Cooper Cares Day: The John Cooper School Celebrates Service and Legacy

THE WOODLANDS, TX -- Rather than sorting through piles of Halloween Candy, on Friday, November 1, 2024, Upper School students at The John Cooper School spent the day giving back to their community during a day of service.

Since its founding, service has remained an important pillar of the School - and a hallmark of the select group of students who make up the diverse student body.

Cooper Cares Day is special. The School sets aside a full academic day of learning to focus on one of the most important skills of all – giving back.

This initiative, led by the Student Government Association (SGA) and the Interact Club, provides Cooper students with opportunities to significantly impact their local community while experiencing the joy of giving back.

"These opportunities teach our children values beyond the walls of the classroom. Through setting aside, a full day focused distinctly on service, our students develop lifelong skills that will benefit them in their future endeavors,” said Charles Williams, Associate Head of School.

Students participate in a variety of meaningful service projects that demonstrate their commitment to making a difference:

• MPAC Club: Upper School students travel to Project Cure, where they sort and organize donated medical supplies for shipment to areas in need around the world.
• Culinary & Interact Club: Members prepare homemade treats for senior citizens, brightening their day with delicious snacks and companionship.
• Off the Hook Club: This club focuses on crocheting wreaths for local seniors, fostering connections across generations.
• STEM/Robotics Club: Students volunteer at The Woodlands Children's Museum, teaching young children about engineering and robotics in conjunction with The John Cooper School’s Dream and Build Exhibit.
• Philosophy Club: Students write words of encouragement for children in hospitals around the world, providing uplifting messages to brighten their spirits.
• Interact Club: Members collect items and pack healthy snack packs for Kids Meals, sort lost and found items to donate to the Yes to Youth Shelter, and gather candy to prepare holiday treats for senior homes and youth shelters. Additionally, members will host the Fall blood drive to support the Gulf Region Blood Bank.
• Active Minds: Members create ceramic hearts to support mental health awareness in partnership with Mosaics of Mercy.
• LEAFS Club: Students prepare materials for a campaign to recycle school supplies.
• NAHS: Members make holiday wreaths for senior citizens.
• International Club: Students host parents to plan the annual International Festival, celebrating the diverse cultural representation of the student body.
• Film & Women & Equity Group: These groups partner to show a movie and collect necessities for the women’s shelter.
• Thespians & Interact: Members invite multiple senior homes to attend their musical, Anything Goes, allowing senior citizens to enjoy the performance in the company of students while receiving a treat prepared by them.
• Entrepreneurship & Investment Club: Members will host a soccer camp for young children in the upcoming days.

"Cooper Cares Day embodies the spirit of The John Cooper School and instills in our students the importance of giving back," said Ms. Marivi Mata, World Languages Department Chair and Global Education Coordinator.

Cooper Cares Day represents the values and vision of the School’s founder, Mr. John Cooper, by encouraging students and staff to engage in acts of service and kindness, fostering a sense of responsibility toward the community. Through this event, the School honors Mr. John Cooper’s legacy by promoting a culture of compassion and civic engagement.

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.

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