Joyful collaborations between Cooper High School and Rdale Early Learning

Cooper High School (CHS) and the Robbinsdale Area Schools (Rdale) Early Learning program are collaborating closely, offering opportunities for their students to build relationships and share their skills. This fall, two different CHS classes visited the New Hope Learning Center (NHLC), which houses the Early Learning program.

Most recently, CHS students in the Intro to Theater class performed puppet shows they had been rehearsing for the Early Learning students and staff. These shows filled NHLC with fun voices, songs, and laughter.

“My students had an amazing time; they were talking the rest of the week about how sweet it was to make the little kids laugh,” shared Rachel Fettig, English, Dance, and Theater teacher at CHS.

Earlier in November, English Language Learner high school students spent time in Early Learning classrooms reading to the younger students, building their confidence through meaningful practice.

“It is awesome to see CHS students and our Early Learning students at NHLC engage together,” said Emilie Levinson, Director of Early Learning. “Each interaction builds connection and supports the growth and well-being of both groups.”

This collaboration was kicked off by CHS students in the Civil Engineering and Architecture classes, who built small-scale wood projects for the Early Learning playground and classrooms last spring.