🎉 Huge congratulations to Verde Tech teacher, Andy Spangler, on earning a certification in thermal cutting -oxyfuel! We're excited to see what this year brings! 🔥✂️
🎉 Cottonwood Youth Center After School Program 🎉
Looking for a safe, engaging, and fun place for your child after school? The Cottonwood Youth Center is now enrolling students in grades K–8 for the upcoming school year!
🕝 Program Hours: Monday – Friday, 2:30 PM – 5:30 PM
💵 Cost: $60/week or $240/month
📍 Location: Cottonwood Youth Center
🌐 Register or learn more: cottonwoodaz.gov
Give your child a place to learn, grow, and connect after school! ✨
Looking for a safe, engaging, and fun place for your child after school? The Cottonwood Youth Center is now enrolling students in grades K–8 for the upcoming school year!
🕝 Program Hours: Monday – Friday, 2:30 PM – 5:30 PM
💵 Cost: $60/week or $240/month
📍 Location: Cottonwood Youth Center
🌐 Register or learn more: cottonwoodaz.gov
Give your child a place to learn, grow, and connect after school! ✨
🚨 Committed to Student Safety 🚨
This week, Cottonwood-Oak Creek School District administration partnered with the Cottonwood Police Department and The Trust, our liability insurance provider, to complete a tabletop emergency response exercise.
This hands-on training is part of our ongoing commitment to keeping our students, staff, and schools safe. The exercise allowed us to walk through real-world scenarios, strengthen our protocols, and ensure we are ready to respond swiftly and effectively in any situation.
A big thank you to Kaylee Sorenson from The Trust and our partners at the Cottonwood Police Department for guiding us through this important work! 💪📚👮♂️
#COCSD #StudentSafety #CommunityPartnership #EmergencyPreparedness
This week, Cottonwood-Oak Creek School District administration partnered with the Cottonwood Police Department and The Trust, our liability insurance provider, to complete a tabletop emergency response exercise.
This hands-on training is part of our ongoing commitment to keeping our students, staff, and schools safe. The exercise allowed us to walk through real-world scenarios, strengthen our protocols, and ensure we are ready to respond swiftly and effectively in any situation.
A big thank you to Kaylee Sorenson from The Trust and our partners at the Cottonwood Police Department for guiding us through this important work! 💪📚👮♂️
#COCSD #StudentSafety #CommunityPartnership #EmergencyPreparedness
📚✨ Professional Learning Spotlight at COCSD! ✨📚
This week, our Cottonwood-Oak Creek School District teachers have been hard at work learning with Darla, an incredible Kagan Trainer, as part of our continued commitment to student engagement and classroom success!
So, what is Kagan?
Kagan Cooperative Learning is a research-based teaching strategy that uses structured team-based classroom interactions to boost student participation, collaboration, and academic achievement. Instead of traditional lecture-style teaching, Kagan structures ensure every student is actively involved—which helps build communication skills, improve retention, and create a positive, inclusive classroom environment.
👩🏫👨🏫 Thank you, Darla, for equipping our educators with powerful tools to create dynamic, engaging, and equitable learning experiences for all students!
#COCSD #KaganTraining #EngagedLearning #ProfessionalDevelopment #StrongerTogether #StudentSuccess
This week, our Cottonwood-Oak Creek School District teachers have been hard at work learning with Darla, an incredible Kagan Trainer, as part of our continued commitment to student engagement and classroom success!
So, what is Kagan?
Kagan Cooperative Learning is a research-based teaching strategy that uses structured team-based classroom interactions to boost student participation, collaboration, and academic achievement. Instead of traditional lecture-style teaching, Kagan structures ensure every student is actively involved—which helps build communication skills, improve retention, and create a positive, inclusive classroom environment.
👩🏫👨🏫 Thank you, Darla, for equipping our educators with powerful tools to create dynamic, engaging, and equitable learning experiences for all students!
#COCSD #KaganTraining #EngagedLearning #ProfessionalDevelopment #StrongerTogether #StudentSuccess
🏫 We're Hiring at Oak Creek Elementary School! 🌟
Join our amazing team! Oak Creek Elementary in Cottonwood, AZ is currently seeking:
📌 School Secretary – Organized, friendly, and ready to keep our front office running smoothly.
📌 PE Teacher – Energetic, inspiring, and passionate about helping students grow strong and confident.
If you're excited to make a difference in young lives and be part of a supportive school community, we’d love to hear from you!
📍 Apply today or spread the word! https://cottonwood.schoolspring.com/
#NowHiring #CottonwoodAZ #OakCreekElementary #EducationJobs #PEteacher #SchoolSecretary #JoinOurTeam
Join our amazing team! Oak Creek Elementary in Cottonwood, AZ is currently seeking:
📌 School Secretary – Organized, friendly, and ready to keep our front office running smoothly.
📌 PE Teacher – Energetic, inspiring, and passionate about helping students grow strong and confident.
If you're excited to make a difference in young lives and be part of a supportive school community, we’d love to hear from you!
📍 Apply today or spread the word! https://cottonwood.schoolspring.com/
#NowHiring #CottonwoodAZ #OakCreekElementary #EducationJobs #PEteacher #SchoolSecretary #JoinOurTeam
📚✏️ Writing Revolution at COCSD! ✏️📚
This summer, Cottonwood-Oak Creek School District teachers dove into professional learning through The Writing Revolution! 🧠 Our dedicated educators participated in a book study and four in-person sessions focused on building strong writing skills through explicit instruction.
This marks our 7th cohort of COCSD teachers trained in Writing Revolution principles—an approach that strengthens students’ thinking, speaking, and writing across all content areas.
Huge shoutout to these teachers for investing in their craft and preparing to make a difference in their classrooms this fall! 👏🍎
#COCSD #WritingRevolution #TeacherLeaders #SummerLearning #COCSDStrong #InvestInTeachers #BackToSchool2025
This summer, Cottonwood-Oak Creek School District teachers dove into professional learning through The Writing Revolution! 🧠 Our dedicated educators participated in a book study and four in-person sessions focused on building strong writing skills through explicit instruction.
This marks our 7th cohort of COCSD teachers trained in Writing Revolution principles—an approach that strengthens students’ thinking, speaking, and writing across all content areas.
Huge shoutout to these teachers for investing in their craft and preparing to make a difference in their classrooms this fall! 👏🍎
#COCSD #WritingRevolution #TeacherLeaders #SummerLearning #COCSDStrong #InvestInTeachers #BackToSchool2025
📣 We're Hiring: Occupational Therapist! 🧠✋
Cottonwood-Oak Creek School District is seeking a dedicated Occupational Therapist to support our amazing students with disabilities. If you’re passionate about helping children reach their full potential in school and life, we’d love to have you on our team!
📍 Location: Cottonwood, AZ
💼 Position: Full-Time Occupational Therapist
💰 Pay: Dependent on experience and qualifications
🖥️ Apply online: https://cottonwood.schoolspring.com
Join us in making a difference every single day. 💙
#COCSD #NowHiring #OccupationalTherapist #SupportOurStudents #SpecialEducation #ArizonaJobs #MakeADifference
Cottonwood-Oak Creek School District is seeking a dedicated Occupational Therapist to support our amazing students with disabilities. If you’re passionate about helping children reach their full potential in school and life, we’d love to have you on our team!
📍 Location: Cottonwood, AZ
💼 Position: Full-Time Occupational Therapist
💰 Pay: Dependent on experience and qualifications
🖥️ Apply online: https://cottonwood.schoolspring.com
Join us in making a difference every single day. 💙
#COCSD #NowHiring #OccupationalTherapist #SupportOurStudents #SpecialEducation #ArizonaJobs #MakeADifference
🎉 CALLING ALL VENDORS! 🎉
The Cottonwood-Oak Creek School District is kicking off the new school year with our Staff Welcome Back Event — and we’d love for YOU to join us!
This is a great opportunity to connect with our dedicated staff and share information about your organization, services, or educational programs.
📅 Date: Wednesday, July 30th
⏰ Time: 8:00 AM
📍 Location: COCSD
The only thing we ask: Please bring a gift basket for a drawing at your table — it's a fun way to engage with our staff and promote what you offer!
To reserve a vendor spot or for more information, contact Tricia Winters at 📞 (928) 634-2288 ext. 1144 or 📧 twinters@cocsd.k12.az.us.
Come help us make this a warm and exciting welcome for our staff! 🙌✨
The Cottonwood-Oak Creek School District is kicking off the new school year with our Staff Welcome Back Event — and we’d love for YOU to join us!
This is a great opportunity to connect with our dedicated staff and share information about your organization, services, or educational programs.
📅 Date: Wednesday, July 30th
⏰ Time: 8:00 AM
📍 Location: COCSD
The only thing we ask: Please bring a gift basket for a drawing at your table — it's a fun way to engage with our staff and promote what you offer!
To reserve a vendor spot or for more information, contact Tricia Winters at 📞 (928) 634-2288 ext. 1144 or 📧 twinters@cocsd.k12.az.us.
Come help us make this a warm and exciting welcome for our staff! 🙌✨
📢 We're Hiring!
Cottonwood-Oak Creek School District is seeking a District Nurse to lead and oversee our school health programs across the district.
🩺 Position: Full-Time District Nurse
📅 Schedule: 10-Month Position (Enjoy Fall Break, Winter Break, Spring Break & School Holidays off!)
💰 Salary: $52,000–$62,000 DOE
✅ Includes: Arizona State Retirement & Full Benefits
Join a team that makes a difference in students’ lives every day! If you're passionate about student wellness and ready to support our schools, we want to hear from you.
📍Apply today and be part of something meaningful!
🔗 https://cottonwood.schoolspring.com/
#COCSD #SchoolNurse #NowHiring #CottonwoodJobs #ArizonaEducation #NurseLeadership
Cottonwood-Oak Creek School District is seeking a District Nurse to lead and oversee our school health programs across the district.
🩺 Position: Full-Time District Nurse
📅 Schedule: 10-Month Position (Enjoy Fall Break, Winter Break, Spring Break & School Holidays off!)
💰 Salary: $52,000–$62,000 DOE
✅ Includes: Arizona State Retirement & Full Benefits
Join a team that makes a difference in students’ lives every day! If you're passionate about student wellness and ready to support our schools, we want to hear from you.
📍Apply today and be part of something meaningful!
🔗 https://cottonwood.schoolspring.com/
#COCSD #SchoolNurse #NowHiring #CottonwoodJobs #ArizonaEducation #NurseLeadership
📚✨ While students are enjoying what is left of their summer vacation our teachers and staff are busy learning. Today, teachers from across the Cottonwood-Oak Creek School District came together for Character Strong training!
Character Strong is a research-based program that focuses on developing character and leadership skills in students and staff. The goal? Building a stronger, more connected school culture where kindness, empathy, and resilience are just as important as academics.
We're excited to kick off the new school year with tools and strategies that help us grow hearts and minds—because strong character builds strong communities. 💪❤️
#COCSD #CharacterStrong #BuildingCharacter #StrongerTogether #BackToSchool2025
Character Strong is a research-based program that focuses on developing character and leadership skills in students and staff. The goal? Building a stronger, more connected school culture where kindness, empathy, and resilience are just as important as academics.
We're excited to kick off the new school year with tools and strategies that help us grow hearts and minds—because strong character builds strong communities. 💪❤️
#COCSD #CharacterStrong #BuildingCharacter #StrongerTogether #BackToSchool2025
📚 Teachers—APS Supply My Class is Back! 🍎
Starting TODAY, K–12 public and charter school teachers within the APS service area can enter for a chance to win a $500 prepaid card to help stock your classroom with the supplies you need to succeed! ✏️📓
💡 Don’t miss out—apply now at 👉 aps.com/supplymyclass
#SupportOurTeachers #SupplyMyClass #APSCares #BackToSchoolReady
Starting TODAY, K–12 public and charter school teachers within the APS service area can enter for a chance to win a $500 prepaid card to help stock your classroom with the supplies you need to succeed! ✏️📓
💡 Don’t miss out—apply now at 👉 aps.com/supplymyclass
#SupportOurTeachers #SupplyMyClass #APSCares #BackToSchoolReady
🚨 NOTICE TO FAMILIES AND COMMUNITY 🚨
We want to inform our staff, parents, and the greater community that local law enforcement will be conducting a training exercise at Dr. Daniel Bright Elementary School today.
Please do not be alarmed by the presence of police vehicles or officers in and around the campus. This is a planned and coordinated training meant to enhance safety preparedness—there is no emergency or threat at the school.
We appreciate your understanding and continued support in helping us maintain a safe and secure environment for our students and staff.
If you have any questions, feel free to contact the school office.
Thank you!
— Dr. Daniel Bright Elementary Administration
We want to inform our staff, parents, and the greater community that local law enforcement will be conducting a training exercise at Dr. Daniel Bright Elementary School today.
Please do not be alarmed by the presence of police vehicles or officers in and around the campus. This is a planned and coordinated training meant to enhance safety preparedness—there is no emergency or threat at the school.
We appreciate your understanding and continued support in helping us maintain a safe and secure environment for our students and staff.
If you have any questions, feel free to contact the school office.
Thank you!
— Dr. Daniel Bright Elementary Administration
📚 Free Resources for Families! 🎒
Looking for support for your student? Be sure to check out LISA — an incredible resource offering essentials and more to families in need.
Visit 👉 AZLISA.ORG to learn more and see how they can help your child start the school year strong! 💪📓✨
#FamilySupport #BackToSchool #AZLISA #CommunityResources
Looking for support for your student? Be sure to check out LISA — an incredible resource offering essentials and more to families in need.
Visit 👉 AZLISA.ORG to learn more and see how they can help your child start the school year strong! 💪📓✨
#FamilySupport #BackToSchool #AZLISA #CommunityResources
🍫 Happy National Chocolate Day! 🍫
Today, we’re celebrating one of the world’s most beloved treats—chocolate—and learning a little about where it all began!
Did you know chocolate comes from the cacao tree, which grows in tropical regions near the Equator—mostly in countries like Ghana, Ivory Coast, Ecuador, and Indonesia? But the story of chocolate goes back thousands of years to ancient Mesoamerica (modern-day Mexico), where the Olmec, Maya, and Aztec civilizations first cultivated cacao. It was originally enjoyed as a bitter drink used in celebrations—quite different from the sweet treat we know today!
Fast forward to now, and chocolate is enjoyed around the globe—and even makes its way into our classrooms as occasional rewards, science experiments, and cultural studies!
So whether you’re enjoying a bite-sized treat or diving into a history lesson, take a moment today to appreciate the rich history and global journey of chocolate. 🍬🌍📚
Just don’t forget to brush your teeth after enjoying your favorite kind! 😉
#NationalChocolateDay #SweetLearning #COCSDGlobalClassroom
Today, we’re celebrating one of the world’s most beloved treats—chocolate—and learning a little about where it all began!
Did you know chocolate comes from the cacao tree, which grows in tropical regions near the Equator—mostly in countries like Ghana, Ivory Coast, Ecuador, and Indonesia? But the story of chocolate goes back thousands of years to ancient Mesoamerica (modern-day Mexico), where the Olmec, Maya, and Aztec civilizations first cultivated cacao. It was originally enjoyed as a bitter drink used in celebrations—quite different from the sweet treat we know today!
Fast forward to now, and chocolate is enjoyed around the globe—and even makes its way into our classrooms as occasional rewards, science experiments, and cultural studies!
So whether you’re enjoying a bite-sized treat or diving into a history lesson, take a moment today to appreciate the rich history and global journey of chocolate. 🍬🌍📚
Just don’t forget to brush your teeth after enjoying your favorite kind! 😉
#NationalChocolateDay #SweetLearning #COCSDGlobalClassroom
🎆 Happy Fourth of July from Verde Tech High School! 🇺🇸
We’ve just welcomed a new batch of baby guinea fowl to our school’s sustainable agriculture program! 🐣 Students will soon have the opportunity to learn more about sustainable poultry care and habitat management as part of our hands-on curriculum.
From our team at Verde Tech, we wish you a wonderful and safe holiday!
We’ve just welcomed a new batch of baby guinea fowl to our school’s sustainable agriculture program! 🐣 Students will soon have the opportunity to learn more about sustainable poultry care and habitat management as part of our hands-on curriculum.
From our team at Verde Tech, we wish you a wonderful and safe holiday!
🎆🇺🇸 Happy 4th of July Weekend! 🇺🇸🎆
From all of us at Cottonwood-Oak Creek School District, we wish our families a safe, joyful, and patriotic Independence Day weekend! May your celebrations be filled with laughter, community, and lasting memories.
As we honor our nation's freedom, we're grateful to be part of such a strong and supportive community. Stay safe, and we’ll see you soon!
🎇❤️🤍💙 #COCSD #FourthOfJuly #CommunityStrong #IndependenceDay2025
📣 Budget Approved for 2025–2026 School Year 📣
At last night’s meeting, the COCSD Governing Board officially approved the proposed budget for the 2025–26 school year.
💡 Key Budget Highlights:
🔹 Base Level Funding Increase: The base support level per student has increased by 2%, rising from $5,013 to $5,113.
🔹 Enrollment Shift: Our projected Average Daily Membership (ADM) is expected to decrease slightly by 7 students—from 1,651.98 to 1,644.97.
🔹 Maintenance & Operation (M&O) Budget: The FY2026 M&O budget is set at $15.78 million, down $379,474 from last year due to:
• Lower student enrollment
• No Prop 123 funds included this year
• Smaller carryover balance from the previous fiscal year
• A reduced percentage of District Additional Assistance funds allocated to M&O
We remain committed to responsible fiscal management and transparency. As always, we will adjust accordingly once the final state budget is adopted. For more information you can watch the live feed video of the meeting here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eSnYLiI38FU
Thank you to our community for your continued support! 💙
#COCSD #SchoolBudget #CommunitySupport #FiscalResponsibility
At last night’s meeting, the COCSD Governing Board officially approved the proposed budget for the 2025–26 school year.
💡 Key Budget Highlights:
🔹 Base Level Funding Increase: The base support level per student has increased by 2%, rising from $5,013 to $5,113.
🔹 Enrollment Shift: Our projected Average Daily Membership (ADM) is expected to decrease slightly by 7 students—from 1,651.98 to 1,644.97.
🔹 Maintenance & Operation (M&O) Budget: The FY2026 M&O budget is set at $15.78 million, down $379,474 from last year due to:
• Lower student enrollment
• No Prop 123 funds included this year
• Smaller carryover balance from the previous fiscal year
• A reduced percentage of District Additional Assistance funds allocated to M&O
We remain committed to responsible fiscal management and transparency. As always, we will adjust accordingly once the final state budget is adopted. For more information you can watch the live feed video of the meeting here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eSnYLiI38FU
Thank you to our community for your continued support! 💙
#COCSD #SchoolBudget #CommunitySupport #FiscalResponsibility
🎉 Ribbon Cutting Celebration at Riverfront Park! 🎉
What an exciting day in Cottonwood! The new Riverfront Park playground system is officially open — and it’s already bringing joy to our community's children!
This project was truly a community effort, shaped by the voices and votes of students, families, and staff from Cottonwood-Oak Creek School District. We’re especially grateful to Jak Teel, Parks and Recreation Director, for his outstanding leadership and to the City of Cottonwood for making this dream a reality — creating a beautiful, safe, and fun space for kids to learn, grow, and play. Our students will benefit from this for years to come.
A big shout out to everyone who joined us this morning for the ribbon cutting, including Mayor Ann Show, City Council Members, The Verde Valley Chamber of Commerce, and the many community families who came out in support.
Here’s to more memories, more laughter, and more play at Riverfront Park!
🌳🛝💚 #CommunityStrong #RiverfrontPark #COCSD #CottonwoodAZ #PlaygroundOpening #PartnershipsMatter
What an exciting day in Cottonwood! The new Riverfront Park playground system is officially open — and it’s already bringing joy to our community's children!
This project was truly a community effort, shaped by the voices and votes of students, families, and staff from Cottonwood-Oak Creek School District. We’re especially grateful to Jak Teel, Parks and Recreation Director, for his outstanding leadership and to the City of Cottonwood for making this dream a reality — creating a beautiful, safe, and fun space for kids to learn, grow, and play. Our students will benefit from this for years to come.
A big shout out to everyone who joined us this morning for the ribbon cutting, including Mayor Ann Show, City Council Members, The Verde Valley Chamber of Commerce, and the many community families who came out in support.
Here’s to more memories, more laughter, and more play at Riverfront Park!
🌳🛝💚 #CommunityStrong #RiverfrontPark #COCSD #CottonwoodAZ #PlaygroundOpening #PartnershipsMatter
📢 COCSD Governing Board Meeting Tonight 📢
The Cottonwood-Oak Creek School District Governing Board will meet this evening at 5:00 PM. One of the items on the agenda is the possible approval of the proposed budget for the upcoming year.
🔗 For the full agenda and to watch the live stream, click here:
https://cocsd.diligent.community/Portal/MeetingInformation.aspx?Org=Cal&Id=918
Your engagement matters—stay informed and involved! 💼📚
The Cottonwood-Oak Creek School District Governing Board will meet this evening at 5:00 PM. One of the items on the agenda is the possible approval of the proposed budget for the upcoming year.
🔗 For the full agenda and to watch the live stream, click here:
https://cocsd.diligent.community/Portal/MeetingInformation.aspx?Org=Cal&Id=918
Your engagement matters—stay informed and involved! 💼📚
📱🎉 Happy National Social Media Day! 🎉📱
Cottonwood-Oak Creek School District is excited to celebrate the power of social media to connect, inspire, and share the incredible things happening in our schools and community!
As we recognize the impact social media has on our daily lives, we also want to take this opportunity to encourage families to talk with their children about using these platforms responsibly and safely.
🔐 Tips for Safe & Smart Social Media Use:
Think before you post – If you wouldn’t say it face-to-face, don’t share it online.
Protect personal information – Avoid sharing your full name, address, school, or phone number.
Use strong privacy settings – Keep accounts private and only connect with people you know in real life.
Be kind online – Use social media to build others up, not tear them down.
Tell a trusted adult – If you see or experience something inappropriate, speak up.
Limit screen time – Balance is key! Encourage real-life connections and outdoor time.
Let’s work together to help our children build a healthy relationship with technology and use social media as a force for good.
#NationalSocialMediaDay #COCSD #DigitalCitizenship #SafeOnline #FamilyFirst
