Spring has a funny way of making us feel like we’re living in two seasons at once. One foot is still planted in the rhythm of this school year—finishing up projects, documenting learning, and celebrating growth. The other foot? Already stepping into the possibilities of what next year could hold.

It’s the homeschooler’s version of straddling two worlds: reflecting on what worked, reimagining what could work better, and rediscovering what lights your child up inside.

You may be deep in end-of-year checklists and wondering whether your math curriculum still fits. You might be looking at extracurriculars, high school options, or simply dreaming of a slower pace. You are not behind, and you are not alone. This season of both wrapping up and gearing up is where so much beauty and intentionality is born.

One of the ways we support families during this reflective season is through our annual Curriculum Showcase—a spring tradition that brings dozens of vendors and Community Partners together under one roof. It’s a hands-on, face-to-face way to explore curriculum options, ask questions, and discover new ideas for the year ahead. Whether you’re new to homeschooling or just ready to shake things up a bit, the Showcase is designed to inspire and equip you.

So take a moment to notice how far you’ve come—not just your child’s growth, but your own. The choices, pivots, and quiet victories add up. They matter. And they shape the journey ahead.

Planning doesn’t have to mean pressure. It can be playful, thoughtful, and even fun.

You’re doing it. And you’re doing it well.

Kindly,
Kara

If you’re already thinking ahead, you won’t want to miss our Curriculum Showcase happening on Thursday, May 9th at the Folsom Community Center!

We’ve made this year’s event bigger and better than ever—with over 35 participating vendors, including exciting newcomers like Demme Learning (Math-U-See), Singapore Math, Outschool, and Essentials in Writing.

💡 Why should you come?

• Face-to-face time with curriculum reps – ask questions, explore samples, and find the right fit for your child’s learning style.

• Discover programs you may not have heard of—this is the place to explore something new!

• Interactive booths & activities – we’re adding extra fun with games, giveaways, and even train rides from Folsom Valley Railway!

• Delicious eats from food trucks like Kona Ice and a new Pizza Truck.

• Raffle prizes for all ages! Come with your curiosity and leave with new ideas and some fun surprises.

• Library Returns: Bring all of your returns to Showcase! The Library team will be there with the van to collect both Library returns and any non-consumable materials purchased with instructional funds and are ready to turn in.

Plus, our Cottonwood-exclusive programs like BOOST, Superstar Readers, RISE, CVHS/High School, CTE, Creative Arts Collective, and more will be onsite to answer questions and share resources. As always, our Community Connections Team and Family Liaisons have lots of fun in store and future plans to share.

New families for the 2025–26 school year are also invited to attend, so it’s a great opportunity to build community and welcome them into our shared journey.

Bring your questions. Bring your curiosity. Bring your kids. Make it a day of discovery, connection, and excitement as we plan for a fantastic school year ahead.

• Behind the Scenes, Behind the Screens: Meet our Tech Team!

• Commencement Ceremonies: Register by April 29!

• Technology: End-of-Year Reminders

• Digital Literacy: Upcoming Parent Education Opportunities (Clever, Curriculum Bundles)

• K-8 Instructional Programs: Superstar Readers | Boost & RISE Class Highlights

• National Honor Society: Virtual Game Day

• CVHS: Prom: A Night to Remember | HS Curriculum Virtual Roadshow

• CTE: It’s Time to Register!

• HS Counseling: Summer & Fall Concurrent Enrollment

• CCPA: Wild Things Presentation Recap

• Everybody Belongs: April is Arab American Heritage Month!

• Lending Library: End-of-Year Reminders

• 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.

Monday, April 28

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

Tuesday, April 29

• Commencement Ceremony registrations close at 4:30 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

Monday, May 5

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

Wednesday, May 7

• 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

Reservations close on Monday, April 29 at 4:30 PM. Don’t miss your chance to celebrate this special milestone—register today!

Reminder: The last day to submit an Amazon Punchout request to your HST is April 30th. This will finalize ordering for the 2024–25 school year.

Thank you for all your support and partnership this year! If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to your HST.

If a student’s device is not working because of damage, please submit a Help Ticket so we can quickly facilitate a swap. Email tech-help@cottonwoodk12.org to submit a Help Ticket.

Graduating Seniors need to return all technology devices on or before graduation. You can return to the Lending Library, at Curriculum Showcase, and we will have a van at graduation for easy, quick returns!

If your student received a Chromebook 3110 (touchscreen) and does not have a case, we have cases in stock!

We are not currently able to ship cases, but meet us at a Park Day, come to the Library, or visit our table at Curriculum Showcase and we will provide a case for your student’s device. Please remember to bring your student’s Local ID # so we can verify their information.

Quick Help for logging into student Chromebooks or scan the accompanying QR code.

Do you have questions about using i-Ready, selecting a math curriculum, how to boost your student’s confidence in math, or any other math-related questions? Please join Nicole Ball, our Math Intervention Coordinator and RISE 6th grade math teacher, for her Parent Office Hours!

Wednesdays through May 14th

9 – 10 am

Mrs. Ball’s Zoom Room

Join us today 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

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

We are officially halfway through our state testing window, and we want to take a moment to thank all of our families and students for your incredible participation so far!

Here’s where we stand:

• ELA Completion: 91%

• Math Completion: 90%

• Science (CAST) Completion: 89%

👏 Amazing job, Cottonwood families!

Your partnership in completing state testing is essential—it not only helps us meet our school’s accountability requirements, but it also ensures we’re able to continue providing flexible, high-quality education options for all families.

If your student still needs to complete testing, please connect with your HST as soon as possible. Let’s keep our momentum and finish strong!

More information coming soon from your HST!

Are you planning your 2025-2026 K-2 ELA curriculum choices? Head to the Nest to take a look at our Cottonwood-exclusive Superstar Readers: a free full English Language Arts curriculum that covers all K-2 ELA standards!

Superstar Readers is free for all Cottonwood students learning to read! No registration required–everything is available on the Nest. You can use all or part of this curriculum at your own pace, or you can attend our Zoom classes. Stay tuned for 2025-2026 class sign ups!

To access Superstar Readers anytime (including over the summer!!!) follow these steps:

• Log in to the Nest at www.cottonwoodk12.org.

• Navigate to Academics – Instructional Programs – Superstar Readers.

• Bookmark https://bit.ly/SSRnest.

• Scroll down to the Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3 pages for free workbooks, decodable books, shared readers, video lessons and an educator’s guide just for Cottonwood students.

• K-2 students also have access to all class books and more on the Learning A-Z app in Clever with audiobooks that highlight text as it is read.

We’d love to have your middle schooler join us in RISE for 2025-26! Your students can find out what RISE is all about by attending our RISE Up Preview Day, where they will meet teachers, enjoy a taste of RISE classes and hear from other students about what it’s like to be a part of our community.

When: Thursday, May 1 at 11:00 am

Where: bit.ly/RISE_Homework_Help

We have all kinds of information available to you on the Parent Nest about our RISE program and classes, and about how to get involved. We invite you to explore our offerings and see how RISE can support your middle schooler’s homeschool journey next year!

This week, I’ve been excited to introduce students to a new program called Tuva Labs, which we’ll be using throughout the rest of the school year. Tuva Labs helps students develop real-world data literacy skills by allowing them to explore and analyze real data sets. Students will begin learning how to interpret data and graphs, ask thoughtful questions, and draw conclusions based on evidence. Our first lesson will be an introductory lesson to allow students to play with data about roller coasters. It’s a great way to connect science to the world around us!

~Mrs. Ericson, Science 8

In RISE Science 8, students will dive into the world of physical science using interactive simulations and virtual tools that bring the concepts to life. The course focuses on understanding the science happening around us every day, from energy and motion to forces and matter. Through engaging online lessons and activities, students will explore how these principles are connected to their everyday experiences.

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

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.

The National Honor Society hopes you had a great Spring Break!

We want to extend a big thank you to our entire Cottonwood community for making our first-ever NHS Bake Sale at the Cottonwood Maker’s Market such a success! In just three hours, we raised over $250, which will be donated to three local charities selected by our members.

Our NHS students are also working on individual community service projects and would love your support!
👉 Check out our Member Projects to see how you can get involved and make a difference this spring.

Thinking about joining NHS?
Our NHS President, Sarah Saleem, is hosting a Virtual Game Day on Friday, April 25th from 2:00–3:00 pm. This fun event is open to all Cottonwood students in grades 6–11 who are interested in playing games, meeting our members, and learning more about what NHS is all about.

To join, just use the Zoom link on our event flyer.
📄 Can’t attend? No problem! You can still learn more by reviewing our Application Requirements.

If you have any questions, feel free to reach out:
📧 NHS Adviser: Mr. L – kyle.lutkemuller@cottonwoodk12.org
📧 NJHS Adviser: Mr. Clark – evan.clark@cottonwoodk12.org

Graphic Design | NHS President: Sarah Saleem

This afternoon is the Homestudy High School Curriculum Virtual Roadshow 2025 – Wednesday, April 23rd at 3:30 pm at this Zoom link. Parents will be shown the many A-G-approved curriculum options and compare how they may best serve their student’s needs.

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

Here are important dates for students who are planning on doing concurrent enrollment in the summer or fall semester. Students need to submit the Special Admit Permission Form ASAP to be ready to register for classes. Please have your students reach out to their counselor for guidance!

**Sierra College Academic Enrichment permission form is now available to submit through your mySierra account!**

• Sierra College Summer & Fall Schedule is now posted and linked here

• Sierra College Summer and Fall registration starts May 2nd

• Los Rios Summer 2025 Schedule is posted and linked here

• Los Rios Fall Schedule is available now and linked here

• Los Rios Summer Registration has begun

• Los Rios Fall Registration begins May 8th

Get your applications and Special Admit Forms in before summer break to avoid any delays in the process! Take a look at our Concurrent Enrollment Guide for more information!

* Los Rios includes Folsom Lake College, Sacramento City College, American River College, and Consumes River College

Graduating students who are enrolling in a local community college – registration for the fall semester is quickly approaching! Make sure you are applying to the community college as a first-time college student.

• Sierra Fall registration starts on May 1st
• Los Rios Fall registration started April 21st

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

Even better, this visit lined up perfectly with the 9th and 10th grade climate projects currently underway. As students dive into the ways humans impact ecosystems and climate, getting to meet real animals affected by these issues gives them a deeper, more personal understanding. At CCPA, we love making connections between our projects and the real world—it keeps learning meaningful, memorable, and engaging. 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.

We’re often racing to the next thing, but what if the most important moment is the one you’re in right now? The Time Is Now invites us to pause and be fully present—whether it’s with your child, a friend, or even just with yourself. When we model presence, we show others what it looks like to be grounded and emotionally available. Presence creates trust and connection. And when we take the time to notice and truly be in the moment, we also Encourage the Heart by honoring the people around us.

Try this:
Pick one interaction today—just one—and give it your full attention. No multitasking. Just be there. See what shifts.

Come see what we’ve been up to in the world of growth, mindfulness, and independence:

🎥 Videos of Mindful Movement – Watch our students in action as they ground themselves, breathe, and move with purpose.
🧠 Lesson Demo – Experience a live taste of the kinds of activities that help students grow emotionally, mentally, and socially.
🌟 Let Grow Excitement – Discover how we’re encouraging independence, creativity, and confidence with the Let Grow movement!

This is your chance to peek inside the heart of what we’re building together here at Cottonwood.

This month, we honor and celebrate the rich history, culture, and contributions of Arab Americans to our communities and our country. From science and literature to music, art, and public service, Arab Americans have shaped and enriched the American story in countless ways.

As homeschool families, this is a wonderful opportunity to explore new perspectives and highlight voices that reflect the diversity of our nation. Whether through books, films, food, or history, we encourage you to take time to learn and celebrate together.

Here are a few family-friendly resources to get you started, including a video embedded below:
📚 Book List: Arab American Book Award Winners – Recognizing outstanding books by and about Arab Americans
📖 Lesson Plan Ideas: Arab American Resources from Arab American National Musuem
📺 PBS Kids Feature: Arab American Heritage Month Collection – Short videos and stories for younger learners
🎧 Podcast for Teens: Kerning Cultures – A podcast network sharing stories from the Middle East and North Africa. Parents are encouraged to preview episodes to choose content that aligns with their family’s values and interests.

Let’s continue building bridges of understanding and appreciation in our homeschool communities all year long!

As we head toward the end of the school year, it’s a great time to take a look at your bookshelves!

If you’re finished using any Lending Library materials, we encourage you to return them soon—this helps free up valuable resources for other families and makes space on your shelves for next year’s learning adventures.

You can return items in any of the following ways:
✅ Drop them off at the Lending Library during open hours
✅ Bring them to the Curriculum Showcase on May 9, any commencement ceremony, or Field Day.
✅ Hand them to the Lending Library Van at your local park (see schedule).

🔁 A quick reminder:

• All Lending Library items must be returned before the end of the school year.

• Non-consumable items purchased with instructional funds (like books and curriculum) should be returned when you are no longer using them or when you leave the school. Please don’t hold on to materials that are no longer in use—they could be just what another family is looking for!

Thank you for helping us keep the library organized, well-stocked, and full of fresh possibilities for all of our Cottonwood families!

Check out the details for next week’s Park Days on Wednesday, April 30:

📍 Elk Grove – Horseshoe Park, 12 pm (with Alaynah M.)
📍 Cameron Park – Christa McAuliffe Park, 10 am (with Saralynn D.)
📍 Roseville – Woodbridge 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 (listed below), we ask that you reserve your spot using the signup so our specialty staff can prepare a great experience for your students.

April 28: World of Music | Everybody Belongs

May 5: Superstar Readers

May 12: Mindful Movement

May 19: Everybody Belongs

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:

• 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