History

CMS Est. 2013

Cooley Middle School opened August 5, 2013 and served approximately 930 students in 7th and 8th grades during its first year.  The Principal was Dr. Randy Mahlerwein and the Assistant Principal was Heather Preston. The school mascot and school colors were voted on by the incoming students during the spring while the school was under construction. Although the gym and cafeteria building was not completed for the first 2 weeks of school, classes began on time. The outdoor fields were ready after the first month.

 

The student schedule was 6 periods per day from 8:50 to 3:50 with a 30 minute lunch. Students took 4 core classes of Language Arts, Social Studies, Math, and Science. The 8th grade students took Conceptual Physics as their science class. Additionally, students were able to take High School level Algebra and Geometry to get a head start on their credits. Students selected 2 elective classes from the following: band, orchestra, drawing/painting, ceramics, drama, dance, team sports, lifetime fitness, computer applications, computer foundations, applied technology, robotics, student council, student publications, High School Mandarin, and High School Spanish.

 

There were sports offered throughout the 4 quarters of the school year and the athletes competed against other teams in the East Valley Conference after school. Student council arranged pep rallies and dances as well as Spirit Weeks where students dressed up to show their Cooley pride. The school held it's first play and there were several music, choir, band, dance, and arts performances. Students competed in Math challenges and Cooley had it's first spelling bee champion make it all the way to the national spelling bee. 

 

The first class of 8th graders were promoted from Cooley Middle School on May 21st at Williams Field High School. There were approximately 420 8th graders who moved on to high school and the event was well attended by about 2,000 guests.