Shout out to the Cottonwood Home Depot team and the Milwaukee Tool representative for their stellar customer service! Thank you for going above and beyond to help Verde Tech High School purchase items for our Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs—we appreciate your support for our students’ hands-on learning!
🎉 Congratulations, Teddy Armstrong! 🎉
We’re thrilled to announce that Teddy Armstrong, our incredible 21st Century Coordinator, has been selected as a recipient of a $500 Classroom Grant by Findlay Subaru in Prescott! 🚗🍎
Teddy was featured in the Yavapai County Education Foundation’s Tribute to Educators Magazine last spring, and this well-deserved recognition speaks volumes about the professionalism, passion and dedication Teddy brings to our district every day.
Teddy will be honored at a special celebration hosted by Findlay Subaru on August 27th at 5:00 PM in Prescott. 📅🎊
👏 Let’s all take a moment to say — Congratulations, Teddy! Your hard work and unwavering commitment to our students and programs make a real difference. We are so proud of you!
#COCSDPride #ThankYouTeddy #21stCenturyLeader #EducationMatters #FindlaySubaru #YCEF #ClassroomGrant
We’re thrilled to announce that Teddy Armstrong, our incredible 21st Century Coordinator, has been selected as a recipient of a $500 Classroom Grant by Findlay Subaru in Prescott! 🚗🍎
Teddy was featured in the Yavapai County Education Foundation’s Tribute to Educators Magazine last spring, and this well-deserved recognition speaks volumes about the professionalism, passion and dedication Teddy brings to our district every day.
Teddy will be honored at a special celebration hosted by Findlay Subaru on August 27th at 5:00 PM in Prescott. 📅🎊
👏 Let’s all take a moment to say — Congratulations, Teddy! Your hard work and unwavering commitment to our students and programs make a real difference. We are so proud of you!
#COCSDPride #ThankYouTeddy #21stCenturyLeader #EducationMatters #FindlaySubaru #YCEF #ClassroomGrant
🚍✨ Big News from COCSD Student Support Services! ✨🚍
We’re thrilled to share that a few weeks ago, our Student Support Services team welcomed a brand-new multi-handicapped bus into the fleet! 🛠️💙
Today, our incredible Transportation Department and Niles Radio was hard at work getting it fully equipped with radios and GPS—just one more important step to ensure our students’ safety on the road. 📡🛰️
We can’t wait to get this beautiful bus rolling and serving our students soon. Stay tuned for its official debut! 👀👏
#COCSD #StudentSupportServices #TransportationTeam #SafetyFirst #NewBusDay
We’re thrilled to share that a few weeks ago, our Student Support Services team welcomed a brand-new multi-handicapped bus into the fleet! 🛠️💙
Today, our incredible Transportation Department and Niles Radio was hard at work getting it fully equipped with radios and GPS—just one more important step to ensure our students’ safety on the road. 📡🛰️
We can’t wait to get this beautiful bus rolling and serving our students soon. Stay tuned for its official debut! 👀👏
#COCSD #StudentSupportServices #TransportationTeam #SafetyFirst #NewBusDay
Good afternoon, MVP families... it is with regret that due to a high student count on the Wild Burro bus, we will need to remove stops from the route. This will mean the students at those stops will need to find alternate means of transportation to get to and from school. We ask that they not try to get on the bus at a different stop, as this will defeat the purpose of what we are trying to do. We are currently overloaded with students who are trying to take the bus and need to reduce those numbers for their safety. The stops to be removed are the following:
E Fir & 12th St/Verde Dr
E Fir & 6th St/Paradise Rd
E Fir & Monte Tesoro Rd
E Pima & Tavern Grill
This will go into effect starting Monday, 8/11/2025. Of course, with the hiring of more drivers, this will alleviate the situation and allow us to transport to these areas again. If you or anyone are interested in becoming a school bus driver, please reach out to the Transportation Department for more information. We do apologize for the major inconvenience this will cause a lot of families. - Daniel Maldonado, Transportation Director
E Fir & 12th St/Verde Dr
E Fir & 6th St/Paradise Rd
E Fir & Monte Tesoro Rd
E Pima & Tavern Grill
This will go into effect starting Monday, 8/11/2025. Of course, with the hiring of more drivers, this will alleviate the situation and allow us to transport to these areas again. If you or anyone are interested in becoming a school bus driver, please reach out to the Transportation Department for more information. We do apologize for the major inconvenience this will cause a lot of families. - Daniel Maldonado, Transportation Director
📣 COCSD Governing Board Meeting Highlights
Last night, the COCSD Governing Board held its regular meeting—and we were honored to have special guests in attendance! 🙌
A heartfelt thank you to the Cottonwood Fire Department for joining us and leading everyone in the Pledge of Allegiance 🇺🇸. The Board also took a moment to recognize and celebrate the department’s outstanding support of our schools through their Back-to-School Supply Drive. Their generous donations played a big role in making our Welcome Back Celebration such a success! 🎉
As many know, due to ongoing state budget constraints, our teachers often pay out of pocket to provide classroom supplies. This donation was a much-needed boost and deeply appreciated by our staff and students alike 💙✏️📚.
The Board also acknowledged Ms. Barbara Amato for her exceptional work in successfully transitioning our district's health insurance provider from Kairos to Motiv Health. This was a massive project—completed in a short timeframe just prior to the start of the new year—and Barbara tackled it with patience, grace, professionalism and dedication. Thank you, Barbara! 👏
#COCSD #CommunitySupport #BackToSchool #ThankYouCFD #Teamwork #EducationMatters #COCSDPride
Last night, the COCSD Governing Board held its regular meeting—and we were honored to have special guests in attendance! 🙌
A heartfelt thank you to the Cottonwood Fire Department for joining us and leading everyone in the Pledge of Allegiance 🇺🇸. The Board also took a moment to recognize and celebrate the department’s outstanding support of our schools through their Back-to-School Supply Drive. Their generous donations played a big role in making our Welcome Back Celebration such a success! 🎉
As many know, due to ongoing state budget constraints, our teachers often pay out of pocket to provide classroom supplies. This donation was a much-needed boost and deeply appreciated by our staff and students alike 💙✏️📚.
The Board also acknowledged Ms. Barbara Amato for her exceptional work in successfully transitioning our district's health insurance provider from Kairos to Motiv Health. This was a massive project—completed in a short timeframe just prior to the start of the new year—and Barbara tackled it with patience, grace, professionalism and dedication. Thank you, Barbara! 👏
#COCSD #CommunitySupport #BackToSchool #ThankYouCFD #Teamwork #EducationMatters #COCSDPride
First Full Week at Verde Tech High School!
It’s been a busy and exciting start to the year! One of our students took a moment to hang out with a furry friend — a small reminder to slow down and enjoy the little things. We’re looking forward to another fantastic year!
It’s been a busy and exciting start to the year! One of our students took a moment to hang out with a furry friend — a small reminder to slow down and enjoy the little things. We’re looking forward to another fantastic year!
Hello CCS families... if your child rides the Red Fox route on Wed, please double check the stop times for Early Release Wed. It seems some older sheets got out to parents and we want to make sure everyone is on the same page with the correct times. We appreciate your understanding and hopefully this won't cause too much inconvenience. Have a great day! - Daniel Maldonado, Transportation Director.
📢 Friendly Reminder for All COCSD Families! 🏫✏️
As we kick off a brand-new school year, it's important that we have accurate emergency contact information for every student in the event of an emergency. ⛑️📞
Please take a moment to check and update your child's emergency contacts, phone numbers, and authorized pick-up list through your school's front office or parent portal.
Having up-to-date information helps us keep your child safe and ensures we can reach you quickly if needed. Thank you for helping us start the year off right! 💙📚
#COCSD #BackToSchool #StudentSafety #StayConnected
As we kick off a brand-new school year, it's important that we have accurate emergency contact information for every student in the event of an emergency. ⛑️📞
Please take a moment to check and update your child's emergency contacts, phone numbers, and authorized pick-up list through your school's front office or parent portal.
Having up-to-date information helps us keep your child safe and ensures we can reach you quickly if needed. Thank you for helping us start the year off right! 💙📚
#COCSD #BackToSchool #StudentSafety #StayConnected
Good evening MVP families... if your child rides the Honey Bee route home on Weds, please check the route sheet available online at https://www.cocsd.us/o/cced/page/transportation
to see the correct stop times per the new release for MVP on Weds. Thank you - Daniel Maldonado, Transportation Director
to see the correct stop times per the new release for MVP on Weds. Thank you - Daniel Maldonado, Transportation Director
🌟 Teamwork makes the dream work! 🌟
This weekend, a dedicated crew came together at Cottonwood Community School to transform our STAR classroom—a specialized space designed to support students with disabilities. Under the guidance of Dr. Alley from Student Support Services, the team worked tirelessly to create a safe, welcoming, and functional environment for our students to thrive.
We are incredibly thankful to everyone who rolled up their sleeves and got to work, including Dr. Flores, Mrs. Jamie Woodward, Mrs. King, Mrs. Amato , Principal Wacker, Yavapai County Superintendent Steve King, and several generous community members.
This is what happens when passionate people unite for a common purpose—our students. 💙💪
#COCSD #TeamworkMakesTheDreamWork #CCS Pride
This weekend, a dedicated crew came together at Cottonwood Community School to transform our STAR classroom—a specialized space designed to support students with disabilities. Under the guidance of Dr. Alley from Student Support Services, the team worked tirelessly to create a safe, welcoming, and functional environment for our students to thrive.
We are incredibly thankful to everyone who rolled up their sleeves and got to work, including Dr. Flores, Mrs. Jamie Woodward, Mrs. King, Mrs. Amato , Principal Wacker, Yavapai County Superintendent Steve King, and several generous community members.
This is what happens when passionate people unite for a common purpose—our students. 💙💪
#COCSD #TeamworkMakesTheDreamWork #CCS Pride
We’re proud to celebrate the incredible students and staff at Verde Tech High School for outperforming the state average on the AzSCI test — for the second year in a row!
This achievement is a reflection of hard work, dedication, and commitment to excellence in science.
Congratulations, VTHS!
This achievement is a reflection of hard work, dedication, and commitment to excellence in science.
Congratulations, VTHS!
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
