"Be gentle with yourself, learn to love yourself, to forgive yourself, for only as we have the right attitude toward ourselves can we have the right attitude toward others." – Wilfred Peterson

We’re excited to begin a new unit focused on the Attitude of Gratitude! Students will explore what it truly means to be grateful and how gratitude can positively shape their mindset, relationships, and the world around them. Through reflection, discussion, and engaging lessons, students will practice noticing the good—both in themselves and in their experiences—including the growth that can come from challenges. By learning to appreciate what they have, recognize their own impact, and express thanks to the people who support them, students will build a strong foundation for growth rooted in positivity, perspective, and appreciation.

This week in our Attitude of Gratitude unit, students are focusing on the lesson Treasure Yourself. Students will explore what makes them unique and why those qualities are worth noticing and appreciating. Through reflection and discussion, they’ll practice recognizing their strengths, showing kindness toward themselves, and understanding how gratitude—both for who they are and for the people around them—supports confidence, happiness, and growth.

Try this question at home:

What is one quality or strength you treasure about yourself, and why?

What a wonderful Kindness Week! 💛

We loved hearing about all the ways Cottonwood students and families spread kindness throughout the week—through thoughtful words, caring actions, and meaningful moments at home and in the community.

Thank you for encouraging kindness, supporting your students, and taking part in this special week. Your efforts—big and small—truly made a difference and helped create a more connected, caring school community.

For families who would like to keep the kindness going, the Kindness Challenge checklist will remain available this week in the link below for anyone who wants to continue practicing and celebrating kindness beyond the official challenge.

We are so grateful for our Cottonwood families and the heart you bring to our community!

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 Attitude of Gratitude 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.

“Talk to yourself like you would to someone you love.” – Brené 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 your Attitude of Gratitude!

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!

February Mindful Moments:

February 4 – 10am Derr-Okamoto Park Elk Grove

February 25 – 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!

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.

February’s project, "Take Initiative," invites your students to select a project that asks them to step into leadership by taking initiative and turning ideas into action—making things happen. Leadership shows up in many places: on the field, at home, with friends, in the community, or even online. It might look like welcoming someone new to play, helping out at home without being asked, organizing a game with friends, or launching a small idea like a lemonade or hot cocoa stand. As students try on the role of leader in ways that feel meaningful to them, they’ll begin to notice their confidence, independence, and sense of impact grow.

You can find more information and resources on the Parent Nest!