“I don’t focus on what I’m up against; I focus on my goals, and I try to ignore the rest.” – Venus Williams

This week, students are continuing to learn about the 100% Accountable Mindset and how focusing their energy can help them feel more confident, capable, and motivated.

Our younger students are noticing what makes them happy and how positive thoughts can help them stay focused and keep trying when something feels tricky. Upper elementary students are learning simple ways to manage overwhelm, focus their energy, and make the most of their time. Middle schoolers are reflecting on what really matters to them and how their values and goals can help guide their choices. High school students are exploring decision-making, learning from mistakes, and practicing focusing on what they can control as they work toward their dreams.

A great question to try at home over dinner or during a drive:

What gives you energy, and how are you choosing to spend it?

We’re excited to share that The Cottonwood School will be participating in The Great Kindness Challenge again this year NEXT WEEK 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. Here’s your Kindness Challenge checklist and activity ideas you can print and have ready before next week!

We are 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, let’s lift each other up and show your kindness in big and small ways.

Kindness Checklist for next week’s Great Kindness Challenge

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.

“Remember, whatever we put our attention on expands in our experience, so consider where you are focusing your time and energy.” – Deepak Chopra

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

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!

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

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!