Normally she walks our CCS 21st CCLC club kiddos over to the library, but with all the rain earlier this week, she packed up tons of fun crafts and hunkered down with us right in the CCS cafeteria!
We are so grateful for your kindness, patience, and flexibility. Our students absolutely loved it! Thank you for always going above and beyond for our kids! 🌟
Celebrating Service & Planning Ahead: Board Meeting Highlights 👏📚
The MVP Cheer Club kicked off last night’s Governing Board meeting by leading the 🇺🇸 Pledge of Allegiance!
We also proudly recognized two incredible retirees 🎉
👏 Ms. Maria Moncibaez – 28 years of service
👏 Mr. Jose Velazquez – 40 years of service
Thank you both for your dedication to our students and schools!
The Board held an important discussion on a potential 2026 bond to support future district needs 🏫 This included early conversations around safety upgrades, facility improvements, technology, and long-term planning needs.
Key needs discussed included:
🔐 Safety upgrades (keyless entry, intercom systems)🔧 Aging infrastructure (parking lots, HVAC, lighting)
💻 Technology improvements (Chromebooks, interactive boards)
🚰 Well system concerns at select schools
🪑 Classroom upgrades (furniture, carpet)
♿ ADA compliance
Next step ➡️ A May study session with experts to review bond capacity and district priorities.
We appreciate the thoughtful discussion as we plan for the future of our schools! 💙
🌷☀️ Spring Holiday Reminder! ☀️🌷
There will be No School on Friday, April 3rd and Monday, April 6th in observance of our Spring Holiday.
🏢 The District Office will also be closed on both days.
We hope our students, staff, and families enjoy a wonderful long weekend filled with rest, relaxation, and time together. 🌼🌈
We look forward to welcoming everyone back refreshed and ready to learn!
🌟 Staff Highlight: Scott Zale, Groundskeeper 🌟
Scott Zale has been with our district for the past 2.5 years, and we’ve enjoyed having him here every minute!
Scott takes great pride in keeping the grounds looking beautiful across all five of our campuses. His passion for his work truly shows, and his efforts help create a welcoming environment for our students, staff, and community.
Always coming to work with a positive attitude, Scott brings energy and dedication to everything he does. He has also stepped up by beginning his CDL training with the district, showing his willingness to help wherever there’s a need.
Thank you, Scott, for your hard work, positivity, and commitment to our district—we appreciate you! 👏
We’re so excited to welcome our newest learners! If you have a little one ready to start their kindergarten journey, now is the time to enroll.
Spots are limited and filling quickly!
If spaces fill up, don’t worry—be sure to add your student to our wait list.
Families on the wait-list will be contacted as soon as openings become available.
Give your child a strong start in a fun, supportive, and engaging environment—we can’t wait to meet you!
Enroll today or join the wait-list!https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSddCgwoWfqMCbraV3jgTR9QDKmZnKmwwA6w69hZDLSkVO7_ew/viewform
#MountainViewPreparatory #HomeoftheOcelots #MVPKinderEnrollment #MVPKindergarten #MVPKinderFun #MVPWait-list #MVPKinderJourney
Recycle Your Used Electronics at OCS!
Oak Creek School PTO has an on-going *select* electronic recycling fundraiser! They can always accept old/broken cell phones, tablets, or used printer cartridges. There is a collection box in the OCS school office. ♻️
✈️🌟 Take Flight with This Amazing Opportunity! 🌟🛫
FREE EAA Young Eagles Flight Opportunity ✈️
📅 Date: April 18th
📍 Location: Cottonwood Airport
Don’t miss your chance to experience the thrill of flight! 🛩️
⚠️ Pre-registration is required and spots fill up fast!
👨👩👧 A parent must be present the day of the event to sign a release form.
🔗 Register here: https://www.eaachapters.org/event-details/SY27056J0
✈️ 8th Grade Aviation Club Opportunity! 🌟
Has your interest in aviation taken off? 🚀 Join the 8th Grade Aviation Club next year!
📅 Meetings begin after Spring Break 2027
🗓️ Tuesdays ⏰ 4:00–5:30 PM
Come soar with us and explore the world of aviation! 🛫✨
✈️ 7th Grade Aviation Field Trip to ERAU ✈️
Our 7th graders had an incredible field trip to Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University! ✈️ Students explored the exciting world of aviation, learned about career opportunities, and even had the chance to fly in a real flight simulator.
A big thank you to Mrs. Altringer for continuing to provide this amazing hands-on experience for our Aviation students—we appreciate your dedication and passion!
🎲📚 Join Us for A Fun Night at the Book Barn! 📚🎲
Mark your calendars for Saturday, April 18, 2026, from 5:00–9:00 PM at The Barn at UVX Ranch in Cottonwood for a fun and meaningful evening supporting the Verde Valley Imagination Library, our local partner of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.
This wonderful program provides free, high-quality books each month to children from birth to age five, helping build strong reading habits and a lifelong love of learning. Your support helps put books directly into the hands of our youngest readers!
✨ Enjoy an evening filled with:
• Games & $500 in chips
• Silent auction & exciting raffle baskets
• Our popular Book Pull featuring restaurant gift cards
• Delicious food from EDEN/Sedona Catering Co. (plus one drink ticket)
• Live music by Sir Harrison
🎟️ Tickets are $100 per person
Bring friends, have fun, and make a lasting impact in our community!
💡 Want to support even more? You can sponsor, donate auction items, or contribute gift certificates.
👉 Get tickets or learn more: www.vvilbooks.org/fundraisers
📞 Questions? Contact:
Lynette Prouty – 928-274-0059 | lprouty@vvilbooks.org
Janet Sandoval – 928-925-7530 | jsandoval@vvilbooks.org
We hope to see you there!
Recently, during Wednesday's Power Hour Study Time, students asked me, "Mr. Dragon, can we hang out in your office for a while?" I said yes — as long as Mrs. McDowell, our wonderful librarian, was okay with it. I thought they'd be happy, but I knew immediately that I'd underestimated their joy.
Fact is, I've NEVER made a more popular decision in my life! They were so thrilled to be able to hang in their "own" room for a while — so thrilled that they began cleaning! I came back to find freshly Clorox-Wiped surfaces, a vacuumed floor, and these 5 goofballs thanking me for letting them clean up my office.
Thank you, parents and guardians, for raising such kind, thoughtful, hard-working people. Being with them each afternoon is the highlight of my — and all our Club Leaders' — day.
Students have been planting seeds and preparing garden beds while learning how food grows and what plants need to thrive. They are so excited to watch their hard work bloom! 🌼
A special thank you to Mrs. Laurie for everything you do at the Vortex and for our after-school clubs. We are so grateful for the love, time, and opportunities you give our students! 💚
🤍❤️ Honoring a Beautiful Life ❤️🤍
Cottonwood-Oak Creek School district would like to extend our deepest condolences to the family of Mrs. Deanna O'Donnell.
Deanna was a cherished member of the Cottonwood-Oak Creek School District, where she devoted over two decades to teaching English and Art at the Cottonwood Jr. High School. Her passion for education, creativity, and her students left a lasting impact on countless lives.
Some of us who now work in the district were once her students, and we remember her fondly—as a teacher who's creativity inspired, encouraged, and truly cared.
Beyond the classroom, she was a dedicated advocate through her work with the Arizona Education Association, helping bring about meaningful reforms that continue to benefit educators and students alike.
She will be remembered not only for her commitment to teaching, but for the kindness, inspiration, and strength she shared with all who knew her.
Please keep her family, friends, and all those whose lives she touched in your thoughts during this difficult time.
🌟 Staff Highlight: Michael “Mike” Curtis 🌟
Mike Curtis has been a valued member of the Cottonwood-Oak Creek School District maintenance team for the past three years, and we’re lucky to have him!
Mike specializes in keys and lock security, playing a vital role in keeping our schools safe and secure. His attention to detail and commitment to safety help ensure everything is always up to par.
Beyond his expertise, Mike is known for his contagious laugh and positive attitude. He brings enthusiasm to everything he does and is always a pleasure to work with.
Recently, Mike has also earned the title of “White Fleet Warrior” with our transportation department, stepping up to drive 21st Century Club routes. There truly isn’t anything he won’t do to support our district.
Thank you, Mike, for your dedication, versatility, and team spirit—we appreciate you! 👏
🥬💚 National Spinach Day – March 26th! 💚🥬
Sodexo Food Service is excited to recognize National Spinach Day on March 26th!
Spinach may be small, but it’s packed with powerful nutrients that help fuel growing minds and bodies. Adding spinach to your meals is a great way to boost nutrition in a delicious way!
Here are just a few health benefits of spinach:
🌿 Rich in Iron – Supports healthy blood and energy levels
💪 High in Vitamin A & C – Helps support the immune system
🦴 Great Source of Calcium & Vitamin K – Promotes strong bones
❤️ Full of Antioxidants – Supports overall health
Whether it’s enjoyed fresh in a salad, blended into a smoothie, or added to your favorite recipes, spinach is a leafy green worth celebrating!
#NationalSpinachDay #Sodexo #SchoolNutrition #HealthyChoices #FuelForLearning
Mountain View Preparatory is looking for a passionate and dedicated 7th/8th Grade Social Studies Teacher to join our team!
If you love bringing history to life, encouraging critical thinking, and inspiring middle school students to explore the world around them, we’d love to hear from you.
Position Details: Teach 7th & 8th grade Social Studies
Come be part of a school community that values growth, connection, and excellence!
To apply or learn more, please visit www.cocsd.us
#MountainViewPreparatory #HomeoftheOcelots #NowHiring #TeachingJobs #SocialStudiesTeacher #MiddleSchoolTeacher #MVP #JoinOurTeam
🎉 Transportation Staff Highlight 🚌
Join us in celebrating Ayman Algohary, who marked his first full year as a school bus driver this February!
Ayman is already looking ahead—he’s working toward becoming a driver-trainer, with the goal of sharing his knowledge and helping train the next generation of drivers.
Each morning, Ayman safely transports students on the Antelope route, and in the afternoons, he jumps in wherever he’s needed most. He’s also recently taken on an additional role, driving for our 21st CCLC program, helping ensure students get home safely after evening activities.
What makes this even more impressive? Ayman balances all of this while maintaining a full-time job and running his own business!
Thank you, Ayman, for your dedication, flexibility, and commitment to student safety—we appreciate everything you do! 👏
🥖🧀 National Cheesesteak Day – March 24th! 🧀🥖
Did you know the cheesesteak was created in the 1930s in Philadelphia and quickly became one of America’s most iconic sandwiches? With thinly sliced steak, melted cheese, and a warm roll, it’s a classic favorite for a reason!
On March 24th, we celebrate National Cheesesteak Day — a fun way to recognize a little food history.
A traditional cheesesteak provides:
🥩 Protein to support growing muscles
🥖 Carbohydrates for energy
🧀 Calcium for strong bones
Whether you’re enjoying one at school or at home, take a moment to appreciate this delicious classic! 😋
#NationalCheesesteakDay #Sodexo #SchoolNutrition #FoodHistory
