“Those who are happiest are those who do the most for others.” – Booker T. Washington

This week in SELF, we’re exploring Leading with Value — the idea that the little moments we share with others can quietly shape our whole day. Our elementary students will discover how simple things, such as kindness, helping others, and showing responsibility, can make friendships feel brighter and stronger. Our middle schoolers will be tuning into the connections all around them and noticing how empathy, listening, and “leading with value” can turn ordinary interactions into meaningful ones. And our high school students will be reflecting on how the people in their world help them grow into who they’re becoming, and how aligning their relationships with their values can open doors they didn’t even know were there.

It’s a week of noticing magic in the everyday — the small gestures, shared smiles, and tiny ripples of care that remind us we’re all part of something bigger.

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 We Are Connected 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.

“What do we live for, if it is not to make life less difficult for each other?” – George Eliot

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 We Are Connected!

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!

Mindful Moments will resume in January

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.

December’s project, Help Others, invites your child to lend a hand to someone outside your 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 they want to help and what kind of support they want 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!

Email SELF@cottonwoodk12.org for submissions and questions.