Reflecting on my initial months as the new superintendent, I am often asked, "What is the most challenging part of your job so far?" While there are numerous daily challenges, from navigating my mid-semester transition to addressing funding and certified teacher shortages, the complexities of my role pale in comparison to the joy I find in serving the Cottonwood-Oak Creek School District (COCSD).
When questioned about what I love most about my role, the answer is easy: it's the people and programs within COCSD. Our district is rich with dedicated staff who foster meaningful relationships with our students and families. Through initiatives like Capturing Kids’ Hearts, our educators create a nurturing environment that strengthens students' connection to school.
At COCSD, we are committed to supporting our educators at every stage of their careers. Our comprehensive New Teacher Induction Program and ongoing mentoring ensure that every teacher receives the guidance and resources they need to thrive. We prioritize continuous professional growth for all our staff through various development opportunities such as LETRS Structured Literacy, The Writing Revolution, COCSD Standards & Assessment Committees, Dare to Lead, and various subject-specific conferences and institutes.
Beyond academics, our schools provide robust support for student well-being and substance prevention for our students and families. Depending on the school, students benefit from counselors or School Resource Officers. None of this would be possible without our valued Community Partnerships with organizations like Yavapai County Sheriff’s Department and Cottonwood Police Department.
One of our proudest achievements is the expansion of our after-school programs to all of our K-8 schools starting this 2024-2025 school year—Dr. Daniel Bright Elementary, Cottonwood Community School, Mountain View Preparatory, and Oak Creek Elementary. COCSD offers these programs at NO-COST and includes activities like mountain biking and hands-on learning opportunities. Many are made possible through collaborations with community organizations such as Wheel Fun, Yavapai County Health Department, and Yavapai College. Our district-wide clubs and athletic teams offer students diverse extracurricular opportunities, including theater, archery, robotics, volleyball, basketball, and soccer.
This summer, COCSD proudly hosted "Camp Innovation," a comprehensive full-day program spanning the entire month of June. Over 200 students enthusiastically participated in this initiative, made possible through collaborative efforts with Yavapai College for Kids and the Cottonwood Recreation summer program—all at zero cost to families. Instead of traditional summer routines, participants engaged in dynamic and enriching activities designed to spark curiosity and foster creativity. To glimpse their exciting experiences, visit our Instagram and Facebook pages.
In recent years, COCSD has also expanded its offerings with the addition of Verde Tech, a technical high school providing specialized education in agriculture, animation, and automotive programs. This expansion, coupled with our partnership with Yavapai College, allows students to graduate with a high school diploma and an associate degree—an exceptional opportunity for our community's youth.
Looking ahead to the 2024-2025 school year, I am thrilled to announce that COCSD will provide breakfast and lunch at NO COST to all students, regardless of economic status. This initiative, which was made possible through collaboration with Sodexo Food Service Company, underscores our commitment to supporting every child in our district.
As we embark on this new school year, I am profoundly grateful for the strong foundation the COCSD staff and community laid over the past two decades. I have had the privilege and opportunity to evolve as an educator under this structure and will continue to offer substantial academic and enrichment opportunities for our families. Together, we will continue to uphold our tradition of academic excellence and enriching opportunities for all families.
I invite you to join us on this journey of learning and growth. Online enrollment and registration for the 2024/2025 school year are now open for new and returning families. Let's build a brighter future together at COCSD.
RETURNING FAMILY: Login to your ParentVUE to complete the OLR
NEW FAMILY: Visit the school's website to enroll now! Please be ready to submit a birth certificate, proof of residency, and immunizations upon enrollment(Offices are closed for the summer but will reopen on July 16th)
Cottonwood Educational Services: https://ces.cocsd.us/o/ces/page/online-student-registration
Cottonwood Community School: https://ccs.cocsd.us/o/ccs/page/online-student-registration
Dr. Daniel Bright: https://ddb.cocsd.us/o/ddb/page/online-student-registration
Oak Creek School: https://ocs.cocsd.us/o/ocs/page/online-student-registration
Verde Tech High School(9-12): https://vths.cocsd.us/o/vths/page/online-student-registration
Warm Regards,
Jessica Vocca, Superintendent
M.Ed Educational Administration
phone: 928-634-2288 email: jvocca@cocsd.k12.az.us
Tradition, Experience, Innovation and Opportunities