester or 16 days per school year​. Students leaving school early will be
counted absent if they leave before 12:00pm, likewise, students arriving after 12:00pm will receive an absence for
the day.

Parents must send in a written excuse/note when a student is absent. ​Board Policy on Absences​.

Early pick up is permitted until 3:00pm​ to maximize instructional time and decrease classroom disruptions. If you
need to pick up your child early from school, please do so before 3:00. ​Students will not be dismissed between
3:00-3:30pm for early check out.

DRESS CODE/UNIFORM POLICY

As part of the Restart School Application Process Cooper Academy implemented a uniform dress code policy
to promote school pride and limits distractions, all Cooper Academy students will adhere to the following dress
code:

Royal Blue shirt

Khaki bottoms (shorts, pants, leggings, skirt)
Dark Close Toed Shoes (no flip flops or sandals)

(Occasionally, there will be school wide special dress days example: College pride
day)
There is assistance in place to help all students to experience school pride with dress
code. If you need a uniform assistance form, please contact the front office. If students
attend school in clothing not meeting the dress code requirements, parents will be
contacted to bring clothing to the school to change. Thank you for supporting our
school initiatives.

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Enrollment
Parents can now complete the student enrollment process online prior to scheduling a meeting with the data manager
to finalize enrollment.

Transfers/Withdrawals
Parents must notify the school prior to withdrawal of students. Students transferring must get a withdrawal form
from the office. Any money owed to the cafeteria, media center, etc. will need to be taken care of at this time. Once
you have enrolled your child at his/her new school, that school will request your child’s records from Cooper.

Visitors & Volunteers

Our school has implemented a ​door lock system​ on campus. All doors will remain locked. Cooper Academy
welcomes visitors to our school. However, you must enter through the front door and report to the office to sign in
and obtain a visitor’s pass. There is a buzzer system by the door. You must press the button and show photo ID to
the camera for Cooper personnel to let you in the building.
● Visitors to School Campus​ - All visitors ​MUST​ ​report directly to the front office, sign in and receive a
visitor pass.
● Visitors who are eating lunch with a child, ​MUST show photo ID​ and be listed on the student
information sheet.
● Volunteers wishing to engage with students on campus must complete the volunteer application online at
www.jcsvolunteers.com.
○ Level 1 Volunteer​: Supervised at all times in a public setting with no solitary time with students.
Examples of this are resource speakers, receptionist, fundraiser activity, field day helpers, etc.
○ Level 2 Volunteer:​ May work with students outside of the view of school employees for periods of
time. Examples of this are field trip chaperones, tutors, classroom helpers, mentors, test proctors and
classroom volunteer assistants.

FIELD TRIPS
Parents will be given the information and permission forms to sign and return to school for field trips. ​Field trip
money is non-refundable​. ​Parents/guardians are permitted to go with a child on a field trip as long as they have
completed the online volunteer form and the field trip site accepts parent chaperones. This form must be completed
and the status of the parent/guardian must be approved before the date of the field trip (this process could take up to
4 weeks). On some field trips, only a certain number of parents will be allowed to go as volunteers/chaperones and
are responsible for the cost of the field trip. Parents are not allowed to ride the bus with students.

TELEPHONE CALLS
In order to protect every instructional minute possible, telephone calls will​ ​be put through to staff voicemails or we
can take a message during instructional time. Our staff will return your call within 24 hours. We care about your
concerns and input.

SCHOOL NUTRITION SERVICES/MENUS

Student nutrition is paramount to academic and personal success. Our cafeteria provides well rounded nutritional
options for all students. Students may purchase breakfast, lunch and snack from the school cafeteria. At Cooper
Academy we are pleased to share that breakfast is free for all students. Students are allowed to purchase 1 full lunch
and 1 snack item. Lunch money may be paid for at the beginning of each week for the whole week or by the month.

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You may put money on your child’s account online at ​www.k12paymentcenter.com​. Students who do not have
lunch money will be given a fruit and vegetable plate with a cup of water. ​ ​County policy will not allow students to
charge meals. ​Free & Reduced Lunch Applications​ are available on the website and in the main office of the
school.

★ Because great food fuels great thinking, Please note that soft drinks and fast food items are not permitted in
the cafeteria.
★ Students with food allergies will be documented with the school nurse and a health plan needs to be created.

★ Meal Prices for Students 2019-2020 School Year:

○ Meal Prices: Breakfast: Free Lunch Cost​ $2.30

○ Reduced Meal Prices: Breakfast: Free Lunch Cost $0.40
○ Adult Lunch Price: $3.50

BIRTHDAYS
Classes at Cooper Academy do not hold parties for individual students. A light snack may be sent on your child’s
birthday if you desire. Please coordinate the best time for a snack with your child’s teacher. Invitations for birthday
parties may be sent home if ​all class members will receive an invitation​.

FLOWERS AND GIFTS AT SCHOOL

We encourage all special deliveries be sent to the student’s home. Students receiving a delivery will be allowed to
see the delivery item during non-instructional time and a parent must pick up the item from school at the end of the
day. ​No delivery will be sent to the classroom or go home on the bus.

HEALTH INFORMATION
Our school is served by a Johnston County School Nurse​ ​who​ ​is on campus for a portion of the week. It is
imperative to notify the school of any medical/health condition your child may have and create a health plan with the
school nurse. Emergencies arising when the nurse is not present will be managed by school personnel. In the event
of serious student accident or illness, first aid will be administered and a parent called immediately. If a parent
cannot be reached, we will call the emergency contact you have given us. If no one can be reached, we will call the
doctor which the parent has named or the Rescue Squad to transport the student to the hospital.

Allergies
It is critical that parents share with the school nurse and teachers all allergies for each student. In some cases, it is
necessary to develop a health plan for the student.

Medication
Forms are available in the front office for parents to complete when medication (prescription or over-the-counter) is
needed to be given at school.

Request for Prescribed Medication to be Administered at School

Physician’s Order Form for Prescription Medication / Parent Request for OTC Medication Page 1

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Physician’s Order Form for Prescription Medication / Parent Request for OTC Medication Page 2

All medication must be delivered by the parent or guardian in the original container to the front office.

Prescription medication requires a physician signature who prescribed the medication.

Students are not permitted to carry or self-administer over-the-counter or prescription medication without parent or
guardian permission and a doctor’s written order.

If a parent does not want his/her child to use lip balm/Chapstick, hand sanitizer, baby wipes or
non-prescription cough drops, a note must be sent to school stating that the child may not use these items.

Required Immunizations:​ Parents must provide updated records of their child’s immunizations prior to the student
beginning instruction. Any student without the required immunizations, according to North Carolina state law, will
not be permitted to begin school until records are provided.

ACADEMIC POLICIES
HOMEWORK:​ ​BOE ​Policy Code: 3460 Homework​ ​Homework is the purposeful continuation or extension of the
instructional program and shall be a part of the instructional experiences of each student. Homework shall be
carefully planned and evaluated regarding its purpose, appropriateness, value, and timeliness and monitored for such
by the principal. Homework shall be checked by the teacher and lesson plans adjusted based on the success of the
students on the assignment.

Teachers and principals shall use the following guidelines regarding the average minutes of homework to be
assigned each night. It is recognized that on a given night that the amount of homework may reasonably exceed or
be less than the average minutes listed in the guidelines based on the nature of the classwork at the time. It is also
recognized that in addition to these guidelines it is reasonable for reading teachers to assign 15 to 30 minutes of
additional independent reading on a nightly basis.

Guidelines:
Kindergarten: 15 to 30 minutes
Grades 1 and 2: 30 to 45 minutes
Grade 3: 45 to 60 minutes
Grades 4 and 5: 60 minutes

ACADEMICS & LEARNING/ASSESSMENTS

Academics and Learning is the most fundamental aspect of our school. Cooper Academy’s mission is to help
students meet elevated standards through high expectations in an academic program that will prepare students for
college and life.

First through fifth grade students will receive report cards and progress reports four times a year. Kindergarten will
receive report cards four times a year and progress reports three times a year. Grade level award ceremonies will be
held once a semester.

Progress Reports Report Card Dates

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 First Quarter Sept. 9, 2018 Oct. 29, 2018
Second Quarter Nov. 14, 2018 Jan. 10, 2019
Third Quarter Jan. 30, 2019 Mar. 18, 2019
Fourth Quarter Apr. 10, 2019 May 30, 2019

K-5 Core Content Indicators:

M​ Indicates that the student consistently and independently demonstrated master of /proficiency in the grade level standard.
P​ Indicates that the student is progressing toward consistent and independent mastery of/proficiency in the grade level standard
B​ Indicates that the student is beginning to progress toward the grade level standard
N​ Indicates that the student is not yet demonstrating progress toward the grade level standards.

Policy Code: 3435 Student Promotion and Accountability:

Johnston County students shall meet local board of education promotion standards and attendance standards for
promotion to the next grade in K - 8.
Discipline and Policies
Cooper Academy will follow all policies, regulations and laws set forth by the Johnston County Board of Education
and the State of North Carolina. All students will comply with Cooper Academy policies, Johnston County Board of
Education policies, and state and federal policies governing student behavior and conduct. Students need to comply
with the directions of principals, assistant principals, teachers, substitute teachers, student teachers, teacher
assistants, bus drivers, and all other school personnel who are authorized to give directions.
The Cooper Discipline Plan is a cooperative effort between school and home which strives to help students become
self-disciplined enabling them to make contributions, take responsibility for their own actions, and learn to make
wise choices. Positive discipline occurs when meaningful instruction is paired with high expectations.

Parents and students need to read and review the ​Parent Gazette​ for Johnston County Board of Education policies
and the Code of Student Conduct. Inclement weather policies, student dress code, school bus issues, attendance
requirements, and student code of conduct can all be found in the ​Parent Gazette​ ​as well.

Character
Values What does this look like on a daily basis?

Respect is We treat Cooper Academy staff with respect

Shown ● I follow directions the first time they are given
● I respond to my teachers in a kind and respectful way
● I show gratitude to others
We treat other students with respect
● I listen to other people’s ideas and feelings. I try to see things from their point of view.
● I listen to others without interrupting
● I treat others with compassion and kindness
● I show gratitude to my school mates
● I respond to others in a respectful way
● I balance courage for getting what I want with consideration for what others want.

On Task ● I complete my work in a timely fashion

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 ● I spend my time on things that are most important. This means I say no to things I know I
should not do.
● I set priorities, make a schedule, and follow my plan
● I am disciplined and organized

Come ● I take initiative

Prepared ● I plan ahead and set goals
● I have what I need to be successful and advocate for my needs when I do not

Keep Safety We care for others and their safety.

In Mind ● I follow the rules for use of materials and equipment
● I keep my hands to myself

Exhibit We demonstrate character in our actions

Good ● I am responsible
Character ● I choose my actions, attitudes and moods.
● I do not blame others for my wrong choices
● I do the right thing without being asked, even when no one is looking
● I am an important part of my classroom and contribute to my school’s mission and vision,
and look for ways to be a good citizen.
● I make deposits in others’ Emotional Bank Accounts.
● When conflicts arise, I look for third alternatives

Try Your We display determination and perseverance in every task.

Best ● I do things that have meaning and make a difference
● I am confident in voicing my ideas
● I look people in the eyes when talking

Discipline Referral Process (Behave In/Out)

Cooper Academy staff will follow the guidelines as described by the PBIS
team and Capturing Kids Hearts (CKH). Each classroom will have an area for
students to reflect and step away from a situation as directed by the teacher
leader or self directed as needed.

Teachers will follow the 4 question process as outlined in CKH in the event
there needs to be some redirection. They are:

1. What are you doing ?

2. What are you supposed to be doing?
3. Are you doing it?
4. What are you going to do about it?

Remembering all choices have ​consequences​. If the choice is not within the
directive of the classroom at that time the following consequences will be
used by the teacher.

1. A negative DoJo is given to the student with an explanation of the choice made. ( keep within the 5
positive to 1 negative ratio )
2. Think Time - this is a time for the student to reflect on their choice

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 3. Time out in another classroom - arranged with another team member (not to be used as time in another
grade level)
4. Student/Teacher conference - conversation about the choice
5. Phone call home to inform parent of the choices made by the student
6. If all the above steps are followed and the behavior falls within the Tiers of Violation the student will
be “Behaved-out”.

When the student is ready to be returned to the classroom, be ready to restore the child with you the teacher,
student or entire classroom. There needs to be a set place in the classroom for the student to wait. The teacher
with the support of the behavior team will restore the student and continue.

Internet Safety Guidelines:

Always follow the JCS Internet Safety Guidelines located in the Johnston County School Board Policies Policy
Code: 3340 Student Acceptable Use of Electronic Resources
Policy Code: 4226 Student Use of Social Networking Site, Blogging and the Internet
Remember: ​Internet usages and access is a privilege. Use the school internet account for teaching, learning
instruction, academic usage and school-related communication only.
Password information is personal and may not be shared with anyone else (see policy).
You are responsible for any content related to your account.
If you do not feel comfortable with any information shared or observed, please report this to a parent, teacher, staff
or administration. Violation of JCS Internet Safety Guidelines will result in disciplinary action and revoked access
as determined by Johnston County Schools.

FAMILY INVOLVEMENT

COOPER PARENT INVOLVEMENT POLICY

Cooper Academy recognizes that parents are instrumental in maintaining a productive, successful, and positive
environment for our students. Parents have the opportunity to be informed and involved in every step of their child’s
educational experience. Parents are encouraged to attend all special events, to volunteer when able, and are
welcomed at the school. Communication between parents and teachers is ongoing. Teachers and parents may request
additional conferences as needed. Parents are encouraged to set up a conference any time there is a concern. In order
to protect the instructional time for all students conferences formal or informal will not be held without an
appointment.

Benefits of Getting Involved

Invest time in your child’s school by visiting, volunteering, and being involved. Giving just one hour will help have
an impact on everyone at our school, but the impact will be biggest on your child. There are many benefits to parent
involvement, but your greatest reward will be the smile that on your child’s face when they walk into a room and see
you volunteering for an event! Welcome & best wishes for a successful school year.

Parent Mission Statement:

Parents will be dedicated to their child’s education by encouraging them to make good choices and do their best at
all times. Parents will support all efforts to enrich their child’s learning and provide for their child’s physical and
emotional well being.

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Cooper Academy personnel will be trained in effective ways to involve parents in activities to improve student
academic achievement and school performance.

School and Parent Communication:

Cooper Academy communicates positively with parents on a regular basis. This is done with web pages, class dojo,
twitter, facebook, newsletters, parent-teacher conferences, parent training sessions, letters sent home with students,
letters sent through standard mail, email, telephone correspondence, and PTA meetings.

Procedure for Parent / Guardian Concerns:

If a parent has a concern or disagreement, they should:
1) Discuss the matter with the teacher and attempt to resolve the disagreement.
2) If there is no resolution to the problem after speaking with the teacher, the parent/guardian should then set up a
meeting with the Grade Level leader by cell phone, in person, or by writing a letter or email.
3) If the issue has not been resolved, the parent/guardian will contact the Principal and he/she will attempt to mediate
the problem with all parties involved.

COOPER Academy PTA:

What is the PTA​ and who can be a part of it? Our key mission is to promote an environment at school where
teachers and administrators can do their best work and our children can do their best learning. We’re always eager to
find more great people, like you, to help us meet this goal. Everyone, including parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles,
guardians and others can join the PTA. If you want to be involved at Cooper, you are welcome to join our group.
To learn more about our PTA, please visit the school’s website and click on the PTA link.
http://www.johnston.k12.nc.us/education/school/school.php?sectionid=647
Membership
We encourage everyone to become an official member of our PTA. To do this, you will need to complete a short
registration form that is sent home with each student at the beginning of the year and pay only $6 membership fee.
Becoming a member of the PTA does not mean that you automatically sign up to volunteer, it just means that you
support our group and believe in what we are doing. Everyone who is involved with our school is welcome at all
meetings and events but we do encourage you to become a member so that you can have access to valuable member
benefits, discounts, and resources.

PTA Board
Our PTA Board is a group of parents that work together to coordinate a variety of events at the school. If you have a
question about any event or want to volunteer, you may contact any of the Board members or call the school at
(919)553-0256.

Dawn Westmoreland - PTA President

(919) 564-6077
dawnwestmoreland1@gmail.com

Kathy Sears - PTA Co-Vice President

(919) 810-6938
kathysears22@gmail.com

Lisa Taylor - PTA Co-Vice President

(919) 330-8224
lisataylor@johnston.k12.nc.us

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 Heather Moser - PTA Treasurer
(919) 333-2682
hdmoser78@yahoo.com

Amy Joyce - PTA Secretary

(919) 278-0049
amynjoyce1209@gmail.com

Family Events:
The PTA sponsors a variety of family events throughout the year. These events are a great way to get involved at
your child’s school. You can help with planning and volunteering at these events or you can just join us for the fun.
Everyone is invited to attend so watch for more information with the dates and times of these events throughout the
year.

PTA Programs and Fundraising:

Our primary objective as a PTA is to provide our school with funds, programs, resources, and services that will
enrich and maximize the education of every child. To meet this important objective we hold two main fundraisers
each school year – a Fall Catalog fundraiser and a spring event. The funds raised at these events allow us to provide
grants to teachers for classroom supplies, paper and copies, and other supplies and services that are not covered by
the school’s budget. We also use the funds from these fundraisers for larger projects such as furnishing technology
and other equipment. In the past few years, the PTA has purchased computers for the school’s Orchard Lab,
playground equipment, and SMART boards.

Box Tops for Education

Our PTA participates in the Box Tops for Education program which gives us 10 cents per label. Labels are found on
a variety of products ranging from baking items to toilet tissue. Visit ​www.btfe.com​ for a list of products. Please
collect these labels and send them to school in a bag or envelope with your child’s name, teacher’s name, and grade.
All students who send in box tops will be eligible to win prizes and attend celebrations.

Recycling:
You can help our school by collecting the following items. We recycle these items and turn them into cash that will
help fund a variety of activities at the school.
Printer Cartridges​ should be sent to the school in a bag with a note for your child’s teacher asking them to
place them in the recycling bin in the school mailroom. We accept any type of toner cartridge for recycling.
We encourage you to collect empty cartridges from your home printers and at work.
Ring Tops​ ​from soda cans should be sent to school in a bag with a note for your child’s teacher asking them to
place them in the collection container for the classroom. The ring tops will be sent to the Ronald McDonald
House in Durham.

School Improvement Plan & Parent Involvement:

Cooper Academy has parent representatives on its School Improvement Team, PTA, and the Advisory Council.
Cooper Academy makes every effort to have parent representation consistent with the school’s demographic
make-up. Cooper Academy provides flexible and organized opportunities to involve parents in the design,
implementation, and evaluation of the school’s programs, Parent Involvement Policy, and School Improvement Plan.

COOPER ELEMENTARY ADVISORY COUNCIL:

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Members of our advisory council are adults in favor of public education and demonstrate continual involvement and
service. The Advisory Council meets at least 4 times per year to discuss school needs and information about our
school and system with the Principal. Any parent may contact an advisory member to share comments/concerns.

COOPER ACADEMY CRISIS PLAN FOR PARENTS:

LOCK DOWN
A “lockdown” is implemented when there is a crisis/danger on the school campus that warrants staff and students to
lock all doors and wait quietly in their classrooms until the danger is removed.

If there is a crisis/danger which warrants a lock-down, (for example, an intruder enters the building) an
announcement will be made over the intercom. All doors will be locked preventing any visitor or parent to enter the
building or classrooms.

The lockdown will remain in effect for as long as it takes law enforcement to bring the situation under control. If the
crisis/danger warrants an evacuation after the lockdown ceases, procedures for evacuation will take effect
immediately. If there is no need for an evacuation and the crisis is over, school will resume as per normal and
parents will receive a letter from the principal notifying them of the lock down that took place that day. A lockdown
drill will be performed each nine weeks.

EVACUATION:
An “evacuation” takes place when staff and students leave the school campus to go to an off-site safe location
to avoid the impact of a crisis/danger that is present on the campus. ​In the event of an evacuation, the
principal’s office or superintendent’s office will notify all parents by Connect Ed of the evacuation. The phone call
will give parents specific directions as to where, when and how to pick up their child from the evacuation off-site
location. For example, the parent may be asked to refrain from coming to or calling the school, and go instead to the
off-site evacuation location.

The parent, or anyone designated by the parent to pick up the child, will need to provide proof of identification, and
also be listed in the ​Student Check-Out Book​ in order for the student to be released to them. For a smooth pick-up,
parents should place on their dash boards a large sign that clearly displays their child’s name, the teacher’s name and
grade of the child. Pick-up traffic will be directed by law enforcement. Parents must be patient and remain calm
during this time. Our first off-site evacuation location is First Baptist Church on Fayetteville Street. Our second
off-site location is Clayton High School on Fayetteville Street.

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