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The Trail Ahead: An Educator’s Perspective
Hello Cottonwood Families,
My name is Lizette Sweiven, and I am the Associate Director of Instruction for High School here at Cottonwood. At the beginning of my journey as an educator, I worked at Adventure Education. I led all age groups in hikes, ropes courses, and other group adventures. So it is probably not a surprise that one of my absolute favorite things to do is get outside and hike!
As I traverse my favorite hiking trails, each footstep reminds me why I fell in love with both education and the great outdoors. My path led me from teaching at an Outdoor Learning Center in Maryland to my role as Associate Director of Instruction at The Cottonwood School, where I’ve discovered that learning, like hiking, is a journey of endless wonder.
Sometimes, in the depths of February, both winter and the school year can feel endless. But just as I’ve learned on countless trails, every challenging ascent leads to moments of breathtaking beauty. Each student, like each hiker, faces their own mountain to climb. Some days require slow, steady steps through difficult concepts, while others bring the joy of coasting downhill through familiar territory.
Just the other day, on a trail I’ve hiked many times, I spotted something new– a plant with leaves in three perfect shades of green that I’d never noticed before. It reminded me that even on the most familiar paths you will find new discoveries if we keep our hearts open to wonder.
This is what I love most about education: those unexpected moments of discovery, the shared celebrations at each summit reached, and the quiet pride in knowing how far we’ve come. Whether I’m guiding students through challenging coursework or finding my own path up a mountain trail, I’ve learned that the most beautiful views come after the hardest climbs, and no one reaches the summit without taking those first brave steps forward.
I hope this February brings you inspiration, both in the little moments and the big breakthroughs. If your student is diligently working through long division, and the journey has felt winding and steep, remember—each turn holds new possibilities. Perhaps another challenge awaits, or maybe, just beyond the next bend, lies the mountaintop where everything clicks into place. In that moment, past lessons will come together, lighting the way forward. May you and your student find joy in the journey and the inspiration to keep climbing toward success.
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Lizette Sweiven: Associate Director of Instruction The Cottonwood School
Being an educator for the last 30 years has been a pleasure and a privilege. I attended the University of Maryland and have a degree in Sociology and in Secondary Education. I have taught outdoor education, at-risk education, home school, middle school, and high school. I have had the incredible experience of homeschooling my own (now adult) 3 children at various grade levels. My 25+ years of working in homestudy charters have instilled in me a strong belief in the importance of giving parents a choice in their children’s education.
As the Associate Director of Instruction for TCS High School, I am dedicated to building a student-centered learning environment that fosters academic engagement, personal growth, and success. My goal is to empower our high school students to excel academically and pursue their post-graduation aspirations with purpose and determination.
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YOU DON'T WANT TO MISS A THING!
- School Updates: Ordering Deadlines, HS Success Coaches, Commencement, CTE Month!
- Testing: NEW Folsom PFT Location, Testing Tip of the Week, Test Prep Parties
- Educational Design Experts: Montessori Spotlight
- TK-8 Instructional Programs: Superstar Readers, Boost, ELD
- CVHS: Get Ready to Glow!
- CCPA: The Future of High School Education
- Everybody Belongs: Celebrating Black History Month
- Lending Library: Literati Book Fair coming HAPPENING NOW!
- And More…
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And always at the end of The Wednesday Weekly
- 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:
- Wed – Fri, Feb 12-14: Literati Book Fair in the Lending Library
- Thurs, Feb 13: March Event Registration, 12:30 pm
- Mon, Feb 17: School Closed in observance of Presidents’ Day
Looking Ahead:
- Mon, Feb 24:
- Mondays at the CCC, 10 am – 2 pm (see Mondays @ CCC section for activities)
- Mindset Mondays (See SELF Talk Newsletter for details)
- Storytime & Craft Club at The Lending Library, 2 – 3 pm
- Fri, March 14: The Cottonwood School’s Annual Science Fair
- 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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🎉 GREAT NEWS! 🎉
You can be proactive and submit ALL service orders now for the remainder of the school year (March, April, and May).
⏳ Final Deadline:
📅 Wednesday, March 26th – This is the last day for families to request all service orders and non-Amazon product orders for the rest of the school year.
Don’t wait—plan ahead and get your orders in early! ✅
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Meet our High School Success Coaches!
At Cottonwood, we’ve assembled an exceptional team of High School Homestudy Coaches who are passionate about your teen’s success. Think of them as your child’s academic dream team – experienced educators who work behind the scenes to ensure your student receives outstanding support. Our coaches partner closely with your Home School Teacher (HST) to create an enriching high school experience tailored to your teen. They support your HST to:
- Find the perfect curriculum that matches your child’s learning style and interests
- Master test-taking strategies that boost confidence and performance
- Set and achieve meaningful academic and personal goals
- Access targeted support when challenges arise
- Discover exciting opportunities that enhance their high school journey
What sets our Homestudy High School Coaches apart? They’re not just experienced educators – they’re dedicated mentors who bring enthusiasm, experience, and innovation to supporting your teen’s HST.
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Meet the Team:
High School Coaches:
Nancee Cole – High School Coach
Shelby Shupe – High School Coach
Teresa Vuinovic – High School Coach
Susan Pagel – High School Coach
High School Leadership:
Lizette Sweiven – Associate Director of Instruction, High School
Carey Brown – High School Success Coordinator
Jonas Heppner – Lead School Counselor
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Save the Date!
Kindergarten Promotion
📅 Tuesday, May 20, 2025 (Morning) – Location Coming Soon!
8th Grade Promotion
📅 Thursday, May 22, 2025 ⏰ 1:00 PM
📍 William Jessup University
High School Graduation
📅 Thursday, May 22, 2025 ⏰ 4:00 PM
📍 William Jessup University
🎟 Important Ticket Information
There will be a limited (yet fair) number of tickets per family when registration opens in early April. Please be sure to read the Nest and any emails for important details regarding tickets, venue guidelines, and event logistics.
📢 High School Families: Check out the High School Graduation page in the Hawks’ Nest for all the details about this year’s ceremony!
🔎 Where to find it: Academics > Commencement > High School
📢 Kindergarten & 8th Grade Families: Keep an eye out for the upcoming Nest pages with details for 8th Grade Promotion and Kindergarten Promotion—coming soon!
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February is CTE Month and our CTE Students are AMAZING!
CTE students have just completed their proposals for their capstone projects, and one of our Entrepreneur students has already completed his project! He created a plan for a unique business starting with just $100! Take a look at the video Esai C. produced:
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Parents: Remember to reserve your student's Chromebook NOW!
Reserve a Chromebook by completing the RSVP form
Once complete, our team will process the order and notify the HST and Parent with other details.
Quick help for logging into student Chromebooks:
Visit https://bit.ly/device-login OR scan the attached QR code!
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Coming Soon! BARK for Schools
Bark’s specialty is monitoring, which helps keep kids safe by sending alerts about potential issues. Bark for Schools is a student safety monitoring platform designed to help schools detect and address potential online risks. On Google, Bark typically monitors activities across Google Workspace, such as: Gmail, Drive, Docs, Chat, and Google Search.
Bark uses AI to scan for potential risks, such as cyberbullying, explicit content, violence, drug use, and mental health concerns, while maintaining student privacy.
Once set up BARK, will monitor student activity and then send alerts to parents and school admin when concerning behavior is detected.
More details to come!
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NEW LOCATION FOR FOLSOM PFT 2/13
🚨 NEW LOCATION for Folsom PFT on 2/13! 🚨
📍 Andy Morin Sports Complex
66 Clarksville Road, Folsom, CA 95630
🏆 Thank You, Roseville Participants!
A huge thank you to everyone who joined us at the 2/5 Roseville PFT—we loved seeing all the smiling faces and incredible displays of athleticism!
🌟 Special shoutout to Pipich Ruvim! 🌟
He braved the rain and wind to complete every component—now that’s dedication! 💪🔥
See you in Folsom on 2/13! 🎉
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Physical Fitness Testing Exercise Videos
Below are videos demonstrating each exercise that our 5th, 7th, and 9th grade students will be performing. We encourage students to practice and familiarize themselves with each exercise ahead of time.
📌 Need details about your testing date and location? Contact your HST with any questions.
You will be notified via email if your PFT date is rescheduled due to weather.
PFT Exercise Videos:
1. Aerobic Capacity One-Mile Run Video [4:08 minutes]
2. Abdominal Strength and Endurance Curl-Up Video [4:54 minutes]
3. Upper Body Strength and Endurance Push-Up Video [3:29 minutes]
4. Trunk Extensor Strength and Flexibility Trunk Lift Video [3:37 minutes]
5. Flexibility Shoulder Stretch Video [3:27 minutes]
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How to Support Your Child in Opinion Writing (Part 2)
As part of your child’s preparation for the CAASPP (California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress), developing strong opinion writing skills is essential. Last week, we covered the basics—now, let’s dive deeper into refining their writing!
4. Strengthen Arguments with Evidence
Encourage your child to support their opinions with strong evidence, a critical skill for CAASPP assessments. Evidence can come from:
- Personal experiences – Something they’ve seen or experienced firsthand.
- Facts from books, articles, or media – Reliable information that backs up their point.
- General knowledge – What they know about the world.
For example, if they’re writing about whether homework should be banned, they might reference studies on stress levels or share personal experiences with balancing schoolwork and free time.
5. Revise and Improve
Great writing doesn’t happen in just one draft! Encourage your child to revise their work by:
- Reading aloud – Does it sound natural and engaging?
- Checking for clarity – Are their reasons and evidence easy to understand?
- Fixing grammar & spelling – Small mistakes can distract from a strong argument.
Encourage multiple rounds of revision to ensure their writing is polished and persuasive.
6. Practice Writing Under Time Constraints
While the CAASPP writing section isn’t timed, practicing quick and focused writing helps build confidence. Try setting a 30-minute challenge where they respond to a prompt without distractions. This helps them learn to organize their thoughts efficiently.
We’ll continue next week with even more strategies!
Happy prepping! 😊
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Test Prep Parties
Ready to engage in some fun active play while we get ready for CAASPP testing? Check out the registration buttons at the bottom of the newsletter to sign up for a test prep party! These events are designed to help testing-age students (grades 3-8 and 11th+12th) prepare for the upcoming California State Tests (CAASPP).
From rock climbing to trampolines to bowling, choose the event that’s right for your student! Parents will be asked to participate in the test prep learning portion of the event so they can better support their children at home in preparation for the state tests.
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Missed previous Testing Tips?
Never fear! All of the Testing Tips of the Week are available in the Nest!
Where to Find It: Navigate to the Academics section of The Hawks’ Nest > Test Success Tips
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Visit us at Office Hours!
Cottonwood Curriculum Office Hours:
Mondays 10 am -11 am
Thursdays 3 pm – 4 pm
Curriculum Zoom
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EDE Spotlight: Montessori
Are you interested in incorporating The Montessori Method into your homeschool
curriculum? Here is a fun seasonal activity that you can try at home to explore or engage in this educational methodology!The Life Cycle of a Snowflake (a Water Cycle Story)
Lesson Plan Link
Want to know more or have questions? Please reach out to Shannan Chanda, our
Montessori Educational Design Expert or visit our page on the Nest!
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Parent Education Opportunity
Want to learn about and explore a variety of homeschool-friendly educational philosophies? Bring your students and join us for our parent workshop.
Celebrating Educational Philosophies
📅 When: Thursday, February 20th
⏰ Time: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Sign up by February 13th!
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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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Last Monday we met for our February Mondays@CCC in-person event. We laughed at reading Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus by Mo Willems, having a debate about whether the pigeon should be allowed to drive the bus, and playing Pigeon Says. Check out more from Mo Willems for hilarious additions to your library, as well as educator’s activity guides. The Elephant and Piggie series is great for beginning readers.
We also looked at some reference books that can help us identify birds for the Great Backyard Bird Count. Get outside this weekend and count some birds! Use books like The Laws Field Guide to the Sierra Nevada or digital tools like the Merlin Bird ID app.
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Watch birds for 15 minutes or more, at least once over the four days, February 14–17, 2025.
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Identify all the birds you see or hear.
Everyone is welcome to Superstar Readers Mondays@CCC events! Hope to see you there next time!
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Boost Spotlight – Ms. Abbie’s 5th Grade Language Arts Class
📚✨ Virtual Adventures in San Francisco! ✨📚
This week, Ms. Abbie’s 5th-grade language arts students embarked on an exciting virtual field trip to San Francisco, bringing their Book Scavenger novel study to life!
Through this immersive experience, students rode trolley cars up and down the city’s famous hills, explored the Ferry Building, and even enjoyed a street performer’s live music—all while following in the footsteps of Emily and James on their quest for hidden books.
This virtual adventure gave students a deeper connection to the novel’s setting, making reading come alive in a whole new way!
🌟 Stay tuned for more class spotlights as we continue to showcase the incredible learning experiences our Boost teachers create every week!
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K-2 Musical Meet & Greet for EL Families
📢 Musical Meet-and-Greet for K-2 English Learners 🎶
📅 Thursday, February 27, 2025 ⏰ 12:45 PM – 1:45 PM
📍 Rocklin Public Library
EL Families: Join us for a fun musical meet-and-greet where your student can meet their ELPAC examiner, make maracas, and enjoy music with Cottonwood’s music teacher, Jamin Coller! This event helps K-2 English Learners feel comfortable ahead of their Summative ELPAC assessment in March and April. 📩 Read the EL newsletter linked below for complete details!
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ELAC MEETING (open to all EL families)
After the K-2 Musical Meet-and-Greet, all EL families are invited to join us for an English Learner Advisory Committee (ELAC) meeting. This is a great opportunity to share your experiences as a multilingual family and provide input on English language development at Cottonwood.
📅 Thursday, February 27, 2025 ⏰ 1:45 PM
📍 Rocklin Public Library
Since Cottonwood operates as its own district, our ELAC also serves as our District English Learner Advisory Committee (DELAC). 📩 Read the EL newsletter for full details!
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CVHS: Igniting Innovation!
🌿 Sign Up Now for the In-Person CSUS Sustainability Tour! 🌍
🚶♂️ Join us on March 6th for an exciting walking tour of CSUS’s groundbreaking sustainability initiatives! Discover how the university is leading the way in eco-friendly innovation and creating a greener future.
📢 Spots are limited—sign up now using the button below to be part of this inspiring experience! 🌱✨
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Let it GLOW!
🌟 High Schoolers, Get Ready to Glow! 🌟
Cottonwood students in grades 9-12 are invited to the 2nd Annual Glowetry Poetry Event—an exclusive glow-in-the-dark experience designed just for teens!
✨ What to Expect:
🎨 Glow-in-the-dark art projects
🕯 Glowing poetry lanterns
📖 Create your own glow journal
📝 Explore spoken word with blackout poetry
🎶 Enjoy great music, snacks, and drinks in a blacklight-lit CCC!
🌙 Let your creativity shine in this one-of-a-kind fusion of art, poetry, and fun!
📢 This event is FREE, but registration is required! Sign up below to join the Glowetry Poetry Slam! 🎤✨
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Looking for a high school that goes beyond traditional education? At the Cottonwood College Prep Academy (CCPA) in El Dorado Hills, CA, we offer a hybrid learning program that blends rigorous academics, hands-on experiential learning, and student-driven exploration—all inspired by Montessori principles. Our interdisciplinary, project-based approach encourages students to think critically, collaborate, and apply their learning in real-world contexts. Whether they’re designing sustainable gardens, marketing their own brands, or crafting compelling films, our students gain the skills and confidence needed to thrive in today’s ever-changing world. Best of all, our flexible hybrid model serves high school students across Sacramento, Placer, and El Dorado counties, providing the perfect balance of independence and support.
Know a student who would benefit from this engaging, innovative high school experience? Help us spread the word! Share our program with families looking for a creative, hands-on, and future-focused education. To learn more, visit our enrollment page at www.cottonwoodhs.org/enrollment, call us at (530) 285-2003, or email isabella.brenneman@cottonwoodk12.org. Together, we can help more students discover a school where they don’t just learn—they thrive!
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We are so happy to announce the Let Grow Initiative!
Last month, our staff explored Jonathan Haidt’s book The Anxious Generation and the Let Grow Initiative, a movement that encourages kids to build independence, resilience, and confidence by taking on new challenges on their own.
At the heart of the Let Grow Experience is a simple but powerful idea: “Go home and do something new on your own.” This small step fosters problem-solving, responsibility, and joy—things we all want for our children!
We know that stepping back can feel challenging as a parent, but when we do, our kids step up! That’s why The Cottonwood School is integrating Let Grow resources into our community, helping families embrace the power of healthy independence.
📢 What’s New?
🔹 Look for the Let Grow section in each Monday’s SELF Talk newsletter, featuring links, tips, and encouragement.
🔹 Explore the monthly Let Grow resources on the SELF Pages in the Parent Nest to support your child at home.
We’re excited to continue this journey with you as we empower our students to grow, explore, and thrive! 🌱✨
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Explore more about this amazing initiative!
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Celebrating Black History Month: Spotlight on Remarkable Voices 🎤📖
This week, let’s take a moment to celebrate two exceptional individuals whose artistry, resilience, and impact continue to inspire generations!
🌟 Who is Maya Angelou?
Poet, author, and civil rights activist, Maya Angelou used the power of words to uplift and inspire. Watch this short two-minute video to learn more about her remarkable life and legacy:
📽️ Watch Here
🎶 Jon Batiste’s Stunning Super Bowl Performance
Musician and cultural icon Jon Batiste delivered a breathtaking rendition of the National Anthem at the 2025 Super Bowl. His passion and artistry made for a truly unforgettable moment.
🎤 Watch His Performance
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SIGN UP TODAY! Virtual Black History Month Event from Mondavi Arts: Adapting History
Adapting History is an oral telling of American music through history and American history through music. From gospel to blues, jazz to R&B, America has produced some of the most innovative and influential music of the 20th century.
Although these songs may be easy on the ears, their origins are deeply rooted in cultural climates of struggle and resilience. In Adapting History, musical artist Dahlak Brathwaite uses spoken word poetry to narrate the complex history of our nation, revealing how, despite conflict and misunderstanding, creativity flourishes.
This powerful performance was created in collaboration with and commissioned by Montalvo Arts Center’s Education Department, OneBeat via the U.S. State Department, ArtPower at UC San Diego, and the Mondavi Center at UC Davis.
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Feb 24 Storytime & Craft: Eric Carle!
Our next Storytime & Craft Club will be February 24th at 2 pm! We’ll read The Grouchy Ladybug and ‘Slowly, Slowly, Slowly,’ Said the Sloth, and work on a Grouchy Ladybug craft. See you there!
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Literati Book Fair: Happening Now!
Level up your reading game at the Literati Book Fair! If you haven’t yet, join us this week at the Lending Library. You can pay for books with student funds or out of pocket. You won’t want to miss it!
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Library on Location Schedule
Library on Location brings the library to you! Pick up and return items from the Lending Library at a park local to you on Wednesdays – click the accompanying image for details.
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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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Starting in February, join us each Wednesday at one of our four Park Day locations! Check out the details for next week’s Park Days on Wednesday, February 19th:
📍 Elk Grove – Horseshoe Park, 10 AM (with Alaynah M.)
📍 Folsom – Orangevale Community Park, 10 AM (with Saralynn D.)
📍 Rocklin – Whitney Ranch Community Park, 10 AM – 12 PM (with Amanda B.)
📍 Antelope – Dry Creek Park (Roseville), 11 AM – Join us for crafts! (with Maria O.)
🔹 Stay Updated! Join your local Remind group for updates on activities led by the Family Liaison team, including weather-related cancellations and upcoming events.
Sign up to receive Park Day reminders and stay in the loop all semester long!
REMIND: Rocklin/Roseville/Lincoln Park Day
REMIND: 50 Corridor: Folsom/Placerville/Rancho Cordova
REMIND: Elk Grove Park Day
REMIND: Antelope/Fair Oaks/Citrus Heights
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🌟 Mondays at the CCC – Drop In & Join the Fun! 🌟
From 10 AM – 1 PM, Mondays at the CCC have an “Open House” vibe—feel free to drop in whenever you’d like!
For our guided activities from 1-2 PM, we ask that you reserve your spot using the signup so our specialty staff can prepare a great experience for your students. (Note: February 24 is an exception, as we have two special activities!)
🔹 Check out the signup to see what’s coming up, but please only sign up for activities you plan to attend so we can allocate resources appropriately.
We can’t wait to see you there! 🎉
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March Field Trip Registration Opens Tomorrow
📅 Mark Your Calendar! 🚀
All March field trips and a few early releases will open for registration tomorrow, Thursday, February 13th, at 12:30 pm! ⏰
Start planning now by checking the Upcoming Field Trips & Events Spreadsheet. We’re thrilled to offer exciting experiences like train rides, magic shows, art museum tours, The Science Fair, and more!
🔹 Not seeing a hyperlink on a field trip? That means the event listing page isn’t ready yet—keep checking back for updates!
We can’t wait to see your students on these amazing adventures!
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This spreadsheet lists all events opening Thurs, Feb 13th at 12:30 pm. Make a copy (file + Make a Copy) to use for your personal planning or use the printable version.
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⚠️ Important Field Trip & Event Policies ⚠️
- All registrations and payments are final. Please carefully review all event details before registering. Tickets are non-transferable.
- Student ID Numbers are now required for registration.
- Punctuality is crucial. You must arrive on time for all events. Late arrivals will not be permitted out of respect for the venue, coordinators, and other families.
- Parent supervision is required for the entire event unless it is a designated Teen Drop-Off event.
- Registration closes two weeks before the event date.
Thank you for your cooperation—we look forward to seeing you at our upcoming events!
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Come walk the red carpet dressed in your Hollywood best for this photo-tastic event. Students will have a small film lesson on Academy Award categories like Cinematography, Best Actor, Best Original Score, and Best Screenplay.
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The show will be fast paced "magic" in which things appear and disappear, live doves are produced out of nowhere. The magician will get helpers from the audience to assist with some of the magic. It will be fun, visual "magic"!
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Step back in time and ride a vintage train along the Sacramento River. We will meet and board the train for a 45-minute train ride, and because you attend The Cottonwood School, we can do it for FREE!
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Spring into the CCC and join us for painting with The Curious Brush! Julie will lead the students in drawing and painting a Springtime Bear. Lots of options for different skills and abilities, this class is great for ages K-8th!
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Join us as we cheer on Sacramento Republic FC as they play to beat the New Mexico FC! We will get the privilege of walking on the field before the game to join the High Five Tunnel: where we get to give the players a High Five!
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Step back in time and ride a vintage train along the Sacramento River. We will meet and board the train for a 45-minute train ride, and because you attend The Cottonwood School, we can do it for FREE!
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Our school will enjoy a FREE unforgettable trip to the CA State Railroad Museum! From exploring beautifully restored locomotives to stepping inside historic train cars, student will get a hands-on look at how railroads shaped our history.
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Do you want to wear a hard hat, earplugs, and a safety vest and tour a logging facility in Lincoln? Yes, you do! Students in grades 4th-12th grade and their chaperones, please join us for a FREE tour of the Sierra Pacific Logging company in Lincoln.
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Bring your own science experiment or research presentation to share with others! Please note that this Science Fair is NOT a contest, but a school-wide event where we get to showcase our student scientists.
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Visit the Community Connect Center for an exciting science fair hosted by Cottonwood students! Discover fascinating experiments and projects they’ve prepared and engage in hands-on learning experiences.
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Join us for a creative and fun-filled field trip to Painted Studios! Kids ages 6-12 will have the chance to paint their very own masterpiece on a 16×20 canvas, guided by a skilled instructor.
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The School Tour + Art Lab is a two-hour program that includes an hour-long interactive tour paired with a related hands-on studio art project facilitated by trained Museum Educators.
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Amitis Pourarian, Fox40 Sacramento's Remarkable Woman of 2023, will give a martial arts demonstration to teach students how to tap into their motivation and empower themselves.
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Come celebrate the first day of Spring with the TK Coordinators, Ms. Gina and Ms. Lorraine, at our "Spring into Science: It's A Bug's Life" Event. There will be fun stories read, exciting activities to participate in and much more!
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This event is designed to help testing-age students (grades 3-8 and 11th+12th) prepare for the upcoming California State Tests (CAASPP). Trampolines and Testing while Jumping in our Jammies? Sign me up!
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Join us for a fun-filled day at the Oakland Zoo with the Cottonwood families! Explore fascinating animal exhibits, enjoy scenic views, and connect with our homeschool community. This is a wonderful opportunity to learn, play, and build friendships.
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This trip includes scenic one-hour western trail rides along the American River at Lake Natoma. All horseback rides are fully guided by certified wranglers knowledgeable of the area you'll be riding through.
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Get ready to ignite your creativity at the "2nd Annual Glow Poetry Slam"—an unforgettable event designed exclusively for teens! This "Glowetry" event is packed with activities that will inspire your inner artist and poet.
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The Rhoads Schoolhouse in Elk Grove Park, is a living history visit for children in the Sacramento area. Besides the full-day experience of what a day in a one-room schoolhouse would be like, the experience includes a pre-visit by the docent.
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We have an exciting afternoon planned! Each student will spend 1 hour and 15 minutes engaged in action-packed activities at The Studio Martial Arts gym in Roseville.
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Come jump around with friends and other Cottonwood families! This 1.5 hour jumping session will be lots of fun! SkyZone will NOT be open to the general public during this time.
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The Rhoads Schoolhouse in Elk Grove Park, is a living history visit for children in the Sacramento area. Besides the full-day experience of what a day in a one-room schoolhouse would be like, the experience includes a pre-visit by the docent.
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Join us for an exciting on-court basketball experience. We'll run drills, enjoy free play, and immerse ourselves in the game right on the Kings' court! Afterward, we'll cheer on the Kings from the corner section as we watch the game together.
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This event is designed to help testing-age students (grades 3-8 and 11th+12th) prepare for the upcoming California State Tests (CAASPP). We will have a combination of rock climbing fun and computer test prep games to get ready!
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This event is designed to help testing-age students (grades 3-8 and 11th+12th) prepare for the upcoming California State Tests (CAASPP). We will have a combination of rock climbing fun and computer test prep games to get ready!
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Join Chef Shankari Arcot, culinary instructor and entrepreneur, for an engaging cooking class where you’ll:
🍴 Master the art of crafting flavorful Vegetable Pulao with Coconut Milk.
🍴 Create a refreshing Mango Lassi to complement your meal.
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This event is designed to help testing-age students (grades 3-8 and 11th+12th) prepare for the upcoming California State Tests (CAASPP). We will have a combination of rock climbing fun and computer test prep games to get ready!
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This event is designed to help testing-age students (grades 3-8 and 11th+12th) prepare for the upcoming California State Tests (CAASPP). We will have a combination of rock climbing fun and computer test prep games to get ready!
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This event is designed to help testing-age students (grades 3-8 and 11th+12th) prepare for the upcoming California State Tests (CAASPP). We will have a combination of rock climbing fun and computer test prep games to get ready!
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Come join us as we explore and learn about the hard rock mining and gold extraction done at the Gold Bug Mine during the California Gold Rush. Our docent-led tour will take us into the mine, the Hendy Stamp Mill, and the blacksmith shop.
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Are you a 6th – 10th grader looking to gain confidence in babysitting? Join us for this interactive workshop!
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A Night to Remember: Cottonwood School Prom 2025! 🌟 Get ready for an unforgettable evening as The Cottonwood School rolls out the red carpet for a spectacular Prom Night!
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When the street urchin, Aladdin, vies for the attention of the beautiful princess, Jasmine, he uses a genie's magic power to become a prince in order to marry her. Iago, Jafar, the Genie, and more are here in Disney’s Aladdin KIDS!
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Register to sell your handmade goods at our annual Makers Market! This sign-up is for BOOTH REGISTRATION ONLY. This event will be open to visit from 10 am – 1 pm that day.
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Join us for The Cottonwood School's annual Makers Market event! Cottonwood students will have booths selling all sorts of handmade goods, from cookies to 3D printed items! This is a fun event for the whole family!
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Join us for Education Day at the Reno Aces Baseball Game. Before the game, student's will have the opportunity to interact with various STEAM vendors before the game starts at 11:05am. Families will receive an educational work packet before the game!
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Witness the exciting world of Frank and Joe Hardy as they unravel mysteries, decode clues, and thwart villains in their quest for truth.
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Celebrate Black History Month with Dahlak Brathwaite through an oral telling of American music through history and American history through music.
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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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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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