Cooper Junior High Awarded for Excellence in STEM Education
- News
Wylie ISD is proud to announce that Cooper Junior High School received $8,000 as one of 10 recipients of the new Middle School Principal Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Award!
This award—made possible by Region 10 ESC, Communities Foundation of Texas, Educate Texas, and North Texas STEM professionals—honors principals and schools that drive excellence in STEM education.
CJHS Principal Leslie Dodson surprised STEM Teacher Micah Rice and his STEM class with the announcement of the award.
“Mr. Rice creates magic and truly SETS THE STANDARD in his STEM classroom,” Dodson said. “He transforms students into critical thinkers, collaborators and problem solvers. This award will further the greatness that he's able to accomplish in the STEM program at Cooper.
Rice said he plans to put the award money to good use by expanding the school’s STEM program.
“The impact of High STEPS and Mr. Reeves’s generosity will resonate throughout my school and community as we work to cultivate the next generation of innovators and problem solvers,” Rice said. “The next great STEM program to reach Cooper Junior High School is a drone program. We intend to reach new heights!”
Region 10 Board Member Eric Reeves, who helped make the award possible, presented the honor at the campus Nov. 8. Cooper students were amazed when they heard the incredible amount their school received!
“We want to study the best practices and learn from these principals and teams and share our learning throughout Region 10 and the state,” Reeves said. “We fervently hope that STEM scores improve. It is important that students have access to STEM jobs and college readiness, and that we work to close achievement gaps. Middle school STEM courses are the launchpads for that work.”
District leadership was also in attendance to join CJHS in celebrating this outstanding achievement.
The winners of the 2024 Middle School Principal STEM Award are:
Large District:
- Frisco ISD - Lawler Middle School
- Dallas ISD - William B. Travis Academy
- Dallas ISD - Sudie L. Williams TAG Academy
Suburban:
- Wylie ISD - Cooper Jr. High
- Sunnyvale ISD - Sunnyvale Middle School
- Coppell ISD - Coppell Middle North
Rural:
- Bells ISD - Pritchard Jr. High School
- Van Alstyne ISD - Van Alstyne Junior High
- Melissa ISD - Melissa Middle School
Charter:
- UME Preparatory Academy, Dallas
- Cooper