"Stand for what is right. Even if it means standing alone." – Suzy Kassem

The Take a Stand lesson helps students strengthen key life skills that support both personal growth and connection with others. As they explore their own values, they start to recognize how these values shape their choices and relationships. Along the way, they practice empathy and appreciation for different perspectives, imagine futures grounded in what matters most to them, and learn to stay steady when things get hard. As their view of the world expands, they start to uncover a deeper sense of purpose and passion for standing up for what’s right.

As young students encounter challenges during development, their responses may not always align with expectations. This week’s lesson invites them to explore what it means to act with integrity and stay grounded in their values, even when obstacles arise. Together, we’ll examine the character trait of courage—how it helps us grow, make choices that reflect who we are, and pursue what truly matters.

Middle school students often discover their personal beliefs and learn what it means to take a stand for those beliefs. Through discussion and reflection, they will identify issues that matter to them and practice expressing their values in healthy, respectful ways.

For high school students, this lesson provides space to reflect on whether their current habits and choices align with their core principles. They’ll consider how to reframe their thinking, make adjustments, and move toward a life that honors their authentic values.

Each Monday this month, we’ll continue exploring the Zones of Regulation, expanding our emotional vocabulary within each Zone. By identifying and naming a wider range of feelings, students will deepen their understanding of emotions and develop tools to express themselves with clarity and confidence. Together, we’re helping learners of all ages strengthen their emotional awareness as they grow, connect, and pursue what inspires them. I hope you’ll join us!

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 Passion First 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.

“When you feel powerful, you are willing to stand up for your rights, and you are willing to stand up for what you believe in, you’re more willing to stand up and be counted.” – Margaret Cho

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 putting Passion First!

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

Mindful Moments are Back!

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 be incorporating games, music, fitness and 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!

October Mindful Moments:

October 22 10am Lichtenberger South Park Elk Grove

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 future park days where we will have 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!

This year, we’re excited to add something fun to SELF—our very own SELF Bingo! Each square is a simple activity that helps students practice self-regulation skills, connection, and Let Grow Activities. Many skills and topics we cover in Mindset Mondays, the SELF Talk Newsletter, and Mindful Moments can be found on this Bingo card and reinforced at home by completing the activities! Students can complete the board on their own or with family support, and it’s a great way to bring mindfulness, movement, and emotional awareness into everyday life. Try a row, a column, or challenge yourself to complete the whole board!

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.

October’s project is all about spreading your wings. Last month, students took on new challenges and tried things that helped them step outside of their comfort zones. In October, we’re inviting them to take it a step further—building on those experiences and finding ways to stretch a little more. What’s the next step they can take to grow their independence and confidence?

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

The Cottonwood School has been designated a 2025 Kindness Certified School! Please share with us any random act of kindness activity your family participates in! Send your photos to us to celebrate all the kindness that is created! Each student who submits a photo and description of their random act of kindness will be featured as a Mindset Marvel in SELF Talk and will receive a Mindset Marvel certificate and a BJ’s Restaurant award for a kid’s meal (teens will receive a Starbuck’s treat)!

Email SELF@cottonwoodk12.org for submissions and questions.