🌟 Boost Your Brain with a Healthy Start! 🌟
Did you know that eating a healthy breakfast can help improve focus, energy, and learning throughout the day? 🧠✨ Start your morning right and fuel your body for success!
🍎 Breakfast + Lunch = FREE for ALL students!
That’s right—thanks to Sodexo Food Service, every student has access to nutritious meals at no cost.
✅ Eat smart.
✅ Stay energized.
✅ Be ready to learn!
Let’s make healthy choices together—because a great day starts with a great breakfast! 🥯🥛🍳
#BoostYourBrain #HealthyChoices #FreeMeals #Sodexo #StudentSuccess
Did you know that eating a healthy breakfast can help improve focus, energy, and learning throughout the day? 🧠✨ Start your morning right and fuel your body for success!
🍎 Breakfast + Lunch = FREE for ALL students!
That’s right—thanks to Sodexo Food Service, every student has access to nutritious meals at no cost.
✅ Eat smart.
✅ Stay energized.
✅ Be ready to learn!
Let’s make healthy choices together—because a great day starts with a great breakfast! 🥯🥛🍳
#BoostYourBrain #HealthyChoices #FreeMeals #Sodexo #StudentSuccess
Huge shout-out to Deputy Hawkins and our lead custodian, Justin over at DDB. They worked together on Thursday to fix a student's broken bike pedal. We love watching our community show up for each other in various ways. Way to go!
Come one, come all! DDB is hosting a bingo night on September 16th. This is a fantastic opportunity to learn about our Title 1 program, while playing for some awesome prizes and enjoying some yummy pizza! We hope to see you there!
🌟 It’s Not Too Late to Join Girl Scouts! 🌟
📍 Next Meeting Location:
VV Fairgrounds, Art Room
800 E. Cherry St., Cottonwood, AZ
🗓️ When:
2nd & 4th Wednesday of each month
⏰ 6:00 – 7:30 PM
👧 Who Can Join:
Girls in Grades K–8
✨ Why Join?
Make new friends.
Laugh, play, and explore together.
Build leadership skills.
Make a difference in our community and our world.
Come discover the fun, friendship, and adventure of Girl Scouts!
On 9/5 DDB will have our first Middle School Dance. $5 to get in, $1 for each snack.
#falconsfinest
#falconsfinest
✨ COCSD Governing Board Meeting Highlights ✨
At last night’s meeting, we were honored to have students from Dr. Daniel Bright Elementary School lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance. 🇺🇸
We are excited to announce a new partnership with Sparklight! 💡 They have generously agreed to support our efforts in recognizing students and staff who embody COCSD’s core values of student-centered hard work. Each month, recipients of the Spark Award will receive a commemorative plaque and a $25 gift card.
This month, we were proud to recognize:
🏆 Mr. Cody Altringer – CCS
🏆 Mrs. Christianna Boxx – DDB
We also recognized two student who were unable to join us.
The Board also welcomed a presentation from Mr. Rick Evans with Hill & Lock, who demonstrated innovative Entry Guard locks. He also shared grant and private funding opportunities to help pilot the program in our schools.
Lastly, the Board approved the revised budget to keep our district moving forward with stability and growth.
👏 Thank you to our students, staff, partners, and community for your ongoing support of COCSD!
At last night’s meeting, we were honored to have students from Dr. Daniel Bright Elementary School lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance. 🇺🇸
We are excited to announce a new partnership with Sparklight! 💡 They have generously agreed to support our efforts in recognizing students and staff who embody COCSD’s core values of student-centered hard work. Each month, recipients of the Spark Award will receive a commemorative plaque and a $25 gift card.
This month, we were proud to recognize:
🏆 Mr. Cody Altringer – CCS
🏆 Mrs. Christianna Boxx – DDB
We also recognized two student who were unable to join us.
The Board also welcomed a presentation from Mr. Rick Evans with Hill & Lock, who demonstrated innovative Entry Guard locks. He also shared grant and private funding opportunities to help pilot the program in our schools.
Lastly, the Board approved the revised budget to keep our district moving forward with stability and growth.
👏 Thank you to our students, staff, partners, and community for your ongoing support of COCSD!
Today, Verde Tech High School students had the opportunity to use our apple cider press with apples they harvested from the Farm at Bent River. This hands-on experience celebrates the connection between learning, sustainability, and community partnerships. Our students are gaining valuable experiences that connect their hard work in the field to meaningful results. 🍎
📢 Attention COCSD Families & Community!
The Cottonwood-Oak Creek School District has released the Override Fact Sheet to help families and community members understand the upcoming all-mail ballot election.
🗳 Key Dates to Remember:
Ballots Mailed: October 8, 2025
Election Day: November 4, 2025
Type of Election: All-mail ballot
💡 What does the override mean for our schools?
The Fact Sheet explains how the override impacts students, staff, and programs—and why it matters for the future of education in our community.
📄 Families are encouraged to review the Fact Sheet to learn more and make informed decisions this November. Together, we can shape the future of COCSD! If you are community member and would like to host a community presentation please reach out to Tricia Winters at (928) 634-2288 to schedule a presentation.
The Cottonwood-Oak Creek School District has released the Override Fact Sheet to help families and community members understand the upcoming all-mail ballot election.
🗳 Key Dates to Remember:
Ballots Mailed: October 8, 2025
Election Day: November 4, 2025
Type of Election: All-mail ballot
💡 What does the override mean for our schools?
The Fact Sheet explains how the override impacts students, staff, and programs—and why it matters for the future of education in our community.
📄 Families are encouraged to review the Fact Sheet to learn more and make informed decisions this November. Together, we can shape the future of COCSD! If you are community member and would like to host a community presentation please reach out to Tricia Winters at (928) 634-2288 to schedule a presentation.
COCSD Child Find Event
📍 Cottonwood Education Services Campus, 301 N. Willard
🗓 Tuesday, September 3rd
🕣 8:30 AM – 11:00 AM
COCSD will be holding Child Find to help identify children who may need special education services. (Appt. required)
Following the event, Yavapai County Nurse, Jennifer Miller, will be available on-site to administer immunizations for any children needing vaccinations.
📍 Cottonwood Education Services Campus, 301 N. Willard
🗓 Tuesday, September 3rd
🕣 8:30 AM – 11:00 AM
COCSD will be holding Child Find to help identify children who may need special education services. (Appt. required)
Following the event, Yavapai County Nurse, Jennifer Miller, will be available on-site to administer immunizations for any children needing vaccinations.
🚍✨ COCSD Transportation Update! ✨🚍
This week, the COCSD Governing Board took a special field trip to our Transportation Department to preview the brand-new Dragonfly bus, which will officially go into service next week! 🐉🚌 Present were Mr. Manzenberger, Mr. Teel & Mrs. Rollins ( a former COCSD bus driver).
During the visit, driver/mechanic Jimmy Montgomery and Director Daniel Maldonado walked the board through the exciting new features of the bus and even demonstrated the wheelchair lift, highlighting our commitment to accessibility and student safety.
Transportation Secretary Kat Spendlove also shared details about an upcoming program called Cross Walk 🚦. This innovative system will include GPS tracking on our buses and allow students to scan their student ID cards when boarding or exiting. Parents will then receive real-time notifications of when and where their child gets on and off the bus — giving families peace of mind and strengthening our safety measures.
This is just one more commitment to keeping parents informed and students safe at COCSD. 💙
This week, the COCSD Governing Board took a special field trip to our Transportation Department to preview the brand-new Dragonfly bus, which will officially go into service next week! 🐉🚌 Present were Mr. Manzenberger, Mr. Teel & Mrs. Rollins ( a former COCSD bus driver).
During the visit, driver/mechanic Jimmy Montgomery and Director Daniel Maldonado walked the board through the exciting new features of the bus and even demonstrated the wheelchair lift, highlighting our commitment to accessibility and student safety.
Transportation Secretary Kat Spendlove also shared details about an upcoming program called Cross Walk 🚦. This innovative system will include GPS tracking on our buses and allow students to scan their student ID cards when boarding or exiting. Parents will then receive real-time notifications of when and where their child gets on and off the bus — giving families peace of mind and strengthening our safety measures.
This is just one more commitment to keeping parents informed and students safe at COCSD. 💙
Good morning COCSD families... Kare Bear Daycare is closed for today. If your child usually goes there for after school care, other arrangements will need to be made. Contact your school campus to let them know of those changes. Thank you.
📢 Reminder for COCSD Families
There will be no school on Monday, September 1st in observance of the Labor Day holiday. 🛑🍎
Classes will resume on Tuesday, September 2nd.
We wish all of our Cottonwood-Oak Creek families a wonderful, safe weekend filled with quality time together. ❤️
Enjoy the holiday! 🇺🇸
There will be no school on Monday, September 1st in observance of the Labor Day holiday. 🛑🍎
Classes will resume on Tuesday, September 2nd.
We wish all of our Cottonwood-Oak Creek families a wonderful, safe weekend filled with quality time together. ❤️
Enjoy the holiday! 🇺🇸
Leading with Heart, Teaching with Purpose. ❤️📚
The recent COCSD District PLC (Professional Learning Communities) was a powerful reminder of what makes this community special. Educators came together to dig in—asking questions, discussing pacing, and exploring new assessments with curiosity and purpose. That inquiry mindset is what keeps us moving forward.
A special shoutout to the PLC facilitators and school administration who leaned in alongside staff. That is the COCSD way—we do it together, all hands on deck! 🙌
We’re also proud to share the COCSD Top 10 Core Values, collected at the Welcome Back gathering. The image below highlights what staff lean into most—with TEAMWORK and COLLABORATION rising to the very top.
These shared values give us the COURAGE to show up fully—for each other, and for our students. 💪🏼
The recent COCSD District PLC (Professional Learning Communities) was a powerful reminder of what makes this community special. Educators came together to dig in—asking questions, discussing pacing, and exploring new assessments with curiosity and purpose. That inquiry mindset is what keeps us moving forward.
A special shoutout to the PLC facilitators and school administration who leaned in alongside staff. That is the COCSD way—we do it together, all hands on deck! 🙌
We’re also proud to share the COCSD Top 10 Core Values, collected at the Welcome Back gathering. The image below highlights what staff lean into most—with TEAMWORK and COLLABORATION rising to the very top.
These shared values give us the COURAGE to show up fully—for each other, and for our students. 💪🏼
✨ Yavapai County Education Foundation and Findlay Subaru of Prescott honored 25 outstanding educators from across Yavapai County through the Subaru Loves Learning program!
Among the honorees was our own COCSD, Mrs. Teddy Armstrong, 21st Century District Coordinator. We are so proud to see her recognized for her dedication to students and commitment to education! 👏
Mrs. Armstrong received a classroom supply box and a $500 grant to support student programming. She was also recognized earlier this spring in the YCEF Teacher Tribute Magazine.
In attendance for this celebration were Yavapai County Superintendent Steve King, Mrs. Jamie Woodward, Superintendent Jessica Vocca, and Mrs. Tricia Winters.
We are deeply grateful to Findlay Subaru of Prescott for their generous support in celebrating the teachers who inspire and shape the future of Yavapai County. 💙🍎
#YCEF #SubaruLovesLearning #COCSDTeacherTribute #ThankATeacher
Among the honorees was our own COCSD, Mrs. Teddy Armstrong, 21st Century District Coordinator. We are so proud to see her recognized for her dedication to students and commitment to education! 👏
Mrs. Armstrong received a classroom supply box and a $500 grant to support student programming. She was also recognized earlier this spring in the YCEF Teacher Tribute Magazine.
In attendance for this celebration were Yavapai County Superintendent Steve King, Mrs. Jamie Woodward, Superintendent Jessica Vocca, and Mrs. Tricia Winters.
We are deeply grateful to Findlay Subaru of Prescott for their generous support in celebrating the teachers who inspire and shape the future of Yavapai County. 💙🍎
#YCEF #SubaruLovesLearning #COCSDTeacherTribute #ThankATeacher
🎉 Cottonwood-Oak Creek School District Families! 🎉
Our 21st Century After School Programs are now OPEN for enrollment! 🌟
✅ Snacks provided
✅ Clubs & activities for every interest
✅ Safe, fun, and engaging environment
It’s all about FUN, FUN, FUN while kids play, learn, and grow together. 💡🎨⚽🎶
👉 Check in with your school’s front office for enrollment details today!
We can’t wait to see your kids after school! 💙
#COCSD #AfterSchoolPrograms #KidsPlayAndLearn
Our 21st Century After School Programs are now OPEN for enrollment! 🌟
✅ Snacks provided
✅ Clubs & activities for every interest
✅ Safe, fun, and engaging environment
It’s all about FUN, FUN, FUN while kids play, learn, and grow together. 💡🎨⚽🎶
👉 Check in with your school’s front office for enrollment details today!
We can’t wait to see your kids after school! 💙
#COCSD #AfterSchoolPrograms #KidsPlayAndLearn
🎉 We’re at the National Rural STEM Learning Summit in Fort McDowell, AZ (Aug 26–29)!
Designed for rural educators, administrators, and community leaders, the summit is all about elevating science, technology, engineering, and math in our communities. We’re soaking up inspiring keynotes, rolling up our sleeves in hands-on workshops, and networking with folks who share our love for STEM. 💡🔧🔬
👉 Interested in shaping the next generation of watershed stewards?
Join the Verde Watershed Fellows! Reach out to Laurie Altringer at the Science Vortex: laurie@sciencevortex.org
.
#RuralSTEM #STEMEducation #Arizona #CommunityEducation #HandsOnLearning #VerdeWatershedFellows
Designed for rural educators, administrators, and community leaders, the summit is all about elevating science, technology, engineering, and math in our communities. We’re soaking up inspiring keynotes, rolling up our sleeves in hands-on workshops, and networking with folks who share our love for STEM. 💡🔧🔬
👉 Interested in shaping the next generation of watershed stewards?
Join the Verde Watershed Fellows! Reach out to Laurie Altringer at the Science Vortex: laurie@sciencevortex.org
.
#RuralSTEM #STEMEducation #Arizona #CommunityEducation #HandsOnLearning #VerdeWatershedFellows
📢 Override Election Information for COCSD Families
The Cottonwood-Oak Creek School District has released the Override Fact Sheet to provide families and community members with information regarding the upcoming election.
Ballots Mailed: October 8, 2025
Election Day: November 4, 2025
Type of Election: All-mail ballot election
The Override Fact Sheet includes details about what the override means for our schools and how it impacts students, staff, and programs.
📄 Families are encouraged to review the Fact Sheet to learn more about the upcoming election.
The Cottonwood-Oak Creek School District has released the Override Fact Sheet to provide families and community members with information regarding the upcoming election.
Ballots Mailed: October 8, 2025
Election Day: November 4, 2025
Type of Election: All-mail ballot election
The Override Fact Sheet includes details about what the override means for our schools and how it impacts students, staff, and programs.
📄 Families are encouraged to review the Fact Sheet to learn more about the upcoming election.
Mr. Dambrov's Verde Tech biology class took a hands-on field trip to the Tuzigoot River Access Point today! Students collected leaf litter as part of a biodiversity assessment of the Verde River. They'll be preserving and studying the organisms they found to learn more about the river's ecosystem.
Oak Creek School PTO is excited to welcome vendors to this year’s 44th Old Tyme Country Fair!
Vendor spaces are assigned on a first-come, first-paid basis—so don’t wait! They truly appreciate your promptness in submitting your form and completing payment.
We can’t wait to see you at the fair!
https://docs.google.com/.../1FAIpQLSel.../viewform...
Vendor spaces are assigned on a first-come, first-paid basis—so don’t wait! They truly appreciate your promptness in submitting your form and completing payment.
We can’t wait to see you at the fair!
https://docs.google.com/.../1FAIpQLSel.../viewform...
This week, Mr. Dalton, YCSO Deputy Hawkins, and Officer Roger Scarem attended the Arizona School Administrators (ASA) School Safety & Security Summit in Litchfield Park.
They joined state and national leaders in school safety, including Dr. Kenneth Trump, Dr. Paul Tighe, John Michael Keys of The “I Love You Guys” Foundation, Yavapai County Superintendent Steve King, and retired Superintendent Tim Carter.
The focus of the summit was on making schools safer through:
💙 Preparedness in uncertain times
💙 Supporting student mental health as part of safety
💙 Working together as a whole community
💙 Preventing violence
💙 Strengthening reunification protocols
Parents and families can feel confident knowing our school and law enforcement partners are actively learning, planning, and working together to keep our schools safe, supportive, and ready for any challenge.
They joined state and national leaders in school safety, including Dr. Kenneth Trump, Dr. Paul Tighe, John Michael Keys of The “I Love You Guys” Foundation, Yavapai County Superintendent Steve King, and retired Superintendent Tim Carter.
The focus of the summit was on making schools safer through:
💙 Preparedness in uncertain times
💙 Supporting student mental health as part of safety
💙 Working together as a whole community
💙 Preventing violence
💙 Strengthening reunification protocols
Parents and families can feel confident knowing our school and law enforcement partners are actively learning, planning, and working together to keep our schools safe, supportive, and ready for any challenge.
