Good morning COCSD families... The Transportation Dept is asking for parents to check over the routes their children use to get to and from school. A good portion of these routes are different from last year, including one route being canceled completely. PLEASE make sure you are checking over your route and the stop your student is using. We may be tweaking some of the routes and times over the next couple of weeks, but we will put out notifications when we do. If you have any questions, you can contact the Transportation Dept, 928-634-9679. We appreciate your help keeping things smooth for your child's daily ride. - Daniel Maldonado, Transportation Director
Good morning COCSD families... if your child rides any of these bus routes, please revisit them on our district website or visit the link below to review and check for changes that will affect your student's ride times.
CCS - Bobcat
DDB - Roadrunner and Mtn. Lion
MVP - Wild Burro
https://www.cocsd.us/o/cced/page/transportation
These changes are in effect immediately to make for a more smooth time schedule. We appreciate your understanding as we fine tune our bus routes. Thank you - Daniel Maldonado, Transportation Director
CCS - Bobcat
DDB - Roadrunner and Mtn. Lion
MVP - Wild Burro
https://www.cocsd.us/o/cced/page/transportation
These changes are in effect immediately to make for a more smooth time schedule. We appreciate your understanding as we fine tune our bus routes. Thank you - Daniel Maldonado, Transportation Director
🎉✏️ IT’S HERE — THE FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL! ✏️🎉
The halls are buzzing, the classrooms are ready, and our teachers are all smiles — welcome back to the 2025-26 school year at Cottonwood-Oak Creek School District! 💙
We’re kicking off another amazing year of learning, friendships, and memories in the making. Whether you’re a kindergartner stepping into school for the first time or an 8th grader ready to lead the way — today is YOUR day to shine! 🌟
📸 Families — we want to see those smiling faces!
Share your first day of school photos and tag us — let’s flood social media with positivity and school spirit!
Here’s to an amazing school year ahead! 💙
#COCSDProud #BackToSchool #FirstDayPhotos #LeadingWithHeartTeachingWithPurpose
The halls are buzzing, the classrooms are ready, and our teachers are all smiles — welcome back to the 2025-26 school year at Cottonwood-Oak Creek School District! 💙
We’re kicking off another amazing year of learning, friendships, and memories in the making. Whether you’re a kindergartner stepping into school for the first time or an 8th grader ready to lead the way — today is YOUR day to shine! 🌟
📸 Families — we want to see those smiling faces!
Share your first day of school photos and tag us — let’s flood social media with positivity and school spirit!
Here’s to an amazing school year ahead! 💙
#COCSDProud #BackToSchool #FirstDayPhotos #LeadingWithHeartTeachingWithPurpose
📚✨ COCSD Welcome Back Staff Event – A Fantastic Kickoff to the New School Year! ✨📚
Over 250 incredible staff members from across the Cottonwood-Oak Creek School District came together to launch the 2025–2026 school year in style! 🎉
Superintendent Vocca set the tone by highlighting the power of our core values—the heart of everything we do for our students. Mrs. Woodward shared inspiring updates on our academic achievements, and principals proudly introduced new staff joining their teams this year.
A huge THANK YOU to our amazing community partners and vendors who showed up strong with prizes, prizes, and more prizes! 🙌
🎁 Mattforce
🎁 Girl Scouts
🎁 Steps 2 Recovery
🎁 Science Vortex
🎁 Motiv Health
🎁 Imagination Library
🎁 Old Town Mission
🎁 Cottonwood AEA
🎁 LISA Organization
🎁 OCS PTO – who brought the excitement with a grand prize Pink Jeep Tour of Sedona! 🚙🌄
📸 A special shout out to Jill Christine Photography for being onsite to take event photos and offer professional staff headshots—thank you for helping us put our best face forward this year!
👏 Much appreciation to the Cottonwood Fire Department for their generous school supply drive—you filled the DDB stage! And another big thank you to Sodexo Food Service for the amazing breakfast that got our morning started right. ☕🥐
It was a morning full of energy, connection, and celebration—the perfect way to kick off a school year filled with purpose, passion, and progress. 💙
Let’s make 2025–2026 our best year yet!
#COCSDStrong #BackToSchool #WeAreCOCSD #ServingWithHeart #COCSDPride
📚✨ Welcome Back, COCSD! ✨📚
The 2025-26 school year is here and we couldn't be more excited! Our amazing teachers and staff are ready to welcome students back to campus and kick off another year of learning, growth, and success in the Cottonwood-Oak Creek School District.
📅 First Day of School: Thursday, July 31st
Set those alarms and pack those backpacks — it's time to get back to school!
🚸 A reminder to our community: Please drive carefully and keep an eye out for students walking, riding bikes, and waiting at bus stops. Let’s work together to keep our kids safe.
Here’s to a great school year ahead! 💙 #COCSDproud #BackToSchool #WatchForKids #LeadingWithHeartTeachingWithPurpose
The 2025-26 school year is here and we couldn't be more excited! Our amazing teachers and staff are ready to welcome students back to campus and kick off another year of learning, growth, and success in the Cottonwood-Oak Creek School District.
📅 First Day of School: Thursday, July 31st
Set those alarms and pack those backpacks — it's time to get back to school!
🚸 A reminder to our community: Please drive carefully and keep an eye out for students walking, riding bikes, and waiting at bus stops. Let’s work together to keep our kids safe.
Here’s to a great school year ahead! 💙 #COCSDproud #BackToSchool #WatchForKids #LeadingWithHeartTeachingWithPurpose
🎉✨ You’re Invited! Verde Tech High School Back to School Open House! ✨🎉
Get ready to kick off an amazing new school year! Join us for our Back to School Open House and celebrate the start of another year of innovation and learning at Verde Tech High School.
📅 Date: Wednesday, July 30, 2025
🕚 Time: 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
📍 Location: Verde Tech High School
Come meet our dedicated teachers and staff, tour classrooms and learn about our exciting programs.
This is a great opportunity to:
✅ Meet your teachers and classmates
✅ Pick up class schedules and supply lists
✅ Get your questions answered
We can’t wait to welcome you back! Let’s make this school year our best one yet!
🍎 Free Breakfast and Lunch for Every Student in the 25/26 School Year
We are thrilled to share that every student in the district can enjoy 1 free breakfast and 1 free lunch every school day — at no cost to families!
🧇 Start the Day Strong with a Free School Breakfast!
A nutritious breakfast helps students focus, learn better, and perform their best in class. Our schools serve a variety of healthy, kid-approved breakfast options every morning — and every student can eat for free!
🥪 Lunch is Free Too!
Along with breakfast, students are also eligible to receive a free school lunch daily.
✅ No applications or income requirements
✅ Each meal a student eats helps the district gain valuable funding
✅ No action needed from parents or guardians
We encourage all families to take advantage of this opportunity to support your child’s health and learning. If you have any questions, please contact the food service department at 928-639-4703.
🍽️Let’s make sure every student starts the day nourished and ready to succeed!🍽️
#FreeSchoolMeals #COCSDFamilies #SchoolBreakfastMatters #SupportSchoolMeals #EatWithUs
Hello COCSD families... the bus routes for the 2025/26 school year is now posted on our district website. If you plan to have your student ride the bus, please take a look at the route for your school. Also, scroll down at the end of the Transportation page and view the Bus Rules and Transportation Agreement Form. Thank you! - Daniel Maldonado, Transportation Director
📚✨ COCSD Admin Retreat 2025 ✨📚
Our administrative team gathered at Yavapai College to gear up for the 2025–2026 school year! A big thank you to Yavapai College for graciously hosting us as we focused on preparation, collaboration, and leadership.
During the retreat, administrators reviewed updated district policies, shared department-specific updates, and discussed the rollout of new system-wide software designed to streamline and enhance our operations. We also reflected on the importance of strong leadership as we continue to serve our students, staff, and community with excellence.
Here’s to a productive year ahead—COCSD is ready! 💼🍎📈 #COCSD #LeadershipMatters #BackToSchool #YavapaiCollege #COCSDStrong
Our administrative team gathered at Yavapai College to gear up for the 2025–2026 school year! A big thank you to Yavapai College for graciously hosting us as we focused on preparation, collaboration, and leadership.
During the retreat, administrators reviewed updated district policies, shared department-specific updates, and discussed the rollout of new system-wide software designed to streamline and enhance our operations. We also reflected on the importance of strong leadership as we continue to serve our students, staff, and community with excellence.
Here’s to a productive year ahead—COCSD is ready! 💼🍎📈 #COCSD #LeadershipMatters #BackToSchool #YavapaiCollege #COCSDStrong
📣 Now Enrolling for the 2025–2026 School Year! 📚✏️
Cottonwood-Oak Creek School District is excited to welcome new and returning students! 🎉 Our school offices are open and ready to assist with enrollment for the upcoming year.
🗓️ Reminder: The first day of school is Thursday, July 31st!
Don’t wait—get your child enrolled now so they’re ready to start the year strong.
Stop by your school office, give us a call, or visit our website to get started today! 💻📞🏫
#COCSD #NowEnrolling #FirstDayOfSchool #BackToSchool #CottonwoodAZ #WeAreCOCSD
Cottonwood-Oak Creek School District is excited to welcome new and returning students! 🎉 Our school offices are open and ready to assist with enrollment for the upcoming year.
🗓️ Reminder: The first day of school is Thursday, July 31st!
Don’t wait—get your child enrolled now so they’re ready to start the year strong.
Stop by your school office, give us a call, or visit our website to get started today! 💻📞🏫
#COCSD #NowEnrolling #FirstDayOfSchool #BackToSchool #CottonwoodAZ #WeAreCOCSD
Attention DDB Families... due to the loss of multiple drivers, our Diamondback route will no longer be in service this upcoming 2025-26 school year. We do not have enough bus drivers to cover all the routes from last year. If your child rode the Diamondback bus last year, please find alternate means of transportation to and from school. We will not be able to have other buses come to that area as those buses are already full. We apologize for this major inconvenience. We are hoping to hire more drivers to re-open this route and others. Thank you for your understanding. - Daniel Maldonado, Transportation Director
📢 We're Hiring! We Need YOU!
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!)
💰 Starting Salary: $52,000 & Up 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/
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!)
💰 Starting Salary: $52,000 & Up 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/
🎉✨ You’re Invited! Verde Tech High School Back to School Open House! ✨🎉
Get ready to kick off an amazing new school year! Join us for our Back to School Open House and celebrate the start of another year of innovation and learning at Verde Tech High School.
📅 Date: Wednesday, July 30, 2025
🕚 Time: 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
📍 Location: Verde Tech High School
Come meet our dedicated teachers and staff, tour classrooms and learn about our exciting programs.
This is a great opportunity to:
✅ Meet your teachers and classmates
✅ Pick up class schedules and supply lists
✅ Get your questions answered
We can’t wait to welcome you back! Let’s make this school year our best one yet!
Now Hiring Drivers! We Need You!
No experience necessary!
Training is provided,
✔Sign-on bonus for new drivers.
✔ Competitive pay
✔ Flexible schedules
✔ Rewarding work environment.
Help us keep our community moving safely! Apply today or share with someone who might be interested. 📞 For more info, call (928) 634-9679.
💻 Apply online at: https://cottonwood.schoolspring.com/
No experience necessary!
Training is provided,
✔Sign-on bonus for new drivers.
✔ Competitive pay
✔ Flexible schedules
✔ Rewarding work environment.
Help us keep our community moving safely! Apply today or share with someone who might be interested. 📞 For more info, call (928) 634-9679.
💻 Apply online at: https://cottonwood.schoolspring.com/
📢 We're Hiring! We Need YOU!
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!)
💰 Starting Salary: $52,000 & Up 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/
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!)
💰 Starting Salary: $52,000 & Up 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/
🎉 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
