As we welcome a brand-new school year, we’re also welcoming a brand-new way to stay connected. This edition of the Wednesday Weekly is our final one, as we transition to the Cottonwood Chronicle, a monthly newsletter featuring highlights and stories that celebrate our students, staff, and community.

We know some families worry they might miss events or field trips without the familiar buttons in this newsletter—but that’s the beauty of our new Cottonwood WeGo field trip platform. You can now view all field trips in both calendar and list format—no spreadsheets, no searching, no clicking through emails. It’s your one-stop shop for everything field trip related.

For important academic and instructional details, deadlines, action items, ordering updates, look to your HST. They will be your direct link for timely, personalized information that used to live in the Wednesday Weekly. You can expect regular communication with the important info you need to know from your HST moving forward.

When you need resources, forms, program-specific details, or quick “how-tos,” our Parent Hawks’ Nest site has been refreshed and reorganized to give you the most current and relevant info, all in one place.

And don’t worry, Kindly, Kara isn’t going away! It’s just evolving into Kindly, Cottonwood, a collaborative blog where I’ll continue to share encouragement and ideas, joined by guest posts from staff members whose expertise and insight will enrich your homeschooling journey. The option to subscribe to the blog is coming soon.

Today marks the first page of this year’s story, one filled with possibility, growth, and memories yet to be made. Whether this is your first year homeschooling or your tenth, that “first day” feeling never really goes away.

This week, take a moment to pause and savor it. Snap the pictures, write down your goals, and maybe even create a family vision board to capture your “why” for this year. Those whys will carry you through the more challenging days and help you see the big picture when you’re deep in the details.

And don’t forget, you are not on this journey alone. Cottonwood is a community, and we’re excited to offer so many ways to connect in person:

• Back to School Open House – Our biggest kick-off event of the year! Meet teachers, pick up materials, get student ID cards, and enjoy some fun surprises.

• Weekly Park Days – Held in multiple regions, with space for kids to play and parents to connect.

• Academic Adventures – Field Trips Galore – Over 30 trips each month, covering everything from science centers to art workshops.

• Community Connect Groups – Regional Groups offering exclusive Academic Adventures and regular connection with familiar faces.

• Cottonwood Presents – Special Events – Seasonal gatherings, themed days, and unique opportunities to celebrate learning together.

My hope for you this year is simple: embrace the flexibility, enjoy the freedom, and lean into the connections that make homeschooling at Cottonwood so rich. Let’s make this year one where we not only check the boxes—but fill our days with curiosity, creativity, and connection.

Kindly,

Kara Parkins

• August 14:
• FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL – Begin Claiming Daily Attendance
• September Event Registration Opens at 12:30 pm
• August 15:
• OPEN HOUSE at The Cottonwood School (Registration Requested)
• August 26: Board Meeting
• August 28: LP1 Work Sample Due Date
• September 1: Labor Day (No School)

📅 Friday, August 15th | 🕙 10 am – 2 pm

📍 Community Connect Center
Registration Requested

Step into a day filled with connection, celebration, and hands-on fun as we kick off the new school year together! Whether you’re a brand-new family or a returning one, our Open House is your chance to meet the faces, explore the programs, and enjoy the community that make Cottonwood so special.

Here’s what’s waiting for you:

✨ Smile for the Camera

• Take your official student ID photo in Suite 100. These will be printed/mailed after the event.

• Travel to the CCC and get silly at our photo booth with fun props, printable keepsakes, and themed backgrounds.

👋 Meet & Explore

• Visit program booths to connect with staff from Community Teams, Boost, RISE, CVHS, Tech, Electives, and more.

• Learn about classes and register onsite for the ones that spark your interest.

🎒 Pick Up & Purchase

• Collect your Boost, RISE, CVHS, Tech, and elective materials at CCPA.

• Purchase or pick up your Poppy Passes from our Business Department.

• Grab your Open House Button and Lanyard from the Family Liaison table in the CCC.

🎁 Special for Every Student

• Every student will take home a Cottonwood-exclusive wearable.

🎨 Create & Play

• Make-and-take crafts and interactive games with prizes.

• Help fill our new garden beds with plants we’ll watch grow all year.

• Plant your own egg carton seedlings to take home.

🍕 Tasty Treats

• Two food trucks with pizza, sweet treats, and refreshing beverages.

📚 Lending Library Fun

• Browse the overflowing free shelves—take what you need.

• Check out books, curriculum, and learning materials for the year ahead.

💛 Whether you stay for the whole event or pop in for a quick visit, this day is designed for connection, discovery, and celebration. We can’t wait to see you there!

We’re thrilled to announce that Cottonwood is returning to Alliance Redwoods this fall for an unforgettable 3-night, 4-day outdoor learning adventure!

📅 November 17–20, 2025
📍 Alliance Redwoods Conference Grounds
🎯 For 4th–8th grade TCS students only (no exceptions)
💲 $348 for students / $256 for parents (payable with instructional funds or out-of-pocket)

❗ Every student must be accompanied by their own parent or legal guardian on file with the school.

Students will become naturalists for the week, exploring the redwood forest through hands-on science, team-building challenges, and nature-based activities. Families will enjoy private rooms, delicious meals, and the chance to be part of a one-of-a-kind community experience.

Steps to Attend

1. Attend the required info session – August 28, 2025, 12–1 pm via Zoom.

2. Fingerprint all attending adults (paid out-of-pocket).

3. Register once clearance is complete (link will be provided after steps above).

Spaces are limited—don’t miss this chance to create incredible memories in one of California’s most beautiful learning environments!

For more information, you can visit the Alliance Redwoods Programs page. Please note that they are relaunching this program and the website isn’t a comprehensive look at The Outdoor Education Camp.

Interested in knowing more about current legislation that impacts charter schools? We have a section on the Nest where you can find resources and more information. Please check out Parent Nest > School Info > Charter School Legislation (Make sure you’re logged into the Hawk’s Nest to access).

We’re excited to share that Chromebook ordering for students is now open!

Request a Chromebook HERE If you’d like to order a new free student Chromebook, or if you student already has one and want to swap it for another, you’re welcome to do so. Swaps are available for any of the following reasons:

• You’d like to upgrade to a newer model
• Your Chromebook has any damage (including scratches)
• Your device is not working correctly

Simply place your order, and we’ll take care of the rest.

Writing Workshops are back — Hybrid edition! Writing Workshops are FREE and available in two 12-week workshops this year! We meet once a week on Wednesdays, either synchronously or asynchronously, and offer one outside-of-class assignment per week (10-20 minutes worth of work). Classes are offered via Zoom and utilize Canvas.

Questions? Contact: Karlie Garcia, Academic Intervention Coordinator karlie.garcia@cottonwoodk12.org

You can find more information about ALL our K-8 Instructional Programs further down in this newsletter and on the Nest!

• TK Explorers – FREE for all TK students – Daily Virtual Circle Time, Park Days, and Special Events
• Superstar Readers – Cottonwood’s FREE full ELA curriculum available to any Cottonwood student who is learning to read through live Zoom classes or self-paced work.
• Boost – Academic and social enrichment program for TK – 5th grade students, offering weekly live virtual enrichment classes in math, English, and electives.
• RISE – Live, virtual instruction in Math, Language Arts, Science, and Electives for students in 6th through 8th grades.
• Creative Arts Collective – CAC is Cottonwood’s vibrant arts program – bringing music, theater, and visual arts opportunities to our students. CAC is all about sparking creativity, building confidence, and connecting students through the arts.

Enrollment is still open for our TK-8 instructional programs! We are encouraging families to register soon to secure your first choice in class day/time options. We look forward to welcoming many students to these valuable programs.

Please note: TK Explorers do not need to register below – all TK students are automatically eligible for TK Explorers

TK:

• No supplies needed

Superstar Readers:

• Please see the SSR section below for details about ordering supplies.

Boost:

• Many HSTs have already picked up Boost envelopes and complementary items for students enrolled in Boost ELA or Math. Please confirm with your HST that they have your student’s envelopes before visiting the Lending Library.

• For families who enrolled after August 1, envelopes can be picked up through August 22. After this date, uncollected items will be shipped, with shipping costs charged to instructional funds.
• Supply lists are available in the registration confirmation email and on the Nest.

RISE:

• Families may pick up RISE materials in person at the Lending Library from August 11–15. The RISE team will also have materials available at Open House. Materials not picked up by August 15 will be shipped the week of August 18, with shipping fees charged to students’ instructional funds.

Art Classes:

• Some teachers have already picked up art class supply kits for their K-5th grade students enrolled in CAC classes. Please confirm with your HST if they have your student’s supplies.

• For students who still need their art class supplies, and students in 6th-12th grade, please pick up supplies this week at the Lending Library and during Open House on Friday, August 15th.

• Art kits will not be shipped due to size and weight.

Introducing TK Circle Time!

• Inclusive event available to all Cottonwood TK students

• Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday: 9:00 am – 9:15 am. Wednesday and Friday: 1:30 pm – 1:45 pm

• New this year: Fun Fridays! TK students will have our electives team joining them on Fridays for art, Spanish and music!

• Link to TK Circle Time Zoom link below.

Our dedicated team will also be present at select park days and events, equipped with activities suitable for TK students. We anticipate the opportunity to embark on exciting explorations with all our TK students in the upcoming year.

Superstar Readers is Cottonwood’s innovative reading program designed exclusively for our homeschool community. Superstar Readers is a full ELA curriculum available for free to any Cottonwood student who is learning to read. Our program takes a flexible, family-centered approach to literacy that provides live Zoom or recorded instruction and activities based on the Science of Reading.

Please use the TK-8 Request Form to see the schedule and join Superstar Readers live Zoom classes! All K-2 students have access to self-paced Superstar Readers–no registration necessary.

All Cottonwood families can access the Educator’s Guide, lesson videos, workbook PDFs, decodable book PDFs, and shared readers PDFs on the Superstar Readers Nest.

Students in the live Zoom class need to pick up and order required materials before classes start on September 8. Please refer to the Superstar Readers Nest for detailed and up-to-date ordering instructions.

• Pick up or request a decodable book set from the Lending Library.

• Order student workbooks in the Procurify catalog.

There are a still spots left in Boost for the 2025 – 2026 school year. Look for “*W” on the TK-8 Schedule (see button below) which indicates the class is full and waitlisting. Look for classes without a W to find ones with room for your student.

Boost enriches the homeschool experience of our K-5 students with engaging, teacher-led activities and hands-on projects. We work right alongside your students’ at-home curriculum to provide academic and social enrichment opportunities. We hope that your students will join us for an exciting year of learning and fun!

RISE teachers are ready for an awesome new year with your students! Help your student get off to a good start by reviewing the orientation and materials info below:

• Students may pick up RISE materials in person from the Lending Library THIS WEEK, August 11th through August 15th. The RISE team will be at Open House and will have all student materials there for pickup. All RISE materials remaining after the 15th will be shipped to families the week of August 18th, and associated shipping fees will be applied to students’ instructional funds accounts.
• The RISE Virtual Parent + Student Orientation will help you gear up for the year by providing important info about expectations for students, as well as ways students can get support, be successful, and connect with other RISE students throughout the year. This is a required orientation, and we look forward to meeting you there!

When: Mon, Aug 18th at 4:00 pm

Where: bit.ly/RISE_Homework_Help

We’re opening the door to amazing new Visual and Performing Arts opportunities this year — and you’re invited to jump in!

Check out our CAC Newsletter for all the details — from art supply distribution, parent and student orientations, and performances — and see how you can be part of this incredible year of creativity at TCS!

CVHS Back-To-School events

• Thursday, August 14th ~ 1st day of school

• Thursday, August 14th ~ Virtual Student Orientation 11:00 AM

• Friday, August 15th ~ TCS Open House: visit the high school area to pick up class supplies. This year we will be handing out music, art, filmmaking, and voice supplies, as well as offering optional texts for Live classes. Check out this CVHS Materials Doc to see what is offered/required.

CVHS 25-26 New Class Highlights: Registration is open for Fall CVHS Classes. We have an amazing lineup of core and elective courses. This year, we are launching 5 new Live CVHS courses

• A-G Live English 12

• College & Career Exploration

• Music Appreciation

• Voice: Writing and Arranging Through Voice

• Digital Art

• Digital Filmmaking

For more information or to register, see the links below:

• CVHS 2025-2026 Class Request Form

• 2025-2026 CVHS Information Session Slides & Recording

• 2025-2026 CVHS Program Details

All high school students will get this “TCS HS Student Info Hub” newsletter today – it has everything you need to get off to a strong start. Be sure to complete the following checkpoints:

✅ CTE survey
✅ TCS School ID

✅ Access the TCS High School Highlights August ’25
✅ Read this newsletter to discover all the amazing opportunities waiting for you at Cottonwood this school year!

Free ASVAB on October 7th

What: ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery) Test
When: Tuesday, October 7th at 9:00 am
Where: 3921 Sandstone Dr., Suite 108, El Dorado Hills, CA 95762

Why Take the ASVAB?

• Discover Career Paths: Whether you’re planning to join the military or explore civilian careers, the ASVAB is a great way to find out where your strengths lie.
• Military Recruitment: Interested in serving in the military? The ASVAB is a required step for enlistment and helps determine which jobs best suit your skills.
• Personal Growth: Learn more about your abilities and how they align with potential career opportunities.

Who Can Take the Test?
Open to 10th, 11th and 12th graders

How to Sign Up: Registration opens in WeGo tomorrow at 12:30 pm – please follow directions below on registering for Cottonwood Events

Free PSAT/NMSQT on October 14th

What: PSAT (Preliminary SAT & National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test)
When: Tuesday, October 14th at 10:00 am
Where: 3921 Sandstone Dr., Suite 108, El Dorado Hills, CA 95762

Why Take the PSAT/NMSQT?

• The Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT) is structured similarly to the SAT, which will only benefit you in preparing for the test
• It has the same sections and timing, and measures the reading and writing and math skills needed to succeed in college and career
• The test qualifies you for merit-based scholarships like National Merit Scholarships

Who Can Take the Test?
Open to 10th and 11th graders

How to Sign Up: Registration opens in WeGo tomorrow at 12:30 pm – please follow directions below on registering for Cottonwood Events

Please reach out to your High School Counselor if you would like more information!

We’re excited to welcome you back for another fantastic school year! If you have any questions about your classes, graduation requirements, college and career planning, concurrent enrollment, or anything else related to your academic journey, don’t hesitate to reach out to your high school counselor. We’re here to support you and would be happy to meet with you at any time during the school year.

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

Greetings Cottonwood Families!

The National Honor Society hopes you all had a great summer! We are excited to be back and gearing up for another awesome year! We wanted to share some quick program changes and updates for this year.

First of all, the NHS and NJHS will be holding their application period during the month of September. If you are a student who might be interested, you can review the documents below. They contain information about who we are as a program, what students need to do to be able to apply, and what is expected of you as members if you are accepted.

NHS students need to have achieved a 3.75 GPA (grades 10-12), and NJHS students need to have achieved a 3.5 GPA (grades 7-9), in order to apply. Students will also need to have prior leadership or service experience that they can talk about in their application. Students must maintain the qualifying GPA to remain in good standing.

• NHS – Who are We? | Slideshow

• Program Information

• Application Requirements

Let the Advisers know if you have any questions or comments.

• NHS Adviser: Mr. L – kyle.lutkemuller@cottonwoodk12.org

• NJHS Adviser: Mr. Clark – evan.clark@cottonwook12.org

We’re thrilled to kick off the 2025–26 school year with our very events and some exciting updates to how you’ll explore and register for Cottonwood experiences.

Updated Event Names

To better reflect the types of opportunities we offer, we’ve refreshed our event categories:

• Cottonwood Presents – Special events designed and hosted by our Community Team that bring traditional and creative academic or social experiences to life for homeschool students.

• Academic Adventures – Field trips and events created in partnership with vendors and venues, offering hands-on, real-world learning and enriching social opportunities.

A New Way to Explore Events

We’ve launched our brand-new Cottonwood WeGo registration platform! Instead of hunting for buttons in the Wednesday Weekly, you can now:

• View a comprehensive list of all available Cottonwood Presents and Academic Adventures

• Browse a calendar view to plan ahead with ease

ATP inclusive Events:

You’ll notice that some events in Cottonwood WeGo are marked as open to ATP students. ATP stands for Adult Transition Program—students ages 18–22 who are continuing their education with Cottonwood after high school to build life skills, explore vocational training, and connect with their community. These designated events are tailored to their program, providing meaningful and age-appropriate learning opportunities.

📅 Start exploring now in the section below, you’ll find all the details you need to register for your next great adventure!

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

Registration for Cottonwood Community Events will open Thursday, August 14, 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!

For September events and 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.

We hope you had a wonderful summer and are ready for an exciting new school year! The Lending Library is full of fresh finds—come see what’s new!

• Library on Location: Our van is back on its Wednesday route with some brand-new park stops.

• Story & Craft Time: Kicks off Monday, August 25th at 2 pm—mark your calendar!

• Hours: Open Monday–Friday, 9 AM–4 pm—drop in anytime.

Holds Reminder:
When you place items on hold, we’ll send you an email as soon as your order is ready for pick-up (be sure to check your spam folder). We’ll hold your items for 30 days before returning them to circulation.

📞 Questions? Call us at 530-285-2003—we’re happy to help!

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 CCG newsletter is in your inbox and includes registration links for August & September 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