🎄 Staff Spotlight: Ms. Robertson – Mountain View Preparatory 🎄
Some people bring a little extra light to the season, and Ms. Robertson is one of them. Her sense of humor and down-to-earth warmth show up in the classroom, for students and at home—especially this time of year.
Here’s the holiday moment she shared with us:
“Happy holidays! Here's an angel from my real-life home Nativity scene set – my pup Kaibab trying on the halo I actually wore this Halloween lol.”
It’s a good reminder that traditions don’t always have to be serious to matter. Sometimes the things we end up cherishing are the small, genuine moments—the ones that make us smile and keep the season feeling real.
If anyone else has light-hearted traditions or seasonal snapshots that always make their holidays brighter, feel free to share them in the comments. It’s a good time to enjoy the simple things that carry us through the year.
🎄 Staff Spotlight: Mr. Cox – Dr. Daniel Bright Elementary School 🎄
This time of year tends to bring out everyone’s roots, and Mr. Cox is no exception. Around campus, he’s known for his consistency and heart—and that carries right into how he spends the holidays.
Here’s what he shared about the traditions that mean the most to him:
*“I’ve always loved decorating my house for the holidays, especially with blow molds and my collection of M&M dispensers. These decorations aren’t just fun, but they remind me of my grandparents. Their front yard used to be packed with Christmas blow molds, including ones very similar to my Mickey, Minnie, and Tigger. Every year, they’d bring out the M&M dispensers, and my grandparents had several of those pictured. They would fill them with different candies while they displayed them for the season.
I set up my decorations, and it reminds me of Christmas at my grandparents' house and of the family traditions I get to keep going.”*
There’s something steady and grounding about carrying on the same traditions our families held onto year after year. It’s a reminder of where we come from and why these moments still matter.
If anyone else has traditions that bring back memories or just make the season feel right, add them in the comments. It’s always good to share the things that keep our holidays meaningful.
During Morning Meeting, Mrs. Ozuna’s third graders had ONE job…
DON’T LET THE PIGEON GET ON THE BUS!
But that sneaky pigeon?
Oh, he zoomed, he zigged, he zagged…
Some kids reached out—
“I almost got him!”
Others missed him by just a few centimeters—
“WAIT! COME BACK, PIGEON!”
The classroom was full of giggles, gasps, and VERY serious pigeon-catching faces.
What a hilarious, high-energy way to kick off the day!
Thanks to @Mo Willems Workshop for the quick, interactive fun.
(Next time… maybe we’ll actually catch that pigeon.)
https://live.myvrspot.com/iframe?v=YzNiZjQwN2U5OGQ5NmU5YTk4NjE2YjZhMjcwZTRkYjc
Sodexo has knocked it out of the park for their December Feature with their Thai Chicken & Pineapple Fried Rice. 🍍🍗. Keep your eyes out for this dish on the menu.
Bright flavors, fresh ingredients, and a dish that actually will get students talking !
Always nice to see our cafeteria bringing something bold and fun to the menu while keeping it wholesome. Great job, Sodexo! 👏✨
Do you love working with kids, inspiring confidence, and helping young girls build leadership skills? We’re starting a new Girl Scouts after-school club and need a positive, reliable leader to guide activities, badges, and fun projects.
If you’re enthusiastic about empowering girls and can commit to one afternoon a week, we’d love to hear from you!
Interested or know someone who might be? Please reach out!
#MountainViewPreparatory #HomeoftheOcelots #MVPAfter-SchoolClubs #MVP21stCCLC #MVPParentVolunteers. #MVPSchoolCommunity #MVPSupportOurStudents #MVPAfterSchoolFun #MVPInspireTheNextGeneration
Science Vortex Stop & Motion:
Mountain View Preparatory 2nd graders had an exciting day at Science Vortex! Mrs. Bivanco’s 2nd grade class had a blast on their field trip learning all about stop and motion.
Hands-on activities, big smiles, and lots of creativity—such an awesome way to learn!
#MountainViewPreparatory #HomeoftheOcelots #MrsBivanco2ndGrade #MVPScienceVortex #MVPFieldTripFun #MVPSecondGradeAdventures #MVPHandsOnLearning #MVPSTEMEducation #CreativeKids
🍎 Happy National Apple Day! 🍎
Today we’re celebrating one of the simplest, healthiest, and most classic snacks out there. Thanks to our Sodexo Food Service team for sharing some fun apple facts with us—just another reminder of why this timeless fruit deserves a spot in your day.
From crisp and sweet to tart and juicy, apples have been a trusted favorite for generations. Do something good for yourself and grab one today!
🍏 Eat an apple and enjoy the goodness! 🍏
CCS 7th Graders celebrated Thanksgiving! They took some time to share their Thanksgiving traditions. Everyone has something unique that makes the holiday meaningful. We added a little sweetness to the day! They rolled up their sleeves and made their very own, "Pie in a Cup" with layers of crushed graham crackers, pie filling and whipped topping. It was the perfect treat to celebrate the season. Thank you, 7th graders, for sharing your traditions, your stories, and your teamwork! We are thankful for each of you. Happy Thanksgiving from CCS!
❄️🎒 Winter Break Camp is Coming! 🎒❄️
Proudly provided by the Cottonwood Recreation Center.
Give your kids a fun, active place to spend their break while you keep your routine running smoothly. Our Winter Break Camp offers full-day activities, new friends, and plenty of structure to keep kids engaged.
Camp Details:
• Ages: 4–11
• Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:30 PM
• Note: Youth Center Membership scans do not apply to school break camps; separate registration is required.
Camp Sessions:
• Session 1: December 22–24 (Mon–Wed)
• Session 2: December 29–31 (Mon–Wed)
These short sessions fill fast every year — a steady favorite for families looking for a reliable, enriching option over the holidays. ❄️🏕️
Our campus is extra festive this year thanks to the turkeys our students have been raising as part of their hands-on agriculture program.
We’re grateful for our hardworking students, dedicated staff, and supportive community that makes Verde Tech such a special place to learn and grow. Wishing everyone a safe, restful, and wonderful Thanksgiving!
✨ Staff Spotlight: Bethany Campista ✨
This month we are proud to highlight Bethany Campista, our outstanding District Food Service Manager whose dedication and positive spirit make a difference across the entire district.
Bethany is the definition of a team player. While she assists with our food service operations with excellence, her contributions reach far beyond her role. She consistently steps up wherever help is needed—whether that means supporting district-wide projects like inventory management, subbing in various positions, or even covering transportation Office needs to keep our schools running smoothly.
Her willingness to go above and beyond, paired with her upbeat attitude and strong work ethic, make Bethany an invaluable part of the COCSD family. We are grateful for her commitment, flexibility, and the positive energy she brings to our district every day.
Thank you, Bethany, for all you do! Your dedication truly shines.
🍁 Cottonwood-Oak Creek School District will be on Thanksgiving Break November 26–28.
School resumes Monday, December 1. 🦃
Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at COCSD!
From our families to yours, we’re grateful for your trust, support, and partnership. Each day, you give us the opportunity to do the work that matters—serving and supporting the students we all care about.
Wishing you a warm, safe, and meaningful holiday with the people who matter most. Enjoy the break, and we’ll see everyone back ready to finish the semester strong.
Join us for a Parent Meeting on Monday, December 1st from 5:30–6:30 PM at the District Office Board Room (1 N. Willard, Cottonwood).
This meeting is not required, but families who attend will be able to enroll for camp at the meeting. Come with your questions and learn about our district’s amazing partnership with the historic Mingus Mountain Camp and Retreat Center.
District-wide enrollment opens Tuesday, December 2nd.
As with last year, a non-refundable $25 t-shirt payment will be due at registration.
We are always grateful for wonderful parent volunteers. Please remember that all volunteers must be cleared through Human Resources and have a valid IVP card on file.
We cannot wait for our 3rd annual Winter Camp at Mingus Mountain.
We’ll see everyone OFF GRID! 🌲❄️
Attitude of Gratitude 🍎💛
As we head into this season of thanks, we want to shine a light on our Sodexo Food Service team and the families we serve each day. Our food service workers show up early, work hard, and make sure our students are cared for with meals that fuel their day. Their dedication is steady, dependable, and deeply appreciated.
We’re also grateful for our families who support our schools and trust us with their children. Your partnership makes all the difference.
Here’s to the people who keep our students nourished, encouraged, and ready to learn. A heartfelt thank-you to each of you. 🙌💛🍽️
Heads up, families!!! We’ve had to adjust a few bus stops and routes, and the updated information is now posted on our website. These changes go into effect tomorrow, November 25th.
Please take a moment to review the new details so your student is ready for the morning.
👉 https://www.cocsd.us/o/cced/page/transportation
Exciting news from the Science Vortex! 🎉
The Science Vortex has received funding from ACF Sedona for Stage 2 of our outdoor space. This next phase will include new raised garden beds—maintained by CES programs—and fun STEAM features for families and students, including a balance element and a possible airplane component donated by the Children’s Museum of Phoenix. We are so thankful for our community's support!
✨ Staff Spotlight: Eric Wilson ✨
Today we’re recognizing Eric Wilson, whose journey with our district has come full circle. Originally from North Dakota, Eric has called Arizona home since he was seven. He grew up attending CES and CMS, and now has the unique privilege of working alongside some of the very people who once taught him.
Eric first served our schools as a paraprofessional at CCS before joining the Tech Department, where he continues to support students and staff with steady dedication. Guided by his faith, he leads with respect and kindness, sharing, “I think treating others with respect is important, and I try to act with kindness in all I do.”
Outside of work, Eric embraces his inner nerd—enjoying video games, animation, board games, and a good stack of books.
Join us in celebrating Eric for the heart, humility, and reliability he brings to our district every day! 🌟
Oak Creek PTO is kicking off a recycle roundup! ♻️
Got old electronics collecting dust? Give them a second life by sending them our way!
We’re accepting recyclable electronic items now.
Need a pickup? Tom’s your guy — give him a call at (928) 301-9088.
Let’s clean up, clear out, and support our PTO at the same time! 💪📱💻
