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“Although the world is full of suffering, it is also full of the overcoming of it.” -Helen Keller
This week, students across grade levels are exploring how their thoughts influence their actions, choices, and confidence. As children grow, they naturally encounter worries, self-doubt, and messages—both internal and external—that can shape how they see themselves. Our SELF lessons focus on helping students recognize those thoughts and learn how to respond to them with awareness and intention.
Students are learning that while they can’t control everything that happens around them, they can learn to take responsibility for how they think, respond, and move forward. Through discussion and reflection, they practice identifying thoughts that hold them back and explore ways to replace those thoughts with more supportive, empowering ones.
In this week’s lessons, younger students will focus on noticing fears and learning that believing in themselves helps them try new things. Older elementary and middle school students will dig deeper into how negative self-talk can interfere with effort, confidence, and persistence—and practice strategies for pushing past mental barriers. High school students will examine how mindset shapes decision-making and long-term outcomes, learning how challenges can become opportunities for growth.
Throughout the week, students are encouraged to strengthen their inner voice, recognize their ability to grow, and take ownership of their choices. These lessons help students build resilience, confidence, and a sense of agency—skills that support both academic success and everyday life.
Prompts you can try with your students at home:
Can you tell me about a time this week when you believed in yourself, even when something felt hard?
Did you notice any thoughts this week that tried to stop you from trying? What helped you keep going?
When something feels hard, what helps you remind yourself that you’re capable?
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We’re excited to share that Cottonwood School will be participating in The Great Kindness Challenge again this year from January 26–30, a week dedicated to spreading kindness, compassion, and connection at school and at home.
Families can look forward to simple, meaningful ways for students to put kindness into action throughout the week. A Kindness Challenge checklist and activity ideas will be shared closer to the start date to help everyone feel ready to participate.
We’ll be inviting students to celebrate their acts of kindness by sharing photos, artwork, posters, or creative kindness moments with our school community. Submissions can be emailed to SELF@cottonwoodk12.org. Students who participate will receive a Great Kindness Challenge Certificate, and some may be nominated as Cottonwood Kindness Ambassadors.
As a community, we’ll lift each other up and Show Us Your Kind in big and small ways.
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Log in directly from your Clever dashboard now!
*There will be no Zoom class next Monday, January 19 in observance of Martin Luther King Jr Day*
Mindset Mondays will be offered every Monday that school is in session. This year, we are working through Course 2, continuing our journey through the 7 Mindsets curriculum. One of my favorite things about the 7 Mindsets is that it continues to provide new and different information each year. I look forward to seeing your students as we explore the 100% Accountable mindset together!
Mindset Mondays are taught on Zoom each Monday that school is in session. Zoom links are provided below, available on the Event Calendar in the Nest, and through your student’s Clever dashboard.
You will find the class times below. Classes are arranged by grade levels as follows:
Grades K-2: 9:30 am Zoom Link
Grades 3-5: 10:30 am Zoom Link
Grades 6-12: 11:30 am Zoom Link
The lessons are approximately 45 minutes long and designed to be interactive group lessons; however, because we recognize the importance of students attending comfortably, each student may choose their level of participation in the lesson.
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“Life has no limitations except the ones you make.” – Les Brown
Each lesson includes an engaging slideshow, video, and activity. Click on the link that matches your student’s age or grade. You’ll find a fun icebreaker, a video lesson, and discussion questions to help you invite your students into conversation. There’s also an activity to bring the idea alive in your students’ lives. Have fun connecting and exploring how to be 100% Accountable!
Grades: K-2 Grades: 3-5 Grades: 6-8
High School
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This year, I’m excited to offer Mindful Moments classes in person a few times each month! Just like last year, we’ll enjoy mindful movement together—but this year, we’ll also incorporate games, music, fitness, stretching, and other fun activities to help us move, connect, and recharge. All Cottonwood students are welcome to join, and parents are encouraged to jump in, too!
January Mindful Moments:
January 28 – 10am Johnson Springview Park Rocklin
Classes are open to all grade levels. If your student is in the younger grades, please plan to support their participation as needed. A few mats will be available to borrow, though students are encouraged to bring their own, along with water and comfortable movement attire.
Check the Cottonwood Chronicle for upcoming park days featuring Mindful Moments. You can find all the Park Day Schedules on the Nest in the Family Liaisons section. No registration required—just come as you are!
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Enjoy these Big Life Journal printable activities, purchased by The Cottonwood School for your students, to extend learning as students learn about the 100% Accountable mindset.
The new year is a great time to look at the new month, semester, or year ahead and dream up your future! Enjoy this Big Life Journal activity no matter what age you or your student(s) are: Create a Dream Board
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Think Outside the Box
The Let Grow Experience empowers students to build independence and confidence through monthly challenges. Each month, we share a new opportunity for families to explore together, helping students develop important life skills.
January’s project, "Think Outside the Box," invites your child to lend a hand to someone outside their immediate family. They might choose to support a friend, a neighbor, or a member of the community — anyone who could benefit from a small act of kindness. It’s an opportunity for them to broaden their circle of service and practice giving without expecting anything in return. Reaching out beyond the walls of your home also encourages them to step outside their comfort zone and build new connections.
Serving others not only makes a meaningful difference but also supports your child’s personal growth. It can spark joy, increase empathy, and help them shift their focus away from themselves.
As they decide whom to help and what kind of support to offer, they’re also learning about their own strengths, interests, and values. Give them the space to take the lead — and watch as they discover their ability to create positive change in the world around them.
You can find more information and resources on the Parent Nest!
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Download this great resource and give it a try with your students!
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Check out these ideas and give it a try with your students!
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Kelly McIntosh
Kelly is using Smore to create beautiful newsletters |
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