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Last Call for Orders: Inspiring Spring Learning with Your Remaining Funds
It’s hard to believe we’re nearing the end of the ordering season! Today (March 26, 2025) is the final day to place orders using instructional funds for this school year—with the exception of Amazon orders, which you can still submit until April 30. If you have funds remaining, this is a great opportunity to think creatively about how to use them to enrich your homeschool in these final months of the academic year.
This time of year naturally invites fresh energy and curiosity—perfect for exploring something new. If you’ve been thinking about adding a fresh experience to your routine, consider using your funds for lessons or services through one of our amazing Community Partners. From music and art lessons to horseback riding, gymnastics, martial arts, or even sewing classes, there are so many ways to turn learning into an adventure! Keep in mind that all lessons must conclude by the last day of school, but the options of what you can try are truly limitless.
💡 Many of our Community Partners also offer academic tutoring and support. If your student is struggling in a particular subject or could benefit from a confidence boost before the end of the year, now is the perfect time to use instructional funds for tutoring services. Whether it’s math, reading, writing, or study skills, targeted support can make a big difference as we head into the final stretch of the school year. Reach out to your HST for recommendations or to find a partner that fits your student’s needs!
✨ Don’t forget—we’re still registering for fee-based field trips and events until April 2! Be sure to check out what’s still available at the tail end of this newsletter.
Looking for something you can use at home? This is a great time to stock up on items that spark creativity and hands-on learning:
🎨 Craft kits and art supplies – Think watercolors, oil pastels, origami, weaving, and more. Just remember to keep materials age-appropriate and within a reasonable quantity for the remaining school year.
🧪 Hands-on science kits or STEM projects – Explore brands like Thames & Kosmos, Magic School Bus Science Kits, or circuit-building kits like Snap Circuits.
📦 Subscription boxes (à la carte) – While it’s too late in the year to order a full subscription, many vendors like KiwiCo, MEL Science, and Little Passports allow you to purchase single boxes. This is a great way to sample different themes and vendors now to see what you might want to incorporate into your curriculum next year!
📚 Spring-themed unit studies and nature exploration books – Dive into seasonal topics with resources like:
- The Nature Connection by Clare Walker Leslie
- The Curious Nature Guide by Clare Walker Leslie
- Burgess Bird Book for Children (great for birdwatching and narration!)
- Roots, Shoots, Buckets & Boots by Sharon Lovejoy
🌻 Gardening kits or butterfly habitats – These are a beautiful way to bring life cycles and observation skills into your homeschool. Consider:
Spring is also the perfect season for nature journaling, sketching, and reading books that celebrate the world blooming around us. Whether it’s planting a small garden, building a birdhouse, or reading a novel set in the great outdoors, these experiences count as meaningful learning—and often become the most memorable parts of the homeschool year.
If you’re unsure how to spend your remaining funds, reach out to your HST! They can help brainstorm ideas, recommend vendors, and guide you through the ordering process if you have questions.
Let’s finish strong and set the stage for a season of joyful, curiosity-led learning!
Kindly, Kara
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YOU DON'T WANT TO MISS A THING!
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School Updates: Cottonwood Talent Showcase | Meet our Student Support Dept
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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: Updates from TK Explorers & SSR | Boost & RISE Class Highlights
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CVHS: Parent & Student Info Sessions, Innovation Fair Registration
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CTE: Info Session Video
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HS Counseling: Concurrent Enrollment Dates, Financial Aid Dates
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CCPA: POP Into CCPA!
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Everybody Belongs: Why is March 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
TODAY
- Ordering Closes for ALL ORDERS except Amazon Punchout
Monday, March 31
- 🏫 Cesar Chavez Day – School Closed
Wednesday, April 2
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🔭 Looking Ahead
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
Wednesday, April 9
- Regional Park Days – Elk Grove, Roseville, Antelope, Orangevale
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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We’re thrilled to announce that the Cottonwood Talent Showcase is officially live and ready for viewing! Our talented students shared their creativity, courage, and passion—and we couldn’t be prouder of what they allowed us the honor of putting together.
From singing and dancing to chess, gymnastics, and more, this showcase is a beautiful reflection of the diverse gifts within our school community. A huge thank you to every student who submitted a video—we see you, we celebrate you, and we’re so glad you shared your talent with us!
This showcase is presented as a YouTube playlist of individual performances, so you can enjoy each act at your own pace and cheer on your fellow Cottonwood students from home.
🎬 Click here to watch the Talent Showcase
Grab some popcorn, gather the family, and enjoy the "show"! 👏
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Meet our Student Support Department!
What does The Student Support Team do at The Cottonwood School?
The Student Support Department knows that all students are unique. Sometimes, students face difficulty in one or more areas of their education, and it can be challenging as a parent to figure out how to help. That’s where we come in! Our Student Support experts partner with parents and HSTs to ensure students have the support and resources they need to help their students learn and grow!
Our Student Support department…
- Provides FREE support and resources to students experiencing difficulties with academics, speech development, and/or educationally related mental health concerns.
- Connects families experiencing homelessness (or economic hardship) to resources to ensure their student has full access to their schooling.
- Has a wonderful website of resources on the Parents’ Nest.
3 Words to Describe the Student Support Team:
- Passionate
- Knowledgable
- Innovative
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📢 We Value Your Input: Share Your Thoughts 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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NEW Free Resource! Learn 360
Learn360 is a streaming media library offering educational videos, articles, games, and more. Personalized playlists and topic centers that bundle content videos, printables, and math activities are aligned to educational standards. Additional tools, including searchable transcripts and custom content options, make it easy to use for lesson planning and diverse learning needs. Available on Clever for free.
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EXTENDED thru March: Reserve your student's FREE Chromebook!
Complete the RSVP form
Once complete, our team will process the order and notify the HST and parent with other details.
Quick help for logging into student Chromebooks OR scan the accompanying QR code.
FINALLY – If your student received a Chromebook 3110 (touchscreen) and does not have a case, we now have cases in stock! Please meet us at a Park Day or come to the Library, and we will provide a case for your student’s device. Remember to bring your student’s Local ID # so we can verify their information.
*If your student already has a case on their Chromebook 3110, then they are all set.
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🎯 Boost Student Confidence with CAASPP Practice Tests!
Looking for a simple way to help your student feel more prepared for state testing? The CAASPP Practice Tests are a great way to build confidence and sharpen skills before test day.
Here’s what students gain by practicing:
✅ Get comfortable with the test format and tools
✅ Practice using academic vocabulary and strategies from this year
✅ Reduce testing anxiety through familiarity
✨ Think of it as a dress rehearsal—no pressure, just practice!
Getting started is easy! Watch the quick tutorial video and follow our step-by-step login guide to access the practice tests on www.CAASPP-ELPAC.org.
🔍 Helpful Tips:
- Tests are not auto-graded, but you can find the correct answers using our answer key instructions.
- Have your student jot down answers as they go for easy checking later.
- Please note: practice tests do not reflect IEP/504 accommodations.
🎥 Watch this video to learn how to get started!
Let’s help our students feel confident, capable, and ready to show what they know!
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We had an amazing time last week at our Spring into Science: "A Bug’s Life" event! From face painting and storytelling to singing about the parts of an insect, our TK Explorers were buzzing with excitement.
Students got creative with bug-themed crafts, designing their very own insects, and had the chance to observe live butterflies and ladybugs up close!
It was the perfect way to welcome the first day of spring—full of wonder, hands-on learning, and joyful exploration. Thank you to everyone who joined us for this memorable day!
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Our Superstar Readers curriculum is built around the power of decodable texts. Each lesson—whether it’s a video, worksheet, or shared reading activity—is carefully designed to help students build confidence and skills as they learn to decode words and become strong, fluent readers.
Lately, our students have been reading their decodable books out loud to each other in class, and it’s been such a joy to witness! I’m incredibly proud of the progress they’ve made and how hard they’ve worked all year long.
Want to keep the momentum going at home? Read one of the books below with your student, or explore the full library of decodable books available on the Superstar Readers page on The Nest—each level has its own collection!
Let’s keep cheering on our Superstar Readers as they grow in skill and confidence every day!
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Boost Spotlight – Ms. Todd 4th Grade Math
In 4th-grade Boost Math, Ms. Todd is taking her students on a sweet and creative math adventure! Students dove into hands-on learning while making a donut-shaped masterpiece. As they shaped and molded, they also explored key math concepts like radius, diameter, circumference, and area—bringing geometry to life!
They’ll measure the donut’s parts, calculate its perimeter, and watch how these math skills connect to the real world. Not only did students craft a fun project, but they also developed a deeper understanding of these essential math concepts through play and creativity!
We invite you to attend one of our upcoming Instructional Programs Informational Sessions and Class Preview Day to discover how Boost can take your student’s learning to new heights!
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RISE Spotlight – Math 8 with Mr. Clark
RISE Math 8 students had a blast at Pi Day! We enjoyed relaxing and eating in each others’ company, and many students were able to prove that pi does in fact equal ~3.14 by measuring circular figures around the campus (with precise measurements, dividing the circumference by the diameter of any circle equals pi!).
This week in class, students are continuing with their geometry unit. We just finished our work with the four transformations of coordinate geometry, and are now studying angle relationships. We are keeping an eye on our CAASPP tests in a few weeks and trying to sharpen the skills that will be assessed.
~Evan Clark, Math 8
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More about Mr. Clark’s RISE class…
RISE Math 8 is the stepping stone between the fundamentals of math taught in K-7 and the upper levels of math taught in high school and college. Students can expect to put all their math training to practice, including work with fractions, negative numbers, and primary operations (addition, subtraction, division, and multiplication). The goal of this class is to both learn and have fun, and there are plenty of fun projects along the way to break things up, such as cooking, coding, and constructing.
🌟 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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Do you have a creative talent you’d love to share—whether it’s painting, dance, music, theater, or something uniquely you? Now’s your moment! Sign up for this year’s Visual & Performing Arts Expo, where we’d love to see you shine—live on stage, in a pre-recorded video, or featured in our gallery or newsletter.
📅 Date: May 2, 2025
⏰ Time: 3:00–4:00 PM (Performer check-in at 2:30 PM)
📍 Location: The CCC – 3921 Sandstone Dr Suite A, El Dorado Hills, CA 95762
Whether you’re ready to perform live, submit a video for our live stream, or just want to be featured in our school newsletter, this is the place to start!
✨ Your performance, your choice. We will never share your recording in a place or format you haven’t approved.
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🎟 Not Performing? Come Support & Be Inspired!
We have limited general admission tickets left for the Visual & Performing Arts Expo!
This event is free, but be sure to reserve your seats today and come celebrate the incredible creativity of our students. From live performances to gallery displays, it’s going to be an inspiring afternoon you won’t want to miss!
Bring your applause and your appreciation—we can’t wait to see you there!
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Planning for the 2025-2026 school year?
Come discover how CVHS can be your partner in shaping your high schooler’s education. Join us to explore opportunities, support, and resources—we’ve got everything you need for a successful year!
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CVHS Virtual Info Session & Student Tour
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Parent CVHS Information Session is on April 3rd from 3:30 pm–4:30 PM on Zoom!
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Virtual 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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Hey, Cottonwood students in grades 8-12!
Join us on May 2nd for a day of imagination, exploration, and hands-on fun at the Innovation Fair! This is your chance to showcase your creativity, experiment with new ideas, and connect with other curious minds.
Whether you’re building, designing, coding, inventing, or dreaming up something completely original—this event is for you.
✨ Don’t miss out—click the button below for all the details and to register for this can’t-miss event!
Let’s innovate, explore, and have a blast together!
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FAFSA & CADAA Deadline Approaching on April 2nd
Graduating Students don’t forget to complete your FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) or CADAA (California Dream Act Application) as soon as possible! This is a crucial step to securing financial aid for college! If you’re not pursuing further education, please complete the Opt-Out survey linked here: Opt-Out Form.
Application Deadline: April 2nd
Where to Apply: FAFSA (studentaid.gov) CADAA (dream.csac.ca.gov)
Contact your High School Counselor if you need any assistance!
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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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Contact your Counselor
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Pop On By and Learn More About CCPA!
Want to learn more about our innovative program? Pop on by CCPA on Wednesday, March 26th, from 1:30 – 3:30 pm for some delicious popcorn and the opportunity to explore our program further! Whether you are a prospective family or know somebody who may be interested in our school, we have a bag of popcorn with your name on it! This will be an excellent opportunity to see our after-school hours in action. Get a glimpse of our academic support in addition to some of our interactive after-school clubs. We are ready to answer any questions that you may have about our interdisciplinary and hybrid approach. Students will be available to speak on their experience in our Montessori-inspired charter high school so that you can gain perspective straight from the source!
In addition to this event- we have one more information night for prospective families! Join us for "Scoop Into CCPA" on April 3rd from 6:00 – 7:30 pm where you can construct a delicious ice cream treat while learning more about our program. The staff is excited and ready to answer any questions you may have on what makes CCPA stand out from the rest!
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If you have any questions or would like to learn more, don’t hesitate to reach out at (530) 285-2003 or email isabella.brenneman@cottonwoodk12.org. Enrollment for the 2025 – 2026 school year is now open, and we would be elated to welcome your high school students into our community! Sign-up today!
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Ever wonder how Women’s History Month came to be—and why it’s celebrated in March?
Enjoy this short and informative video that walks us through the origins of Women’s History Month, the movement behind it, and how it grew from a local celebration into a national observance honoring the incredible contributions of women throughout history.
We hope this inspires meaningful conversations, learning moments, and a deeper appreciation for the women who have shaped our world.
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April is Arab American Heritage Month, and we’d love to honor and celebrate the rich culture, history, and contributions of Arab Americans within our community.
We’re looking for a family who identifies as Arab American to help us bring this celebration to life—whether by sharing a tradition, story, recipe, photo, or participating in a spotlight feature.
If you’re interested in being our Arab American Heritage Ambassador, please reach out to Leslie Bellini at leslie.bellini@cottonwoodk12.org.
Your voice and story matter—and we’d love to share and celebrate it with our Cottonwood community!
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Lending Library CLOSED March 31
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The Lending Library will be closed next Monday, March 31 for Cesar Chavez Day, so there will be NO storytime & craft. See you April 7 for our next storytime!
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Curbside Pickup now available!
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We are now offering curbside pickup for items already on hold at the Lending Library! Just pull up and give us a call, and we’ll bring them to you.
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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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🌟 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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Looking for fun, meaningful, and educational experiences this spring? We still have space in these exciting upcoming events—register soon to save your spot!
🌱 April 9: UC Davis Farm Tour
Join us for a hands-on adventure in garden and farm ecology! Students will learn about growing food, sustainable farming, and garden ecosystems. Be prepared to dig in and get your hands dirty as we explore the UC Davis garden together. A perfect event for curious minds who love nature and learning through experience!
💃 April 25: Egyptian Saidi Folkloric Dance Workshop
Travel through time and culture in this unique workshop! Students will discover the history and rhythm behind Saidi dance, a folkloric style from Southern Egypt. Learn the modern version of this traditional art form while building rhythm, movement, and cultural appreciation. No prior dance experience needed—just bring your curiosity!
💍 May 1: The Wedding of the Letters Q and U
You’re cordially invited to one of the most adorable literacy events of the year! Celebrate the eternal union of Q and U in a fun, phonics-based wedding ceremony followed by a reception filled with games, dancing (yes, including The Chicken Dance!), and a slice of wedding cake. This whimsical event brings early literacy to life in a way your little learners will never forget!
📩 Don’t delay—these events are filling quickly! Visit the event registration section at the end of this newsletter to reserve your spots.
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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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Guest Pass Submission Deadline has passed. Ticket sales will close this Friday, March 28 at 4:30 pm.
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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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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:
- Family Liaisons – Sacramento Area and Elk Grove Area
- School Counselor Technician
- Information Technology (IT) Specialist
- 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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