"The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams." — Eleanor Roosevelt

As we close out our fourth incredible year with SELF, Big Life Journal and the 7 Mindsets, it’s amazing to reflect on just how much growth, discovery, and connection has happened. Over the course of this year, we’ve taken what we’ve learned in past years and gone deeper—exploring how each mindset shows up in our daily choices, relationships, and goals. From dreaming big and embracing challenges to building stronger connections and practicing gratitude, we’ve continued to grow not just as learners, but as people.

This year also brought exciting additions to our SELF program! We introduced Mindful Movement to help students develop greater awareness of their bodies, emotions, and presence. We also launched the Let Grow Project, encouraging students to take healthy risks, build confidence, and grow their independence—reminding us that believing in ourselves starts with action.

This week, we’ll take time to reflect on how the Mindsets and these new experiences have shaped our thinking, our actions, and even our futures. We’ve seen students set meaningful goals, show empathy and leadership, and take real ownership of their journeys. That’s something to celebrate!

As summer approaches, I want to say thank you. Thank you for showing up—for your students, for yourselves, and for our community. Whether you joined Mindset Monday Zooms, dove into lessons at home, participated in Mindful Movement, or encouraged Let Grow challenges, your support has made all the difference. I’m so proud of what we’ve built together.

Enjoy your summer break—you’ve earned it! The SELF Talk Newsletter will be back the Monday after Labor Day and I can’t wait to continue this journey with you in the fall as we launch into Year 5 with even more energy, connection, and purpose.

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 say goodbye for the school year!

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.

“Change the way you look at things, and the things you look at change.” – Wayne Dyer

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 before summer begins!

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!

Last Mindful Movement date:

Wednesday at Horseshoe Park in Elk Grove on May 21 at 10 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.

No need to register ahead of time!

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.

We’re excited to dive into a powerful lesson this month—one that gives students the chance to step up, show responsibility, and discover just how much they’re capable of! When we give kids the opportunity to care for someone or something beyond themselves, we’re sending a clear and empowering message: “I believe in you!” They feel that trust—and more often than not, they rise to the challenge with pride and purpose.

This month, students will take on a hands-on project that lets them explore what it means to be responsible. Whether it’s helping out with a younger sibling, caring for a pet, tending to plants, or supporting an older family member, they’ll see that even small acts of care can make a big difference. Let’s cheer them on as they grow their confidence, compassion, and sense of purpose!

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 May 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.