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Celebrating the Resilience and Creativity of our Homeschooling Parents with Disabilities
Dear Cottonwood Families,
Last week, our Assistant Director of Special Education reminded us of the incredible diversity within our school community, sharing inspiring stories of famous individuals with disabilities and reflecting on the many students our school serves. This week, I’d like to shine a light on an equally vital part of our community—homeschooling parents with disabilities.
Understanding Disabilities
A disability is any condition of the body or mind that makes it more difficult for a person to do certain activities and interact with the world around them. Disabilities can be categorized into several types, including:
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Physical Disabilities: Impairments that affect mobility or physical functioning.
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Sensory Disabilities: Impairments that affect one or more senses, such as vision or hearing.
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Cognitive Disabilities: Impairments that affect learning, memory, or problem-solving abilities.
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Emotional and Psychological Disabilities: Conditions affecting emotional stability and mental health.
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Neurological Disabilities: Disorders of the nervous system impacting movement, communication, or cognition.
Celebrating Our Community
At The Cottonwood School, where parents are the primary educators, the diversity of our families extends beyond the students. We are privileged to have many parents with disabilities who navigate their homeschooling journeys with resilience, creativity, and dedication. These parents are a living testament to the fact that homeschooling can be a space of empowerment and possibility, not only for their children but for themselves. Homeschooling offers a flexible and individualized educational experience, allowing parents to tailor curricula and schedules to meet their family’s unique needs.
Inspiring Stories
Some parents managing chronic illnesses have shared how they adapt their homeschooling to fit their needs. On challenging days, they might focus on read-alouds or educational documentaries, teaching their children empathy and adaptability in the process. Other parents with sensory or neurological disabilities have described using technology, such as speech-to-text tools and visual aids, to create effective and engaging learning environments. These examples reflect the resilience and ingenuity found within our community.
Resources and Support
To support our homeschooling parents with disabilities, here are some valuable resources and inspiring stories:
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Exceptional Lives: Features interviews and guidance for parents with disabilities. (exceptionallives.org)
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Learning Abled Kids: Offers insights and encouragement for homeschooling with unique challenges. (learningabledkids.com)
Whether you are a parent with a disability or know someone who is, I encourage you to explore these resources, share your story, or lend your support to others in our community. Together, we can ensure that Cottonwood continues to be a place where families of all abilities thrive.
Kindly,
Kara Parkins
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Explore Our Week of Awareness Resource Library
Over the past two years, we’ve compiled a treasure trove of resources, information, and education about a wide variety of disabilities during our Week of Awareness. While we didn’t send daily newsletters this year, we’ve made all previous newsletters available in a single, easily accessible Google Drive folder.
This collection is filled with valuable insights and tools designed to raise awareness, foster inclusion, and support our community in understanding diverse abilities. We invite you to explore the folder and take advantage of the resources it offers.
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YOU DON'T WANT TO MISS A THING!
- Behind the Screens & Behind the Scenes: Meet our Digital Literacy Coaches!
- Share your opinions with us! Parent & Student LCAP Surveys
- Testing: PFT Exercise Videos
- Educational Design Experts: Upcoming Parent Education Opportunity
- TK-8 Instructional Programs: Superstar Readers, Boost, and RISE
- HS Counseling: Concurrent Enrollment, Scholarships, & Steps to College Fair
- CVHS: CSUS Sustainability Tour
- CCPA: Ice Cream in CCPA’s Chemistry!
- Everybody Belongs: Upcoming Events & Slavic Facts
- Lending Library: Upcoming Storytime, Literati Book Fair
- And More…
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And always at the end of The Wednesday Weekly (only visible if you open the newsletter in a browser – click "View in browser" at the top of this email):
- Registration links and schedules for Park Days, Mondays at the CCC, and the Lending Library.
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You can find more info about dates and events throughout the newsletter or on the Hawks’ Nest calendar.
Remember, this list does not include all events hosted by The Cottonwood School. Please check your personal calendar and email for field trip reminders, class reminders, and more.
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Coming Up:
- Fri, Jan 24:
- Teacher In-Service Day; expect a delayed response time from all staff
- Lending Library and Suite 100 closed for Teacher In-Service Day
Looking Ahead:
- Mon, Feb 3:
- Weds, Feb 5:
- Thurs, Feb 13: March Event Registration, 12:30 pm
- Fri, April 4th: Prom for all 9th – 12th grade students
- Fri, April 11th: The Cottonwood School’s Annual Maker’s Market
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Meet our Digital Literacy Coaches!
Three adjectives that describe the Digital Literacy team:
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Experienced – Each individual has over a decade (or even two) of experience in education, whether in homeschooling, classroom teaching, or both, bringing ample experience to the team.
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Enthusiasm – for teaching, technology, and building relationships with families, students, and colleagues.
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Supportive – We are dedicated to empowering fellow educators—by bridging gaps in digital literacy, encouraging collaboration, and fostering growth.
While our Digital Literacy Coaches primarily support our teachers and staff, they also impact your experiences through sharing their expertise. They also offer Parent Education Opportunities where you can learn more about Cottonwood’s digital offerings.
Most weeks, they share information in the Wednesday Weekly about one of our digital resources or Clever apps! Keep an eye out for their resources in upcoming newsletters!
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Reminder: Clever Parent Portal Discontinued
Please note that the Clever Parent Portal was discontinued on July 1, 2024, and is no longer available for use. While the website (family.clever.com) and the mobile app may still appear on the Google Play Store or remain accessible on devices, they are no longer functional. Clever has removed the app from the Apple Store, but you may still have it installed.
If you need quick access to Clever, we recommend using our direct links and resources provided on the Hawks’ Nest or contacting your Homeschool Teacher for support.
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We Need Your Input: Parent & Student LCAP Surveys
Each year we ask parents and students (3rd grade and older) to share with us your opinions on the offerings at The Cottonwood School!
These surveys help our team to create our LCAP (Local Control and Accountability Plans). The LCAP guides our decisions regarding how we allocate resources for our programs. The survey questions relate directly to California’s eight priorities regarding the following:
- Conditions of Learning
- Student Outcomes
- Parent Engagement
We appreciate you taking the time to provide feedback and help us plan for the future needs of our students. These surveys will be open until February 7th.
Thank you for partnering with us to support our students and school community.
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For students 3rd – 12th grades
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Workshop 4 begins January 29th!
If you would like to sign your student up, contact your HST or reach out to Karlie Garcia.
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As we approach February and the Physical Fitness Testing, here are videos for each of the exercises our 5th, 7th, and 9th-grade students will be demonstrating. Please feel free to have your students practice and become familiar with each exercise.
At The Cottonwood School, PFT is also known as PARTY FITNESS TIME! When you arrive for PFT you will notice a Field Day type atmosphere, with fun music, snacks, and prizes. Some of our students say it’s their favorite event of the year. We can’t wait to enjoy some fun at a local park with you soon!
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PFT Exercise Videos
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Do you need help navigating the digital tools on your Cottonwood Chromebook? Would you like a tour of the resources available to your student? You can join the Curriculum team during our regular office hours each week. We’d love to help!
Office Hours:
Mondays 10 am
Thursdays 3 pm
Curriculum Zoom
RosaLee Hagstrom
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Discover Educational Philosophies: A Workshop for Parents
Are you curious about different educational philosophies and how they may benefit your homeschool journey? Come explore with us at this interactive workshop. Children can participate in activities that highlight various learning approaches while our Educational Design Experts help parents reimagine their homeschool environment.
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While your students explore interactive stations showcasing a variety of teaching methods, you’ll attend a dynamic parent workshop in the adjoining room.
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NHS Applications Closed
The National Honor Society hopes you had a restful MLK Jr. weekend. We want to thank everyone who worked so hard to submit applications. Applications for new members have now officially closed, and the applications will be reviewed this week.
Students who apply should expect to hear a response no later than the end of next week on Friday, Jan. 31st. Students who are accepted should be prepared to attend our Virtual Induction Ceremony on Thursday, Feb. 6, from 5-6 pm. Students who are accepted will also receive an official invitation to this event when they are notified next week. This invitation will include a link to the event as well.
This Virtual Induction Ceremony is open to students’ families and friends who wish to attend in support of their student. We thank everyone for all their interest in our program this year!
For Questions or Comments: kyle.lutkemuller@cottonwoodk12.org
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Spring semester classes start next Monday, January 27! Registered students in live Zoom classes will start receiving weekly newsletters this Friday, January 24. If you would like to add, drop, or change your Superstar Readers registration, please use the TK-8 Request Form. More information about Superstar Readers is always available on the Nest (linked below).
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Boost teachers were thrilled to welcome returning and new students to the first day of classes this week! The virtual classrooms were buzzing with excitement as teachers and students shared a mutual enthusiasm for all the learning, growth, and meaningful connections the spring semester will bring.
Keep an eye on upcoming editions of the Wednesday Weekly throughout this semester, where we will highlight some of the magical moments that take place in Boost classes!
We will also offer informational sessions later this spring for parents to learn more about the Boost program and how it can wonderfully enrich your student’s learning for the 25-26 school year!
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Save the Date – Museum Tour + Workshop Opportunity for All TCS 8th Graders
Join Mrs. Coller and RISE English 8 at Crocker Art Museum to explore art and literacy connections through:
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a guided tour of American stories through art
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discussions about artists’ choices and how they impact the story conveyed
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application of learning in a guided sketching workshop
When: Wednesday, February 26, 9:30 am – 12:00 pm
Where: Crocker Art Museum, 216 O Street, Sacramento
Who: All TCS 8th Graders
Chaperones: Drop-off optional (waivers required), or parents may purchase a day pass to the museum
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Concurrent Enrollment POE Reminder
Now that spring course registration is open for all local community colleges, please remember to send in your proof of enrollment to your counselor asap! If you have any questions about concurrent enrollment, reach out to your counselor.
*Proof of Enrollment (POE) = college name, student name, courses enrolled with dates
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Scholarship Opportunities for Students
The Sacramento Region Community Foundation offers dozens of scholarships to help students reach their educational goals after high school! Most of the scholarships offered are funded by local people and businesses in the Sacramento area. Check out their website for more information on the scholarships available and to see if you meet the requirements needed to apply.
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Are You Ready For College? Attend "Steps To College" Fair @ CalExpo on Saturday February 8th
"Steps to College" is a collaborative initiative involving various organizations, including the Consulate General of Mexico in Sacramento, the California Student Aid Commission, and others.
It brings together representatives from California and Mexican universities, education experts, and nonprofit advocates each year to help students navigate the college process and explore financial aid options.
The fair aims to guide families and students toward a successful path to higher education, emphasizing education as a key tool for personal growth and California’s continued progress. Click below for more information and to register for the event!
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Contact your Counselor
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Save-the-Date for the CSUS Sustainability Tour:
CVHS students have been learning about the themes of human impact on the environment and innovation in their Live classes. On Thursday, March 6th CVHS will be hosting an in-person Sustainability Tour on the CSUS campus. This field trip will be approximately 1:00-2:30 pm. Details and registration for CVHS students are coming soon.
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Mark your calendar for RISE/CVHS CAASPP Testing Week April 7th-10th
RISE & CVHS 11th-grade students have the option to test with RISE teachers the week of April 7th. CVHS 11th-grade students who participate in CAASPP testing this week will be excused from assignments and classes. More details coming on HIP (Homestudy Instruction Program) CAASPP testing week.
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CTE Students are AMAZING!
CTE Students created Vision Board slide decks. Daniella V. did a beautiful job with hers. Click on the image below to check it out!
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Ice Cream in CCPA's Chemistry!
Our chemistry students recently discovered the sweet side of science by making their own handmade ice cream! Using just milk, vanilla, sugar, salt, ice, and a little chemistry magic, they learned about freezing point depression and how salt lowers the freezing temperature of ice, creating the perfect environment to make a delicious treat. It was a hands-on, engaging activity that blended learning with fun, leaving students excited about the power of science in everyday life. And a tasty reward to enjoy!
If you think this kind of hands-on, interactive learning would be a great fit for your student or someone you know, we’d love to have them join us! Our program emphasizes real-world applications and fun, creative ways to explore new ideas, making every subject feel exciting and relevant. Whether your child is already in high school or preparing to enter, this is the perfect time to reach out and sign them up for an education experience unlike any other. Let’s make learning a joy, together! Sign-up today by calling us at (530) 285-2003 or emailing isabella.brenneman@cottonwoodk12.org.
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Upcoming Event: Fenix Drum and Dance Company
We have a wonderful opportunity on Thursday, February 6th at the Community Connect Center with the Fenix Drum and Dance Company. They are a premier West African and Afro-Caribbean performing company. They will perform for the students and teach them how to play the drums and a West African dance. Sign up below for the fun!
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Learn abut Traditional West African Dance that is free and expressive, also loaded with history and culture. Come watch a performance and perfect your dance moves, as well as learn the African drumming technique.
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Learning about Slavic Countries
A delicious Slavic dish that comes in many varieties is a Dolma. It’s a rolled grape leaf most commonly stuffed with rice, minced meat, and a myriad of warm spices and herbs (most often, cumin, allspice, parsley, dill, and mint). Dolma is very popular in Turkey, the Balkans (especially Greece, Macedonia, Albania, and Bulgaria), practically all Arab countries, and Central Asia (especially in Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan). Take a look at some of the various Slavic dishes by clicking through the countries linked above!
Challenge your student’s geography knowledge of the following countries with this Slavic 90 game!
Albania, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czechia, Estonia, Hungary, Kosovo, Latvia, Lithuania, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Poland, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Türkiye, and Ukraine
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Coming to the Lending Library? Bring your art submission at the same time!
We’d love to see more of our creative students shine in the Cottonwood Student Art Exhibition!
When you are visiting the Lending Library to check out materials, pick up tech, or just for a visit, why not bring along a favorite art project to submit? Let’s fill the library with your amazing creations and celebrate the artistic talents of our TK-12 students this January and February.
Here’s How to Join:
1️⃣ Bring Your Art: Whether it’s a painting, drawing, sculpture, photo, or mixed media, we’d love to showcase it!
2️⃣ Drop It Off: Submit your piece at the Lending Library by January 31,2025.
Submission Details:
- Attach artwork to thick black cardstock or frame it.
- Mount multimedia pieces on a sturdy base.
- Include an index card with the following:
- Title of Piece
- Student Name
- Grade/Age
- Materials Used
- Photography submissions should be clear and high-quality.
- All artwork must be appropriate for all audiences.
Bonus: Your masterpiece will also be featured in our virtual gallery on The Hawks’ Nest!
Let’s transform the Lending Library into a gallery of student creativity and celebrate our young artists. We can’t wait to see what you bring!
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Upcoming Storytime & Craft Club
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Join us February 3 for a Poetry and Creativity-themed Storytime & Craft Club! We’ll read The Book with No Pictures and Aaron Slater, Illustrator and make our own books!
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Literati Book Fair: February 10-14
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Level up your reading game at the Literati Book Fair! Join us at the Lending Library February 10-14. You can pay for books with student funds or out of pocket!
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Request items from the Lending Library to pick up or have delivered to a Library-on-Location stop near you!
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Pick up items that you requested from the Lending Library at one of our Library on Location events.
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Click here to learn how to set up your library account and access the system to reserve items!
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From 10 am-1 pm, Mondays at the CCC have an "Open House" vibe – please feel free to drop in whenever you’d like!
We do, however, ask that you use this signup to reserve your spots for our guided activities from 1-2 pm. Our specialty staff would like to be able to prepare for your students to have a great time! Check out the signup to see what activities are coming up, but please be sure to only sign up for the activities you plan to attend so we can resource appropriately.
We can’t wait to see you!
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Important Field Trip Information
- All registrations and payments are final. Please carefully read all details before registering for a field trip. Tickets are not transferable.
- Student ID Numbers are now required for registration.
- Punctuality is crucial. You must arrive at the designated start time for all events. If you arrive late, you will not be allowed to join, out of respect for the venue, coordinators, and other families.
- Direct parent supervision is required for the entire duration of all events unless it is a designated Teen Drop-Off event.
- Registration closes two weeks prior to the event date.
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Learn abut Traditional West African Dance that is free and expressive, also loaded with history and culture. Come watch a performance and perfect your dance moves, as well as learn the African drumming technique.
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Join us as we learn to ski and enjoy being outside on the slopes! For those new to skiing, we are offering full-day and half-day ski lessons for ages 5-13.
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TubeTahoe is the home of winter fun for the whole family in South Lake Tahoe. At over 500 feet in length, our machine groomed tubing lanes are some of the longest in the area. Bring a snack and some water, we are going to have some serious fun!
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See the glitz, glamor, and tragic romance of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s timeless novel LIVE on stage, featuring a multinational cast of 40 professional ballet dancers!
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Join us for a vibrant field trip where creativity meets nature and groovy vibes! Students will dive into the colorful art of tie-dyeing, designing their very own one-of-a-kind t-shirts—perfect for future Cottonwood events.
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Come and enjoy CYT's rendition of Singin' in the Rain. This show is not only hilarious but is chock full of wonderful singing and dancing. Don't miss this opportunity to see a truly special performance.
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Come and join us for painting with friends on an 11×14 canvas. This is a class led by a Pinot Palette's instructor. The students will be painting while the required chaperone(s) will be observing and helping their student(s).
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Hosted by our Educational Design Experts! While your students explore interactive stations showcasing a variety of teaching methods, you’ll attend a dynamic parent workshop in the adjoining room.
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Art and literacy come together as we tour the Crocker Art Museum and observe the elements that artists include to tell their stories and bring their messages to life.
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Registration for waitlists opened Tuesday, January 14th at 12:30 pm. Visit the links below to add yourself to waitlists.
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Little Orphan Annie has reminded generations of theatergoers that sunshine is always right around the corner, and now the best-loved musical of all time is set to return in a new production – just as you remember it and just when we need it most.
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Join us for some Valentine’s Day Fun! Students will decorate a Valentine's bag, enjoy a story, and rotate through Valentine’s Day-themed games and activities. We'll also have an opportunity to pass out and get Valentine's from everyone in attendance.
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We will be joined by avid outdoors professionals from the Tahoe Institute of Natural Sciences for a snowshoeing adventure at Chickadee Ridge (North Lake Tahoe). While we are snowshoeing, we will learn all about Winter Wildlife Survival!
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While painting their ceramic piece, students will have the opportunity to connect with their peers. This will be a special time for artistic expression and developing friendships.
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On this page, you will find work samples, educational resources for specific trips, Field Trip Journal pages, and more!
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You can find this comprehensive guide to field trips and events in the Parent Nest!
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Find a comprehensive list of all our planned events for the upcoming school year! This list will grow all year!
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Use this planning spreadsheet (virtually or use the printable version) for all events opening December 12th at 12:30 pm.
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This form is required for chaperones bringing children on field trips that are non-custodial adult chaperones.
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Log-in required. See Hawks' Nest section near the top for login info.
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- OFFICIAL Facebook Community Group
- Official and private, moderated by Cottonwood School staff.
- Ensures accurate information and verifies active members as parents/legal guardians.
- A secure space for information, updates, and community connections.
- Public Instagram
- Pinterest – Tons of resources and ideas to be found.
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General Resources for Parents
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THE COTTONWOOD SCHOOL
Serving transitional kindergarten through 12th-grade students in El Dorado, Amador, Alpine, Placer, and Sacramento Counties.
Location: 3921 Sandstone Dr. Ste 100, El Dorado Hills, CA 95762, USA
Phone: (530) 285-2003
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Kara Parkins
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