ELEMENTARY SEL & Wellness

Kindness matters.

We recognize February as Kindness Month and the perfect time to spread kindness to all those around us. Too many times, we forget the impact that simple gestures can make – a kind word, a lending ear, a comforting hug, or a warm and simple smile. We often forget that these simple things actually have the power to turn lives around and make someone’s day brighter. This is exactly why we celebrate February as Kindness Month – to encourage everyone to spread kindness.

Every act of kindness we show can make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. Showing kindness on a daily basis takes practice. Kindness asks us to extend our approach beyond niceties and good manners. Sharing kindness affects other people as well as ourselves, and it helps to give us a rewarding feeling. Sprinkling kindness around to others is something we can do the whole year round!

Smiling allows us to bond with other human beings, which is why people recognize smiles across the globe. Smiling at others makes us feel connected. Research shows that smiling at someone makes you feel better. When you smile, your brain releases tiny molecules called neuropeptides to help fight off stress. Then, other neurotransmitters like dopamine, serotonin and endorphins come into play, making you feel happier. It is difficult to keep a long face when you look at people who are smiling at you. Smiling is contagious!

It is nice to think that we celebrate Kindness Month each year. However, sprinkling kindness everywhere you go does not require a special day, week or month. It is something we can do daily to make a difference. Brighten someone’s life without expecting anything in return. Be kind!

1. Bake cookies or other treats for someone whether it is your friend, neighbor, postal carrier, etc.

2. Buy coffee for the person in line behind you.

3. Call or email a friend or family member you have not talked to in a while, just to ask how that person is doing.

4. Drop a heads-up penny on the ground for someone who believes in good luck to find.

5. Give a compliment to a random person passing by. Spread positivity!

6. Hold the door for someone wherever you go throughout the day.

7. Leave a kind note in a library book.

8. Lend a friend your favorite book or movie.

9. Let someone ahead of you in the checkout line.

10. Offer to water a neighbor’s lawn or flowers.

11. Put coins in an expired parking meter.

12. Put your neighbor’s trashcans away for them after pick-up.

13. Say something encouraging to a parent who is struggling with rambunctious kids in a restaurant or grocery store.

14. Say yes when a cashier asks you to donate to a cause.

15. Send a positive, sentimental or silly card to brighten someone’s day.

16. Smile at someone who looks sad.

17. Thank a soldier.

18. Volunteer with a local community organization.

19. Write a positive review online for a restaurant or other local business that you love.

20. Be kind to yourself.

You my have seen the bright orange Bully Buster vests around Hunt the past few months and wondered about them. Students in the Kindness & Bully Buster Club wear them proudly as a visible reminder to others to be kind and not be a bully. These students work hard to lend a helping hand to those having a challenging day. They try to be there for students sitting alone without a friend and share some warm wishes and kindness to them. Bully Busters hand out "Kindness Confetti" - motivational thoughts for the day - to help make their peers feel better and hopefully pass those smiles and kindness on to others throughout the day.

John C French students are focusing on the character trait of kindness throughout the month of February. Mrs. Krauser will provide students time to work on their posters during PCL class each week. Students will enter their creations into the JCF poster contest.

Prizes will be awarded for winning posters and essays at each campus. Please encourage your student to participate and work hard on their creations.

TCHATT (Texas Child Health Access Through Telemedicine) provides telemedicine or tele-heath programs to children within Cuero ISD. TCHATT also helps to identify and assess the behavioral health needs of children and adolescents and provide access to mental health services. Cuero ISD is proud to be part of this program that helps students get access to mental health treatment and resources.

Ruby Rodriguez, M.Ed. ~ Director of Special Programs

Kathy F. Scott, LMSW ~ Elementary School Climate Specialist

Courtney Schacherl, M.S., LPC ~ Junior High School Climate Specialist

Lacy Timpone, M.Ed., LPC ~ High School School Climate Specialist

Website: www.cueroisd.org
Location: 960 East Broadway Street, Cuero, TX, USA
Phone: 3612751900
Facebook: facebook.com/cueroisd/