📚✏️ 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
🌊🐢 Big learning from our littlest campers at Camp Innovation!
With the help of the ever-creative Mrs. Davis, our tiny explorers crafted sea turtles to learn all about shapes 🟢🔺 and built a sunflower model to discover how plants grow — from roots to petals! 🌻🌱
It’s hands-on fun and learning in full bloom! Thank you Mrs. Davis for all you do!
🎨🦜 Art is taking flight at Camp Innovation!
Our creative campers turned recycled materials into colorful parrots in art class — proving that with a little imagination, trash can become treasure! ♻️🌈
Big shoutout to our young artists for making the world a little brighter (and greener) one parrot at a time!
🌿🔬 Field Scientists in Action! 🔬🌿
Our Camp Innovation explorers teamed up with The Science Vortex for a hands-on science adventure at Riverfront Park! 🧪🌊
Armed with curiosity and field journals, our young scientists:
🪲 Identified and classified bugs
📊 Studied populations and density
🧠 Asked great questions and made real-world observations
💧 Investigated macroinvertebrates to test water quality
And guess what? According to our data, the Verde River has excellent water quality! ✅💙
This was real science, in the real world — the kind that inspires lifelong learning. Way to go, scientists! 👏🔍
📚☀️ Camp Innovation is proud to partner with the Cottonwood Public Library! ☀️📚
Thanks to the incredible support of Danielle Ave, every one of our campers was issued their very own library card this summer—opening the door to a world of reading and discovery! 💳📖
But Danielle didn’t stop there…
👓 She visited camp to read stories with our kiddos
🎁 Surprised them with sweet goodie bags on our final day
📘 And sent each camper home with a brand-new book to enjoy over the break!
Danielle, we appreciate you more than words can say. Thank you for investing in our kids, our camp, and our community. 💙📚
🎉✨ 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!
