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Sibling Spot Offers, Lottery & Waitlist Process – What You Need to Know
Our live, online lottery will take place this Friday for families who enrolled during open enrollment.
Spot offers were sent to all siblings of current students who submitted an enrollment form during open enrollment. If this applies to you, please be aware that the email you received contains a time-sensitive deadline to accept your spot. If you do not respond by the deadline, your spot will be offered to another student.
Additionally, if you submitted an open enrollment form for a sibling but received a lottery notification instead of an enrollment offer, please reach out to Enrollment ASAP to clarify. It is likely that the form did not indicate that the student is a sibling, and we will need to make the necessary adjustment on our end.
Due to the number of applications exceeding available spots, a lottery is necessary to fairly allocate openings. Families who do not secure a spot in the school through the lottery will automatically be placed on the waitlist in the randomized order generated by the lottery system. As enrollment shifts—whether families decline a spot or currently enrolled families choose to leave—we will continue pulling from the waitlist throughout the summer and school year as openings become available.
Families who apply moving forward will be placed on a waitlist behind the lottery waitlist in the order of application.
The enrollment lottery will take place on Friday, March 21, 2025, at 10:00 am. While attendance is not required to participate, families are welcome to join us using the following link: Enrollment Lottery The lottery results will be posted on the enrollment page on our website by noon on March 21, 2025. Families who are offered a spot will be notified via email of the next steps.
Spot offer email comes from: joshua.sparks@cottonwoodk12.org or enrollment@cottonwoodk12.org
The lottery email comes from: joshua.sparks@cottonwoodk12.org or enrollment@cottonwoodk12.org
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Measuring Growth: Celebrating Progress & The Value of Testing
At this point in the school year, I always find myself reflecting on how much my kids have grown—both academically and personally. It’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day and forget to pause and take stock of all the little moments that show real progress. Maybe it’s the way they confidently tackle a math problem that once left them in tears, how their handwriting has improved, or even the thoughtful connections they make between subjects that weren’t there before. Growth isn’t always measured in perfect increments, and it doesn’t always look the way we expect it to—but it’s happening.
As homeschool parents, we have so many ways to recognize our children’s learning—portfolios, projects, goal-setting, and skill-tracking, just to name a few. But one tool that is often overlooked is testing. While we all realize that standardized testing results are just one measure of achievement, these results do provide valuable insight. It can highlight strengths we may not have noticed, reveal areas that need more focus, and even help our kids practice essential skills like working through challenges, pacing themselves, and demonstrating what they know under structured conditions.
State testing is also an important part of our school’s ability to continue offering the programs and freedoms we value so much. As a public charter school, we are required to administer these assessments and demonstrate academic growth in our students, with a goal of achieving at least 95% participation. Participation and showing growth help ensure we can continue providing families with quality curriculum choices, field trips, enrichment activities, and personalized learning support. It’s one of the ways we demonstrate the value of homeschooling while keeping our program strong for years to come.
That said, testing doesn’t have to be stressful! Over the years, I’ve found that a little preparation and a positive mindset can go a long way:
📂 Portfolios – Keeping a collection of my kids’ work helps us see their progress throughout the year, making testing feel like just one of many ways we track learning.
📘 Project-Based Learning – When kids apply their knowledge through hands-on projects, they often feel more confident when it comes time to demonstrate their understanding in a test.
📝 Goal-Setting and Reflection Journals – Writing down goals helps kids see how much they’ve accomplished and gives them a sense of ownership over their learning.
📊 Skill-Tracking Sheets – Using simple progress trackers helps kids see what they’ve mastered and what still needs work, making testing feel more like a checkpoint than a high-stakes moment.
📈 Practice & Familiarity – Using one of the many free apps in Clever or programs like i-Ready or IXL to review concepts can build confidence, and practicing test-taking skills—like reading instructions carefully and managing time—can make the experience smoother.
At the end of the day, testing is just one piece of the puzzle. It doesn’t define our kids or their education, but it is a helpful tool—for them, for us as parents, and for our school as a whole. I encourage you to embrace this season as an opportunity to celebrate growth, set new goals, and support your child in gaining experience with testing—an important life skill they’ll use well beyond their homeschool years.
Kindly, Kara
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YOU DON'T WANT TO MISS A THING!
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School Updates: Meet our RISE Team!
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Student Support: Last Writing Workshop of the Year
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Curriculum: Seeking your feedback!
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Testing: Math Antics Videos on the Parent Nest
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K-8 Instructional Programs: Boost & RISE Class Highlights
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CVHS: Parent & Student Info Sessions, Innovation Fair Registration
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CTE: Info Session March 19th
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HS Counseling: Concurrent Enrollment Dates, Upcoming Events
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National Honor Society: March NHS Updates
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Everybody Belongs: March is Women’s History Month!
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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
Wednesday, March 19
- CTE Info Session on Zoom – 3:30 pm (8th grade & high schoolers)
- Unschooling Parent Workshop on Zoom – 3:30 pm
Monday, March 24
- Mondays at the CCC – 10 am – 2 pm (Art for Everyone @ 1 pm)
- Mindset Mondays (See SELF Talk Newsletter for details)
- Storytime & Craft Club at The Lending Library – 2 – 3 pm
Wednesday, March 26
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🔭 Looking Ahead
Monday, March 31
- 🏫 Cesar Chavez Day – School Closed
Wednesday, April 2
Thursday, April 3
Friday, April 4
Monday, April 7
- Mondays at the CCC
- Mindset Mondays
- Storytime & Craft Club at The Lending Library – 2 – 3 PM
Friday, April 11
April 14 – 21
- 🌸 Spring Break – School Closed
Wednesday, April 30
- 🛍️ Amazon Punchout Ordering Closes
Friday, May 9
- 📚 Cottonwood’s 2025 Curriculum Showcase
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⭐ SAVE THE DATE
📅 Kindergarten Promotion – Tuesday, May 20, 2025 @ 10:00 am
📍 Johnson Springview Park, Rocklin
📅 8th Grade Promotion – Thursday, May 22, 2025 @ 1:00 pm
📍 William Jessup University
📅 High School Graduation – Thursday, May 22, 2025 @ 4:00 pm
📍 William Jessup University
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Meet our RISE Team!
Meet Our RISE Team!
The Middle School RISE program at The Cottonwood School reimagines home study by providing live, virtual instruction in Math, Language Arts, Science, and Electives for 6th-8th graders while fostering community and connection.
We know middle school is about more than academics—it’s a time of growth, change, and new challenges. RISE is designed to support students academically, socially, and emotionally, helping them build confidence and prepare for high school.
What Our RISE Team Provides:
✔️ Engaging, interactive instruction tailored for middle schoolers
✔️ Caring support for students of all levels and abilities
✔️ Opportunities for connection through virtual and in-person meetups
Three Words That Describe Our Team:
🌟 Innovative | 🤝 Collaborative | 🎯 Student-Centered
Be sure to join our upcoming info sessions to learn more about enrolling your junior high student for the 2025/26 Fall Semester.
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📢 We Want Your Feedback on Cottonwood Curriculum Bundles!
Did your family use one of our Grade-Level Cottonwood Curriculum Bundles this school year? We’d love to hear about your experience! Your feedback is invaluable in helping us improve and better support our students and families.
As a thank-you, everyone who fills out the survey will be entered into a drawing for a gift card! 🎉
👉 Share your thoughts: [Survey Link]
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📢 Join Us Today for an Unschooling Info Session!
Come join us TODAY at 3:30 pm to explore the basics of Unschooling with our Educational Design Expert, Carey Shaw. This will be an informative and flexible session—bring your questions and get them answered! We look forward to seeing you there.
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➕ Simplify Math with Math Antics!
Did you know we have Math Antics tutorials you can access through the Parent Nest under Student Support?
Math Antics is a series of engaging, easy-to-follow videos designed to break down basic math concepts in a clear and simple way. Lessons are organized by topic rather than grade level, typically covering concepts from 3rd to 8th grade, though older students may find them helpful for review.
Each topic includes:
🎥 YouTube video lessons
📄 Worksheets & exercises
✅ Answer keys for practice
Check it out and make math more approachable!
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🎯 Boost Student Confidence with CAASPP Practice Tests!
Did you know your student can build confidence and prepare for the CAASPP by taking practice tests on the state website? These practice tests help students:
✅ Familiarize students with the testing interface
✅ Learn how to use built-in test tools
✅ Apply vocabulary and test-taking strategies from the school year
It’s a great way to boost confidence and accelerate achievement! Logging in is simple—just follow these CAASPP Practice Test login directions. (Video below 🎥)
🔍 Important Notes:
- Practice tests are not auto-graded, but parents can access the answer key using these answer key directions. Students should write down their answers for reference.
- Tests do not include 504/IEP accommodations.
📺 Watch the video below to learn how to access the practice tests on www.CAASPP-ELPAC.org!
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📌 Catch Up on Past Testing Tips!
Missed a previous Testing Tip of the Week? No worries! You can find them all in The Nest anytime.
📍 Where to Find It:
Go to the Academics section of The Hawks’ Nest > Test Success Tips
Stay prepared and set your student up for success! 🚀
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All Superstar Readers materials are now available on the Hawks’ Nest, or by logging in at parent.cottonwoodk12.org and choosing Academics – Instructional Programs – Superstar Readers. As always, Superstar Readers is free exclusively for all Cottonwood students and can be used as a supplement or a full ELA curriculum. Watch the short video below for a quick look at all the fantastic reading curriculum materials available now.
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Boost Spotlight – Ms. Julia's 5th Grade Math
5th grade Boost math students had an amazing time learning about fractions by diving into hands-on activities in their very own Fraction Bakery! They explored how fractions relate to real-life baking, measuring ingredients, and dividing recipes into smaller portions. By creating their own "fraction treats," they developed a deep understanding of equivalent fractions, adding, and subtracting fractions in a fun, creative way. The experience not only made fractions come to life but also helped them connect math concepts to something deliciously memorable!
We hope you join us at one of our upcoming Instructional Programs Informational Sessions and Class Preview Day to see how Boost can enhance and enrich your student’s homeschool experience!
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RISE Spotlight – English 8 with Mrs. Coller
This week RISE English 8 students are completing their second articles on their interest-based blog websites. This task is focused on persuasive writing, inviting students to convince their readers to think or do something about their topics – from “Why Make Your Own Sourdough” to “What You Should Do to Slow Climate Change” and all kinds of topics in between. Students have explored the use of different kinds of appeals in their persuasive writing, and the value of incorporating compelling imagery alongside their writing to help communicate their ideas.
~Wendy Coller, English 8
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More about Mrs. Coller’s RISE class…
In RISE English 8, we value collaboration, connection, and meaningful communication as we work together to learn, stretch, and grow as readers and writers. We explore themes such as personal growth and intelligence, as well as the perseverance and perspectives of individuals from different eras and cultures, through reading and discussion of works of fiction and nonfiction. Students write a variety of works; developing abilities as storytellers and debaters, and building personal blog websites to creatively showcase knowledge and expertise in areas they choose.
🌟 Stay tuned each week for more sneak peeks into the dynamic and collaborative learning experiences happening in our Middle School RISE classrooms!
Up next – RISE Math!
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🎶 It’s Not Too Late to Join Piano, Ukulele, & Choir!
We had an incredible first week with over 50 students making music together—and your student can still join in!
✨ Flexible Start – Lessons are designed so new students can jump in anytime without feeling behind.
🎵 Low-Pressure Environment – No cameras required, no pressure to speak—just a space to explore music at your own pace.
🎶 All You Need – A love for music and a willingness to learn!
Come make music with us! 🎹🎤🎸
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🎭 Final Call for Live Performers! Don’t Miss Your Chance! 🎨
🚨 LAST CALL! We have just a couple of spots left for live performers at the Cottonwood Art Expo & Gallery—and they won’t last long! If you want to take the stage, grab your spot NOW before it’s gone! 🎤🎶🎭
🔥 Not a performer? No problem! There’s plenty of space for visual art displays, and you can submit your work anytime using the same signup link.
✨ Can’t make it in person on May 2nd? Your art can STILL be featured in the gallery!
This event is shaping up to be legendary—a true celebration of our talented student artists. 🎨🎶 Will your work be part of it? We can’t wait to showcase your creativity!
👉 Sign Up Now! Art Expo Signup Link
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🚀 Calling All Teen Innovators! Join Us for the Teen Innovation Fair!
📅 Mark your calendars—Friday, May 2nd is our Teen Innovation Fair! We’re inviting 8th-12th grade students to a day filled with creativity, collaboration, and hands-on innovation at CVHS.
💡 What’s in Store?
✨ Meet new friends and collaborate with peers
🔬 Explore hands-on activities and creative challenges
🎓 Learn from our incredible CVHS teachers
✅ FREE for all TCS students
🗓 Friday, May 2nd
📍 @ the Community Connect Center
🔗 [Register Here]
Encourage your teen to discover, create, and innovate—sign up today! 🚀
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CVHS Information Session
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HST & Family CVHS Information Session is on April 3rd from 3:30 pm–4:30 pm on Zoom!
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CVHS Student Visitation Tour
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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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📢 Important Dates for Concurrent Enrollment Students!
Planning to enroll in summer or fall courses? Submit your Special Admit permission form ASAP to ensure you’re ready for registration! Students should contact their counselor for guidance.
📌 Key Dates:
✅ Sierra College
✅ Los Rios Colleges (Folsom Lake, Sacramento City, American River, Consumnes River)
📢 Get your applications and Special Admit Forms in BEFORE Summer Break to avoid delays!
📖 Need help? Check out our Concurrent Enrollment Guide for more details!
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🔧🚀 SCC Technology & Engineering Career Fair – Don't Miss Out!
📅 Thursday, April 24th | 6:00 – 8:00 pm
📍 Sacramento City College (SCC)
High school students—are you interested in Technology and Engineering?
SCC’s Career Fair & Open House is your chance to:
✅ Meet Industry Professionals – Explore career opportunities in HVAC, Manufacturing, Government Services, and more
✅ Connect with Employers – 35+ companies actively seeking skilled professionals
✅ On-the-Spot Interviews – Private rooms available for one-on-one meetings
✅ Learn About SCC Programs – Chat with Admissions & Dual Enrollment reps to explore class and program options
🔹 Featured Employers
🏢 Employment Agencies & Services – AtWork Personnel, SETA, Efficiency First California
🏛 Government & Public Services – SMUD, CA Dept. of General Services, County of Sacramento
❄️ HVAC & Refrigeration – Siemens, Honeywell, M3 Service
🏭 Manufacturing & Industrial – Teledyne Technologies, Robert Bosch, Walgreens
This is an incredible opportunity to gain industry insights, build connections, and explore future career paths. Don’t miss out! 🚀
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🎓 Sierra College Info Session – Learn About Enrollment & Resources!
The Sierra College Outreach Team invites you to an informational session covering everything you need to know about resources, programs, and services at Sierra College.
📌 What You’ll Learn:
✅ A step-by-step guide to the enrollment process
✅ Important dates & deadlines to enroll
✅ Available student resources & support services
📅 When: Thursday, March 27th 6-7 pm
📍 Where: Zoom
Don’t miss this opportunity to get all your questions answered and make the enrollment process smooth and stress-free! Click here to sign up for the webinar.
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Contact your Counselor
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March NHS Updates
Our National Honor Society has been busy welcoming new members, and we’re thrilled to share what they’ll be working on this spring!
🌟 Tutoring Initiative – Our members have pledged to complete at least one hour of tutoring this semester, with a collective goal of 50+ hours! If you or a student you know could use extra support, reach out to an Adviser—we may be able to connect them with a peer tutor.
🍪 Bake Sale at the Makers Market! – Stop by our booth to grab some delicious, nut-free treats while supporting a great cause. Next week, our members will vote on a local charity to receive all proceeds. Snacking for a cause has never been sweeter!
📝 Celebrating Our Members! – Beyond their NHS contributions, many of our students are engaged in other incredible opportunities. Our NHS President, Sarah Saleem, recently wrote a fantastic recap of our Induction Ceremony for Sac School Beat. 🎉 Read her article here: Sarah Saleem Article
We’re so proud of our students and excited for everything they’re accomplishing this year! 💙✨
Let the Advisers know if you have any questions or comments:
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"Women are History Makers" celebrates the vibrancy and trailblazing achievements of women.
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Frequently Asked Question:
Can we keep our library items over the summer if we are not finished with them yet?
Answer:
All items that you checked out this school year are due back to the library by May 23rd. This allows us time to complete our inventory and get items ready to check out in July. Remember, you CAN keep items that you ordered with instructional funds if you are still using them.
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Library on Location 2024-25 Schedule
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Upcoming Storytime & Craft: March 24
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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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Bonus! Parent-Led Park Day
Beginning Friday, March 14th, join Cottonwood parent Kim Terral at Heritage Park in El Dorado Hills from 11 am – 1 pm each Friday! Bring a lunch and come out to meet other Cottonwood families!
Contact Kim at mrskterral@gmail.com to RSVP and for more information!
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🌟 Mondays at the CCC – Drop In & Join the Fun! 🌟
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 guided activities from 1-2 pm, we ask that you reserve your spot using the signup so our specialty staff can prepare a great experience for your students.
🔹 Check out the signup to see what’s coming up, but please only sign up for activities you plan to attend so we can allocate resources appropriately.
We can’t wait to see you there! 🎉
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Scroll on to see our fantastic events that are open for registration at the time this newsletter was sent. Don’t miss your chance to join us for some of these fun events!
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Students will have the chance to challenge their friends in mini golf, navigate tricky obstacles, and enjoy improving their putting skills.
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A Night to Remember: Cottonwood School Prom 2025! 🌟 Get ready for an unforgettable evening as The Cottonwood School rolls out the red carpet for a spectacular Prom Night!
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Join us for this experiential learning opportunity about garden/farm ecology and growing food. Be ready to get dirty while working in the garden!
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Led by expert handlers, this engaging and educational presentation introduces students to a variety of rescued animals while sharing important lessons about conservation, habitats, and the role we all play in protecting wildlife.
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Get ready to experience LIVE local theater! Based on the best-selling novel by Rick Riordan, The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical is an action-packed theatrical adventure that will rock your world – and the underworld.
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Register to sell your handmade goods at our annual Makers Market! This sign-up is for BOOTH REGISTRATION ONLY. This event will be open to visit from 10 am – 1 pm that day.
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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!
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In this workshop, you will gain a foundational understanding of the history, the Saidi rhythm and skills dancing the modern version of the Saidi dance from the South of Egypt.
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Come join us as we get outside and do some PE games! There will be volleyball on sand courts for TEENS, there will be kickball and other various field games for younger siblings. There will be something for everyone!
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You are cordially invited to be weddings guests at this literacy-based party during which Q and U will be pledging to unite and forever make the /qu/ sound.
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Learn about the past through live reenactment and living history! This day will be full of special kid-friendly activities to learn about the history of our country, including the Civil War and prominent people in history!
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This session will include a virtual tour of the Los Angeles Holocaust Museum & time with a Holocaust Survivor Speaker. The speaker's knowledge and experiences offer guidance, encouragement, and a sense of resilience in the face of immense adversity.
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Join us for an end of year pool party at Carson Swim Center! We will enjoy time together, talk about how our school year went, and explore summer plans!
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Calling all Astronauts! Join us for FAR OUT FIELD DAY: Astronaut Training Camp. Our future astronauts will participate in spaced-themed outdoor physical activities, learn about our solar system along the way, and even make and launch a paper rocket!
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This hands-on science and technology museum is packed with mind-blowing exhibits, interactive experiments, and cutting-edge innovations that will spark curiosity and creativity in learners of all ages.
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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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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:
- Homeschool Teacher (HST) – 25/26 School Year
- Family Liaisons – Sacramento Area and Elk Grove Area
- School Counselor Technician
- Information Technology (IT) Specialist
- K-12 Multimedia Arts Teacher
- Education Specialist (On-site) – 24/25 School Year
- 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. 🎓✨
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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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