Game day vibes are here! 🏈 Los Lobos face the DDB Falcons today at 4PM at home—let’s play hard, stay focused, and get that W!
🌟 Brain Booster Alert! 🌟
Did you know that blueberries are brain boosters? 🫐 Packed with vitamins, antioxidants, and natural goodness, they’re the perfect way to fuel your mind and body.
✨ Enjoy them as part of a power-packed breakfast or grab a handful as a healthy snack during the day. Either way, your brain (and taste buds!) will thank you.
👉 Make smart choices, stay energized, and snack on blueberries today!
#Sodexo #BrainFood #HealthyChoices #BlueberryBoost
Did you know that blueberries are brain boosters? 🫐 Packed with vitamins, antioxidants, and natural goodness, they’re the perfect way to fuel your mind and body.
✨ Enjoy them as part of a power-packed breakfast or grab a handful as a healthy snack during the day. Either way, your brain (and taste buds!) will thank you.
👉 Make smart choices, stay energized, and snack on blueberries today!
#Sodexo #BrainFood #HealthyChoices #BlueberryBoost
✨ Now Open – COCSD Family Resource Center ✨
We’re excited to announce that the COCSD Family Resource Center is officially open to serve our community! 💙
🧒👨👩👧👦 Available Resources:
Children & Adult Clothing
Hygiene Products
Jackets & Shoes
School Supplies
Diapers
Community Referrals to Resources
Our goal is to provide support, comfort, and connection for families in need. Together, we can strengthen our community!
📍 Stop by today and see how the Family Resource Center can help you and your family.
📞 For Information Contact:
Lauri Squier
McKinney-Vento Liaison
Phone: (928) 634-2288 Ext. 1127
We’re excited to announce that the COCSD Family Resource Center is officially open to serve our community! 💙
🧒👨👩👧👦 Available Resources:
Children & Adult Clothing
Hygiene Products
Jackets & Shoes
School Supplies
Diapers
Community Referrals to Resources
Our goal is to provide support, comfort, and connection for families in need. Together, we can strengthen our community!
📍 Stop by today and see how the Family Resource Center can help you and your family.
📞 For Information Contact:
Lauri Squier
McKinney-Vento Liaison
Phone: (928) 634-2288 Ext. 1127
🙌 Big thanks to the Verde Valley Kiwanis! 🙌
This morning they gathered at COCSD, where our very own Mrs. Jamie Woodward (COCSD Curriculum Director) teamed up with Dr. Melody Herne (MUHSD Superintendent) to share a facts-only look at the upcoming override election 📊.
✅ What does this mean? Clear info on how funding impacts students in BOTH districts—no spin, just the facts.
✨ Want your group to hear the same presentation? We’ve got you covered!
📞 Call: (928) 634-2288 ext. 1144
📧 Email: twinters@cocsd.k12.az.us
💙 Let’s keep our community informed, together! 💙
#COCSD #CommunityStrong #VerdeValley #StudentsFirst
This morning they gathered at COCSD, where our very own Mrs. Jamie Woodward (COCSD Curriculum Director) teamed up with Dr. Melody Herne (MUHSD Superintendent) to share a facts-only look at the upcoming override election 📊.
✅ What does this mean? Clear info on how funding impacts students in BOTH districts—no spin, just the facts.
✨ Want your group to hear the same presentation? We’ve got you covered!
📞 Call: (928) 634-2288 ext. 1144
📧 Email: twinters@cocsd.k12.az.us
💙 Let’s keep our community informed, together! 💙
#COCSD #CommunityStrong #VerdeValley #StudentsFirst
🌟 Help Support Local Families in Yavapai County! 🌟
Wrapped in Love Diaper Bank is collecting much-needed supplies to help families in our community. You can make a difference by dropping off:
🍼 Baby & Adult Wipes
👶 Pull-Ups
📚 New & Gently Used Young Children’s Books
Your donations go directly to families in Yavapai County who need a little extra support. 💙
📍 Drop-off at any of our partnering locations – every contribution, big or small, makes a huge impact!
Thank you for helping Wrapped in Love spread care, comfort, and hope. 💕
#YavapaiCounty #WrappedInLove #CommunitySupport #DiaperBank #FamilyFirst
Wrapped in Love Diaper Bank is collecting much-needed supplies to help families in our community. You can make a difference by dropping off:
🍼 Baby & Adult Wipes
👶 Pull-Ups
📚 New & Gently Used Young Children’s Books
Your donations go directly to families in Yavapai County who need a little extra support. 💙
📍 Drop-off at any of our partnering locations – every contribution, big or small, makes a huge impact!
Thank you for helping Wrapped in Love spread care, comfort, and hope. 💕
#YavapaiCounty #WrappedInLove #CommunitySupport #DiaperBank #FamilyFirst
🌟 Inspiring Future Educators 🌟
Superintendent Vocca met with Mrs. Adams’ Educators Rising students in the VACTE program to share her incredible journey in education.
As a homegrown educator, Mrs. Vocca began her path in this very program nearly 30 years ago and Mrs. Adams was her teacher. From there, Mrs. Vocca became a teacher, then a principal, and today she proudly serves as Superintendent of COCSD. 💙
She encouraged students by showing how big dreams can start small — right here at home — and gave them a behind-the-scenes look at school leadership, policies, and governance. 📚✨
What a powerful reminder that tomorrow’s leaders may be sitting in our classrooms today! 👏
#COCSD #EducatorsRising #VACTE #HomegrownEducator #FutureTeachers
Superintendent Vocca met with Mrs. Adams’ Educators Rising students in the VACTE program to share her incredible journey in education.
As a homegrown educator, Mrs. Vocca began her path in this very program nearly 30 years ago and Mrs. Adams was her teacher. From there, Mrs. Vocca became a teacher, then a principal, and today she proudly serves as Superintendent of COCSD. 💙
She encouraged students by showing how big dreams can start small — right here at home — and gave them a behind-the-scenes look at school leadership, policies, and governance. 📚✨
What a powerful reminder that tomorrow’s leaders may be sitting in our classrooms today! 👏
#COCSD #EducatorsRising #VACTE #HomegrownEducator #FutureTeachers
🎉✏️ “Look at us go!” DDB students were working hard as Superintendent Vocca stopped by Mrs. Coonfield’s class and saw them practicing Explicit Handwriting. 🌟
Handwriting may seem small, but it makes a big impact—it strengthens reading through the Science of Reading, supports clear communication, and even builds connections that carry into Math Instruction. 💡🧮
Our students are proving every day that hard work, focus, and joy in learning go hand in hand. Way to go, DDB—you’re writing your way to success! 👏✨
#COCSDPride #StudentVoices #ScienceOfReading #MathInstruction
Handwriting may seem small, but it makes a big impact—it strengthens reading through the Science of Reading, supports clear communication, and even builds connections that carry into Math Instruction. 💡🧮
Our students are proving every day that hard work, focus, and joy in learning go hand in hand. Way to go, DDB—you’re writing your way to success! 👏✨
#COCSDPride #StudentVoices #ScienceOfReading #MathInstruction
🌟 Boost Your Brain with a Healthy Start! 🌟
Did you know that eating a healthy breakfast can help improve focus, energy, and learning throughout the day? 🧠✨ Start your morning right and fuel your body for success!
🍎 Breakfast + Lunch = FREE for ALL students!
That’s right—thanks to Sodexo Food Service, every student has access to nutritious meals at no cost.
✅ Eat smart.
✅ Stay energized.
✅ Be ready to learn!
Let’s make healthy choices together—because a great day starts with a great breakfast! 🥯🥛🍳
#BoostYourBrain #HealthyChoices #FreeMeals #Sodexo #StudentSuccess
Did you know that eating a healthy breakfast can help improve focus, energy, and learning throughout the day? 🧠✨ Start your morning right and fuel your body for success!
🍎 Breakfast + Lunch = FREE for ALL students!
That’s right—thanks to Sodexo Food Service, every student has access to nutritious meals at no cost.
✅ Eat smart.
✅ Stay energized.
✅ Be ready to learn!
Let’s make healthy choices together—because a great day starts with a great breakfast! 🥯🥛🍳
#BoostYourBrain #HealthyChoices #FreeMeals #Sodexo #StudentSuccess
Huge shout-out to Deputy Hawkins and our lead custodian, Justin over at DDB. They worked together on Thursday to fix a student's broken bike pedal. We love watching our community show up for each other in various ways. Way to go!
Come one, come all! DDB is hosting a bingo night on September 16th. This is a fantastic opportunity to learn about our Title 1 program, while playing for some awesome prizes and enjoying some yummy pizza! We hope to see you there!
🌟 It’s Not Too Late to Join Girl Scouts! 🌟
📍 Next Meeting Location:
VV Fairgrounds, Art Room
800 E. Cherry St., Cottonwood, AZ
🗓️ When:
2nd & 4th Wednesday of each month
⏰ 6:00 – 7:30 PM
👧 Who Can Join:
Girls in Grades K–8
✨ Why Join?
Make new friends.
Laugh, play, and explore together.
Build leadership skills.
Make a difference in our community and our world.
Come discover the fun, friendship, and adventure of Girl Scouts!
On 9/5 DDB will have our first Middle School Dance. $5 to get in, $1 for each snack.
#falconsfinest
#falconsfinest
✨ COCSD Governing Board Meeting Highlights ✨
At last night’s meeting, we were honored to have students from Dr. Daniel Bright Elementary School lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance. 🇺🇸
We are excited to announce a new partnership with Sparklight! 💡 They have generously agreed to support our efforts in recognizing students and staff who embody COCSD’s core values of student-centered hard work. Each month, recipients of the Spark Award will receive a commemorative plaque and a $25 gift card.
This month, we were proud to recognize:
🏆 Mr. Cody Altringer – CCS
🏆 Mrs. Christianna Boxx – DDB
We also recognized two student who were unable to join us.
The Board also welcomed a presentation from Mr. Rick Evans with Hill & Lock, who demonstrated innovative Entry Guard locks. He also shared grant and private funding opportunities to help pilot the program in our schools.
Lastly, the Board approved the revised budget to keep our district moving forward with stability and growth.
👏 Thank you to our students, staff, partners, and community for your ongoing support of COCSD!
At last night’s meeting, we were honored to have students from Dr. Daniel Bright Elementary School lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance. 🇺🇸
We are excited to announce a new partnership with Sparklight! 💡 They have generously agreed to support our efforts in recognizing students and staff who embody COCSD’s core values of student-centered hard work. Each month, recipients of the Spark Award will receive a commemorative plaque and a $25 gift card.
This month, we were proud to recognize:
🏆 Mr. Cody Altringer – CCS
🏆 Mrs. Christianna Boxx – DDB
We also recognized two student who were unable to join us.
The Board also welcomed a presentation from Mr. Rick Evans with Hill & Lock, who demonstrated innovative Entry Guard locks. He also shared grant and private funding opportunities to help pilot the program in our schools.
Lastly, the Board approved the revised budget to keep our district moving forward with stability and growth.
👏 Thank you to our students, staff, partners, and community for your ongoing support of COCSD!
Today, Verde Tech High School students had the opportunity to use our apple cider press with apples they harvested from the Farm at Bent River. This hands-on experience celebrates the connection between learning, sustainability, and community partnerships. Our students are gaining valuable experiences that connect their hard work in the field to meaningful results. 🍎
📢 Attention COCSD Families & Community!
The Cottonwood-Oak Creek School District has released the Override Fact Sheet to help families and community members understand the upcoming all-mail ballot election.
🗳 Key Dates to Remember:
Ballots Mailed: October 8, 2025
Election Day: November 4, 2025
Type of Election: All-mail ballot
💡 What does the override mean for our schools?
The Fact Sheet explains how the override impacts students, staff, and programs—and why it matters for the future of education in our community.
📄 Families are encouraged to review the Fact Sheet to learn more and make informed decisions this November. Together, we can shape the future of COCSD! If you are community member and would like to host a community presentation please reach out to Tricia Winters at (928) 634-2288 to schedule a presentation.
The Cottonwood-Oak Creek School District has released the Override Fact Sheet to help families and community members understand the upcoming all-mail ballot election.
🗳 Key Dates to Remember:
Ballots Mailed: October 8, 2025
Election Day: November 4, 2025
Type of Election: All-mail ballot
💡 What does the override mean for our schools?
The Fact Sheet explains how the override impacts students, staff, and programs—and why it matters for the future of education in our community.
📄 Families are encouraged to review the Fact Sheet to learn more and make informed decisions this November. Together, we can shape the future of COCSD! If you are community member and would like to host a community presentation please reach out to Tricia Winters at (928) 634-2288 to schedule a presentation.
COCSD Child Find Event
📍 Cottonwood Education Services Campus, 301 N. Willard
🗓 Tuesday, September 3rd
🕣 8:30 AM – 11:00 AM
COCSD will be holding Child Find to help identify children who may need special education services. (Appt. required)
Following the event, Yavapai County Nurse, Jennifer Miller, will be available on-site to administer immunizations for any children needing vaccinations.
📍 Cottonwood Education Services Campus, 301 N. Willard
🗓 Tuesday, September 3rd
🕣 8:30 AM – 11:00 AM
COCSD will be holding Child Find to help identify children who may need special education services. (Appt. required)
Following the event, Yavapai County Nurse, Jennifer Miller, will be available on-site to administer immunizations for any children needing vaccinations.
🚍✨ COCSD Transportation Update! ✨🚍
This week, the COCSD Governing Board took a special field trip to our Transportation Department to preview the brand-new Dragonfly bus, which will officially go into service next week! 🐉🚌 Present were Mr. Manzenberger, Mr. Teel & Mrs. Rollins ( a former COCSD bus driver).
During the visit, driver/mechanic Jimmy Montgomery and Director Daniel Maldonado walked the board through the exciting new features of the bus and even demonstrated the wheelchair lift, highlighting our commitment to accessibility and student safety.
Transportation Secretary Kat Spendlove also shared details about an upcoming program called Cross Walk 🚦. This innovative system will include GPS tracking on our buses and allow students to scan their student ID cards when boarding or exiting. Parents will then receive real-time notifications of when and where their child gets on and off the bus — giving families peace of mind and strengthening our safety measures.
This is just one more commitment to keeping parents informed and students safe at COCSD. 💙
This week, the COCSD Governing Board took a special field trip to our Transportation Department to preview the brand-new Dragonfly bus, which will officially go into service next week! 🐉🚌 Present were Mr. Manzenberger, Mr. Teel & Mrs. Rollins ( a former COCSD bus driver).
During the visit, driver/mechanic Jimmy Montgomery and Director Daniel Maldonado walked the board through the exciting new features of the bus and even demonstrated the wheelchair lift, highlighting our commitment to accessibility and student safety.
Transportation Secretary Kat Spendlove also shared details about an upcoming program called Cross Walk 🚦. This innovative system will include GPS tracking on our buses and allow students to scan their student ID cards when boarding or exiting. Parents will then receive real-time notifications of when and where their child gets on and off the bus — giving families peace of mind and strengthening our safety measures.
This is just one more commitment to keeping parents informed and students safe at COCSD. 💙
Good morning COCSD families... Kare Bear Daycare is closed for today. If your child usually goes there for after school care, other arrangements will need to be made. Contact your school campus to let them know of those changes. Thank you.
📢 Reminder for COCSD Families
There will be no school on Monday, September 1st in observance of the Labor Day holiday. 🛑🍎
Classes will resume on Tuesday, September 2nd.
We wish all of our Cottonwood-Oak Creek families a wonderful, safe weekend filled with quality time together. ❤️
Enjoy the holiday! 🇺🇸
There will be no school on Monday, September 1st in observance of the Labor Day holiday. 🛑🍎
Classes will resume on Tuesday, September 2nd.
We wish all of our Cottonwood-Oak Creek families a wonderful, safe weekend filled with quality time together. ❤️
Enjoy the holiday! 🇺🇸
Leading with Heart, Teaching with Purpose. ❤️📚
The recent COCSD District PLC (Professional Learning Communities) was a powerful reminder of what makes this community special. Educators came together to dig in—asking questions, discussing pacing, and exploring new assessments with curiosity and purpose. That inquiry mindset is what keeps us moving forward.
A special shoutout to the PLC facilitators and school administration who leaned in alongside staff. That is the COCSD way—we do it together, all hands on deck! 🙌
We’re also proud to share the COCSD Top 10 Core Values, collected at the Welcome Back gathering. The image below highlights what staff lean into most—with TEAMWORK and COLLABORATION rising to the very top.
These shared values give us the COURAGE to show up fully—for each other, and for our students. 💪🏼
The recent COCSD District PLC (Professional Learning Communities) was a powerful reminder of what makes this community special. Educators came together to dig in—asking questions, discussing pacing, and exploring new assessments with curiosity and purpose. That inquiry mindset is what keeps us moving forward.
A special shoutout to the PLC facilitators and school administration who leaned in alongside staff. That is the COCSD way—we do it together, all hands on deck! 🙌
We’re also proud to share the COCSD Top 10 Core Values, collected at the Welcome Back gathering. The image below highlights what staff lean into most—with TEAMWORK and COLLABORATION rising to the very top.
These shared values give us the COURAGE to show up fully—for each other, and for our students. 💪🏼
