🍎 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. ❄️🏕️
Our campus is extra festive this year thanks to the turkeys our students have been raising as part of their hands-on agriculture program.
We’re grateful for our hardworking students, dedicated staff, and supportive community that makes Verde Tech such a special place to learn and grow. Wishing everyone a safe, restful, and wonderful Thanksgiving!
✨ 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.
🍁 Cottonwood-Oak Creek School District will be on Thanksgiving Break November 26–28.
School resumes Monday, December 1. 🦃
Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at COCSD!
From our families to yours, we’re grateful for your trust, support, and partnership. Each day, you give us the opportunity to do the work that matters—serving and supporting the students we all care about.
Wishing you a warm, safe, and meaningful holiday with the people who matter most. Enjoy the break, and we’ll see everyone back ready to finish the semester strong.
Join us for a Parent Meeting on Monday, December 1st from 5:30–6:30 PM at the District Office Board Room (1 N. Willard, Cottonwood).
This meeting is not required, but families who attend will be able to enroll for camp at the meeting. Come with your questions and learn about our district’s amazing partnership with the historic Mingus Mountain Camp and Retreat Center.
District-wide enrollment opens Tuesday, December 2nd.
As with last year, a non-refundable $25 t-shirt payment will be due at registration.
We are always grateful for wonderful parent volunteers. Please remember that all volunteers must be cleared through Human Resources and have a valid IVP card on file.
We cannot wait for our 3rd annual Winter Camp at Mingus Mountain.
We’ll see everyone OFF GRID! 🌲❄️
Attitude of Gratitude 🍎💛
As we head into this season of thanks, we want to shine a light on our Sodexo Food Service team and the families we serve each day. Our food service workers show up early, work hard, and make sure our students are cared for with meals that fuel their day. Their dedication is steady, dependable, and deeply appreciated.
We’re also grateful for our families who support our schools and trust us with their children. Your partnership makes all the difference.
Here’s to the people who keep our students nourished, encouraged, and ready to learn. A heartfelt thank-you to each of you. 🙌💛🍽️
Heads up, families!!! We’ve had to adjust a few bus stops and routes, and the updated information is now posted on our website. These changes go into effect tomorrow, November 25th.
Please take a moment to review the new details so your student is ready for the morning.
👉 https://www.cocsd.us/o/cced/page/transportation
Exciting news from the Science Vortex! 🎉
The Science Vortex has received funding from ACF Sedona for Stage 2 of our outdoor space. This next phase will include new raised garden beds—maintained by CES programs—and fun STEAM features for families and students, including a balance element and a possible airplane component donated by the Children’s Museum of Phoenix. We are so thankful for our community's support!
✨ Staff Spotlight: Eric Wilson ✨
Today we’re recognizing Eric Wilson, whose journey with our district has come full circle. Originally from North Dakota, Eric has called Arizona home since he was seven. He grew up attending CES and CMS, and now has the unique privilege of working alongside some of the very people who once taught him.
Eric first served our schools as a paraprofessional at CCS before joining the Tech Department, where he continues to support students and staff with steady dedication. Guided by his faith, he leads with respect and kindness, sharing, “I think treating others with respect is important, and I try to act with kindness in all I do.”
Outside of work, Eric embraces his inner nerd—enjoying video games, animation, board games, and a good stack of books.
Join us in celebrating Eric for the heart, humility, and reliability he brings to our district every day! 🌟
Oak Creek PTO is kicking off a recycle roundup! ♻️
Got old electronics collecting dust? Give them a second life by sending them our way!
We’re accepting recyclable electronic items now.
Need a pickup? Tom’s your guy — give him a call at (928) 301-9088.
Let’s clean up, clear out, and support our PTO at the same time! 💪📱💻
Today, our Mountain View Preparatory students came together for our monthly assembly—and what a celebration it was!
Middle School & K–5 students were recognized for being inquirers—showing curiosity, asking great questions, and staying eager to learn!
Our K–2 Reading Superstars also took the spotlight! Students who met their reading goals earned their very own Sight Word or Reading Superstar T-shirt! How cool is that?!
We’re so proud of the hard work, dedication, and enthusiasm our Ocelots bring to learning each day. Keep shining, MVP students!
#MountainViewPreparatory #HomeoftheOcelots #Ho#MVPproud #OcelotStrong #ReadingSuperstars #Inquirers #MountainViewPreparatory
Mrs. Ozuna and Mrs. Zienka’s class put on an incredible “Turkeys Go on Strike” play for their families, taking the stage with TV-reporting-next-level energy! The performance was fun, musical, and full of personality as students stepped into their roles with confidence and creativity.
Our 3rd graders delivered an amazing show, leaving the audience smiling, laughing, and proud. What a fantastic job by these talented performers!
#MountainViewPreparatory #HomeoftheOcelots #ThirdGradeStars #SchoolPlay #TurkeysGoOnStrike #FutureReporters #ElementaryTheatre #ProudTeachers #ProudFamilies #ClassroomMagic #StudentSpotlight #CreativeKids
Their teamwork, problem-solving, and commitment to sustainability shine through in everything they do.
The kicker? As soon as the students were done, they asked, "When can we come back to finish?" What work ethic! Now we've got another cleanup day in the works — stay tuned for details!
Thanks to Wheel Fun and all the young folks who came out to help!
Thank you, Mrs. Wright, for all you do for our 21st CCLC program and the students at CCS — we appreciate you! 💛✨
