“Do not wish to be anything but what you are. Try to be that perfectly.” – St. Francis of De Sales

Elementary students are full of curiosity about the world and are just beginning to figure out who they are. This week, we’re encouraging them to lean into what makes them unique — their strengths, interests, and character traits — and explore how these can connect to their dreams.

In middle school, students start to define their identity but can sometimes feel unsure about showing their true selves. Together, we’re exploring what it means to live with a Passion First mindset — being brave enough to share what they care about, cheering on others’ passions, and learning how to bounce back when things don’t go as planned.

For our high school students, authenticity becomes even more important in a world filled with comparison and pressure to fit in. This week’s lesson invites them to pause, look inward, and reflect on who they really are and how their true selves can guide them toward future success.

Across all ages, we’re helping students see that being authentic isn’t about being perfect — it’s about being real, kind, and confident in who they are.

Encourage your child to notice a moment this week when they felt proud of being themselves — then celebrate it together.

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.

“Authenticity is important – be true to one’s self.” – Laila Ali

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 your Passion First!

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

November Mindful Moments:

November 5 10am Derr-Okamoto 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!

• These 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 Everything is Possible!

Big Life Journal Activity: Explore Your Interests
Big Life Journal Teen Activity: You are Unique

Many of you have enjoyed making Analog Bags this year — tech-free collections of simple activities you can create at home to spark joy, creativity, and connection. Many of our teachers and staff have made their own, and we invite families to join in as well! Analog Bags are an easy way to encourage reflection, problem-solving, and screen-free presence for all ages.

I’m happy to share this Tedx Talk with you all from Boston University on How to Live an Analog Life in a Digital World – it’s great for high schoolers and adults!

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!

Email SELF@cottonwoodk12.org for submissions and questions.