🔹 Intent to Return for Current Students: March 3 – March 7

All currently enrolled students must complete their Intent to Return form during this window to secure their spot for next year. Be sure to watch for an email from your HST with instructions and complete the process on time.

🔹 Sibling Enrollment: March 3 – March 14
Siblings of current students must be enrolled through our open enrollment process, and will receive priority placement as long as all required documents and forms are submitted by the deadline. Now is a great time to start gathering any necessary documents to ensure a smooth enrollment process.

🔹Questions about sibling enrollment? Please visit the enrollment page on our school website.

One of the best elements of homeschooling is the freedom to lean into curiosity—to ask questions, explore possibilities, and embrace hands-on learning in a way that sparks genuine wonder. Science isn’t just a subject; it’s all around us, woven into every season, every question, and every moment of exploration.

As we move closer to spring, nature becomes one of our greatest classrooms. The changes unfolding all around us—buds forming on trees, birds building nests, insects reappearing—offer endless opportunities for observation and discovery. This is the perfect time to take learning outside, start a nature journal, or experiment with plant growth by sprouting seeds indoors. Simple activities like tracking the phases of the moon, measuring rainfall, or watching tadpoles transform can lead to rich scientific discussions and deeper connections with the world.

If you’re looking for ways to bring more experiential science into your homeschool, here are a few great places to start:

🔬 Generation Genius – Engaging, hands-on science lessons. (Available through Clever for free!)
📖 Nature Study Journals – A classic resource for sparking outdoor learning and scientific observation.
💡 Kitchen Science Experiments – Turn cooking into chemistry by exploring states of matter, reactions, and energy transfer.

Of course, science is about more than just observing—it’s about doing. That’s why we’re so excited for our upcoming Cottonwood Science Fair!

Why Participate in the Science Fair?

A science fair isn’t about competition or pressure—it’s about discovery. It’s about allowing our students to become scientists, to take ownership of a project, and to share their findings with a supportive community. Whether your child is mixing baking soda and vinegar for the first time or diving deep into research on environmental sustainability, every project is an opportunity to practice critical thinking, creativity, and communication skills.

If you’ve ever had a child go down a rabbit hole of fascination—whether it’s dinosaurs, the solar system, how plants grow, or the physics of a soccer kick—you know the power of student-driven learning. The Science Fair is a space to take those passions and transform them into something tangible. And the best part? It’s open to all ages and ability levels!

What to Expect

📅 Date: Friday, March 14, 2025, 10:00 am – 12:30 pm
📍 Location: The Cottonwood School’s Community Connect Center

Students bring a presentation about an experiment or research project to share with peers and Cottonwood teachers. This is not a contest, but a celebration of curiosity! Every participant will receive feedback and a participation award.

Plus, there will be a Science Curriculum Showcase featuring fantastic resources from our Lending Library, as well as a hands-on science experiment station with take-home ideas for continued exploration.

How to Join

🔬 Family/Younger Student Experiment (TK-3rd or family project)
🔬 Individual Student (Grades 4-6, 7-8, or 9-12)
🔬 Chaperones (All students must have a registered chaperone present!)

📢 Register by March 6th! Click here to register today!

Whether your child loves messy experiments, data analysis, or simply sharing what they’ve learned, we hope you’ll join us for this incredible event. Who knows? A spark from this Science Fair might just ignite a lifelong passion for discovery.

Curiosity is the engine of learning—let’s fuel it together.

Kindly, Kara

• School Updates: 2025-26 School Year Updates
• Testing: Testing Tip of the Week, Test Prep Parties
• TK-8 Instructional Programs: Creative Arts Collective, Read Across America, and More
• HS Counseling: Cash for College
• CVHS: Igniting Innovation and Get Ready to Glow!
• CCPA: Student Documentaries in the Making
• Lending Library: Read Across America Day NEXT MONDAY!
• And More…

And always at the end of The Wednesday Weekly

• Registration links and schedules for Park Days, Mondays at the CCC, and the Lending Library.

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.

Coming Up:

• Mon, March 3:
• Superstar Readers Activity in Suite 100
• Mondays at the CCC cancelled for event, see you on March 10th!
• Mindset Mondays (See SELF Talk Newsletter for details)
• Storytime & Craft Club at The Lending Library, 2 – 3 pm
• Intent to return form opens. Deadline to submit is March 7.

• Weds, March 5:
• Library on Location Van: Rocklin & Auburn
• Regional Park Days: Elk Grove, Folsom, Rocklin, Antelope
• Fri, March 7: Deadline to submit Intent to Return

Looking Ahead:

• Mon, March 10:
• 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

• Weds, March 12:
• Library on Location Van: Roseville & Antelope
• Regional Park Days: Elk Grove, Folsom, Roseville, Antelope
• Thurs, March 13: Field Trips Registration Opens @ 12:30 pm
• Fri, March 14: Deadline to submit Service Orders for April in Procurify

• Fri, March 14: The Cottonwood School’s Annual Science Fair
• Wed, March 26: Ordering closes for all orders except Amazon Punchout
• Fri, April 4: The Cottonwood Hollywood Red Carpet Ball
• Fri, April 11: The Cottonwood School’s Annual Maker’s Market
• Wed, April 30: Amazon Punchout ordering closes

SAVE THE DATE:

📅 Kindergarten Promotion – Tuesday, May 20, 2025 (Morning) – Location TBA

📅 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

TODAY 📅Wednesday, February 26th – Last day to place a Tech catalog request in Procurify. Please know that we will leave the Chromebook RSVP open until all students have been able to receive their free Cottonwood Chromebook.

📅 Friday, March 14th – Deadline to submit April Service Orders in Procurify.

📅Wednesday, March 26th – This is the final day for families to request all service orders and non-Amazon product orders for the remainder of the school year. After March 26th, only Amazon Punchout orders will be available.

Don’t wait—plan ahead and submit your orders early! ✅

We’re thrilled to share some fantastic news—our school board has approved an increase in instructional funds for this school year and next year!

Each currently enrolled student will receive an additional $200 in their instructional funds account for the current school year. This means more opportunities to customize your child’s learning experience with educational materials, classes, and resources.

💡 When will funds be available?
The additional $200 will be added to student accounts by Friday, February 28th.

We’re so excited about the ways this will further support and enrich your homeschool journey! 🎉

It is a bittersweet moment for our Cottonwood community—our wonderful receptionist, Kaya Poff, will be leaving mid-March to pursue a PhD at UC Davis! While we are incredibly excited for her next chapter, she will be deeply missed at Suite 100.

As we prepare for this transition, we are seeking a new receptionist to join our team at Suite 100 on our El Dorado Hills campus. This full-time, in-person position is perfect for someone who loves greeting families with warmth, collaborating with our Lending Library and Community Team, and embodying the welcoming spirit of Cottonwood.

If you know someone who would be a great fit, please encourage them to apply! Help us find the right person to continue making Suite 100 a place of connection and support for our community.

📌 Position: Administrative Assistant II – The Cottonwood School
📍 Location: Suite 100, El Dorado Hills

We are grateful for Kaya’s contributions and look forward to welcoming the next friendly face to our front desk!

Last night our School Board approved an updated immigration policy, which includes a "Know Your Rights" notification. On our school website, we have a page for all our Annual Notifications. Please know you can review this page at any time. This is where we add new notifications as they are approved.

Meet Gina Elardi and Lorraine Loria, Cottonwood’s TK Explorer program coordinators and expert TK teachers who offer:

• TK Circle Time: A fun, interactive 15-minute daily Zoom class for TK students. We sing, read, count, and play games together. It is so much fun! All TK students are welcome anytime, no registration is required. Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday at 9:00 am, Wednesday and Friday at 1:30 pm. We hope to see you there!

• TK Park Days: Once a month we gather at the park for social play, stories, and crafts. We have been joining the all-school park days and have had a blast! Please come out and join us.

• TK Newsletter: A monthly newsletter detailing all things TK-related with a summary of upcoming TK-specific events and notes from our coordinators.

These amazing TK Teachers are:

• Warm and welcoming
• Kind and caring
• Good listeners and very creative!

Lily G created the accompanying presentation as one of her projects for CTE Capstone Hospitality. The project is called Dream Vacation. Students create a dream vacation complete with all of the plans, itinerary, cost breakdowns, etc.

We hope your spring semester is going great. If you have questions about curriculum, please join us for office hours or email us to schedule a meeting to support you.

Office Hours:

Mondays 10 am

Thursdays 3 pm

Curriculum Zoom

RosaLee Hagstrom

Last week’s exploration of educational philosophies was a collaboration between the EDEs, the community team, and the curriculum team, which made the event a wonderful learning experience for both parents and students. Becca Bills said it best, “I wish all the parents and teachers could have been here!” It’s exciting to look ahead to next year, with plans to offer even more valuable parent education opportunities.

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

Looking for a fun and active way to prepare for CAASPP testing? Join us for an exciting Test Prep Party! These events are designed to help testing-age students (grades 3-8 and 11-12) feel confident and ready—all while having a blast!

🏆 Choose Your Adventure:
🧗 Rock Climbing
🤸 Trampolines
🎳 Bowling

Each event includes a fun-filled activity plus a hands-on test prep session to build confidence before state testing. Parents, you’re invited too! You’ll participate in the prep portion so you can better support your child at home.

📅 Spots are limited! Check out the registration buttons below and sign up today!

Our first annual Maker’s Market Workshops begin in March with a focus on sculpture. We will explore and build found-object, plaster of Paris/paper mache’, and clay sculpture building through asynchronous and live virtual formats. No experience is needed, but do expect some mess!

Our theme is “Endangered Animals.” Students can sign up for one or all types of sculpture and are encouraged to sell their artworks at the Maker’s Market.

Flyer: Maker’s Market Workshops

Key Dates:

March 10th: Asynchronous videos available on Clever

March 17th – 31st: Virtual Live workshops

We hope you join us in creating extraordinary or simple sculptures, whatever is your style!

kimberly.boyd@cottonwoodk12.org

Has your student ever wished they could try out a fun instrument just to see if they like it? Now’s their chance! Our Ukulele class (4th-8th grade, Tuesdays 2:30-3:15) and Piano class (1st-3rd grade, Mondays 2:30-3:15) run from March 17 – April 29—and no experience or instrument is needed! If your student doesn’t have a ukulele, we’ll provide one. Need a keyboard? Check one out from the Lending Library.

Every student learns at their own level, and they can play any song they want with personalized instruction. Whether they’re a beginner or ready for a challenge, there’s a place for them. Spots are limited, so sign up now before they’re gone!

Sign up here: https://forms.gle/odHYbYp5p3FQMXEMA

In this flexible, no-meeting-time class, students help pick the songs, then practice with multi-track recordings designed to help them gradually blend their voice with the full arrangement. If they’d like, they can record their part and submit it, and I’ll mix everything into a performance track.

This is a no-pressure, fun way to improve their singing, learn music production, and maybe even perform live at Cottonwood events (optional). Whether they want to just sing along for fun or be part of the final performance, it’s free, flexible, and fits your schedule!

Sign up today!: https://forms.gle/odHYbYp5p3FQMXEMA

Does your child love to create? Whether it’s music, painting, dance, or theater, we invite them to share their talents at the Arts Expo on May 2nd!

This is not a competition—it’s a community event where students can inspire and encourage one another. The theme is loosely "music," but all art forms are welcome!

Spots are limited, so get that rough draft submission ready. We’ll open the submission form NEXT WEEK! Submit here: https://forms.gle/KDynHyTv9vthHAW17

Our Student Art Gallery is open for viewing at Suite 100/The Lending Library until February 27th! Stop by to admire the incredible artwork submitted by our talented student artists.

🖌️ Get involved! Feeling inspired? Pick up a small canvas and add your own doodle, or engage with the artwork using our interactive “talk to the artist” cards!

📅 Artists: Please remember to pick up your artwork by February 28th. Thank you for sharing your creativity with our community! 💛

All are welcome to join us to celebrate Read Across America Day! There will be books! There will be live music! There will be games! There will be PUPPETS! We’ve got all the goods to make some super silly or super slick sock puppets. Will YOU be there?

Who: Everyone is welcome! RSVP or drop in for the fun.

What to bring: Wear your craziest socks or bring along a spare to use for your puppet.

When: Monday, March 3, 1:00 pm

Where: The Cottonwood School, Suite 100 (between the Lending Library and front office), 3921 Sandstone Dr, El Dorado Hills

Our next English Learner Advisory Committee (ELAC) meeting is TOMORROW. You are invited to share your experience and ideas with our administrative staff concerning our English Language Development program at The Cottonwood School.

English Learner Advisory Committee Meeting

Date: Thursday, February 27, 2025

Time: 1:45 pm

Location: Rocklin Public Library

4890 Granite Dr, Rocklin, CA 95677

–Meet in the room on the first floor by the children’s book area–

ELAC Meeting Agenda

Please email el@cottonwoodk12.org or see our February ELD Newsletter for details.

Jonas Heppner, School Counselor https://calendly.com/jonas-heppner/counseling-appointment

Kiyoshi Mizutani, School Counselor https://calendly.com/kiyoshi-mizutani/counseling-appointment

Lindsey Romero, School Counselor https://calendly.com/lindsey-romero-cottonwoodk12/30min

It’s the perfect opportunity to celebrate student successes and identify areas where extra support is needed. Think of it as a chance to refocus, reset, and get back on track for even greater progress ahead. If your student is struggling in a CVHS class, go to this CVHS Student Support Guide to get started.

This is the final week to register for our in-person CSUS Sustainability Tour on March 6th—an exciting walking tour showcasing groundbreaking innovations in sustainability. Join us as we explore how CSUS is leading the way in creating a greener future. 📢 Direct your CVHS students to sign up now to be part of this inspiring experience at this Sustainability Event LINK. Only 2 more days to register- registration closes on 2/28.

🌟 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! 🎤✨

Our 11th and 12th graders are deep in the production process for their powerful documentary project, "Peacemakers & Conflict in the U.S." After weeks of planning, researching, and scheduling, they have officially started filming. These student-driven documentaries explore historical and modern-day conflicts, highlighting the individuals and movements that have worked toward peace. To bring their stories to life, students are conducting interviews with staff, community members, and even local experts in their chosen topics. As they gather information and shape their narratives, students are diving into every aspect of documentary filmmaking. All their hard work and creativity will come together at the CCPA Film Fest on March 18th at 6:00 pm, where they’ll showcase their films for the community. We can’t wait to see their powerful stories on the big screen!

If you know a high schooler who would love to be part of unique, hands-on projects like this next school year, now is the time to learn more about CCPA! Our Montessori-inspired hybrid charter high school in El Dorado Hills, CA, offers engaging, real-world learning experiences that prepare students for the future. Contact us today at (530) 285-2003 or isabella.brenneman@cottonwoodk12.org to learn more about the 2025 – 2026 school year!

Check out the details for next week’s Park Days on Wednesday, March 5:

📍 Elk Grove – Derr-Okamoto Park, 10 am (with Alaynah M.)
📍 Folsom – Craftstory at John Kemp Park, 10 am (with Saralynn D.)
📍 Rocklin – Johnson-Springview Park, 10 am – 12 pm (with Amanda B. and Lending Library Van 10 – 11 am)
📍 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

Beginning Friday, March 7th, join Cottonwood parent Kim Terral at Heritage Park in El Dorado Hills from 11 am – 1 pm each Friday! Bring a lunch and come out to meet other Cottonwood families!

Contact Kim at mrskterral@gmail.com to RSVP and for more information!

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: NO Mondays at the CCC next Monday, March 3, as we have an event running in the CCC! You can sign up for the Oscar Red Carpet Party if you’d like to join us for that, but our regular Mondays at the CCC will NOT be happening!

🔹 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! 🎉

We have two exciting events coming up that we are highlighting this week! These unique experiences are designed to inspire, empower, and engage students in hands-on learning. If these sound like a great fit for your student, register today! These events offer unique learning experiences, and we don’t want anyone to miss out. Spread the word and sign up before spots fill!

📅 Monday, March 3, 2025 | ⏰ 9:45 am – 12:00 pm

📍 The Cottonwood School, El Dorado Hills

✨ Step into the spotlight and experience the magic of Hollywood!

Get dressed in your red carpet best and join us for an interactive, hands-on introduction to the world of film and the Academy Awards!

🎥 What’s in store?
🔹 Walk the red carpet for a photo-op experience
🔹 Learn about Oscar-winning categories like Best Cinematography, Best Original Score, and Best Screenplay
🔹 Watch the award-winning short film The Red Balloon and cast your vote for the elements that made it an Oscar winner
🔹 Enjoy movie theater popcorn and take home your very own red balloon

This event is a perfect blend of education and fun—ideal for aspiring filmmakers, movie lovers, and anyone who wants to experience a little Hollywood magic!

📅 Thursday, March 20, 2025 | ⏰ 11:00 am – 12:30 pm

📍 The Studio Martial Arts & Fitness, Roseville

What does it take to succeed? To stay motivated? To push through challenges and become your best self?

At this one-of-a-kind event, Master Amitis Pourarian — Fox40 Sacramento’s Remarkable Woman of 2023, 8th-degree martial arts master, and successful entrepreneur — will inspire students with a dynamic martial arts demonstration and motivational talk.

🔹 Learn self-defense moves from one of the highest-ranking woman in martial arts
🔹 Discover how to unlock motivation and discipline for success in any area of life
🔹 Hear Master P’s story of breaking barriers in male-dominated industries like martial arts and construction management

This is more than just a martial arts class—it’s a powerful lesson in confidence, perseverance, and personal growth. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to be inspired and empowered!

Scroll on to see our fantastic events that are open for registration at the time that this newsletter was sent. Don’t miss your chance to join us for some of these fun events!

• 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.

Click the links below to add yourself to our REMIND list for our Park days. A weekly text will be sent to remind you of our upcoming event. Additionally, if there are last-minute location or time changes, you will be updated.

REMIND: Mondays at the CCC

REMIND: Rocklin/Roseville/Lincoln Park Day

REMIND: 50 Corridor: Folsom/Placerville/Rancho Cordova

REMIND: Elk Grove Park Day

REMIND: Antelope/Fair Oaks/Citrus Heights

General Resources for Parents

• The Parents Hawks Nest – Everything you need to know and more is found here.

• Past Wednesday Weekly Newsletters
• 2024/25 School Calendar

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