❄️ Weather Watch Update – COCSD ❄️
COCSD is closely monitoring the weather forecast over the next couple of days. As temperatures drop and winter weather approaches, we want families to be prepared in the event a schedule adjustment becomes necessary.
Cottonwood and surrounding schools may implement a Delayed-Start Schedule to ensure student safety and avoid unnecessary school cancellations.
🔹 If a Delayed Start is Implemented:
All schools will begin 2 hours later than normal
Morning bus pick-up times will run 2 hours later than normal
Dismissal times will NOT change
Afternoon bus return schedules will remain the same
On early release days, dismissal times will NOT change
The delayed-start schedule allows additional time for road conditions to improve and helps students walking or riding buses avoid hazardous early morning travel.
📢 How You Will Be Notified:
Local radio station announcements
COCSD website: https://www.cocsd.us/
Call the COCSD District Office at (928) 634-2288
COCSD Facebook page
We will make every effort to send a phone call, SMS, and email notification to families by approximately 6:00 AM if a delayed start or cancellation is implemented.
Please note: If severe weather conditions are anticipated, COCSD may cancel school the evening prior to the next school day if conditions could impact student safety.
Thank you for your flexibility and partnership as we prioritize the safety of our students and staff.
DDB’s 1st–4th grade students recently enjoyed a hands-on STEM experience led by Meteor Crater Education Alliance educator Brian Stark. Using a large inflatable planetarium, students traveled virtually to planets and moons throughout our solar system, including Saturn’s newly discovered moon, Cupid. They also identified constellations and learned about the history and stories behind how many of them were named. Experiences like this help bring classroom learning to life, and our students always enjoy seeing science come alive in engaging and interactive ways. #cocsd #ddb #stem #planetarium #funatschool #handsonlearning
🇺🇸 Presidents’ Day – No School! 🇺🇸
Just a reminder that there is no school on Monday, February 16, 2026 in observance of Presidents’ Day.
Enjoy the long weekend and we’ll see students back on Tuesday!
📢 Public Notice: 8th Grade Health Curriculum Review
📅 February 12, 2026
The Cottonwood-Oak Creek School District invites parents, community members, and educators to participate in a 60-Day Public Review of a proposed 8th Grade Health curriculum:
Promoting Health Among Teens (Abstinence Only)
Provided by the Arizona Department of Health Services
Our previously used curriculum, Making a Difference, has been discontinued by the health department. We are now reviewing this proposed program as a potential option to enhance our 8th Grade Health curriculum.
🗓 Review Period: February 12, 2026 – April 12, 2026
🔐 Community members will need to create a login to access the online materials (30-day access).
🔗 Access the Curriculum Here:
https://www.etr.org/sample/?c=phatao&p=1
📘 More Information About the Curriculum:
Promoting Health Among Teens! (Abstinence Only) – Program Success Center
During the review period, stakeholders are encouraged to examine the materials, including teacher guides and supplementary resources. Feedback forms will be available for comments and suggestions.
📝 Feedback Deadline: April 12, 2026
📍 Board Study Session Review: March 4, 2026 at 4:30 PM
📍 Board Adoption Meeting: May 6, 2026 at 5:00 PM
Your input is valuable and plays an important role in selecting the most appropriate curriculum for our students. We appreciate your engagement and commitment to educational excellence in COCSD.
For more information, please contact:
Tricia Winters
Executive Assistant to Superintendent Vocca
📞 (928) 634-2288
📧 twinters@cocsd.k12.az.us
The online registration for new and returning families for the 2026-2027 school year is officially open and ready for customers!!
New this year is the addition to the athletic handbook, access to the sports physical, and AIA document and the ability to print them and upload them during registration. Also, new is the addition of the SPED questionnaire. Log on to the Parent Vue in Synergy and click 26-27 to get pre-registered for next year.
For every book you buy, your students gets a ticket to enter into a raffle of all sorts of goodies.
Stop by anytime now through Thursday, February 17th 2026 8am-4pm. Open till 6pm on February 12th. This includes our parent teacher conferences days. Definitely worth the visit, we hope to see you and your student there!
REMINDER- 📣 Parents, we need your voice! 📣
Please take a few minutes to complete BOTH of our important surveys:
✅ Cognia Climate & Culture Parent Survey
✅ 2025–2026 Parent Communication Survey
👉 QR codes are available on the flyer—just scan and go!
🎁 Incentives!
• Return the Survey Completion Confirmation and your child(ren) will receive a fun pencil topper ✏️
• Middle School parents: your student will be entered into a $15 Baskin Robbins gift card drawing 🍦
Your feedback helps us improve our school and better serve our families. Thank you for partnering with us! 💙
Looking for a job that makes a real impact right here in our community? Cottonwood Oak Creek School District is hiring!
Whether you’re behind the wheel or supporting our students as an aide, you’re the first friendly face they see every morning. ☀️
Why you’ll love it here:
✅ Work-Life Balance: No nights, weekends, or summers!
✅ Great Benefits: Competitive pay and retirement options.
✅ Paid Training: We’ll help you get your CDL!
✅ Community First: Join a team that feels like family.
Help us safely transport the future of Cottonwood and Sedona. 🏔️✨
👉 Apply Today at: COCSD.US
#COCSD #CottonwoodAZ #NowHiring #SchoolBusDriver #CommunityImpact #JoinOurTeam
💘 Parent’s Night Out – Valentine’s Day Edition! 💘
Looking for a fun night out while your kids have a blast? We’ve got you covered! 🥰
📍 Cottonwood Recreation Center
🗓 Friday, February 13th
⏰ 4:00 – 8:00 PM
💲 $25 per child
👧🧒 Ages 3–11
Enjoy your Valentine’s plans while your kids enjoy games, activities, and fun in a safe environment! 🎨🎲❤️
⚠️ Pre-registration is REQUIRED
📲 Scan the QR code below to register
📧 Questions? Contact Nick Hull at nhull@cottonwoodaz.gov
📞 (928) 639-3200 Ext. 3210
💕 Spots are limited — sign up today! 💕
Important Dates:
January 26th - First Day of Clubs
February 9th-12th - Parent/Teacher Conferences, NO Clubs
February 16th - Presidents Day, NO School or Clubs
March 16th- 20th - Spring Break - NO School or Clubs
April 16th 4:30-5:30 pm - 21st CCLC Showcase Night!
April 23rd - Last Day of Clubs
🧥 Warm Hearts, New Warm Coats for Kids 🧥
Great news, Cottonwood-Oak Creek School District families! We have just received a truckload of coats through our continued partnership with the Yavapai County Education Services Agency (YCESA). Jackets are available in all sizes, ensuring our students can stay warm during the colder months.
We are truly grateful to YCESA and to the anonymous donor whose generosity makes this possible year after year. This is what community looks like—neighbors taking care of one another and putting students first.
If your student needs a jacket, please reach out to Lauri Squier at our COCSD Resource Center:
📞 Phone: (928) 634-2288 ext. 1127
📧 Email: lsquier@cocsd.k12.az.us
No child should be cold at school. We’re proud to stand together as a community to make sure that doesn’t happen. 💙💚
Our 21st CCLC Young Jedi After-School Club is full of teamwork, friendship, and of course, the Force! 🌌 This week, our little Jedi worked together, practiced their skills, and had a blast learning how to support each other — all while exploring their galaxy of imagination.
A huge thank you to Ms. Way for guiding our young Padawans and helping them grow their teamwork and friendship skills. 💫
This week, Ms. Sam’s students were acting out different jobs, and we had to guess what they were! Some of the fun performances included a basketball player, a veterinarian, and a police officer. 🏀🐾👮
Thank you, Ms. Sam, for guiding our little learners as they explore and grow their imaginations! 💡✨
✨ You’re invited! ✨
Join us for MUHS STEAM Night on Tuesday, February 10th from 4–6 PM at Mingus Union High School!
Explore Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math through hands-on activities led by school groups and community partners, including the Verde Valley SciTech Festival.
🎉 This FREE event is open to the whole community—bring the family and come curious!
✨Governing Board study session and meeting highlights!✨
During the study session, we received an update on the district’s bond capacity and current tax rates from Michael LaVallee with Stifel.
At the board meeting, Mrs. Genna Adams shared her video book, The Heart of a Teacher, with the board and spoke about the strong collaboration between COCSD and VACTE. The Board approved an MOU that will allow Mrs. Adams to relocate her Education Professions Teacher Training I & II classes to the Cottonwood Education Services campus. This exciting move will give students real classroom experience in close proximity to Mariposa Preschool and Cottonwood Community School.
We also approved the 2026/27 Student Handbook and Athletic Handbooks, with a shift toward providing these resources online for families. Online registration for next school year opens this week.
Finally, we proudly celebrated our February Sparklight Award recipients, Mrs. Stephanie King and Mrs. Lesley Pecharich, for their outstanding work districtwide as New Teacher Mentors. Thank you both for the impact you make every day! ✨
#COCSD #GoverningBoard #StudentSuccess #TeacherMentors #CommunityStrong
