Today we celebrate Mrs. Langley, whose leadership inspires us all. She leads with compassion, integrity, and a heart for every student, family, and staff member. 💙
Mrs. Langley lifts us up, cheers us on, and leads by example every single day. As both a lifelong learner and educator, she reminds us of the power of showing up and giving our best. Her high expectations come wrapped in encouragement and positivity—creating a school culture where excellence and kindness go hand in hand.
Her genuine love for our school community shines through in everything she does, and we’re so thankful to have such a caring, dedicated leader guiding us. 🌟
Let’s give a big shoutout to Mrs. Langley for all she does to make our school a place where everyone can thrive! 👏💐 #ThankAPrincipal #NationalPrincipalMonth #COCSDProud
Our bus fleet was up bright and early this weekend for the annual DPS Safety Inspection — and we’re proud to report great results! Out of 16 buses inspected, only 3 didn’t pass the initial test, and 2 were fixed on the spot and immediately stickered ✅. That means just one back-up bus is waiting for its final sign-off.
That’s a huge improvement from last year — and it’s all thanks to the hard work and dedication of our incredible mechanics, Jimmy and David, who keep our buses safe, reliable, and ready to roll every day. 👏👏
Safe buses = safe kids. 💛🚌 #COCSDProud #SchoolBusSafety #Teamwork
At Cottonwood-Oak Creek School District, we’re committed to keeping our students safe—both in the classroom and online. As technology becomes a bigger part of learning, parents play an important role in helping children stay smart and secure on the internet.
Here are a few simple tips to help protect your family online:
💡 Talk early and often – Discuss what’s okay (and not okay) to share online.
🔑 Strong passwords matter – Use complex passwords and update them regularly.
👀 Keep an eye out – Know what apps, games, and websites your child uses.
📱 Think before you click – Teach kids to be cautious of suspicious links or messages.
🔒 Privacy is power – Encourage kids to keep personal details—like school, address, or phone number—private.
Together, we can build good digital habits that last a lifetime! 💙💻
#COCSD #CyberSecurityAwarenessMonth #OnlineSafety #DigitalCitizenship
Mail-in ballots for the Override Election will be mailed beginning October 8th.
Please watch your mailbox, complete your ballot, and return it according to the instructions provided.
This week they built PVC marshmallow launchers all on their own, and soon they’ll be learning how to tie a tie! 👔
We’re so proud of the confidence and skills they’re building together! 💪
At Cottonwood Community School, Wheel Fun gets kids on bikes, moving, and shaking off the day! 🌟 It’s such a healthy way to spend time outdoors, and we love seeing students who might not otherwise get the chance to ride discover how much fun biking can be. 🚲✨
21st CCLC is so thankful for our partnership with Wheel Fun—together we’re making memories for these kids that will last a lifetime! 💙
Cottonwood-Oak Creek School District will be on Fall Break from October 13th–17th, 2025.
No School during this time.
District Office Closed on Monday, October 13th.
We wish all our students, staff, and families a wonderful break! Take time to relax, recharge, and enjoy the beautiful fall weather with your loved ones. 🍁✨
📅 Shows begin tonight and run through October 11th.
🎟️ Get your tickets now at ATORt.Ludus.com and save — tickets will be $3 more at the door.
👥 Recommended for middle school aged children and older.
Don’t wait… come experience the mystery, the tension, and the thrill of Trap!
🌟 October is National Principal Month 🌟
Today we celebrate our very own Mrs. Heather Wacker, a dynamic principal whose leadership sets the tone for the entire campus.
Mrs. Wacker is strong, competitive, and driven—never stopping in her pursuit of growth and learning. She models a growth mindset every day, inspiring both staff and students. She has her teachers’ backs, encourages shared leadership and teamwork, and holds herself fully accountable for everything that happens on campus.
Her extreme leadership, commitment to excellence, and unwavering dedication to our students make her stand out. She builds morale, cultivates positive relationships, and understands the vital role of school culture in creating a thriving community.
Mrs. Wacker is the heart of our “Lobo Pack.” She grows our community, advocates for all, and ensures every decision is made with a mindful respect for each child’s unique strengths and needs. With her energy and engaging style, she keeps us all rowing in the same direction—toward having the very best campus in the district.
Simply put: no one outworks her. Her hustle, heart, and dedication elevate us all. 💙🐺
Join us in thanking Mrs. Wacker for everything she does to lead, inspire, and empower our students, staff, and community!
#ThankAPrincipal #NationalPrincipalMonth #LoboPack
Bring the whole family for a day full of food, fun, rides, and games. 🎠🍔🎯
This community favorite has something for everyone—and all are welcome!
Come out, support our Wildcats, and enjoy a fantastic fall day together. 🐾💙
✨ Governing Board Highlights from Last Night’s Meeting ✨
We are proud to recognize two outstanding staff members, Juanita Wilson and Duane Barto, for going Above and Beyond when a student experienced a medical emergency on the bus. Their quick thinking and calm response ensured the student received help right away. 💙👏
The Board and Administration also celebrated our Sparklight Award recipients:
🏆 OCS Student – Brian Castro
🏆 OCS Teacher – Stevie Culver
🏆 MVP Student – Madeline White
🏆 MVP Teacher – Mrs. Romey
Each recipient received a plaque and a $25 gift card, generously provided by Sparklight.
In addition, the Governing Board approved the 2026–2027 School Year Calendar and the Teacher 301 Pay for Performance plan.
We’re grateful for the dedication of our staff, students, and community who make COCSD a place where excellence shines every day! 🌟
What Is an Override Election?
An Override Election allows a school district to ask voters for approval to increase its budget beyond the state’s revenue limit.
Purpose: To fund operational needs such as teacher and staff salaries, programs, class size, and student services.
Amount: Districts may request up to 15% above the state-imposed budget limit. COCSD is being fiscally conservative and only asking for 10% at this time.
Duration: Overrides are approved for up to 7 years. Funding decreases by one-third in year 6 and two-thirds in year 7 if not renewed.
Funding Source: Overrides are funded through local property taxes, based on assessed value.
Failure to Pass: Without approval, districts must operate within the state revenue limit, which may require budget reductions.
Did you know your taste buds can detect five basic tastes? Tell us your favorite in the "comments" section below.
Each one plays a unique role in how we experience food:
🍫 Sweet – signals energy-rich foods (think fruits & treats)
🧂 Salty – helps the body balance minerals and fluids
🍋 Sour – often points to vitamin-packed fruits (or foods that have gone bad!)
🥬 Bitter – your body’s natural warning system, but also found in healthy greens
🍄 Umami – the savory “fifth taste” found in foods like mushrooms, soy, and cheese
Together, these tastes create the amazing flavor experiences we enjoy every day. Next time you take a bite, pay attention — which tastes are you picking up? 👅✨
#Sodexo #BiteScience #FoodFacts #TasteBuds
🍴 Bring your questions and your appetite!
Superintendent Vocca will be hosting a Lunch & Learn to share important information and answer questions about the upcoming COCSD Override Election.
📅 Date: Monday, September 30, 2024
⏰ Time: 10:30 AM
📍 Location: Verde Valley Senior Center
500 E. Cherry St., Cottonwood
This is a great opportunity to learn more about what the override means for our schools and our community. Everyone is welcome—come be part of the conversation!
#COCSD #CommunityMatters #LunchAndLearn #OverrideElection
A huge thank you to Bedrock Landscape Supply, Sedona Plant Company, Sedonuts, Verde River Growers, and an anonymous donor for making this possible. 💚
We’re still looking for a bench to complete the space—if you’d like to help, please reach out!
