“Your greatness is not what you have, it’s what you give.” – Alice Hocker

Throughout March, students will explore the Live to Give Mindset, which emphasizes the power of generosity, kindness, and embracing life’s opportunities with gratitude. This unit highlights the idea that giving love and respect fosters meaningful connections and that by sharing our passions and talents, we can positively impact others. Students will also discover that abundance flows in a cycle—when we contribute to the well-being of others, we open the door to receiving in return. Ultimately, this mindset encourages students to recognize and use their unique gifts to create a lasting, positive legacy in the world.

Our first lesson asks students to engage with the world beyond their immediate circles. The Stretch Yourself lesson this week encourages them to step outside their comfort zones, use their talents to contribute, and recognize the value of giving back. Many students can sometimes be focused on their own needs without realizing the importance of considering others. This mindset reinforces the idea that to receive love and respect, we must first extend it to those around us.

Additionally, students may not always grasp the power of authenticity. This week they will learn that living with purpose and sharing their passions allows them to make the greatest impact. Through this lesson, they will discover that generosity benefits both the giver and the recipient, fostering connection and a sense of fulfillment.

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 Live to Give 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.

“The greatest gift is a portion of thyself.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

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 Live to Give!

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!

March Mindful Movement classes (weather permitting):

Monday at the CCC in El Dorado Hills March 10, 1 pm
Wednesday at Derr Okamoto Park in Elk Grove on March 19, 11 am

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 Live to Give!

Big Life Journal Activity: Make a Difference

BLJ Teen Activity: The Secret to Becoming Happier

Join Master Amitis Pourarian, a former Olympic athlete and Fox40 Sacramento’s Remarkable Woman of 2023, for a motivational event on March 20 from 11 am to 12:30 pm in Roseville.

Master Pourarian will teach kids how to tap into their motivation and empower themselves so they can succeed in everything from school to sports to life. She will talk about her own success as a businesswoman, including in traditionally male-dominated fields such as construction management, which was her previous career, and her success as a small business owner. Then, she’ll help kids tap into their own strength as they learn martial arts and self-defense skills they can use in their everyday lives.

Come join us for a unique opportunity to be motivated, inspired, and learn some martial arts from by an 8th-degree black belt and the highest-ranking woman in the Moo Do Taekwondo Association! Register today for Martial Arts, Motivation and Mastery: How to Succeed!

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.

This month, students will continue exploring leadership through the power of connection. Strong relationships not only bring joy, but also help us navigate challenges and disagreements with curiosity rather than conflict. By taking the lead in building meaningful connections, students will strengthen their social skills, foster self-discovery, and grow as confident, supportive leaders.

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

• Please share with us any SELF Talk or Mindset 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!

• If your family explores the Let Grow March Experience, please share with us any reflections your student might have! Send in your photos and reflections to celebrate kids stepping up and parents stepping back!

Email SELF@cottonwoodk12.org for submissions and questions.