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Homeschooling in May: Finding Joy in the Final Stretch
May has a spirit all its own. There’s a gentle pull toward what’s next… summer plans, graduations, travel, and new adventures on the horizon. But even in the midst of winding down, May holds so many rich opportunities to finish strong, celebrate growth, and savor these last pages of the school year.
In homeschooling, May can look like wrapping up core subjects while leaning into more hands-on learning, creating final projects or memory books, heading outdoors for nature walks, or diving into passion projects that light your child up.
If you’re looking for fresh ideas to keep the learning joyful this month, here are a few to explore:
- Nature Walk Scavenger Hunt (Printable)
- End-of-Year Memory Book Pages (Printable)
- Summer Reading Bingo (Printable)
- Outdoor STEM Activities
- Year-End Reflection Journal Prompts
May isn’t just about wrapping things up—it’s about honoring the journey, savoring growth, and setting the stage for all that’s still to come.
You’re doing a beautiful job. Your steady steps, your intentional choices, and your heart for your child’s learning make all the difference.
Kindly,
Kara Parkins, Parent Support Supervisor
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🎉 Celebrate and Dream Together at Curriculum Showcase!
As we savor the final weeks of the school year, it’s also time to dream ahead—together.
Our Curriculum Showcase is the perfect place to do just that!
🌟 Friday, May 9th from 10 am – 2 pm
Folsom Community Center
With over 35 vendors, curriculum reps, Cottonwood-exclusive programs, games, food trucks, train rides, raffle prizes, and a whole lot of inspiration, Showcase is a celebration of both how far we’ve come—and the wide-open possibilities ahead.
New families for the 2025–26 school year are joining us, too, making this a true community gathering. Bring your questions, your curiosity, and your family. Let’s celebrate a fantastic year and set our sights on an even brighter one ahead!
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YOU DON'T WANT TO MISS A THING!
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Behind the Scenes, Behind the Screens: Meet Our Digital Content Coordinator!
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Campus Beautification Opportunity: Raised Planter Beds
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Ordering: Amazon Punchout deadline today
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Digital Literacy: Upcoming Parent Education Opportunities (Clever, Curriculum Bundles)
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K-8 Instructional Programs: Superstar Readers | Boost & RISE Updates
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Creative Arts Collective: Creative Arts Expo Gallery & Hangout
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CTE: CTE Students are Amazing!
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HS Counseling: Summer & Fall Concurrent Enrollment
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CCPA: UC Davis Tour Trip
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Lending Library: End-of-Year Reminders
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And Much, Much More…
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And always at the end of The Wednesday Weekly
- Registration links and schedules for Park Days, Mondays at the CCC, and the Lending Library.
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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.
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📅 Coming Up
April 28 – May 8: STAR 360 Assessment Window Open
Wednesday, April 30
- Amazon Punchout Ordering closes
Thursday, May 1
- RISE Up Preview Day, 11 am (Registration below)
Friday, May 2
- Creative Arts Expo Gallery & Hangout, 2:30 – 3:30 pm
Monday, May 5
- Mondays at the CCC (Superstar Readers activity)
- Mindset Mondays
- Storytime & Craft Club at The Lending Library, 2 – 3 pm
Wednesday, May 7
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🔭 Looking Ahead
Friday, May 9
Monday, May 12
- Mondays at the CCC
- Mindset Mondays
- Storytime & Craft Club at The Lending Library, 2 – 3 pm
Wednesday, May 14
Friday, May 23
- Lending Library Items Due
- Last Day of School!
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Meet our Digital Content Coordinator!
As Cottonwood’s Digital Content Coordinator, Lisa Howard manages and maintains the school’s public website, as well as the Hawks’ Nest for both staff and parents. She can also often be found at school events taking photos for our social media or pitching in on creative projects such as designing department logos.
Three adjectives to describe Lisa are: creative, compassionate, and indefatigable.
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Come join us to set up our new raised planter beds!
A local Eagle Scout, Noah Baker, has taken on the task of building raised planter beds in front of Suite 100 at our Sandstone Campus. These raised beds will be installed on Monday, May 12th.
We are seeking volunteers who can help fill our new raised planter beds with gravel and dirt on May 12th at 10 am. All participants must come with work gloves and we ask you to bring a shovel, if possible. Any students must stay with their parents at all times during this project. If you are able to attend, please sign up using the link below.
On May 12th we will fill the planter beds with dirt. Plants will be added in August during our Back to School Open House after the irrigation has been added.Please reach out to Dianne Curtis with any questions. dianne.curtis@cottonwoodk12.org
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Just a reminder: Visit your commencement ceremony page on the Parent Hawks’ Nest for all event information needed. Registration for these events is now closed. We can’t wait to see you there!
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Reminder: TODAY is the last day to submit an Amazon Punchout request to your HST. 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.
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Math Office Hours
Reminder! Nicole Ball, our Math Intervention Coordinator and RISE 6th grade math teacher, is offering parent office hours on Wednesdays through May 14th. Bring your math questions, such as selecting a math curriculum, using i-Ready, or boosting your student’s confidence in math, and Nicole will help you out!
Wednesdays through May 14th
9 – 10 am
Mrs. Ball’s Zoom Room
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Vetting TK-8 Curriculum & School-Selected Bundles – Why it matters
Join the curriculum team today at 3:30 pm 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
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Can you believe that we are in our last week of CAASPP testing? Thank you so much to you and your students. Some of the feedback I have received is that students found it fun! Thank you for making testing and assessments fun, engaging, and an opportunity to build capacity and resilience!
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STAR Spring testing window opened 4/28
Please reach out to your HST if you have not received instructions and login information.
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Join us at the CCC this Monday for an end-of-year celebration! We will be planting seeds in lovely little pots to take home to honor our growth this year. Mrs. Zuev will be at the CCC from 10-2 to answer questions, chat about next year, and congratulate you and your students.
Monday, May 5
10:00 am – 1:00 pm: Planting and playing
1:00 pm – 2:00 pm: Reading and writing activities
Community Connect Center at The Cottonwood School
RSVP here or drop in!
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Boost – 2024-25 Splash Landing
Our Boost program has thrived and experienced remarkable growth and success over the 24 -25 school year. It’s been inspiring to witness our students’ academic and social development.
Boost Language Arts classes have helped our K-5 students find their literacy superpowers: critical thinking, communication, and creativity. Boost Math classes have provided an environment for discovering the joy of problem-solving and tackling exciting math challenges from the comfort of their own homes. Boost provides a welcoming environment where students can forge friendships, exchange ideas, and inspire each other to reach new learning heights.
We would love to have your student join us in Boost for the 25 – 26 school year! We invite you to explore our program offerings on the Parent Nest, which has all the latest information and updates.
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RISE Up Preview Day
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.
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Thursday, May 1 at 11:00 am
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RISE on the Nest
You’ll find everything you need to know about our RISE program and classes on the Parent Nest—including how to get involved! We invite you to explore the offerings and discover how RISE can support your middle schooler’s homeschool journey in the year ahead.
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RISE Spotlight – Science 7 with Mrs. Mitchell
We are currently diving into the study of genetics, focusing on how traits are inherited in plants, animals, and humans. Our discussions will explore the role of DNA in passing genetic characteristics from one generation to the next. We are currently exploring how Punnett Squares are used to predict the probability of certain traits appearing in offspring. To further expand our learning, in the weeks to follow we will examine how specific adaptations have enabled animals to thrive in their unique habitats, highlighting the fascinating ways in which genetics and the environment shape survival.
– Mrs. Mitchell, Science 7
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More about Mrs. Mitchell’s RISE class…
In RISE Science 7, students delve into life science and the fascinating world of living organisms and their interactions. The curriculum covers a wide range of topics, including animals, plants, ecosystems, habitats, cellular biology, and the human body systems, offering a comprehensive understanding of how life functions and connects.
🌟 Stay tuned each week for more sneak peeks into the dynamic and collaborative learning experiences happening in our Middle School RISE classrooms.
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🎨 Creative Arts Expo Gallery & Hangout 🎶
When: This Friday, May 2nd, drop in anytime between 2:30–3:30 pm
Where: Suite 100 at The Cottonwood School campus ( 3921 Sandstone Dr, El Dorado Hills, CA 95762
What to Expect:
Come celebrate the creativity of our students! Drop by to enjoy:
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A walk-through gallery of student art
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Live performances from our musicians and performers
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Free snacks and refreshments for everyone
It’s a relaxed, come-and-go event—bring the whole family and enjoy a fun afternoon supporting the arts!
Want to perform?
We still have room for more live performances!
Email Jamin.Coller@CottonwoodK12.org to reserve your spot.
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Parents & Students — Come see us at Curriculum Showcase!
Come explore all that Cottonwood’s Homestudy High School has to offer!
Whether you’re planning ahead or just starting to think about high school, this is a great opportunity to learn together. Visit our booths to discover exciting programs, meet supportive staff, and find out about the unique opportunities available for the 2025–2026 school year. We can’t wait to meet you and help you explore what’s next!
Be sure to check out these featured booths at the showcase:
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CVHS Cottonwood Virtual High School
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CTE Career Technical Education
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NHS/NJHS National Honor Society
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Homestudy High School booth with the HS Coaches
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TCS Counseling
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Innovation and the Arts!
If your student is registered, we look forward to seeing them at this week’s Innovation Fair! Immediately following this inspiring event is the Arts Expo, where participating students will showcase their talents in both visual and performing arts. We’re excited to celebrate a fantastic day of innovation, creativity, and artistic expression!
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CVHS Registration is OPEN for the 2025-2026 School Year!
Here are the resources you need to get a jumpstart on registration:
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Congratulations to our AMAZING CTE students who are completing their 2024-25 CTE Pathways! These students took advantage of a wonderful opportunity to engage in a double credit program to learn about an industry pathway of their choosing. They earned several essential skills certificates along the way. We will be celebrating our 2024-25 CTE Pathway Completers on Thursday May 15th, 2025 at 5:00 pm on Zoom.
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Workforce Readiness Week (April 28 to May 2, 2025)
In accordance with AB 800, please find resources from CDE below:
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Get Ready for Summer & Fall Concurrent Enrollment
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!**
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
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Graduating High School to First-Year College Students
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
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Contact your Counselor
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CCPA Students Tour UC Davis!
What an incredible field trip! Our CCPA students had the incredible opportunity to tour the UC Davis campus! Students from all grade levels (9-12) joined the field trip because at CCPA we believe it’s never too early to start exploring what’s possible after high school. As they walked the beautiful, tree-lined campus, students learned all about the admissions process, student-led initiatives, unique academic programs, and the rich history that makes UC Davis such a standout institution. It was inspiring to see our students asking questions, soaking it all in, and imagining themselves as future college students.
As a college prep academy, building a college-going culture is at the heart of everything we do. Trips like this are a key part of how we support students in dreaming big and planning ahead. Whether it’s their first time visiting a college campus or one of many, we want our students to see higher education as an achievable, exciting step in their journey. Do you know a high schooler who would thrive in a forward-thinking, student-centered enviroment? Enrollment for the 2025 – 2026 school year is open! For more information, call us at (530) 285-2003 or email isabella.brenneman@cottonwoodk12.org.
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Come see us at the SELF Booth at Curriculum Showcase!
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.
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Food brings people together by creating shared experiences—whether it’s a family dinner, a holiday feast, or grabbing street food with friends. It’s more than just eating; it’s a way of connecting, telling stories, passing down culture, and showing love or hospitality. Sitting down to a meal can break down barriers, spark conversation, and create memories that tie people to each other. Ahlaam, our Arab Ambassador was kind enough to share her favorite recipe of Fattoush Salad. The three components to this salad are the pita chips, vegetables, and the zesty dressing!
Take a look at the recipe here!
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🌺 Calling All Asian American & Pacific Islander Families!
May is Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month, and we would love to honor and celebrate the rich cultures, stories, and traditions of our AAPI community.
We’re currently looking for an Asian American and/or Pacific Islander family to be featured in our school’s cultural spotlight for the month of May. This is a wonderful opportunity to share your heritage, highlight meaningful traditions, and help our students and families learn more about the beauty and diversity within our community.
If you’re interested in being featured or know a family who might be, please reach out to Leslie Bellini at leslie.bellini@cottonwoodk12.org.
Let’s celebrate and uplift AAPI voices together! 🌴✨
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Request items from the Lending Library to pick up or have delivered to a Library-on-Location stop near you!
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Pick up items that you requested from the Lending Library at one of our Library on Location events.
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Click here to learn how to set up your library account and access the system to reserve items!
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From 10 am – 1 pm, Mondays at the CCC are just open house style—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.
May 5: Superstar Readers
May 12: Mindful Movement
May 19: Everybody Belongs
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On this page, you will find work samples, educational resources for specific trips, Field Trip Journal pages, and more!
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Find a comprehensive list of all our planned events for the upcoming school year! This list will grow all year!
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- 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.
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General Resources for Parents
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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
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Kara Parkins
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