Testing time has arrived. Over the years, my family’s experience with CAASPP has looked a little different every time. We’ve had test sessions filled with tears, wiggly bodies, pulling teeth to get through a single question, and LOTS of breaks. And we’ve also had years where my kids powered through with focus and surprising determination. Every year, I’m reminded that what matters most is not the score—it’s the effort, resilience, and positive attitude they bring to the table.

One thing that has helped tremendously is having a reward or something fun to look forward to after the test. It doesn’t have to be big—just something that acknowledges their hard work and helps them connect effort with celebration.

Here are some of our favorite reward ideas, both at home and around town:

🎟 Local Outings:

• Effie Yeaw Nature Center – Free admission and beautiful nature trails for a relaxing reset
• Nimbus Fish Hatchery – Quick, educational, and fun for curious minds
• Safetyville USA – A hands-on mini city that’s fun and unique
• A sweet treat outing – Think Baskin-Robbins, Menchie’s, or a trip to a favorite local bakery
• Library field trip – Let them choose a new book, check out an activity kit, or explore a new-to-you branch

🏡 At-Home Celebrations:

• A “Yes Day” (within reason!) where your child gets to plan the afternoon
• A cozy movie night with popcorn and their pick of the film
• A small prize or surprise – new art supplies, a cool activity book, or a new game
• A celebration picnic at a favorite park or even in the backyard

💬 Words That Stick: What You Can Say to Support Your Child

More than any prize or outing, our words have the power to shape how our kids see themselves. During testing season, I try to be intentional about speaking encouragement over my kids—not just about what they accomplish, but about who they are and how they show up:

• “I saw how hard you worked today—and that means more to me than any score.”
• “You didn’t give up, even when it was tough. That’s what makes me proud.”
• “It’s okay if something felt hard—trying your best is what counts.”
• “You’ve grown so much this year, and this test is just one small part of your story.”
• “You’re learning how to do hard things—and that’s a superpower.”

So whether your child flies through testing or needs plenty of support (and snacks) along the way, know that you’re not alone. Show up with encouragement, celebrate the effort, and remind them that they are more than any score.

We’re walking through this together—and the journey is worth celebrating.

Kindly, Kara

• School Updates: Meet our CVHS Team!

• Commencement Ceremonies: Check out the commencement-specific newsletters

• Testing: Tips & tricks to be ready for test day!

• K-8 Instructional Programs: Info Sessions for Parents | Boost & RISE Class Highlights

• CVHS: Parent & Student Info Sessions, Innovation Fair Registration

• CTE: Celebrate Financial Literacy Month

• HS Counseling: Summer & Fall Concurrent Enrollment

• CCPA: Scoop Into CCPA

• Everybody Belongs: April is Arab American Heritage Month!

• And Much, Much 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.

Thursday, April 3

• CVHS Information Session – Info Session Zoom Link

Friday, April 4

• End of LP 4, Sign & Submit Attendance

Monday, April 7

• Mondays at the CCC
• Mindset Mondays
• Storytime & Craft Club at The Lending Library, 2 – 3 PM

Wednesday, April 9

• Library on Location Van – Roseville & Antelope
• Regional Park Days – Elk Grove, Roseville, Antelope, Orangevale
• Last day to order from Amazon Punchout before it pauses for Spring Break

Friday, April 11

• The Cottonwood School’s Annual Makers Market

April 14 – 21

• Spring Break – School Closed

Tuesday, April 22

• Amazon Punchout Reopens for ordering until April 30

Wednesday, April 23

• Library on Location Van – Sacramento & Elk Grove

• Regional Park Days – Elk Grove, Roseville, Antelope, Orangevale

Wednesday, April 30

• Amazon Punchout Ordering Closes

Friday, May 9

• Cottonwood’s 2025 Curriculum Showcase

What we want you to know about the Cottonwood Virtual High School Team:

• Personalized Learning: CVHS provides a flexible, tailored approach to instruction, with opportunities for individualized support, collaborative learning, and differentiated activities to meet each student’s unique needs and learning style.
• Engaging Live Virtual Experience: Our virtual classes go beyond traditional lessons—students are part of a lively, interactive learning community. Hands-on projects and student-centered activities keep them engaged, making learning fun and relevant. We bring subjects to life, helping students connect what they’re learning with each other and with real-world applications.
• College & Career Preparation: CVHS has highly skilled subject matter teachers who prepare students for college and career goals after high school. We build essential digital skills, encourage a growth mindset, and help students discover their strengths and interests, so they feel ready to take on their future with confidence.

The CVHS team is caring, dedicated, and collaborative. They are deeply committed to students’ growth, both academically and personally.

If you have a student who is eligible to participate in one of our end-of-year ceremonies, you should have received a newsletter yesterday with all the event details. Please note that this is the only newsletter that will be sent regarding the ceremonies.

All the same information—along with any updates—can be found on the Nest commencement pages, which you can find under Academics>Commencement and then selecting the appropriate grade level to view the details. We encourage you to bookmark theese page and check them regularly to stay informed.

🎟 Ceremony ticket registration opens this Thursday at 12:30 pm and will remain open until Tuesday, April 29 at 4:30 pm. Don’t miss the window to secure your tickets and celebrate this special milestone!

Just a reminder—the last day to submit Amazon Punchout orders before Spring Break is Wednesday, April 9th.

Due to time-sensitive approval processes, any orders placed during Spring Break will be automatically canceled by Amazon. The Amazon Punchout system will reopen again on April 22nd after we return from spring break. Thank you for planning ahead and helping ensure a smooth ordering process!

We know everyone will do great and show just how much each of you has learned this year.

Here are some helpful ideas to make sure you’re test day ready!

1. Encourage a Good Night’s Sleep

• Set a bedtime routine: Help your child wind down with calming activities like reading or listening to music.
• No electronics before bed: Limit screen time an hour before sleep to promote deeper rest.

2. Provide a Healthy Breakfast

• Protein-packed meals: Include foods like eggs, yogurt, or smoothies to fuel the brain.
• Avoid sugary foods: Skip the sugary cereals and snacks that may lead to energy crashes.
• Hydration matters: Encourage drinking water to help with focus and concentration.

3. Create a Distraction-Free Environment

• Limit technology distractions: Keep phones and tablets away during test time.
• Quiet study space: Choose a calm, quiet area for any last-minute prep or testing.
• Stay organized: Have all materials (pencils, erasers, etc.) ready to go.

4. Maintain an Upbeat and Positive Attitude

• Encourage a growth mindset: Mistakes are part of learning! This is a chance to show growth.
• Reassure them: It’s okay to feel nervous. What matters most is giving their best effort.
• Use positive affirmations: Try simple phrases like “You’ve got this!” or “I’m proud of you!”
• Relax: Take deep breaths. Focus on encouragement and effort.

• Start with encouragement: A quick pep talk, a sticky note with a kind message, or a hug can make a big difference.

By helping your child stay rested, fed, and emotionally supported, you’re setting them up to feel confident and capable. CAASPP testing is just one snapshot of their learning journey—but your support helps make it a positive one.

There are so many exciting learning options for students in TK-8th grade at TCS to help them grow and succeed. We’re excited to share everything we have planned for the 2025-2026 school year!

Please register to attend one of our upcoming Info Sessions to learn more about all of Cottonwood’s TK-8 instructional programs. You’ll start with a brief overview of all programs for TK-8th grade, then have the chance to join breakout rooms to meet our teachers and get detailed information about TK Explorers, Superstar Readers, Boost, RISE, and the Cottonwood Creative Arts Collective.

Want to Learn More? Join an Upcoming Info Session!

📅 Monday, April 7 from 2:00–3:00 pm

📅 Tuesday, April 8 from 7:00–8:00 pm
💻 Zoom Link for Both Sessions: https://bit.ly/TK-8_Info_Sessions

Our teams are getting excited about next year! Current and prospective students can join us for a fun and interactive chance to step into the program and get a feel for what class is like.

TK Explorers Circle Time Preview

📅 Monday, May 5 from 9:00 – 9:15 am

💻 Zoom Link: bit.ly/TK_Circle_Time

Superstar Readers Class Preview

📅 Wednesday, April 30 from 9:30 – 9:55 am

💻 Zoom Link: bit.ly/SSRLevel1

Boost Celebration Day – prospective students are invited to join Boost’s end-of-year celebration

📅 Tuesday, April 29 from 9:30 – 10:15 am

💻 Zoom Link: bit.ly/Boost_Celebration

RISE Up! Preview Day

📅 Thursday, May 1 from 11:00 am –12:00 pm

💻 Zoom Link: bit.ly/RISE_Homework_Help

RISE Math 7 with Mrs. Hay is a terrific way for middle schoolers to step into a more structured class routine. Math 7 concepts are taught in a fun and engaging way. Community is important to cultivate in an online setting, and the students get to know one another through introducing themselves to the class and finding commonalities among themselves. After being a part of 7th Grade Math in RISE, you will be ready for the world of Math 8 and beyond.

🌟 Stay tuned each week for more sneak peeks into the dynamic and collaborative learning experiences happening in our Middle School RISE classrooms!

• Virtual CVHS Student Visitation Tour for prospective 8th-11th grade students on April 3rd from 2:00 pm -3:00 pm. Register your student here for the CVHS Student Visitation Tour

• Parent CVHS Information Session is on April 3rd from 3:30 pm –4:30 pm on Zoom!

Here are the resources you need to get a jumpstart on registration:

• 2025-2026 CVHS Program Details

• 2025-2026 CVHS Live Class Schedule

• CVHS 2025-2026 Class Request Form

• 2025-2026 CVHS Class Lists & Live Class Schedule

Join us in celebrating with Finance in 40! All high schoolers are welcome to participate! Play one or more of the personal finance arcadegames we will feature this month. Click on the game icon to go to the game. Click on the worksheet button to find the worksheet. Send your completed worksheet(s) within one week of this publication to Ms. Balliet at kimra.balliet@cottonwoodk12.org and you will be entered in a drawing!

This also gives you a glimpse into some of the fun activities students get to do in Personal Finance class!

Spring into action with the National Honor Society this year and consider joining us next fall! You can come meet our members at the Maker’s Market where we will be holding a nut-free bake sale! All of our proceeds from that event will be equally split between the Elk Grove Animal Shelter, RedRover Animal Rescue Sacramento, and Al-Misbaah non-profit food drive resource center in Sacramento. Come say hi and Snack for a Cause!

Our members will also be getting together to volunteer at the Al-Misbaah non-profit food drive at the end of April. We will be volunteering as a group effort to help Al-Misbaah connect members of the community with the food and resources they need. This non-profit food distribution is open to the public regardless of faith.

Our program also has an executive team of student members who are working on a spring virtual event where you will be able to play games with other students and our members, ask questions about our program, and see how you can get involved for next year! More information on this event will be coming out in the Wednesday Weekly soon.

Our program will be going through some changes next year to line up with the school year. This means applications for next year will open in September using your Spring-Semester 2 report card from this school year. If you are interested in getting active, come see us at the Maker’s Market or email one of our Advisers below with your questions. More information about the application and requirements for next year will be shared in the Wednesday Weekly as they are finalized.

• NHS Adviser: Mr. L – kyle.lutkemuller@cottonwoodk12.org
• NJHS Adviser: Mr. Clark – evan.clark@cottonwook12.org

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

Our dedicated staff will be on hand to share insights about our hybrid model, academic support, and exciting after-school opportunities. Plus, you’ll have the chance to hear from current students about their experiences at CCPA—straight from the source! If you’re looking for a high school program that blends flexibility, innovation, and a supportive community, we’d love to connect with you. Enrollment for the 2025-2026 school year is now open, so don’t miss this sweet opportunity to see if CCPA is the right fit! For more information, call us at (530) 285-2003 or email isabella.brenneman@cottonwoodk12.org.

This month, we celebrate the rich culture, history, and contributions of Arab Americans across the United States. From the arts and sciences to literature, politics, and everyday life, Arab Americans have played an important role in shaping our communities and our country.

Want to learn more? Here are a few resources to explore with your student:
📚 National Arab American Month Resources from ADL
🎥 PBS LearningMedia – Arab American Stories
🧕 Book spotlight: The Arabic Quilt by Aya Khalil – A beautiful picture book about cultural identity and connection in the classroom

Let’s take time this month to learn, celebrate, and honor the stories and voices of Arab American families!

Check out the details for next week’s Park Days on Wednesday, April 9:

📍 Elk Grove – Horseshoe Park, 12 pm (with Alaynah M.)
📍 Orangevale – Orangevale Community Park, 10 am (with Saralynn D.)
📍 Roseville – Kaseberg Park, 10 am – 12 pm (with Amanda B.)
📍 Antelope – Dry Creek Park (Roseville), 10 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

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 special guided activities, we ask that you reserve your spot using the signup so our specialty staff can prepare a great experience for your students.

Are you passionate about homeschool education and looking for an opportunity to make a difference? The Cottonwood School is hiring! We currently have seven open positions across various departments, and we’d love for you to explore these exciting opportunities.

🌿 Open Positions:

• Family Liaisons – Sacramento Area and Elk Grove Area
• School Counselor Technician
• Education Specialist – 24/25 School Year Pool

📌 View job descriptions and apply here:

🔗 Cottonwood School Career Page

If you or someone you know would be a great fit for one of these positions, we encourage you to apply! Join our dedicated team and help support our students and families on their educational journey. 🎓✨

• 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

• 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