
Last night, JCPS celebrated the 2024 Leading with the Heart recipients!💝
The event, inspired by Mike Krzyzewski’s book, “Leading with the Heart,” recognizes those staff members throughout the school system that demonstrate leadership, compassion, and heart on a daily basis. One person from every school as well as central services was nominated by their peers, because of their unwavering commitment and dedication to their role.
We honor the 53 amazing members of the JCPS family for their work that clearly does not go unnoticed! Thank you!✨
Stay tuned for an event recap video...
#ILeadWithMyHeart











Congratulations to Mrs. Robitaille for being recognized at the JCPS Leading with the Heart Ceremony! We appreciate all she does for our students, families, and staff!


Our 4th grade students and staff had a terrific time today attending the North Carolina Symphony performance! They also had time this afternoon to make connections to their learning in the classroom while visiting the NC Museum of History and Museum of Natural Sciences. A huge thank you to Mrs. Bogardus, the 4th grade team, our bus drivers, and Dr. Leonhardt for facilitating this experience for our students!


Greetings Cooper Academy families! Here are some reminders about upcoming events.
Please make sure to stop in tomorrow at 1:30 pm for our mid-year student-led conferences to review your child’s progress. Students are excited to share all their growth!
Monday, February 19th is a JCPS Teacher Workday. There is no school for students.
We’re kicking off our school-wide Read-a-Thon next week with students and staff. Please be on the lookout for your child’s individual reading log to track their progress on minutes read. There will be prizes for individual classes and grade levels with the most minutes read.
On Friday, March 1st we are celebrating National Read Across America Day. We invite our parents, grandparents, extended family members and community members to visit our campus to spend some time reading with our students on this date. Please use the spreadsheet to sign-up.
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1VePTVrpxmfRMxavywvrfQYBHUbaIRNysvdznGwBpPnU/edit#gid=0
Our 4th grade field trip to the NC Symphony, NC History & NC Science Museums is Tuesday, February 20th. Students must have returned a signed parent permission form to attend the field trip.
On Wednesday, February 21st select 4th grade students have been randomly selected to participate in the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP).
The online portal to order your yearbook closes at the end of February, so please make sure to submit your orders soon to ensure having a yearbook for your student. The yearbook orders are scheduled to arrive in May 2024.
Here is a direct link to the ordering site:
https://strawbridge.fotomerchanthv.com/search/YB29435
The JCPS Kindergarten Enrollment Portal for the 2024-2025 school year opened on Thursday, February 1, 2024. Please register your kindergarten students as soon as possible to help our school plan for next year.
https://www.johnston.k12.nc.us/o/jcps/page/enrollment
Career Exploration Fair is scheduled for March 28, 2024. Please contact Garfield Martin, our school counselor, if you are interested in sharing your occupation with our grades 3-5 students as a presenter on this date or complete this interest form.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc1tMhh4j6YNY_y-zygTsXIu27BvnorQyU8LbsTRheGW0_pWw/viewform
Thank you for your support!
garfieldmartin@johnston.k12.nc.us (919) 553-0256 Ext. 2361
Thank you for continuing to read with your children every night! As you know, this makes a tremendous positive impact on their literacy development.

Students in 5th grade are doing an outstanding job demonstrating their learning during the "Weather Unit" in science! We loved seeing all the weather posters in the hallway this week!


We've had a great time today celebrating our 100th day of the year during our Super Bowl School Spirit Week! Students are engaged with all sorts of fun instructional activities (including wax museum rehearsal in 2nd grade). In addition, teachers hid 100 Cooper Rocket logos across the campus for students to find and tape to the display board in the cafeteria.


Greetings Cooper Academy families. Here are some reminders about upcoming events.
It’s finally Super Bowl Spirit Week! We encourage all students and staff to wear sports team t-shirts and jerseys all week long.
Mon, Feb. 5th “Face Paint Monday” - let’s see the colors/logos of your favorite team!
Tues, Feb. 6th "Tailgate Tuesday" - “We’re going to the Super Bowl” - wear your warm
weather tourist gear (hats, sunglasses, fanny pack, etc..)
Wed, Feb. 7th "Wake Up & Win Wednesday" - win the day being comfortable in your PJs all day
Thurs, Feb. 8th “Training Thursday” - you have to train to win a Super Bowl - wear sweats or workout gear
Fri, Feb. 9th "Favorite Team Friday" - wear the shirt or jersey of your favorite sports team or player
It’s school counselor appreciation week February 5th-9th! Let’s all show Mr. Martin, Mrs. McLamb, and Mrs. Murphy how much we appreciate all they do for our students, families, and colleagues at Cooper Academy!
The online portal to order your yearbook closes at the end of February, so please make sure to submit your orders soon to ensure having a yearbook for your student. The yearbook orders are scheduled to arrive in May 2024.
Here is a direct link to the ordering site:
https://strawbridge.fotomerchanthv.com/search/YB29435
Please fill out the form below to give feedback on the calendar options for the 2024-2025 and 2025-2026 school years. This form is also located on the front page of the JCPS website and will close on February 9, 2024 at 5pm.
JCPS Calendar Community Feedback Form
The JCPS Kindergarten Enrollment Portal for the 2024-2025 school year opened on Thursday, February 1, 2024.
https://www.johnston.k12.nc.us/o/jcps/page/enrollment
Class Picture Day was today. Families can still order class pictures online by going to www.strawbridge.net Click on "Order Pictures" and enter the following school code: FM426089 Class Pictures are $10 each.
Report Cards will be sent home with students on Monday, February 5th. Mark your calendars now for our Student-Led Conferences on February 16th from 1:30-3:30 pm to review your child’s progress at mid-year.
Career Exploration Fair is scheduled for March 28, 2024. Please contact Garfield Martin, our school counselor, if you are interested in sharing your occupation with our grades 3-5 students as a presenter on this date or complete this interest form.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc1tMhh4j6YNY_y-zygTsXIu27BvnorQyU8LbsTRheGW0_pWw/viewform
Thank you for your support!
garfieldmartin@johnston.k12.nc.us (919) 553-0256 Ext. 2361
Thank you for continuing to read with your children every night! As you know, this makes a tremendous positive impact on their literacy development.

We are thrilled to share that Lisa Morgan, a 5th grade science/social studies teacher at Cooper Academy, was recognized as the Clayton Chamber of Commerce Super Star Teacher of the Month in January 2024! Congrats to Mrs. Morgan!


Greetings Cooper Academy families. Here are some reminders about upcoming events.
Order your yearbook prior to January 31, 2024 to get the discounted rate price of $25.00. The yearbook orders are scheduled to arrive in May 2024.
Here is a direct link to the ordering site:
https://strawbridge.fotomerchanthv.com/search/YB29435
Please fill out the form below to give feedback on the calendar options for the 2024-2025 and 2025-2026 school years. This form is also located on the front page of the JCPS website and will close on February 9, 2024 at 5pm.
JCPS Calendar Community Feedback Form
The JCPS Kindergarten Enrollment Portal for the 2024-2025 school year opens on Thursday, February 1, 2024.
https://www.johnston.k12.nc.us/o/jcps/page/enrollment
We have a PTA sponsored School Spirit Night at the Sky Zone Trampoline Park in Raleigh on Thursday, February 1st from 4:00-8:00 pm. Informational flyers were sent home with students.
Class Picture Day is Friday, February 2nd. Students do not have to wear school uniforms on this date. Informational flyers will be sent home soon. To order online, go to www.strawbridge.net Click on "Order Pictures" and enter the following school code: FM426089 Class Pictures are $10 each.
Report Cards will be sent home with students on Monday, February 5th. Mark your calendars now for our Student-Led Conferences on February 16th from 1:30-3:30 pm to review your child’s progress at mid-year.
The Kids Heart Challenge concludes on February 1st. The Kids Heart Challenge Party for those students raising $10 or more is scheduled for February 14th (1:30-2:30 for grades K-2; 2:30-3:30 for grades 3-5).
Career Exploration Fair is scheduled for March 28, 2024. Please contact Garfield Martin, our school counselor, if you are interested in sharing your occupation with our grades 3-5 students as a presenter on this date or complete this interest form.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc1tMhh4j6YNY_y-zygTsXIu27BvnorQyU8LbsTRheGW0_pWw/viewform
Thank you for your support!
garfieldmartin@johnston.k12.nc.us (919) 553-0256 Ext. 2361
Thank you for continuing to read with your children every night! As you know, this makes a tremendous positive impact on their literacy development.

Dear Cooper Academy Family Member / Community Member,
I trust this message finds you in good spirits. My name is Garfield Martin, and I am the school counselor at Cooper Academy. I am reaching out to you with great enthusiasm to share an exciting opportunity for community involvement. We are thrilled to announce our upcoming Career Exploration Fair for 3rd through 5th graders, scheduled to take place on March 28, 2024. The primary goal of this event is to expose our students to a variety of careers, inspiring curiosity and excitement about their future possibilities.
We believe your unique expertise and experiences would make a valuable contribution to our students' understanding of diverse career paths. We are extending an invitation for you to participate as a presenter, sharing insights about your career, discussing the skills and qualifications required, and providing a glimpse into the day-to-day activities of your profession. Your interactive engagement will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression on our students, helping them make more informed decisions about their future endeavors.
Moreover, we are not only seeking presenters but also enthusiastic volunteers and chaperones to help make this event a success. Your support in any of these capacities would be highly valued and appreciated.
Details of the Career Exploration Fair:
Date: March 28, 2024
Time: 9:30-1:00
Location: Cooper Academy Gym 849 Mial St. Clayton, NC 27520
If you are available and willing to participate as a presenter, volunteer, or chaperone, please let us know at your earliest convenience. We would be delighted to provide further details, answer any questions you may have, and discuss any specific requirements you might have for your presentation. Your commitment to supporting the educational and career development of our students is truly commendable. By sharing your experiences and knowledge or volunteering your time, you play a crucial role in building a brighter future for our community.
Thank you for considering this multifaceted opportunity, and we look forward to the possibility of your participation. Please feel free to contact me to discuss further details.
Sincerely,
Garfield Martin Jr.
School Counselor
Cooper Academy
garfieldmartin@johnston.k12.nc.us
(919) 553-0256 Ext. 2361
If you are interested in participating, please fill out this form or contact Garfield Martin at garfieldmartin@johnston.k12.nc.us
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc1tMhh4j6YNY_y-zygTsXIu27BvnorQyU8LbsTRheGW0_pWw/viewform
Thank you for your support!

Please join us in supporting our Cooper Academy Chorus students as they demonstrate their talents at the JCPS Showcase of Stars event!
Our Cooper Academy chorus students are scheduled to perform at the JCPS Showcase of Stars Event in the Johnston Community College (JCC) Auditorium on Saturday, March 9th at 3:00 pm.
Tickets for this event go on sale on January 26, 2024 and can be purchased at:
https://johnstonccperformingarts.csstix.com/events.php
Tickets are being sold through Johnston Community College. Every audience member ages 0-100 must have a purchased ticket to enter per the Fire Marshall and JCC (including children held in the arms or in the laps of parents). There are no refunds available for any tickets sold.
Families can also call the box office at (919) 209-2999 or visit the box office at JCC on Mondays or Wednesdays from 2:00-5:00 pm to obtain tickets.
The following schools are performing during this program on Saturday, March 9th at 3:00 pm.
Clayton High
Clayton Middle
Cooper Academy
Corinth-Holders Elementary
Corinth Holders High
East Clayton Elementary
Princeton Elementary
Princeton High
Riverwood Elementary
West Clayton Elementary
Thank you for supporting our students!

Johnston County Public Schools is the fastest growing district in NC, and we are hiring!
Discover why Johnston County is an ideal location to live and work, and why JCPS is the best place for a career. With competitive pay, state health benefits, and incentives, we are the place to grow.
Check out our Job Fair on Saturday, March 2, 2024 from 9 AM to 12 PM. Hope to see you there!😎
#GreatThingsAreHappeningInJCPS


Greetings Cooper Academy families! We just wanted to remind everyone about Class Picture Day on Friday, February 2nd. Students do not have to wear school uniforms on this date. Informational flyers will be sent home soon.
To order online, go to www.strawbridge.net
Click on "Order Pictures" and enter the following school code: FM426089
Class Pictures are $10 each.


Greetings Cooper Academy families. Here are some reminders about upcoming events.
First, we’d like to congratulate Asher Burke for representing Cooper Academy extremely well in the JCPS Elementary Spelling Bee! Individual school winners from all Elementary Schools competed on January 11, 2024 for the title of JCPS Elementary Spelling Bee Champion. Asher competed hard for a grueling 11 rounds of spelling action to earn 4th Place in the district!
The Cooper Chorus has some additional spots available for any interested students in grades 3-5. The audition does take place on Tuesday, January 16th after school from 4:00-4:30 pm. Parent permission is required to stay after school for the audition.
Cooper Chorus Audition Information
We are quickly approaching the end of the second quarter of school on January 24th. Report Cards will be sent home with students on February 1st. Mark your calendars now for our Student-Led Conferences on February 16th from 1:30-3:30 pm to review your child’s progress at mid-year.
The Kids Heart Challenge kicks off with Mr. Brown, our PE teacher on January 18th. Be on the lookout for information being sent home with your child. The Kids Heart Challenge Party for those students raising $10 or more is scheduled for February 14th (1:30-2:30 for grades K-2; 2:30-3:30 for grades 3-5).
We have some upcoming field trips to extend our student’s learning experiences beyond the classroom. On Friday, January 19th students in grades K-2 will attend a performance at the Clayton Center Theatre at 12:30 pm. On Wednesday, January 24th at 10:00 am students in 3rd grade will be exploring force and motion science concepts at the ParTee Shack in Raleigh. Please make sure to send in parent permission forms for each of these events by the deadlines indicated on the Parent Permission Form.
The JCPS Calendar has Teacher Workdays scheduled on January 25th & 26th. There is no school for students on these dates. In addition, the JCPS Board of Education just approved an adjustment to the school calendar. As a result of the Election Day on Tuesday, March 5th for the 2024 Primary Election, the JCPS calendar now designates March 5, 2024 as an optional teacher workday with no school for students.
Order your yearbook prior to January 31, 2024 to get the discounted rate price of $25.00. The yearbook orders are scheduled to arrive in May 2024.
Here is a direct link to the ordering site:
https://strawbridge.fotomerchanthv.com/search/YB29435
As the end of the semester approaches we want to remind students and families to check the lost and found area in the gym for any belongings that may have been misplaced. All unclaimed items at the end of the month will be donated.
Thank you for continuing to read with your children every night! As you know, this makes a tremendous positive impact on their literacy development.

Congratulations to Asher Burke for representing Cooper Academy extremely well in the JCPS Elementary Spelling Bee! Individual school winners from all JCPS Elementary Schools competed on January 11, 2024 for the title of JCPS Elementary Spelling Bee Champion. Asher competed hard for a grueling 11 rounds of spelling action to earn 4th Place in the district! We are so proud of Asher!


Under the guidance of local emergency officials and out of an abundance of caution, JCPS will operate on a 2-hour delay on Wednesday, January 10, 2024.
Everyone is encouraged to drive with caution when traveling.


Good evening Cooper Academy families. It is our district’s goal to make our school communities as prepared as possible for emergency situations, including inclement weather. Due to the impending inclement weather on January 9, 2024 all JCPS schools are dismissing 3 hours early. Therefore, Cooper Academy dismissal will take place at 12:55 pm on January 9, 2024. All after school events are canceled in JCPS. This means that after school care at Cooper Academy is canceled on January 9, 2024.
The district will operate under the Early Dismissal processes of our Inclement Weather Procedures. This decision has been made out of an abundance of caution and per the guidance of local and state emergency service officials. If upcoming weather advisories forecast additional impacts, additional decisions may be made.
We are asking all of our students and staff to familiarize themselves with the conditions outlined on our Inclement Weather portion of the JCPS website.
Have a great evening.

Happy New Year to all our Cooper Academy families! We hope you all had a terrific holiday season. Mid-Year assessment data will be collected to demonstrate student growth for mClass Reading (grades K-3), MVP’s Reading, Math, & Science (grades 3-5), and select groups of students for MAP Reading & Math (K-5) throughout the next month.
We are quickly approaching the end of the second quarter of school on January 24th. Report Cards will be sent home with students on February 1st. Mark your calendars now for our Student-Led Conferences on February 16th from 1:30-3:30 pm to review your child’s progress at mid-year.
Battle of the Books club will continue to meet after school each Wednesday with Mrs. McGahey in the Media Center (including 1/3/24).
Showcase of Stars performers will start back up with rehearsals every Thursday (starting 1/4/24) with Mrs. Bogardus after school in preparation for the JCPS Showcase of Stars Event on Saturday, March 9th at 3:00 pm.
First Priority Club will start back on Tuesday mornings with Mrs. Fish on 1/9/24.
We have a PTA Sponsored School Spirit Night at Vinson’s on January 11th from 4:00-9:00 pm.
On Monday, January 15th JCPS Schools are closed for Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday.
The Kids Heart Challenge kicks off with Mr. Brown, our PE teacher on January 18th. Be on the lookout for information being sent home with your child. The Kids Heart Challenge Party for those students raising $10 or more is scheduled for February 14th (1:30-2:30 for grades K-2; 2:30-3:30 for grades 3-5).
We have some upcoming field trips to extend our student’s learning experiences beyond the classroom. On Friday, January 19th students in grades K-2 will attend a performance at the Clayton Center Theatre at 12:30 pm. On Wednesday, January 24th at 10:00 am students in 3rd grade will be exploring force and motion science concepts at the ParTee Shack in Raleigh. Please make sure to send in parent permission forms for each of these events by the deadlines indicated on the Parent Permission Form.
The JCPS Calendar has Teacher Workdays scheduled on January 25th & 26th. There is no school for students on these dates.
Order your yearbook prior to January 31, 2024 to get the discounted rate price of $25.00. The yearbook orders are scheduled to arrive in May 2024.
Here is a direct link to the ordering site:
https://strawbridge.fotomerchanthv.com/search/YB29435
Thank you for continuing to read with your children every night! As you know, this makes a tremendous positive impact on their literacy development.

Greetings Cooper Academy Families and Staff,
We're excited to announce that the online link to order school yearbooks through Strawbridge Studios is now activated. Order your yearbook prior to January 31, 2024 to get the discounted rate price of $25.00. Our yearbook will provide a keepsake that will be treasured for a lifetime! The yearbooks are filled with color pictures, durable, high-quality, and will provide students with memories from their childhood. Students will have the opportunity at the end of the school year to autograph and write messages in their friends’ yearbooks on the blank pages. The yearbook orders are scheduled to arrive in May 2024.
Here is a direct link to the ordering site:
https://strawbridge.fotomerchanthv.com/search/YB29435


Cooper Academy students and staff hosted their very own Cultural Celebration & Food Festival full of music, food, and lots of fun!
To prepare, students met with elementary students from other countries via video calls, learned traditional songs and dances from other countries, learned other languages, and prepared foods from other countries to sample.
Administrators and staff extend a huge round of applause to the families who supported the event in many ways!🌎
#CooperAcademy






