Welcome to my web page. I graduated from J.L. Mann as part of the Class of 1974 and after finishing my B.A. and M.Ed. at Clemson, I returned here to teach in 1984. I have taught just about every course that the Social Studies Department offers during my time here. I received National Board Teacher Certification in Fall of 2005 and re-certified again in 2015.
I also spent more than 30 years helping to oversee and coordinate student travel to countries around the world and a program called World Class Partners at J.L. Mann. World Class Partners arranged foreign exchanges with our sister schools in Clermont-Ferrand, France; Schrobenhausen, Germany; St. Petersburg, Russia; and Tokyo, Japan. Since beginning this program J.L. Mann has sent hundreds students to Europe and beyond for cultural exchanges where our students live with families from our sister schools for a period of about two weeks. It was wonderful program that offered many opportunities to our students that those at other high schools were not fortunate enough to have.
This year I will be teaching Advanced Placement World History and Government & Economics.
J.L. Mann is really a part of the Cook family. In addition to me, my brother and sister were both J.L. Mann graduates. My mother retired from J.L. Mann after over twenty years as part of its staff and my wife, Jennifer Cook, also worked here for 28 years as our lead French teacher in Mann's World Language Department.
I will be teaching in room 913 at the rear of our building. Come by and see me if you have a chance!
Need extra help? Coach Cook is available for tutoring during mornings by appointment Monday through Thursday from 8:00-8:30 a.m. and most days after school on Monday’s & Thursday from 3:50-4:50pm with prior arrangement by students.
Missed Class? Log into appropriate Google Classroom where you can access notes, assignments, and assessment reminders. Parents can email Coach Cook at rcook@greenville.k12.sc.us to request to be attached to their student's Google Classroom.
What's my grade? Check Backpack through the portal.
Need help with Chrome Books: https://sites.google.com/greenvilleschools.us/jlpersonalized/chromebook-help-and-tips/tutorials?authuser=0
Cellphone, Earbuds, and Electronic Devices Usage:
During Class:
All cellphones, earbuds, and other personal electronic devices must be out of sight and on silent and are not permitted during class time.
Acceptable places to store your devices include your backpack, pocket, or purse.
Devices cannot be on your desk or in your lap.
Permitted Usage Times:
Before School: Students are allowed to use their devices before the official start of the school day.
After School: Device usage is permitted after the conclusion of the school day.
Lunch: Students are welcome to use their cellphones and other electronic devices during lunchtime for school-related activities.
My 1st Semester Schedule 2025:
1st period (8:45-10:20): AP Modern World History (Syllabus)
2nd period (10:26 - 11:56): Honors Government (Syllabus)/Honors Economics (Syllabus)
3rd period (12:02 - 2:10): Planning
4th period (2:16 - 3:45): AP Modern World History (Syllabus)
Advisory with 1st period (Wednesdays 9:50 - 10:20)
My 2nd Semester Schedule 2026:
1st period (8:45-10:20): CP Government (Syllabus)/CP Economics (Syllabus)
2nd period (10:26 - 11:56): AP Modern World History (Syllabus)
3rd period (12:31 - 2:10): CP Government (Syllabus)/CP Economics (Syllabus)
(Eat on 1st Lunch - 11:56 - 12:26)
4th period (2:16 - 3:45): Planning
Advisory with 1st period (Wednesdays 9:50 - 10:20)
Google Classroom Codes: You should already be assigned to my google classroom, but in case you are having trouble or feel you've not been assigned to my classroom yet, email me at rcook@greenville.k12.sc.us and I will respond with the code for this particular class.
Contact Info During for Virtual Learning Days:
Email: rcook@greenville.k12.sc.us
Tutoring Hours: Coach Cook is available for tutoring during mornings by appointment Monday through Thursday from 8:00-8:30 a.m. and most days after school on Monday’s & Thursday from 3:50-4:50pm with prior arrangement by students.
J.L. Mann Mission Statement: We develop opportunities for all students to achieve personal success and become college and career ready in order to become productive, responsible, and engaged citizens.
LESSON PLANS: Students should check Google Classroom for assignments, notes, PowerPoints and plans.
MagicSchool AI Tools for Students
This year, students will have access to MagicSchool AI, a generative AI platform built for schools that will help them learn to use the technology safely and responsibly.
With tools like ChatGPT and others being used in the professional world, it’s important that students learn how to use the technology safely. By using MagicSchool in our classes, your student will be prepared for the future of technology in the workforce.
While students use MagicSchool tools for purposes such as receiving real time feedback, getting their questions answered, generating images, and in other exciting ways, I will have access to their chats to ensure that it’s used appropriately. Rest assured, MagicSchool does not collect or train on student data.
Be sure to ask your child about how they’re using AI in the classroom and take a look at the engaging ways they’ve utilized the MagicSchool tools to enhance their learning!
For more information, go to www.magicschool.ai or reach out directly with questions.