Cooke Spartan Club will race June 7

Good luck to the incredible Cooke School Spartan Club as they take on the Spartan Race this Saturday, June 7, 2025 at Bethel Woods Center for the Arts in Bethel, NY! This inspiring group, founded this school year by second grade teacher Joana Dutcher and teaching assistant Billie Waterton, has shown amazing spirit, teamwork, and …

Families cook up connection at EPIC Parent Café’s Virtual Quiche Night

On Wednesday, April 23, families across the Monticello Central School District came together for a fun and flavorful evening during the EPIC (Every Person Influences Children) Parent Café’s virtual cooking class. “Chef” Jane Sorensen, EPIC Family Engagement Program Manager, led a live demonstration on how to make a spinach, mushroom, and Swiss cheese quiche. Participants …

Cooke STEAM Committee hosts falconer presentation

On Wednesday, April 2, 2025, the George L. Cooke Elementary School STEAM Committee hosted a special assembly featuring local falconer Brian Bunce. The event introduced students to the ancient art of falconry and provided a unique, hands-on learning experience. Mr. Bunce brought two falcons and two owls for the presentation. Each bird was securely tethered to …

Cooke’s STEAM Night brings families out for a night of fun

391 George L. Cooke Elementary School students and their families had a fantastically fun evening during the school’s nature-themed STEAM Night on March 18. Staff led science experiments in the gymnasium. Students created a volcano, made a snowstorm in a jar, used milk and food dye to simulate the Northern Lights, and stuck their hands …

Celebrating St. Patrick’s Day with a special storytime

On March 17,  Elementary Director Keith Petzinger, joined Ms. Davila’s 1st Grade for a special St. Patrick’s Day read aloud! With his festive green tie, he shared an exciting story about luck, engineering, and a little leprechaun mischief. The students loved listening and joining in on the fun as they celebrated with laughter and learning! …

Author Daniel Jude Miller visits Cooke Elementary School to kick off Make A Monster project

Author and Illustrator Daniel Jude Miller visited the George L. Cooke Elementary School, where he discussed his experiences with writing, illustrating and designing.  He read his books, told funny stories, and shared his life experiences with the students. It was a funny, exciting, and engaging event for the students. At the end of his presentation, …

Wolf Lake Neighbors Foundation funds new Cooke Cares Closet

In November 2024, the Wolf Lake Neighbors Foundation met with the George L. Cooke Backpack Program coordinator, and second grade teacher, Joana Dutcher. Ms. Dutcher explained the goals of the backpack program and what ways the Wolf Lake Neighbors Foundation can help. The result of this conversation was the creation of the Cooke Cares Closet. …

Cooke second graders plan Winter Fun Day for their peers

Giggles. Squeals. Shouts of “Best Day Ever!” – all things passersby would have heard near Somerville Field on Wednesday, Feb. 11 as the George L. Cooke Elementary School celebrated their inaugural Winter Fun Day. Cooke’s wellness committee has been emphasizing outdoor activities for the 2024-25 school year. Supported by the generosity of local donors, and …

Cooke’s interactive bulletin board helps history come alive for students

The George L. Cooke Elementary School STEAM Committee designed an interactive bulletin board to engage students in learning about influential figures from history across various fields, including scientists, engineers, artists, mathematicians, writers, and illustrators. The board features colorful visuals, short biographies, and fun facts about each individual, making history come alive in a way that …