"I don’t focus on what I’m up against. I focus on my goals, and I try to ignore the rest." -Venus Williams

Younger students are full of energy and enthusiasm but may find it challenging to sit still, maintain focus, or remember details for long. The 100% Accountable Mindset helps guide them in channeling their energy and intentionally directing their time and efforts toward meaningful goals. It encourages them to prioritize activities that bring joy and fulfillment while minimizing distractions.

Middle and high school students, in particular, often struggle with managing their time effectively. This lesson empowers them to reflect on how they currently spend their time, identify areas for improvement, and focus on activities that build their energy and strength. By developing these skills, they can better align their daily actions with their dreams and aspirations.

The 100% Accountable Mindset is a transformative tool for all ages, teaching us to focus our energy, manage our time wisely, and focus on what truly matters. Whether you’re just learning to channel enthusiasm, navigating the challenges of middle and high school, or preparing for bigger goals ahead, this mindset reminds us that intentional effort is the key to achieving happiness and success. By embracing these principles, we can all take steps toward creating a life filled with purpose and possibility.

• **No Mindset Monday classes on Monday, January 20 due to MLK Jr Day**
• We will resume January 27 at our regularly scheduled Zoom times below.

Mindset Mondays will be offered every Monday that school is in session. This year we are working through Course 1, which means returning students will be learning fresh and new content. One of my favorite things about the 7 Mindsets curriculum is each year continues to provide new and different information. I look forward to seeing your students in class as we explore the 100% Accountable Mindset!

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

You can also go directly to your Clever dashboard and click on the Mindset Monday tile to join the class easily!

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.

“Starve your distractions, feed your focus.” – Anonymous

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 some discussion questions you can use to invite your students into conversation. There’s also an activity to bring the idea alive in your student’s life. Have fun connecting and learning how to Focus Your Energy!

Grades: K-2
Grades: 3-5
Grades: Middle School
Grades: High School

This year, I am excited to bring your students Mindful Movement classes *in person* a few times each month! We have been having SO MUCH FUN moving together! Join me and fellow students as we practice mindful movement together! All ages of Cottonwood students are welcome, including parents!

January Mindful Movement classes (weather permitting):

Wednesday at the Roseville Park Day on January 29, 11-12 pm

Movement classes are open to all Cottonwood students in all grades. If your student is in the younger grades, please be prepared to support their movement, if needed. We will have some mats available to borrow; however, students can feel free to bring their own, along with their own water bottles or hydration preferences, and dress in movement attire. Please refer to the Wednesday Weekly for information and updates on Park Days.

No need to register ahead of time!

The Big Life Journal printable activities, purchased by Cottonwood for your students, offer additional opportunities to extend learning as students focus on learning more about becoming aware of their emotions and continuing their exploration of the 100% Accountable mindset!

Big Life Journal Activity: Positive Self Talk

Next week, our school will proudly participate in The Great Kindness Challenge, a week-long program dedicated to creating a culture of kindness and compassion in communities worldwide. This challenge runs from January 27-31.

To help our students practice kindness and put their compassion into action, there will be activities and a Great Kindness Challenge checklist linked in next week’s newsletter. We encourage all students to complete as many acts of kindness as possible at school and at home next week and hope they feel inspired to celebrate their kindness by sharing with us!

Together, we will lift each other up, cheer each other on and show the world that KINDNESS MATTERS!

Please share with us any SELF Talk activity you engaged in this week! Each student who submits a photo and description depicting a completion of a 7 Mindsets lesson and activity and/or a Big Life Journal activity (or both!) will be entered into a monthly raffle to receive a SELF Superstar certificate and a fun prize! The raffle winner will be featured as a SELF Superstar in the next SELF Talk newsletter!

Email SELF@cottonwoodk12.org for submissions and questions.