Cottonwood Educational Services

🌟 Staff Highlight: Meet Brenda Houck! 🌟
At CES, we’re proud to have passionate professionals like Brenda Houck making a difference in students’ lives every day!

With over 10 years of experience providing counseling services to children and adults from diverse backgrounds, Brenda brings a wealth of knowledge, empathy, and heart to her role. Now in her third year as a certified school counselor with Cottonwood Education Services, Brenda is especially committed to supporting high-risk students—helping them build resilience, grow in confidence, and develop the problem-solving skills they need to thrive.

💬 “I believe in helping young people recognize their strengths and empowering them to make positive choices that lead to academic and personal success.”

Brenda’s approach is rooted in patience, compassion, and understanding, and she’s known for building strong, trusting relationships with students and families alike.

When she’s not at school, you’ll find Brenda enjoying the great outdoors—traveling, camping, and making memories with her family. Her love for balance and self-care carries into her work, helping her support our students with renewed energy and purpose.

We’re so grateful to have Brenda as part of the CES community. 💚 Her dedication and heart make a lasting impact every single day.

#CES #StaffSpotlight #StudentSupport #CounselorHighlight #WeAreCOCSD

🚌✨ A big milestone for our Mariposa preschoolers! Yesterday they had their very first bus evacuation drill, and with the caring guidance of Ms. Sherry & Mr. Bart, they did an amazing job. 💛 We are so proud of how brave and capable our little learners are when it comes to staying safe! 🌟

#MariposaPreschool #BusSafety #SoProud

🌟 Supporting Student Mental Health & Wellbeing 🌟

At COCSD, we believe in supporting the mental health and wellbeing of our students so they can reach their full potential—both in school and in life. 💙

That’s why we’re excited to share that we’ve partnered with Cartwheel, a trusted mental health provider for K-12 schools, to bring additional support to our students and families.

Through Cartwheel, our students and families have rapid access to telehealth services, including:
✅ 1:1 therapy
✅ Medication evaluation & management
✅ Parent guidance
✅ Family therapy

If you think your child could benefit from these services, please reach out to a member of our school counseling team.

Together, we can help our students thrive—academically, emotionally, and socially. 💬✨

#COCSD #StudentWellbeing #MentalHealthMatters #CartwheelCare #StrongerTogether

Our Cottonwood-Oak Creek Schools app keeps getting better and better! Parents/guardians who have already created an account can now access new app features like Messages and Class Streams via web and in the app. Another round of email/text invites have been sent! Download for Android https://aptg.co/JZhC0r Download for iPhone https://aptg.co/bZfqHr

Our Cottonwood-Oak Creek Schools app keeps getting better and better! Parents/guardians who have already created an account can now access new app features like Messages and Class Streams via web and in the app. Another round of invites have been sent! Download for Android https://aptg.co/JZhC0r Download for iPhone https://aptg.co/bZfqHr

🌟 Shoutout to Arturo Valenzuela, our incredible Lead Custodian at Cottonwood Education Services! 🌟 Arturo is not only a total pro at what he does — keeping everything running smoothly and looking great — but he also keeps us all smiling with his quick wit and positive energy. 😄 His hard work, dedication, and team spirit make a huge difference every single day. We are so lucky to have you, Arturo! 💪🏽🧹 Thank you for everything you do! 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽 #TeamCottonwood #AppreciationPost #ThankYouArturo

Our Cottonwood-Oak Creek Schools app keeps getting better and better! Parents/guardians who have already created an account can now access new app features like Messages and Class Streams via web and in the app. A 2nd round of invites have been sent! Download for Android https://aptg.co/JZhC0r Download for iPhone https://aptg.co/bZfqHr

Say hello to even more messaging and announcements in the Cottonwood-Oak Creek Schools app! Parents/guardians check your email/text for instructions to sign up and access new features.

Say hello to Messaging in the Cottonwood-Oak Creek Schools app! Starting the 25-26 school year, our district app will keep you informed across your child's classes. Look for your personalized invite to access Messages, Announcements, and Stream after April 21st. Download for Android https://aptg.co/JZhC0r Download for iPhone https://aptg.co/bZfqHr

Check out the Verde Valley SciTech Festival Kickoff Extravaganza tomorrow at the Science Vortex on the CES campus! Over 15 organizations will be there with hands-on activities for kids of all ages. Don't miss this exciting, family-friendly event! follow @verdevalleystreamcouncil for festival details @followers #verdevalleylovesstem #vvscitechfest

Catch up with the latest student stories, events, and news updates. It's everything Cottonwood-Oak Creek Schools, in your pocket. If you haven't already, download the app! Download for Android https://aptg.co/JZhC0r Download for iPhone https://aptg.co/bZfqHr

ATTENTION AFTERNOON FAMILIES AT MARIPOSA: Hello Families, Mariposa Developmental Preschool will be canceling classes this afternoon, Thursday, November 7, 2024 due to staff shortage. Sorry for the inconvenience and Thank you for your understanding.

Dear Parents, COCSD and Mingus High School are teaming up to bring band programs to all four of our schools! Join us at Parent Night to learn more about these exciting after-school opportunities that will soon be available for your children. If you have any questions before the meeting, please contact Mr. Stallworth at: jstallworth@muhs.com. This week and next, your children will have the opportunity to see the Mingus Band on tour at our schools! Be sure to ask them about it, and together, let's help grow this wonderful program in our community. We look forward to seeing you there!

Congratulations to Cottonwood Community School's 21st Century Community Learning Centers After-School Program for being awarded runner-up in the Out of School Time Professional Award! The CCS team was recognized by the Arizona Department of Education at the AZ CASE Conference on Saturday for the amazing, innovative work happening after school. Thank you to the Cottonwood-Oak Creek School District for your incredible dedication to our students and their futures! #COCSD #21stcentury

Fall Festival at Bent River Ranch. October 26th. Hay rides, face painting, food truck and pumpkins!

Come out for some fun Halloween events sponsored by the City of Cottonwood! #COCSD #cityofcottonwood #halloween

We are extending an invitation to decorate Masquerade Masks on October 10, 3:00-5:30, at the Cottonwood Public Library. It should be a creative time; filled with fun and camaraderie. These masks will be auctioned off either at our November Gala or our Mystery Event (TBD) . Hopefully, COCSD and the Verde Valley community would be interested in participating in this event by attending the mask decorating. 😉Thanks, for always being so supportive of the positive mentorship of our Verde children. Have an awesome week. With a Sincere Thank You, Cheryl Gray Office Manager Yavapai Big Brothers Big Sisters 830 S. Main St#1-H Cottonwood, AZ 86326 office: (928) 634-9789 cgray@azbigs.org Yavapai Big Brothers Big Sisters like us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/ybbbs Changing children's Lives....Fundamentally. For the better.

COCSD is pleased to announce we are now enrolling for our Little Wings Preschool. Please see the attached flyer and feel free to share. Thanks for your help in getting the word out.

Substitute Teachers needed at Cottonwood-Oak Creek School District. This is a great way to serve your community, and students!

📣 Calling all COCSD Families! 📣 Join us for our first meeting this Tuesday, September 24th, and learn about an amazing opportunity for our community! This program is offered at NO COST and is designed to support and benefit our students and families. We’d love to see you there! Please note: The location has changed to the Dr. Daniel Bright Library, instead of the cafeteria. 🗓️ Date: Tuesday, September 24th ⏰ Time: 5:30-6:30 pm 💵 Cost: FREE 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Who: All COCSD families are welcome! 📍 Location: Dr. Daniel Bright Library Let’s come together to make a positive impact! See you there!