WANT TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN YOUR COMMUNITY? Become Clarkdale’s Parks and Recreation Youth Advisor DO YOU LIVE IN CLARKDALE? ARE YOU 14 - 17 YEARS OLD? APPLY TODAY! Address youth issues in Clarkdale. Build leadership skills. Learn about local government. Attend a monthly Parks Commission meeting. Earn volunteer hours. Scan the QR code to apply Learn more at: clarkdale.az.gov/parksyouthadvisor or call 928-639-2460

MINING IN THE VERDE VALLEY. DID YOU KNOW! A Deeper Dive Into Mining & Effects on Health. What You Will Learn. Lunch & Learn Keynote Speaker Yavapai County Supervisor Dr. Donna Michaels Mining activities in our community (Jerome, Clarkdale, & Cottonwood), past and present. Where we stand with testing & remediation 1:- 1:45 Dr. Raina Maier, Professor of Environmental Science, & Dr. Mónica Ramírez-Andreotta, Associate Professor of Environmental Science and Public Health, University of Arizona - Brief overview of Environmental Health Science Research with Mining Communities. How to collect samples for pXRF analysis in preparation for Soil Workshop tentatively May 2024 2 – 3 PM Ginny De LaCruz - Childhood Lead Prevention Program Manager AZ Dept Health Services (Phoenix). ADHS – Ways to protect oneself from potential exposure to contaminants. Focus on dust and incidental ingestion 3:15 – 3:30 PM Where: Clemenceau Gym, Old Cottonwood School House 1 N Willard St, Cottonwood, AZ 86326 When: Saturday, April 6, 2024 Time: 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM Dr. Shaida Sina Facilitator of the lecture. Question or reserve seat text to (928) 554-5779 or email to reserve seat – Office@breakthroughmed.com Live Presentation, capacity 75 at the Gym , or Sign up on Zoom Link to hear live. Zoom capacity 500. Click for zoom link. lhttps://arizona.zoom.us/j/82932712843#success

COCSD and Sodexo are so proud of our 2024 Future Chefs! Please use the link to see pictures from this year's event. Congratulations to Lilah Elinski and her winning recipe: Lilah's Healthy Chocolate Chip SurPRIZE! Click the link to enjoy a slideshow of this wonderful event. https://docs.google.com/document/d/11P02cACqnb-43hszbjJd7xWdeyVMOuEg7OQdd8G9Pew/edit?usp=sharing

DDB held a Capturing Kids Heart: Leadworth assembly for the character trait of Courage. CKH Leadworth defines Courage as the ability and strength to face something that may be difficult or challenging. Courage is not the absence of fear, but rather perseverance in the presence of fear and the willingness to stand up for what is right or to try something new even though it may be uncomfortable or uncertain. This was followed by a fun teacher vs. student game, where participants had to stomp on balloons. Then, we congratulated Mrs. Vocca and Mrs. Barrier with cards and gifts for their new positions.

One of DDB's newest clubs this semester is Kindhearted Kids led by Mrs SanGiovanni. The Kindhearted Kids Program is designed to teach ethics, values, and formation of character through an exciting and memorable curriculum, which involves a child's all-time favorite topic: animals. Incorporating the adoption of a stuffed dog or cat as a catalyst to teach the core values of Kindness, Respect, Responsibility, Empathy, and Citizenship, immediately sparks children’s attention as they are captivated by their pet, and character instruction naturally takes root in the hearts of children. It has been so fun seeing these students caring for their animals (stuffed) and being excited about their club! #cocsd # drdanielbright #cottonwoodoakcreekschools #21stcclc #kindheartedkids

COCSD Food Service Department was recognized by the Yavapai County Health Department for exemplary service with food safety, receiving multiple Golden Plate Awards. Food Service Director Tanya Barrett and Bethany Campista accepted this award from Elaine Bremner and Yavapai County Health Department Director Leslie Horton. #cocsd #octtonwoodoakreekschools #lifechangingeducation #sodexo #goldenplateaward #yavapaicountyhealthdeparrtment #schoollunch

City of Cottonwood Parks & Recreation Department Presents Annual Easter Eggstravaganza March 30th 2024 10am Riverfront Park (1284 E River Front Road) Egg Hung, Prizes, Candy, Meet the Easter Bunny Open to kids up to 8 years old! Sponsored by State Farm Jennifer Griffin Agent 547 S Main St 928-634-7689 Click to view flyer https://5il.co/2d3o2 #cocsd #cottonwoodoakcreekschools #cityofcottonwood #parksandrec #lifechangingeducation #communitypartnerships #communityactiviites

Between every two pines is a doorway to a new world." - John Muir COCSD and Mingus Mountain Camp and Retreat Center joined forces to facilitate an enriching experience for our 7th/8th grade and 5th/6th grade students from four schools, guiding them towards "Finding the YETI" (You Belong, Everyone Matters, Tenacious Courage, Inclusion for All). This invaluable opportunity, provided at no cost, left an indelible mark on our students, creating memories that will last a lifetime. Over two nights at Mingus Mountain, our students forged connections with peers from across the district, embarked on thrilling mountain adventures, and discovered the incredible qualities within themselves. A heartfelt thank you goes out to Mingus Mountain and Mr. King, whose visionary dream brought children into the embrace of nature. We are also deeply grateful to the families who entrusted their children to support our inaugural Winter Camp at Mingus Mountain! #cocsd #cottonwoodoakcreekschools #lifechangingeducation #mingusmountaincamp #wintercamp #leadershipcamp

DDB's 21st CCLC Babysitting Club is getting a few select students ready for summertime babysitting. These students are learning about basic early childhood development, how to care for young children, and the ins and outs of what is expected when babysitting. Later in the semester, during clubs, they will be practicing with some of the staff's children. These students are even being CPR and First Aid certified. A huge thank you to the Verde Valley Fire Department for the CPR and First Aid instruction and certification. #DDB #21stCCLC #cocsd #cottonwoodoakcreekschools #amazingstudents #drdanielbright

Last Week, DDB, had a fun filled Read Across America Week. Thank you to all of our guest readers! #ddb #drdanielbright #lifechangingeducation #cocsd #cottonwoodoakcreekschools #readacrossamerica #readacrossamericaday #drseuss

We have had such a fun time celebrating Read Across America Week! Don't forget to join us for our Green Eggs & Ham Breakfast. Visit the full flyer here for details:

On Monday, March 4, 2024, a diverse committee of community members, staff and administration interviewed several quality candidates for the position of principal at Dr. Daniel Bright Elementary School (DDB). I am so pleased to announce that Mrs. Nicole Barrier has been selected as the new principal at DDB. Our district is committed to ensuring a seamless transition of leadership for students, staff, and families at DDB. Mrs. Barrier will assume this new role after spring break on March 18, 2024. Additional district administrative support will be provided to DDB through the end of the year. Click to view the entire press release https://docs.google.com/document/d/1EggCLuag2hxCZOlxMf7V2WhDpd5kVRKvDYE0Znmqt3g/edit?usp=sharing #cocsd #cottonwoodoakcreekschools #lifechangingeducation #principal

7th Grade Cottonwood Condor Aviation Club toured Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and got VIP treatment: they toured 3 state-of-the-art labs (crash lab, ATC lab, and flight simulation lab) and even got to sit in a Diamond plane and learn the controls on the flight line! We are so lucky to have this partnership with ERAU! #cottonwoodcondors #embryriddle #communitypartnerships #aviatoninschool #aviation #erau #cottonwoodoakcreekschools #cocsd #21stcclc @cclc #flightsimulator

DDB Families! Mud Turtle is scheduled to run its regular route tomorrow, Tuesday 3/5/24. We appreciate your patience when interruptions happen with our routes.

DDB's 21st CCLC is fortunate to continue yoyo club, led by Nic SanGiovanni, who was taught as a child for our district's previous yoyo club leader Mr. Steele. These students will learn how to do over 50 tricks by the end of the semester and master about 20 of them. We have 2 clubs, a beginner and an advanced. We are so lucky to have Mr. Nic! #DDB #drdanielbright #cocsd #cottonwoodoakcreekschools #lifechangingeducation #21stcclc #cclc #yoyo #yoyoclub

Subject: Thank You for Attending Student Conferences! Dear Cottonwood-Oak Creek School District Families, I hope this message finds you well. We want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to all the families who took the time to attend the student conferences last week. Your active participation and engagement play a crucial role in your child's academic journey, and we truly appreciate your commitment to their success. Your presence during these conferences creates a collaborative partnership between home and school, fostering an environment where every student can thrive. We value the opportunity to discuss your child's progress, share insights, and set goals together. If, for any reason, you were unable to complete our COCSD Family Survey during this time, we kindly invite you to share your valuable feedback. Your insights are instrumental in helping us enhance our programs and services. Your perspective matters, and we want to ensure we are meeting the needs of our school community effectively. Please take a moment to complete the survey using the following link: Survey Link Your feedback is crucial to our continuous improvement efforts, and we appreciate your time and input. Thank you once again for your active involvement in your child's education. We look forward to your ongoing partnership as we work together to provide the best learning experience for our students. Kind regards, Steve King, Superintendent

Cottonwood-Oak Creek Schools has launched a new mobile app to help students, parents, and community members know what is happening on campus from their phones. Most families use their phones as a primary means of communication, so we've created an app that is custom-built to your school for smartphones. On the app, your students, parents, and community can read the latest announcements, locate staff contact information, review upcoming events, and find important documents. The Cottonwood-Oak Creek Schools app is available to download free from the Apple App Store or the Google Play store. *. Stay up-to-date with school announcements * Learn about upcoming events *. Access needed contact information quickly https://live.myvrspot.com/iframe?v=MDllNjJlMDdhNzFkOGQ3YjdlYzJhZjIyNGE0MTAzODY #cocsd #cottonwoodoakcreekschools #lifechangingeducation #app #schoolapp

Hello CCS and DDB families! Here are the new routes for Mud Turtle @ DDB and Bobcat @ CCS. If your previous stop is no longer a part of these routes, please find a different means of transportation as you reside within 1 mile of your school. Thank you for your understanding and patience as we try to align our bus services the best we can. If you are interested in becoming a bus driver for the school district, please visit our website at www.cocsd.us and click on Human Resources. https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1lPMk9sa3Czii7n331CZqWn4PPljzVePG3C74oi7CvHM/edit?usp=sharing

Good Morning DDB families. The Mountain Lion bus route this morning will be done in an unfamiliar bus to the students. Please have your students aware their bus this morning is number 21-8, we will have a Mountain Lion magnet/character on the side of the bus so the students know it's their bus. Thank you for working with us through these times.-Daniel Maldonado Transportation Director

We regret to inform you that due to a shortage of bus drivers, we are facing challenges in maintaining our regular transportation services. As a result, we will no longer be able to transport students residing within a one-mile radius of our in-town schools, namely DDB and CCS, effective February 20th. We understand the impact this decision may have on your child's transportation to and from school. We are actively working to address the bus driver shortage and hope to reintroduce the affected routes. Additionally, there will be changes to the CCS Black Bear and Bobcat routes, which will be merged and redirected, and left under the Bobcat moniker. The DDB Mt. Lion and Mud Turtle routes will also be merged into the Mud Turtle route. We are currently finalizing the details of the new stops for these merged routes and will provide you with the information as soon as possible. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation during this challenging time. In the meantime, we urge you to make alternate transportation arrangements for your child before the specified end route date of February 20th. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and assure you that we are actively working to resolve the bus driver shortage to reinstate normal transportation services. Thank you for your understanding and patience, Daniel Maldonado Transportation Director