Dear Cooke Students, Families, and Friends,
Today, on the final day of the 2025-2026 school year, I would like to highlight an aspect of Cooke's teaching practice that exemplifies the exceptional expertise and professionalism of our staff. Cooke families and visitors may have witnessed it firsthand during student speeches at the Eighth Grade Moving Up Ceremony, Upper School Graduation, and the Transitions Commencement Ceremony.
Before stepping up to the podium, students spend hours working with staff and their families to write, revise, and practice their remarks.
Yet even with extensive preparation, as with anyone, public speaking can bring moments of uncertainty. A student may pause, lose their place, or struggle to continue during the event. Although support staff is stationed nearby and an audience waits expectantly, our students are always given space to work through this challenge independently. A careful observer can see the decision-making process unfold on the face of the supporting adult: How long should we delay? Should I offer a prompt? Does this student need assistance, or simply a little more time? Knowing the difference is both an art and a science, and it is one of the many skills that distinguishes our exceptional educators.
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This approach begins in our early childhood classrooms and events. Here's one recent example: At Becca Ramdass' end-of-year Bubble Party on the rooftop (see story below), students were treated to an impromptu follow-up lesson in jumping rope after they had finished playing with the bubbles. As students attempted this new skill, staff resisted the urge to immediately intervene when a student missed a jump or struggled to understand the rhythm of the game.
Students were also given several access points to master the skill:
- Encouragement to make a fun attempt on their own
- Modeling by a teacher who jumped rope while two others turned the rope
- Holding hands with their teacher in a group and jumping together
- For those who initially required time to watch their peers, a gentle invitation to participate in the fun was extended just prior to the end of the party
More striking than how quickly students acquired the skill was their willingness to keep trying. Accustomed to engaging in tasks that stretch their abilities while receiving nuanced support, these young students did not shy away from difficulty. On the contrary, they embraced the activity and seemed to relish the challenge, even in what was intended to be a carefree end-of-year celebration.
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One of the hallmarks of a Cooke education is our commitment to productive struggle. Our teachers understand that growth occurs not when every obstacle is removed, but when students are supported in working through challenges themselves.
In the video below detailing our Transitions internship program, Chair of Vocational Services Jen Dinney praises the work of Cooke Community Inclusion Assistants, our on-site job coaches. “They’re great at supporting students with whatever they need, and they’re really great at hanging back.”
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Throughout their time with us, students are inspired to move beyond their comfort zones and empowered to become their best selves. They learn that growth often results from grappling with tasks that stretch them just past their current abilities, and that perseverance can be as important as immediate success.
As we conclude another school year, I am grateful for the expertise, patience, and professional judgment our staff bring to this work every day. The confidence, resilience, and independence our students demonstrate are built through thousands of these carefully calibrated moments of support and challenge.
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Dr. Francis Tabone
Head of School
| | | Eighth Grade Moving Up Ceremony | |
Each year, an eighth-grade family speaks at the Moving Up Ceremony. This year, Kimani's aunt and grandmother delivered a beautiful presentation. Here is an excerpt:
"TO THE PARENTS
Today, many families, like mine, celebrate the unique strengths of their children. We have watched them meet challenges with courage, persistence, and heart. Through moments of uncertainty and moments of joy, we have held fast to hope and to the promise of what lies ahead.
Every journey is different. Some paths are smooth, while others twist and turn in unexpected ways. Yet, wherever your path has led, take comfort in knowing that you have shown up with love and have done your very best. . .
DEAR EIGHTH GRADERS
You are heading to high school. You will try new things, build new skills, and learn more about yourself. You will not be alone. People will support you every step of the way.
Find that support at Cooke, at home, and in your community. This is just the beginning of your story.
You are unique. You have something special to offer."
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Meaningful Work
Over the years, Cooke has been fortunate to partner with many outstanding local and national businesses and nonprofits to secure valuable internship opportunities for our Upper School and Transitions students. While we are always seeking additional partners, that need is particularly pressing now as our Transitions program (age 18-22) continues to expand. We are reaching out to the Cooke community to see whether any of you work for, or can connect us with, an organization that may be interested in offering quality internships beginning in October 2026.
By committing to provide just four hours of meaningful work per week over the course of nine months, you can play a transformative role in a Transitions student's career development. Cooke makes the process easy by furnishing an on-site job coach as well as covering payroll, insurance, and all necessary paperwork, allowing you to focus on creating a positive, enriching workplace experience.
Transitions students attend weekly Vocational Forum classes where lesson plans center on foundational topics such as professional attire, punctuality, navigating company culture, and knowing when to ask for help. Community internships give students the opportunity to apply this classroom knowledge in real-world work settings.
To receive a copy of our internship brochure with more details or to schedule a time to speak directly with the heads of our Upper School or our Transitions internship programs, please contact communications@cookeschool.org.
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9th and 10th grade students (LC interns) complete ten hours of work over seven weeks.
11th and 12th grade students (UC interns) complete 20 hours of work consisting
of two hours per week for ten weeks.
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The Bubble Party was one of ten surprises Becca Ramdass planned for her Lower School students as they counted down the final days of the school year.
"We wanted to celebrate the kids, their hard work, and growth by arranging small celebrations each day until our last day of school," says Ms. Becca. "We also held a play-dough party, a snack party, a dance party, a play center time, and even a movie day!"
The parade of surprises concluded with an ice cream party on the last day of school.
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