Last week, students started working with a key tool for educational success at Latin - the student planner.
Dear Washington Latin Families,
The beginning of the school year is a fresh start, one that fills me with hope and anticipation every year, no matter how many first weeks I have experienced. This year, of course, is very special for us all at the Cooper Campus, as we are not only starting a new year but establishing our new school and our community of learners.
The start of the year is also an opportunity for each of us to establish positive habits of learning. This is an important part of schooling, and perhaps especially so at Latin. Our classical model of education follows the idea put forth by Aristotle that we are “made perfect by habit.” Establishing and following routines helps our students to build self-discipline, which ultimately empowers them to tackle difficult material and challenging concepts.
At this point in the year, our teachers are working to establish these routines with students in every class. I encourage all of you to help them in building those strong academic habits at home. Especially at the start of this school year, please ask them about their homework and ask them to show you their Latin planner where they keep track of their assignments, tests, etc. Establish homework routines that limit distractions, including that appealing but ultimately untrue idea of “multi-tasking." No matter how much our students might tell us that they can do their homework while watching a video, we know that research has proven that concept quite ineffective. A quiet room is best for homework!
While my door and inbox remain open to all families with any question or concern, I remind you that your child’s advisor is a great place to start if you have any questions or concerns. We believe in the power of the relationships between students and teachers, and school and the family. The advisor can be your go-to as well as your child’s. I encourage you to make the most of this relationship throughout the year.
Our aim at Cooper is to create an environment that is at once nurturing and challenging. We set a high bar for all students and guide them on the path that leads to becoming their best selves, in service of a community they know honors them and is dedicated to their growth and development. We are delighted to be walking on this path with them and all of you!
Our afterschool program, MAGIS @ Cooper, is now open for registration!
The program operates every regular school day Monday-Thursday from dismissal to 6:00 pm. Students will have time to attend tutorial, participate in a Daily Option (from Spanish and Arabic to Games and D&D) led by Cooper faculty, and then do homework or quiet reading if there is time left before they are picked up.
Please visit the MAGIS pagefor information about the options, costs, and how to register and pay.
Join us for Back to School Night! Here's the parents' chance to experience their children's school day. Walk through your child's schedule to meet the teachers, hear about the year ahead, and ask questions.
You do not need to RSVP for Back to School Night. Please plan on arriving not earlier than 5:45 to find parking. We will begin as a group in the MPR and then provide parents with their children's schedule. You will get about 10 minutes to hear from each teacher about their class goals, calendar, and more. We hope to see you all there!
Athletics for 6th Graders
Try outs for teams at the 2nd Street Campus are open to Cooper 6th Graders!
Middle School Fall Sports Registration is now OPEN for all Latin Middle School students at 2nd Street and Cooper Campuses! Below is a list of fall sports, coaches and tryout/practice times. In general, practice days are Monday, Tuesdays, and Thursdays from 3:30-4:30 pm. All practices will be at the 2nd Street Campus (5200 2nd Street NW).
If your child is interested in any of these sports, please register via FamilyId (use the red button below) before any tryout or practice.
Note: Latin bus transportation will be provided at no cost for students who are trying out for/participating in sports from Cooper to 2nd St. NW after dismissal. After practice, parents can pick students up from 2nd Street or students can take the late bus home at 4:45 pm, there will be no returning bus to Cooper after practice.
PLEASE NOTE - COVID Vaccination and Other Immunization Requirements!
All students who participate in interscholastic sports MUST have their updated immunization record on file with the school by the first day of the athletic activity (including tryouts and practices)! For those over 12, this includes the COVID vaccine.
Per David Martinez, General Counsel for DCSAA, the vaccination mandate for student-athletes falls under the previous Mayor's Order 2021-109. Student-athletes do not qualify for any grace period under the new District requirement. However, student-athletes who have turned 12 years old still have two months to receive a full course vaccination per the previous order mentioned. For the full policy, you may read the COVID health guidance for schools, section 3 - VACCINATION REQUIREMENT FOR ALL STUDENT-ATHLETES 12 YEARS OLD AND OLDER.
Students who have a medical or religious reason for not being vaccinated may be exempt. Families must email doh.immunization@dc.gov to request a medical or religious exemption.
This is a friendly reminder of some key points of our uniform policy:
Hoodies are allowed, but no hoods up in the building! A sweater or fleece in navy with our logo or a gray Latin sweatshirt may be worn in the classroom
No slip-on shoes - including Crocs.
Gym uniform consists of cardinal red Latin mesh shorts and gray Latin tee shirt, both available at G-Land Uniforms. Students should bring them startingTUESDAY 9/5/22!
Technology Rules
Students may not have devices with them during the day - including smart watches!
Nota Bene! Students are not allowed access to any non-school issued technology devices during the school day, including smart watches.
When a student comes to school wearing a smart watch or carrying a phone or other such device, we hold it for them in a secure location until the end of the day. If you need to reach your child or send a message, please call our main office. We will make sure your child gets the message or comes to the office to call you.
Thursday, September 8 at 6:00 pm - Cooper Back to School Night (on campus)
What: All Cooper Families are invited to visit campus and walk through their children's daily schedule to meet teachers and learn about our curriculum
How: Parents and guardians (no students however) should plan to arrive at school before 6:00 pm to pick up their children's schedule and attend a 10 minute "class" for each subject.
