Cottonwood-Oak Creek Schools

❄️ Staff Spotlight: Mrs. Winters ❄️

Around here, you don’t need a calendar to know the holidays have arrived—you just wait for Mrs. Winters’ snowmen to take over the district office. Once they start popping up, it’s full-on festive mode. And believe it or not, the crew she brings to work is nothing compared to the snowman army she has at home.

But the real holiday drama begins when her grandsons’ favorite trio—Pixie, Trixie and Dixie the Elves—show up. Those elves waste no time stirring up trouble, and when the snowmen get involved, the mischief level goes off the charts. Some years it’s a showdown… other years it’s a full-blown circus.

Mrs. Winters brings just the right amount of holiday fun to our district office! 🎄⛄✨

This week, we had a few amazing events take place during after-school clubs:

- First, we had graduation ceremonies in Denisha Ozuna's and Chelsea Henderson's (pictured here) Read Better Be Better clubs! These kiddos really supported each other's reading goals this semester and went home with new books to read. Help us in congratulating them on their accomplishment!

- Second, we had our Fall Showcase Night yesterday! Our wonderful MVP families joined together in the gym to see students' work on display, play bouncy tennis with our tennis coach Andrea Meyer, make puppets with club leaders Sherry Davis and Officer Scarim (pictured here), shoot bopper arrows with archery instructor Becky Dennis, and chow down on hot school lunch (stunningly good hamburgers and hotdogs). If you missed it, you missed a good time — but don't worry, we'll have another one in the spring!

🌟 Staff Spotlight: Armida Cervantez 🌟

This week we’re proud to highlight Armida Cervantez, whose heart for tradition and family shines just as brightly in her work as it does at home.

Armida shared a cherished memory that has shaped the way she builds community today:

“I have fond memories of sitting around a large kitchen table and making tamales with my aunts. I carry this tradition to my own family and friends join us too.” — Armida

There’s something timeless about gathering around good food and good people, and Armida brings that same spirit of connection, patience, and care to our campus every day. Her dedication reminds us that traditions and food not only ground us—they bring people together in meaningful ways.

Thank you, Armida, for sharing your story and for the warmth you bring to our school community.

🌾🐄 First Grade Farmers in Training! 🐄🌾

During Mrs. Ludden’s agriculture class this week, and we’re pretty sure we just witnessed the future of farming — OCS style. Using chalk and their huge imaginations, our first grade students created their own perfect farms.

We saw rainbow animals, extra-fancy farmhouses, crops taller than Mount Everest, and yes… the mysterious number 67 showed up everywhere. Why 67? Only the first graders know... and they’re not telling. 😂

One student drew a cow with sunglasses, another invented a “super chicken,” and at least three farms were run entirely by goats. Honestly, iconic.

At Oak Creek School, a STEM-certified school, we love seeing hands-on learning turn into hands-down hilarity. 🌱🎨🚜

Great job, first graders! Keep those farm dreams growing (and the goats contained). 🐐💛

#STEMSchool #OCSProud #FutureFarmers #FarmLifeOCS #CreativeKids #GoatTakeover #MrsLuddenRocks

🍪 Happy National Cookie Day! 🍪
Sodexo Food Service wants to share a quick reminder to slow down today, warm up the kitchen, and bake something together. December 4th is all about celebrating those simple, time-honored traditions that bring families closer.

Gather the crew, preheat the oven, and enjoy making a batch of fresh, hot cookies at home. It’s a perfect way to kick off the holiday season—sweet, warm, and shared with the people who matter most.

Good food. Good moments. Good memories.

🎉 Highlights from Last Night’s COCSD Governing Board Meeting 🎉

Our Governing Board approved the revised budget for the 2025–2026 school year, and we’re pleased to report that the district remains in strong financial health. It’s steady footing like this that keeps our schools moving forward with confidence.

We were proud to recognize the MVP Girls Volleyball Champions, who opened the meeting by leading the Pledge of Allegiance. Their hard work and teamwork are exactly what we hope to see in our students.

A well-earned acknowledgment also went to Bethany Campista for her dedicated work in supporting our National School Lunch Program. Her efforts help ensure our students receive the meals they count on every day.

We also celebrated our December Sparklight Award winners — Mrs. Laurie Altringer and Verde Tech student Carla Sanchez — whose contributions shine bright in our school community.

Thank you to everyone who continues to support our students, staff, and schools. Onward! 💙📘

🎄 Staff Spotlight: Ms. Robertson – Mountain View Preparatory 🎄

Some people bring a little extra light to the season, and Ms. Robertson is one of them. Her sense of humor and down-to-earth warmth show up in the classroom, for students and at home—especially this time of year.

Here’s the holiday moment she shared with us:

“Happy holidays! Here's an angel from my real-life home Nativity scene set – my pup Kaibab trying on the halo I actually wore this Halloween lol.”

It’s a good reminder that traditions don’t always have to be serious to matter. Sometimes the things we end up cherishing are the small, genuine moments—the ones that make us smile and keep the season feeling real.

If anyone else has light-hearted traditions or seasonal snapshots that always make their holidays brighter, feel free to share them in the comments. It’s a good time to enjoy the simple things that carry us through the year.

🎄 Staff Spotlight: Mr. Cox – Dr. Daniel Bright Elementary School 🎄

This time of year tends to bring out everyone’s roots, and Mr. Cox is no exception. Around campus, he’s known for his consistency and heart—and that carries right into how he spends the holidays.

Here’s what he shared about the traditions that mean the most to him:

*“I’ve always loved decorating my house for the holidays, especially with blow molds and my collection of M&M dispensers. These decorations aren’t just fun, but they remind me of my grandparents. Their front yard used to be packed with Christmas blow molds, including ones very similar to my Mickey, Minnie, and Tigger. Every year, they’d bring out the M&M dispensers, and my grandparents had several of those pictured. They would fill them with different candies while they displayed them for the season.

I set up my decorations, and it reminds me of Christmas at my grandparents' house and of the family traditions I get to keep going.”*

There’s something steady and grounding about carrying on the same traditions our families held onto year after year. It’s a reminder of where we come from and why these moments still matter.

If anyone else has traditions that bring back memories or just make the season feel right, add them in the comments. It’s always good to share the things that keep our holidays meaningful.

During Morning Meeting, Mrs. Ozuna’s third graders had ONE job…

DON’T LET THE PIGEON GET ON THE BUS!

But that sneaky pigeon?
Oh, he zoomed, he zigged, he zagged…

Some kids reached out—
“I almost got him!”

Others missed him by just a few centimeters—
“WAIT! COME BACK, PIGEON!”

The classroom was full of giggles, gasps, and VERY serious pigeon-catching faces.
What a hilarious, high-energy way to kick off the day!

Thanks to @Mo Willems Workshop for the quick, interactive fun.
(Next time… maybe we’ll actually catch that pigeon.)

https://live.myvrspot.com/iframe?v=YzNiZjQwN2U5OGQ5NmU5YTk4NjE2YjZhMjcwZTRkYjc

Sodexo has knocked it out of the park for their December Feature with their Thai Chicken & Pineapple Fried Rice. 🍍🍗. Keep your eyes out for this dish on the menu.

Bright flavors, fresh ingredients, and a dish that actually will get students talking !

Always nice to see our cafeteria bringing something bold and fun to the menu while keeping it wholesome. Great job, Sodexo! 👏✨

Science Vortex Stop & Motion:

Mountain View Preparatory 2nd graders had an exciting day at Science Vortex! Mrs. Bivanco’s 2nd grade class had a blast on their field trip learning all about stop and motion.

Hands-on activities, big smiles, and lots of creativity—such an awesome way to learn!

#MountainViewPreparatory #HomeoftheOcelots #MrsBivanco2ndGrade #MVPScienceVortex #MVPFieldTripFun #MVPSecondGradeAdventures #MVPHandsOnLearning #MVPSTEMEducation #CreativeKids

🍎 Happy National Apple Day! 🍎
Today we’re celebrating one of the simplest, healthiest, and most classic snacks out there. Thanks to our Sodexo Food Service team for sharing some fun apple facts with us—just another reminder of why this timeless fruit deserves a spot in your day.

From crisp and sweet to tart and juicy, apples have been a trusted favorite for generations. Do something good for yourself and grab one today!
🍏 Eat an apple and enjoy the goodness! 🍏

CCS 7th Graders celebrated Thanksgiving! They took some time to share their Thanksgiving traditions. Everyone has something unique that makes the holiday meaningful. We added a little sweetness to the day! They rolled up their sleeves and made their very own, "Pie in a Cup" with layers of crushed graham crackers, pie filling and whipped topping. It was the perfect treat to celebrate the season. Thank you, 7th graders, for sharing your traditions, your stories, and your teamwork! We are thankful for each of you. Happy Thanksgiving from CCS!

❄️🎒 Winter Break Camp is Coming! 🎒❄️

Proudly provided by the Cottonwood Recreation Center.
Give your kids a fun, active place to spend their break while you keep your routine running smoothly. Our Winter Break Camp offers full-day activities, new friends, and plenty of structure to keep kids engaged.
Camp Details:
• Ages: 4–11
• Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:30 PM
• Note: Youth Center Membership scans do not apply to school break camps; separate registration is required.
Camp Sessions:
• Session 1: December 22–24 (Mon–Wed)
• Session 2: December 29–31 (Mon–Wed)
These short sessions fill fast every year — a steady favorite for families looking for a reliable, enriching option over the holidays. ❄️🏕️

✨ Staff Spotlight: Bethany Campista ✨

This month we are proud to highlight Bethany Campista, our outstanding District Food Service Manager whose dedication and positive spirit make a difference across the entire district.

Bethany is the definition of a team player. While she assists with our food service operations with excellence, her contributions reach far beyond her role. She consistently steps up wherever help is needed—whether that means supporting district-wide projects like inventory management, subbing in various positions, or even covering transportation Office needs to keep our schools running smoothly.

Her willingness to go above and beyond, paired with her upbeat attitude and strong work ethic, make Bethany an invaluable part of the COCSD family. We are grateful for her commitment, flexibility, and the positive energy she brings to our district every day.

Thank you, Bethany, for all you do! Your dedication truly shines.