Cook Reimagined: Back to School Kick-Off and STEM Lab Launch

PLAINFIELD, NJ — On Thursday evening, parents and students gathered outside of Cook School for the Back to School Kick-Off and STEM Lab Launch of the reimagined Cook School Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) program. The magnet school, announced back in April, will accommodate 120 students who live all around the city.

"We look to infuse design thinking methodologies by focusing on real-world applications and project-based learning to help enhance our students' abilities to problem-solve and to think creatively while also elevating student learning outcomes," said Superintendent Rashon Hasan during the announcement at the April BOE meeting. "Our key areas of focus are to cultivate curiosity, to strengthen mathematical and science foundation, and to promote collaboration and team work."

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As the superintendent was unable to attend on Thursday, Deputy Superintendent Mark Williams spoke in his stead.

"This school represents our district's vision to elevate STEM education, a vision brought to life through significant investments of fiscal and human resources," said Williams. "We extend our deepest gratitude to our school Business Administrator, Mr. Cameron E. Cox, our facilities director, Mr. Sean Sutton—who played a pivotal role in the project that you see here today, our visionary Superintendent, and the Board of Commissioners for their own ongoing commitment to this transformative project. Lastly, a special thanks goes to Dr. Cooper, whose innovative idea and dedication made Cook Reimagined a reality. We're excited to embark on this journey with you."

After acknowledging Plainfield Public School administrators who made the magnet school a reality, Dr Caryn Cooper—entering her 15th year as Primcipal of Cook—introduced the guest speakers.

"By combining tennis and STEM, the objective is to provide the students with a feel for what may be of interest to them in the hopes that it will stick and become an area that they remain passionate about," said Michael Goor of the Netherwood Tennis Club who runs a tennis program at the school. "Personally, I have garnered a lot of enjoyment from hitting balls with your kids and watching their skills grow, so it's the gift that kind of keeps on giving."

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Lifelong Plainfield resident and PHS grad Tia Troutman spoke on behalf of Science 2 Science , an organization that will partner with the school. The nonprofit's mission is to inspire and motivate students to consider careers in STEM through both virtual and in-person lab programs.

After an invitation to join the PTA from its president and a recognition of the staff, parents and students were invited through the school's doors to see the classrooms, the new STEM lab, and meet their teachers.

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