Dr. Francis Tabone Head of School Cooke School and Institute (2)

Teacher Appreciation Week May 6th – May 10th

Teacher Appreciation Week is an annual event that occurs during the first full week of May. It is a time to celebrate teachers’ extraordinary contributions, acknowledge their hard work and dedication, and show them how much they are valued and appreciated. We recognize teachers’ vital role in shaping young minds and the future of our nation.

I worked for the New York City Department of Education for 15 years before coming to Cooke. For most of my time there, I was a classroom teacher for fifth and sixth-grade students. It was, by far, the hardest job I ever had. Teaching a class of 30 to 35 students in all subjects every day, many students with IEPs, was an insurmountable task. As a teacher, one is constantly preparing, researching, and spending time getting ready for instruction. Teachers and school personnel are unique in that working with students is more than a career path; it is a way of life. No profession has the dedication of its staff like those who work with students.

Our Cooke classes, though smaller in number, are a testament to the immense dedication of our staff. They work tirelessly, going above and beyond, to provide the best possible experiences for our students.

We celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week to show our gratitude for teachers’ daily influence and impact on their students’ lives. Teachers share their knowledge and expertise and serve as mentors, role models, and sources of inspiration. Their guidance and encouragement are crucial in helping students develop critical thinking skills, build character, and pursue their dreams. They teach them the required academic subjects and life lessons and values, shaping them into responsible and compassionate individuals.

Teacher Appreciation Week is an excellent reminder of the importance of investing in education and supporting the incredible individuals who dedicate their lives to teaching. The celebration fosters a sense of community as parents, students, administrators, and the public come together to express their gratitude and support for teachers. By honoring teachers during this particular week, we create a culture that values education and ensures a bright future for generations to come.

Please take the time to reach out to your child’s team and give them a thumbs up for the remarkable work they do!!

Francis Tabone, Head of School
Cooke School and Institute

Help us celebrate our amazing students, teachers, and community at this year’s Food for Thought gala.

We are delighted to honor Andrea Pollack and Adam Usdan for their years of dedicated service as parents, leaders, and generous supporters (especially of our new school building). Their foresight and tenacity help propel Cooke’s mission forward.

Spring Musical

The excitement around the school could not be contained as we prepared for our annual musical. This year’s Upper School production of The Princess and the Frog was spectacular. The audience (fellow students, teachers, and families) felt the rush of energy as student performers displayed their acting, singing, and musical talent. Tons of proud teachers and family members took it all in as students released their creativity and shared their voices. At one point in the show, kids had some fun as they took inspiration from Mama Odie’s song “Dig a Little Deeper,” sharing what they most wanted with the audience. “I want to be brave.” “I want to sing and dance.” “I want to be human again.”

Solar Eclipse

Across all school divisions, teachers and staff made incredible connections to the solar eclipse, helping students understand the science behind it, the need for safety when viewing it, and the fun of coming together as a community to celebrate it.

At Transitions, students enjoyed a Solar Eclipse Watch Party donning glasses outside along the neighborhood brownstones. It was a beautiful day to take photos and chat about the fiery orange corona. It was an out-of-this-world experience!