We can hardly believe it! The first official day of the 2025–26 school year is just around the corner, August 14, to be exact, but summer isn’t quite over yet. There’s still time for late-morning pancakes, backyard adventures, afternoon swims, and the kind of slow mornings that become sweet memories. And that’s one of the beautiful things about homeschooling: we have the opportunity to ease into the rhythm of a new school year with intention and care.

Next week, our Homeschool Teachers (HSTs) will attend back-to-school Professional Development and then begin reaching out to families to reconnect, plan, and dream ahead. For some of you, this may be your first year homeschooling. For others, it’s the next chapter in a meaningful journey. Either way, it’s okay if things don’t feel fully dialed in on day one.

Even in traditional school settings, the first few days are a soft start, teachers are establishing expectations, setting routines, and creating connection. You can approach your homeschool year the same way: by starting with relationship, curiosity, and an openness to how learning can take shape in your home.

As you step into August, give yourself permission to:
✔️ Start with connection
✔️ Focus on building strong routines
✔️ Embrace flexibility as you begin
✔️ Revisit your “why” and let that guide your steps

Helpful Resources for a Gentle Start:

• Back to Homeschool Checklist

• Simple Homeschool Planning

• A Homeschool Day in the Life

Let the love of learning lead the way. Start with a walk and spark a science discussion. Read together and explore new ideas through books. Cook a meal and talk about measurements or history. These small, intentional moments are the foundation of a rich educational experience.

And most importantly, know that your HST is here to partner with you to develop a strong plan that aligns with your goals and meets state requirements. There’s plenty of time to build momentum — and we’ll be with you every step of the way. We’re excited to begin another fantastic year together at The Cottonwood School!

Kindly,

Kara Parkins

• July 31:
• Lakeshore Learning Instructional Material Purchasing Event (Registration Required)
• Academic Adventures and Cottonwood Presents Registration Opens at 12:30 pm (Field Trips and Events)
• August 5:
• A Brighter Child Instructional Materials Purchasing Event (Registration Required)
• August 8:
• HSTs are done with Professional Development and are available to you!
• August 14:
• FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL – Begin Claiming Daily Attendance 🙂
• August 15:
• OPEN HOUSE at The Cottonwood School (Registration Requested)

📥 Access the Back to School Forms Newsletter HERE.

All forms must be submitted within 5 days of your student’s first day. Our 2025–26 school year begins on Thursday, August 14.

The Instructional Planning & Ordering Newsletter is packed with everything you need to prepare for ordering educational materials for 2025–26.

Inside, you’ll find:

• Links to planning tools, recommendations, and approved vendors

• Links to step-by-step instructions for requesting curriculum, materials, and services in Procurify, our online ordering platform.

• Tips for smooth, timely, and accurate ordering

🗓️ Ordering opened July 28th.

Access the Instructional Planning & Ordering Newsletter HERE.

Join us for these special in-person opportunities to select curriculum and educational resources using your instructional funds — with support available on-site from HSTs, liaisons, and our purchasing team. You’ll even be able to take your materials home the same day!

Lakeshore Learning (Roseville)

• Thursday, July 31, 2025 • 9 am–12 pm
  Children may attend Lakeshore, but parent supervision is required at all times. We highly encourage attending without children if possible for a smoother shopping experience.

A Brighter Child (Fair Oaks)

• Tuesday, August 5, 2025 • 5–8 pm

• 👉 Please note: A Brighter Child events are kid-free. Plan accordingly.
  💡 Tip: You may visit A Brighter Child ahead of time to pre-select your items, then return on your scheduled event date to finalize and pick up. (Early selection is not available for Lakeshore.)

• Registration is required!
• Families must complete their back-to-school paperwork before attending.

👉 Sign up here!

📅Thursday, August 15th from 10 am – 2 pm

REGISTRATION REQUESTED

Whether you’re a new family or a returning one, Open House is the perfect opportunity to experience the vibrant community of The Cottonwood School!

Come explore all that Cottonwood has to offer as you:

• Meet Teachers & Staff: Connect with the educators and team members who make Cottonwood so special.
• Visit Our Lending Library: Browse our extensive collection of curriculum and learning resources, perfect for planning your year!
• Explore Our Programs: Discover the unique offerings available through our academic, enrichment, and support programs.
• Enjoy a Food Truck Treat: Grab a bite and relax while enjoying the festivities with fellow Cottonwood families.

Whether you’re looking to ask questions, tour the campus, or simply soak in the community atmosphere, this event is for YOU. Bring the whole family or just come solo—student attendance is optional.

We are asking for donations of cardboard egg cartons for a fun garden activity at Open House! If you have any to donate, please bring them to Suite 100/Lending Library anytime between now and August 15th or bring them with you when you come to our Open House!

We’re excited to announce the first event release of the 2025–26 school year—and with it, some exciting new updates to our field trip and event program!

To better reflect the types of experiences we offer, we’ve updated our event names:

• Cottonwood Presents are events designed and hosted by our Community Team that bring traditional and creative academic or social experiences to life for homeschool students.
• Academic Adventures are field trips and events coordinated in partnership with vendors and venues to offer hands-on, real-world learning and enriching social opportunities.

A New Way to Explore Events

We’ve launched a new event registration platform! Instead of individual buttons in the Wednesday Weekly, you’ll now find:

• A comprehensive list of all available Cottonwood Presents and Academic Adventures
• A calendar view to help you plan ahead

Head to the section below to learn more and start exploring! You can also view the Year-at-a-Glance for a sneak peek of just some of what’s coming this year. It’s simply a portion of the vast array of incredible experiences our Community Team has in store for you!

Please note: CCG (Cottonwood Community Group) events are not included in the WeGo calendar or list of events. These events are exclusive to each group and are only accessible through your monthly CCG newsletter.

Registration for Cottonwood Community Events will open Thursday, July 31, at 12:30 pm in our new event registration platform: Cottonwood WeGo! Before you dive in, make sure you are in-the-know for our new event registration using the login instructions and YouTube step-by-step below. Then, visit our new platform and check out all the events opening tomorrow!

We’re starting the year with August events, but moving forward, event registration will follow a consistent schedule:

New events for the upcoming month will release the second Thursday of each month at 12:30 pm
This helps create equal access and opportunity for all families to register.

The Lending Library has reopened, and the shelves are stocked with full curriculum sets, kits, manipulatives, educational games, instruments, and so much more! Visit us Monday through Friday, 9 am – 4 pm.

The Lending Library Catalog is open! Visit the Lending Library online and pick them up at a park near you! The Library on Location Van will begin deliveries in August. Check out the image below for the new 2025–26 schedule.

Need help setting up your library account? Please reference the link below for step-by-step instructions.

Looking to build deeper connections with other Cottonwood families this school year? Our Community Connect Groups (CCGs) are still open for sign-ups, and there’s still time to jump in!

Led by your regional Family Liaison, each CCG offers consistent opportunities to:

• Attend local park days and events

• Participate in exclusive field trips open only to your group

• Connect with the same families throughout the year and enjoy familiar faces

💡 These field trips and activities are designed just for your CCG, creating a close-knit community experience for both students and parents.

📍 Choose and sign up for the group closest to you (one per family). Use the map below to help you decide which region is the best fit!

Click a link below to sign up now!

50 Corridor CCG

Elk Grove CCG

Slavic Speaking CCG

Roseville Area CCG

Sacramento CCG

✅ Already signed up? Your first monthly CCG newsletter was sent last week and includes registration links for August field trips and events. Be sure to check your inbox and register early, as space is limited.

📲 Stay in the Loop – Join Your Local Remind Group:

• REMIND: Rocklin/Roseville/Lincoln Park Day

• REMIND: 50 Corridor: Folsom/Placerville/Rancho Cordova
• REMIND: Elk Grove Park Day
• REMIND: Antelope/Fair Oaks/Citrus Heights (Slavic Speaking)

• REMIND: Sacramento

• 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.

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

• Past Wednesday Weekly Newsletters
• 2025-26 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