The John Cooper School celebrates The Woodlands' 50th Anniversary with tree dedication, honoring its founding legacy

THE WOODLANDS, TX — As part of the 50th anniversary of The Woodlands, a special tree-planting ceremony will take place at The John Cooper School, the independent school founded as part of the vision of The Woodlands' creator, George P. Mitchell. The ceremony serves as a tribute to the School’s deep-rooted history within The Woodlands community. Ms. Ott’s Second Grade Class joined Dr. Popp to celebrate the tree planting and enjoy a history lesson explaining how The Woodlands and The John Cooper School came to be.

The John Cooper School has been an integral part of The Woodlands’ master plan since its inception. The tree planting ceremony held at Cooper’s campus marks the growth, sustainability, and connection that The Woodlands and Cooper have fostered over the decades. Dr. Stephen Popp, Head of School reflected on the symbolism and importance of the ceremony.

"Being part of the founding masterplan of The Woodlands has always been a point of pride for Cooper. Planting this tree represents our ongoing connection and commitment to sustaining and growing this verdant community in The Woodlands. It signifies not just the past 50 years of history, but the bright future we envision for our students and the community. Like the tree we’re planting today, our school and The Woodlands will continue to grow and thrive, rooted in the same values of innovation, environmental stewardship, and community spirit that George Mitchell envisioned."

The entire second grade participated in a history activity, explaining their favorite things about Cooper. Their notes and memories will be added to a new time capsule placed behind the 1988 brick in The Mitchell Lower School.

The Woodlands was designed with an innovative focus on balancing nature with urban development. Today, the planting of the live oak tree at The John Cooper School continues that legacy, reminding current and future generations of the founding principles that emphasize sustainability and green spaces. It serves as a living symbol of the commitment to preserving the natural beauty of the area while fostering a tight-knit community.

The John Cooper School’s mission is to provide a challenging education in a caring environment to a diverse group of select students, enabling them to become critical and creative thinkers, effective communicators, responsible citizens and leaders, and lifelong learners.