Community Welcomes Cooper Students Back To School

continued its back-to-school tradition Monday, when about 100 people gathered to create signs and write messages for students in colored chalk.

Elected officials, police officers, teachers, staff members, School Board members and firefighters were among those who spent the sunny afternoon leaving warm greetings, some with artistic touches, on the school’s front walk.

Among the most eye-catching displays was a chalk mural created by members of the , who created a remembrance of Sept. 11.

“Hopefully, that will stir some conversation,” said Battalion Chief Shawn Collins, who sketched the image with the assistance of a few colleagues.

See Related Story: Firefighters Work To Ensure Students 'Never Forget' Sept. 11

Collins, who came in uniform on his day off to participate in Cooper’s program, described the annual event as “team-building.” It’s also a good chance for firefighters to interact with the community during non-emergency situations, he said.

Fire Chief Terry Vavra, who also lent an artistic hand, said his group gave a nod to the text-messaging generation by adding "WBTS" to its greeting.

What's that mean? "Welcome back to school," he said.

Cooper Principal Pam Kibbons said the chalk drawings also helped welcome new students, who registered for school at the last minute Monday afternoon.

“They would come to the front office already feeling that they had a connection to Cooper,” she said.

The 2011-12 school year begins today (Tuesday) with a half day of school.