Cottonwood-Oak Creek Schools

Sci-Fi Fest Kickoff at the Verde Valley Science Vortex

🚀✨ The Sci-Fi Fest kickoff at the Verde Valley Science Vortex today at Cottonwood Education Services was a huge success! We loved seeing so many organizations from across the Verde Valley come together to celebrate science, creativity, and imagination.

It was especially great to see so many families in attendance, exploring hands-on activities and sharing the excitement together. Thank you to everyone who participated and helped make this kickoff such a fun and inspiring community event! 🌌🔬

☕🍫 Sodexo Food Service Reminder 🍫☕

January 31st is National Hot Chocolate Day—a long-standing winter favorite and a perfect excuse to slow down and enjoy a simple family moment.

Try this lighter, feel-good version at home:
Healthy Hot Chocolate
1 cup unsweetened almond milk
1–2 teaspoons cocoa powder
Sugar alternative to taste (stevia, monk fruit, or your go-to)
Warm gently, whisk well, and enjoy!

No fuss. No extras. Just a warm mug, a classic treat, and a few quiet minutes together. Take the time to relax, unwind, and enjoy being present with family—it matters more than ever. ❤️

Here at Cottonwood Community School, our 21st Century After School Program is in full swing!

We have so many fun clubs happening—from playing Barbies with friends, to singing songs in Music & Movement, and even hosting stuffed animal parades!

Full of laughter, creativity, and joyful moments—this is what after-school memories are made of! 🧸💖🎶

🌟 Staff Spotlight: Alison Sandall 🌟

Do you ever wonder who keeps our school running smoothly behind the scenes? The person who makes sure attendance is done correctly, every student is registered properly, all information is up to date—and somehow still finds time to run our after-school clubs? That person is Alison Sandall.

With over 20 years of experience working with children, Alison brings dedication, organization, and heart into everything she does. From knowing every student by name to making sure each child feels included, safe, and excited to learn, her impact is felt throughout our entire school community.

Beyond the office, Alison plays a huge role in our after-school clubs—making sure kids are having fun, learning new things, and feeling connected. Her love for her job, our staff, and our students shines through every single day.

We truly cannot express enough gratitude for all that Alison does. Our school would not be the same without her, and we are incredibly lucky to have her as part of our team. 💙

👏 Thank you, Alison, for everything you do for our students and families!

📍 Prescott, AZ | Collaboration in Action

Vice President Rollins, President Valenzuela, Superintendent Vocca, and Mrs. Winters recently attended the Yavapai County School Board President’s Roundtable in Prescott. 🤝

The meeting was facilitated by former Yavapai County Superintendent Mr. Tim Carter and brought together board members from across the county to brainstorm ideas, discuss policies and procedures, and network with one another. 💡📋 The discussion also focused on Open Meeting Law, supporting transparency, collaboration, and effective governance for our schools. ⚖️

COCSD values opportunities like this to learn, share, and strengthen leadership in service of our students and community. 💙📚

#COCSDProud #LeadershipInEducation #SchoolBoardLeadership #CollaborationMatters #ServingStudents #YavapaiCounty #PublicEducation #StrongerTogether

Huge congratulations to Adelyn, our 2025 District Sodexo Future Chef Winner! 🎉👏 Her tasty Banana Pancakes will be featured for breakfast at Oak Creek School's cafeteria on February 11, 2026!

✨A big reminder to all young chefs out there: it is free to compete in the Future Chef Challenge, and all supplies will be provided for the chosen finalists. 🎯All you have to do is turn in your recipe online by February 6, 2026. 🗓️Don't miss out on this fun and exciting experience, send in your recipe creations today!!!
👉💻 Submit here: https://futurechefschallenge.com 🥇🥗🍝
We can't wait to see our who our next winner will be! 🏆👩‍🍳
#SodexoFutureChefs #HealthyTreats #FutureChef2025 #BananaPancakes #CulinaryCreations #GetYourEntriesIn #CommunityPride

🌟 Staff Spotlight: Katherine Devault 🌟
Kathy Devault is an essential part of Cottonwood Education Services, serving in her role as campus secretary after previously supporting our community as Food Service Manager.

In her current position, Kathy wears many hats—including attendance secretary and health aide—and is a steady, caring presence for both students and staff. One of Kathy’s greatest strengths is the genuine care and support she provides to students each and every day, always ready to help with a smile and a kind word. 💙

Outside of school, Kathy enjoys gardening and riding her motorcycle throughout Arizona with her husband, Paul. 🏍️🌵
We are grateful for the dedication, compassion, and heart Kathy brings to our campus.

We are so proud of our growing district theater program.

Thank you, Kyla SanGiovanni, for your hard work and dedication to the arts. Kyla wears many hats in our district, including serving as our district theater director.

This is the first year in five years of COCSD’s district theater productions that all four schools will be participating. Thank you to our Transportation Department for helping make this possible. It truly takes a village to support our children and provide lasting opportunities.

Please join us the first week of May for our production of Aristocats, starring the talented young thespians of the Cottonwood Oak Creek School District and supported by the 21st Century Community Learning Centers grant.

❄️⛰️ Mingus Mountain Winter Camp is almost here!

Mrs. Armstrong and Mrs. Winters are counting down the days and can’t wait to welcome our campers next Friday!

Parents of registered campers—don’t forget our Monday evening parent meeting. The adventure is about to begin!

🎉 Project Prom Closet is BACK for Year 5! 🎉

In collaboration with the Rotary Club of the Verde Valley and our amazing MUHS Student Leadership clubs (Interact, Student Council & Key Club), we’re excited to announce that Project Prom Closet will once again be held at Mingus Union High School!

👗✨ Last year, we gave away over 250 formal wear items to high school students from across the Verde Valley—and even welcomed students from all over Northern Arizona!

We are incredibly enthusiastic and eager to invite your schools to participate as we continue to grow this project and make prom more accessible for students in your area. Let’s work together to make prom memories possible for everyone! 💙

📣 Please help us spread the word—we can’t wait for another amazing year!

Families, mark your calendars! 🧪✨
The SciTech Festival Kickoff Extravaganza is January 31st, 10-1 at the Science Vortex.
Explore hands-on STEM, meet local STEM organizations, enjoy food trucks, and kick off a month of learning and fun all February!
More info: sciencevortex.org/vvscitechfestival2026

For event details, schedules, updates, and Spanish translations, please visit:
sciencevortex.org/vvscitechfestival2026

🥣📅 National Granola Bar Day – January 21st!

Sodexo Food Service is giving a friendly reminder that January 21st is National Granola Bar Day—a simple, wholesome snack that’s stood the test of time.

Granola bars are a smart choice for busy days: portable, satisfying, and a great way to keep energy steady between meals. Whether it’s tucked into a backpack, lunchbox, or desk drawer, choosing healthier snacks helps build good habits that last.

Let’s keep it simple, nutritious, and practical—one good choice at a time. 💪🍯

💘 Parent’s Night Out – Valentine’s Day Edition! 💘

Looking for a fun night out while your kids have a blast? We’ve got you covered! 🥰

📍 Cottonwood Recreation Center
🗓 Friday, February 13th
⏰ 4:00 – 8:00 PM
💲 $25 per child
👧🧒 Ages 3–11

Enjoy your Valentine’s plans while your kids enjoy games, activities, and fun in a safe environment! 🎨🎲❤️

⚠️ Pre-registration is REQUIRED
📲 Scan the QR code below to register
📧 Questions? Contact Nick Hull at nhull@cottonwoodaz.gov

📞 (928) 639-3200 Ext. 3210

💕 Spots are limited — sign up today! 💕

🌟 Staff Spotlight: Mrs. Christine Alagna 🌟

We are excited to spotlight Mrs. Christine Alagna, our 7th and 8th grade English and Social Studies teacher at OCS! Christine has been a dedicated member of our school community for 8 years, bringing passion, heart, and commitment into her classroom every day.

Christine is deeply passionate about learning and is always willing to go above and beyond to help her students succeed. She is one of her students’ biggest supporters and a strong advocate for children, creating a fun, engaging, and supportive learning environment where students feel encouraged to grow.

When she’s not teaching, Christine enjoys hiking, running marathons, and staying active and healthy—a true reflection of her energetic and driven spirit.

We are so grateful to have Mrs. Alagna as part of the OCS family and thank her for all she does for our students! 💙📚

📢 Calling all 8th Graders! 📝✨
Enter the Sparklight Essay Contest for a chance to win 1 of 2 prizes worth $250! 🏆💵. See your teacher for details.

💬 Topic: How to Use Social Media in Kind & Healthy Ways
📅 Deadline: Feb. 20, 2026
📌 Turn in your essay to your classroom teacher!

✅ Include:
💛 What kindness & healthy choices look like online
💡 2–3 tips + why they matter
📖 Real examples (scenarios or personal reflection)
🛡️ Topics like cyberbullying, privacy, screen time, being an upstander

📌 Requirements:
📝 750 words typed
🔤 12 pt Arial/Times, double-spaced
🚫 No plagiarism / No AI writing
📄 Attach Student Cover Sheet

#EssayContest #8thGradeWriters #KindOnline #Sparklight