During the first week of school, we conducted a series of workshops to introduce students to the classroom dynamics and prepare them for teamwork, perseverance, and the challenges ahead. Each session was designed to strengthen essential skills such as collaboration, communication, and resilience through interactive activities and group problem-solving. At the end of every workshop, we included metacognitive activities that encouraged students to reflect deeply on their learning experiences, choices, and areas for growth. These moments of reflection were key in helping students understand themselves as learners and in nurturing a mindset focused on continuous improvement. In line with Los Nogales’ understanding of excellence, we invited students to see excellence not as perfection, but as a daily commitment to doing their best, being thoughtful, and striving to grow in every aspect. These early workshops laid the foundation for a culture of purpose, effort, and meaningful learning throughout the year.