|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Guest Contribution by Michelle Garner, Assistant Director of Student Support
When I first found out I was pregnant with twins, one of my big fears was whether I’d be able to tell them apart when they were born. I came up with various strategies for how I would handle this. Keep their hospital bracelets with their names on them for an extended period of time? Color-coded clothing? Painting one toenail of each child a specific color to tell who is who? I needn’t have worried. It turned out they were fraternal, and from the moment they were born, as different as night and day. One has red hair and blue eyes, one has brown hair and brown eyes. One is long and lanky, one is more stoutly built. One is calm, introspective, and contemplative. One is more reactive and is going to make sure we know every feeling and thought that goes through his head. Even though in my brain and soul I *know* they are different people, sometimes, I can’t help but compare them, as all parents do.
|
When my boys were in kindergarten, one of them was seemingly “behind” the other academically. He was doing just fine, but not learning as quickly as his brother. As a teacher and a mom, I worried. And worried. And worried. One day, I brought it up to his lovely kindergarten teacher, who told me she was not worried at all. She said “I know it’s hard not to compare them because they are twins. But I’m not worried at all. He’s just ‘Ruby in Her Own Time.” I did not get the reference, so she told me to get the book. I’m so glad I did.
|
In the story, Father Duck worries about Ruby. She is the last of the eggs to crack open. Once she has hatched, she proceeds to learn all the ducky things (swimming, eating, etc.) at her own pace, and slower than that of the other ducklings. Father Duck frets and frets, and asks Mother Duck over and over, “Will she ever____?” Mother Duck always assures him, “She will. In her own time.” Sure enough, when it comes time to spread their wings and fly, Ruby flies higher and farther than any of her brother and sister ducklings. It’s a beautiful story of how children develop at their own pace and have their own strengths. It is also a moving reminder of how we as parents and teachers would be wise to give our children the time and space they need to develop…. in their own time.
|
 |
If you are homeschooling more than one child, you may have noticed by now that they don’t all learn the same way or respond to the same curriculum, activities, etc. What worked for your oldest two children may not work for your youngest. While this can be frustrating, and you may find yourself thinking “WHY isn’t this working?!!” You aren’t doing anything wrong, and there is nothing “wrong” with your child. Every child is unique, and it’s not just okay—it’s necessary—to parent and school them differently. I have found this to be so true of my own two children, and they are twins!
While one child might thrive with structured routines, another might need a more flexible approach. While one might memorize math algorithms easily, the other might require multiple repetitions and the use of manipulatives. By tailoring your parenting strategies to each child’s needs, you demonstrate respect for their individuality and create an environment where they can thrive.
Here are some tips for embracing individualized parenting and schooling:
- Get to Know Each Child’s Personality: While it can be difficult to find the time, spending one-on-one time with each child to understand their preferences, fears, and motivations is crucial. Even if you can carve out just ten minutes a week for each child, spend some one-on-one time with just them, no phones or electronics, engaging together.
- Be Flexible: Adjust your expectations and strategies based on what works best for each child, rather than applying a blanket approach. While it can be very frustrating that they don’t all respond the same way to the same activities or curriculum, it is worth it in the long run to individualize your approach as needed.
- Balance Fairness and Equity: Fair doesn’t always mean equal. Give each child what they need to succeed, even if it looks different for each one. For example, one might love to read while the other might really not enjoy it. For that child, try audiobooks while they do their chores, or have them follow along with the print version of the book while they listen. They’ll still be getting the content, listening to great stories and having fluent reading skills modeled for them as they listen. You can still discuss the content, do comprehension activities and book projects, even though they didn’t read it completely independently.
- Communicate Openly: Talk to your children about why you may handle situations differently based on their unique needs, fostering understanding and reducing sibling comparisons.
|
As my son’s kindergarten teacher and the book “Ruby in Her Own Time” taught me, there is no singular “right” timeline or path to success. By recognizing the individuality of each child, we can help them flourish in ways that align with their authentic selves. Whether your child is a budding scientist, a future novelist, or a compassionate caregiver, their unique blend of strengths and interests is their superpower—and it’s worth nurturing every step of the way.
Michelle Garner, Assistant Director of Student Support
|
|
|
|
YOU DON'T WANT TO MISS A THING!
-
School Updates: Maker’s Market, Curriculum Showcase, and Meet our CCPA Team!
-
Commencement Ceremonies: Check out pages on the Nest for each ceremony.
-
Digital Literacy: Upcoming Parent Education Opportunites (Clever, Curriculum Bundles)
-
K-8 Instructional Programs: Boost & RISE Class Highlights | Arts Expo
-
CVHS: Open Registration | Innovation Fair Registration
-
CTE: Celebrate Financial Literacy Month
-
National Honor Society: Snack for a Cause! Upcoming Bake Sales
-
Everybody Belongs: Meet our Arab American Heritage Month Ambassadors
-
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.
|
📅 Coming Up
Wednesday, April 9
- LAST DAY to order from Amazon Punchout before it pauses for Spring Break
Friday, April 11
April 14 – 21
- Spring Break – School Closed
Tuesday, April 22
- Amazon Punchout Reopens for Ordering until April 30
Wednesday, April 23
|
🔭 Looking Ahead
Monday, April 28
- Mondays at the CCC
- Mindset Mondays
- Storytime & Craft Club at The Lending Library, 2 – 3 PM
Wednesday, April 30
- Library on Location Van – Fair Oaks & Placerville
- Regional Park Days – Elk Grove, Roseville, Antelope, Cameron Park
- Amazon Punchout Ordering Closes for the 24/25 School Year
Friday, May 9
- Cottonwood’s 2025 Curriculum Showcase
Friday, May 23: Last Day of School
|
 |
 |
|
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!
|
|
|
|
Looking for fresh ideas, expert insight, and hands-on support for your homeschool journey? Don’t miss our Curriculum Showcase, your all-access pass to explore top-notch curriculum, programs, and enrichment options for the upcoming year!
We’ll be joined by an incredible lineup of external vendors, including BookShark, Outschool, Nicole the Math Lady, Oak Meadow, Singapore Math, Demme Learning, Moving Beyond the Page, A Brighter Child, Pandia Press, Ciao Languages, Lakeshore Learning, and SO many more!
All of our internal departments and educational programs will be there too — from Boost and RISE to Superstar Readers and the Creative Arts Collective — ready to guide you and answer your questions.
🗣 Don’t miss:
✔️ Live speaker sessions from our Educational Design Experts
✔️ Vendor demos and activities for kids
✔️ Tasty food trucks
✔️ A live raffle packed with exciting prizes!
It’s a day of learning, inspiration, and connection — and it’s one you won’t want to miss.
📌 Register now to attend and get ready for a fantastic day!
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
Meet our CCPA Team!
-
Three adjectives that describe the team are: innovative, design thinkers, and dedicated.
-
Our Vision: to guide our community to love learning, to profoundly contribute to our diverse world, and to lead lives of achievement.
-
Our Mission: Influenced by Montessori principles, CCPA provides an innovative, rigorous, self-exploring education through experiential learning, design thinking, and meaningful interdisciplinary studies, cultivating a growth mindset.
|
 |
CCPA at Prom!
Our CCPA students had a hoot at prom! From the flashing red carpet to the endless movie snacks, the night was full of fun, flair, and memories. It was such a blast seeing our campus students mingling with our home study crew! Everyone brought their best looks and even better dance moves! The glitz and glam theme lit up the night with serious style, and the energy on the dance floor was absolutely contagious. We especially loved watching students strike funny poses and show off their creative side in the photo booth—capturing memories they’ll look back on for years to come. It’s moments like these that remind us why high school is such a special time. You just can’t beat a night like this one!
|
 |
Know a high schooler who wouldn’t want to miss out on unforgettable events like this? From themed dances to student-led clubs and hands-on learning, CCPA brings the full high school experience to life. Enrollment for the 2025–2026 school year is now open—don’t miss your chance to be part of it all! For more information, call us at (530) 285-2003 or email isabella.brenneman@cottonwoodk12.org.
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
Amazon Punchout Closure For Spring Break
📦 Amazon Punchout Ordering Reminder
Just a friendly reminder—the last day to submit Amazon Punchout orders before Spring Break is TODAY, April 9th.
Due to time-sensitive approval processes, any orders placed during Spring Break will be automatically canceled by Amazon. The Punchout system will reopen on April 22nd, once we return from break.
Thank you for planning ahead and helping keep things running smoothly.
|
 |
|
Clever Educational Apps for Parents
Join us as we explore a variety of free educational apps that enhance learning, engagement, and skill development. You’ll discover how to share work with teachers and creatively integrate apps into daily routines for a more interactive and enjoyable educational experience.
🗓️ Date: 4/23/25
🕘 Time: 3:30 PM
📍 Location: Mrs. Kemp’s Zoom
|
Vetting TK-8 Curriculum & School Selected Bundles – Why it matters
Join the curriculum team to discuss different curricula and learn tips and strategies to make curriculum choices that best meet your student’s needs and that align with your homeschool style.
🗓️ Date: 4/30/25
🕘 Time: 3:30 PM
📍 Location: Fowles Zoom Room
|
 |
|
YOU are doing awesome!
CAASPP testing is well underway. YOU are doing a awesome job setting your students up for a positive testing experience. Know that the love, commitment, dedication, and time you’ve poured into your student’s learning has prepared them well. Know that the nutritious breakfast, restful sleep, quiet comfy testing environment, and encouragement that you are providing for your students when they sit down to test is enabling them to sit tall, dig deep, and do their best work. THEY are doing awesome!
So our tip of the week, is to keep up the great work and take time to acknowledge the effort and care that you and your students are demonstrating. Celebrate the successes big and tiny. Have ice cream, park time, play time, a dance party… whatever makes you smile and celebrate a job well done – together!
|
 |
Boost Spotlight – Ms. Bellini's 3rd Grade Math
🔢 Gallons of Fun in Ms. Bellini’s Class!
Ms. Bellini’s students have been diving into the world of measurement, exploring gallons, liters, and pints in a hands-on, creative way! To reinforce their understanding of these conversions, they each designed a unique character—Gallongirl, Gallonman, or Gallonguy. Through this fun and interactive activity, students not only demonstrated their knowledge, but also made learning both memorable and meaningful!
|
 |
RISE Spotlight – Math 6 with Mrs. Ball
📘 Rising to the Challenge in Math 6
In our RISE Math 6 class, we’re building more than just strong math skills—we’re building community. One way we stay connected is through Nearpod Collaborate Boards, where students can share ideas and encourage one another.
This week, our board focused on test-taking strategies, and students contributed thoughtful ways to stay positive during the upcoming CAASPP. We know that a positive mindset can make all the difference when tackling challenging tasks!
~ Mrs. Ball, Math 6
|
 |
More about Mrs. Ball’s RISE class…
🔢 RISE 6 Mathematicians Building Skills & Community
Our RISE 6 mathematicians dive into a wide range of collaborative activities to master grade-level standards. From integers and rational numbers to algebraic expressions, equations, inequalities, rates, ratios, percents, geometry, and data analysis, our lessons are both rigorous and engaging.
Students enjoy practicing their skills through IXL, i-Ready, and Nearpod, but the heart of our class is the strong virtual community we’ve built—where students grow in confidence, connection, and friendship.
🌟 Stay tuned each week for more sneak peeks into the dynamic and collaborative learning experiences happening in our Middle School RISE classrooms. Up Next – Science!
|
|
|
|
Did you miss the info sessions for our 2025–2026 Instructional Programs, Superstar Readers, Boost, or RISE?
No worries! You can review the slideshow presentation below to catch up on all the details that were shared. For even more information, be sure to check out The Nest.
|
|
|
 |
 |
🎨🎶 Calling All Young Artists and Performers!
Do your kids take private music or art lessons? If so, don’t miss the chance to be part of our Arts Expo Gallery and Recital—sign up TODAY!
✨ Here’s why it matters:
Not all private teachers host recitals, and performing is a vital part of a well-rounded arts education.
This is a free opportunity to perform live—or submit a pre-recorded piece—and gain valuable experience in a supportive setting.
Already have a recital with your teacher? Great! You can showcase the same polished piece again at the Expo.
🎤 Performer spots are limited, so don’t wait—sign up now!
🎨 And don’t forget to keep submitting your visual art for the gallery—it’s already shaping up to be a stunning display of talent and creativity.
Let’s celebrate the arts together!
|
|
|
 |
|
This week is CAASPP Testing Week for CVHS 11th-grade students. Students who are testing this week, are excused from their CVHS classes.
Coming up! Homestudy High School Curriculum Virtual Roadshow 2025 Wednesday, April 23rd at 3:30 PM at this Zoom link. Parents will see the many A-G-approved curriculum options and compare how they may best serve their student’s needs.
If you missed the 2025-2026 CVHS Information Session, watch the recording for the CVHS Information Session.
All TCS Students Grades 8th-12th are invited to the Innovation Fair! Use the link below for the details about and to register for this must-experience event.
|
|
|
|
|
CVHS Registration is OPEN for the 2025-2026 School Year!
Here are the resources you need to get a jumpstart on registration:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
April is Financial Literacy Month
It’s Financial Literacy month, and it’s a great time to register for CTE Finance Careers or Personal Finance courses for 2025-26!
|
 |
Finance in 40 Challenge
High schoolers are invited to join us in the Finance in 40 Challenge to celebrate Financial Literacy Month! Play the game and complete the worksheet. Send your completed worksheet to kimra.balliet@cottonwoodk12.org to be entered into a drawing!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
Snack for a Cause!
Come see our members this Friday at the Maker’s Market where we will be hosting a bake sale. Our members will be providing a wide variety of delicious, nut-free baked goods that you won’t want to miss! All our goods will be pre-packaged and ready to go, although we bet you’ll be back before you make it too far. Want to prove us wrong? Stop by our booth and see if you can leave with just one!
Be warned, once you snack there’s no turning back! 🤤
Our members are also working on individual projects and could use your help. To see all of our different projects with details on how you can get active this spring and support the NHS, check out our Member Projects.
Are you a student in grades 7-12 interested in getting involved? Our program will be going through a shift to line up with the school year calendar, meaning our new application period will be during the fall when we return from summer. If you want to know more about what you can do now to prepare, check out our application requirements to find out more information.
Let the Advisers know if you have any questions or comments.
|
 |
Contact your Counselor
|
 |
|
|
 |
|
Please welcome our Arab American Ambassador, Ahlaam Huwieh.
“Asalam! Peace to you and your family” is how Arabs usually introduce themselves to others. As Arab Americans, my family and I focus deeply on maintaining our heritage, culture, and Palestinian roots. It is the essence of our identity. Palestine is located in Asia and is home to the biggest and most beautiful landmark/shrine for Arabs around the world; The Dome Of The Rock in Jerusalem. Although my husband’s and my parents’ were born and raised in Palestine, we were born in the United States. We raise our kids here too, making an effort to visit Palestine each summer. If you met us in person, you would think we lived in Palestine all of our lives. My family and I often dress up in Palestinian attire on special occasions. It contains beautiful Tatreez. Tatreez is intricate embroidery. The pattern often differs depending on which village you are from. We speak Arabic at home as much as we can and we get our olive oil shipped straight from our family’s olive orchards in Palestine, every year!
|
 |
Arabs are known for their love of olive oil. To the average Arab, olive trees hold extreme sentimental value. Our abundance of olive trees have been producing olives for hundreds of years! Palestinian Arab Americans often cook middle eastern meals at home. Each dish starts with our village-made olive oil. A popular arab dish is Maklouba. Maklouba is a dish made with either chicken or beef. A pot lined with meat, rice and fried vegetables. Maklooba translates to “upside down.” This is because when the dish is ready, it is flipped upside down onto a large platter before serving. Another dish my kids absolutely love is stuffed grape leaves, called Warik Enib. It is stuffed with seasoned rice and beef, cooked to perfection and then served hot with a side of Kebbeh or lentil soup. Most Arabs are either Christian, Catholics, or Muslims. All three religions live harmoniously together in Arab countries all over the world. One fact most people do not know is that an Arab is a person, and Arabic is the language.
Next time you meet an Arab, greet them with “Salam” and you will see their face light up with joy.
-Ahlaam Huwieh, Cottonwood Arab American Ambassador
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Request items from the Lending Library to pick up or have delivered to a Library-on-Location stop near you!
|
|
Pick up items that you requested from the Lending Library at one of our Library on Location events.
|
|
Click here to learn how to set up your library account and access the system to reserve items!
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
We’ll see you after Spring Break back at Mondays at the CCC! Please use the signup below for weekly details and to let us know when we’ll see you!
April 28: World of Music | Everybody Belongs
May 5: Superstar Readers
May 12: Mindful Movement
May 19: Everybody Belongs
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
On this page, you will find work samples, educational resources for specific trips, Field Trip Journal pages, and more!
|
|
Find a comprehensive list of all our planned events for the upcoming school year! This list will grow all year!
|
|
|
|
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
- 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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
General Resources for Parents
|
|
|
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
|
 |
Kara Parkins
|
|
|
|
