Junior High SEL & Wellness

Summer is a season of warmth, exploration, and growth, providing many families with a unique opportunity to engage in meaningful activities together. As parents, we often prioritize our children's academic achievements, but it's equally important to nurture their social and emotional well-being. Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) is a powerful framework that helps children and families develop essential skills for building healthy relationships, managing emotions, and making responsible decisions. By incorporating SEL activities into our summer routines, we can create a supportive environment that fosters empathy, resilience, and positive communication.

Some ideas include:

• Establish daily routines / chore charts
• Start the day with positive affirmations
• Read (Middle School SEL Book List)
• Visit museums
• Volunteer
• Make a vision board for the upcoming school year
• Get outside for at least 30 minutes every day (Take a walk, ride a bike, garden)
• Meditation / mindfulness journals
  
• Family game nights

Here are some ways parents can promote SEL with their child:

• Take care of yourself, even when it feels like it’s the last thing you have time to do
• Establish routines
• Be present - Be intentional when connecting with your children during activities
• Celebrate what you can - even the small things
• Practice active listening
• Give your child freedom to express and name their emotions

What is happening at the Cuero Public Library this summer? Click on the links below to find out! There are activities for all ages!

Summer Reading Program

June

July

Teen Cuisine: (Ages 12-18)

June 14

June 21

June 28

July 12

July 19

Today’s technology holds some amazing opportunities, but I think our teens are sometimes better served if they spend a little more time off screen exploring their interests and talents while developing real-life skills for adult life. Coding is a great real-life skill, but so is cooking dinner for a friend. Here are some examples:

• Build Something
• Painting Furniture or a Room
• Jewelry making
• Clay
• Painting on Canvas
• Writing Comic Book, a Poem or a Book
• Build a Model
• Learn to Cook or Bake
• Grilling
• Fly a Kite
• Ride a Bike
• Walk the Dog
• Gardening (or house plants)

• Practice a sport
• Play an instrument
• Play Board Games
• Read
• Learn to Knit or Sew

Start a Business

• Dog walking
• Mow Lawns or Yard Work
• Babysitting

Summer is a time of fun and relaxation for most teens, but it can also be an especially dangerous time for them online. With the rise of social media, online gaming, and other digital platforms, teens are more vulnerable to online threats than ever before.

One of the reasons why summer can be a dangerous time for teens online is because they have more free time. With more free time, teens may spend more time on social media, leading to increased exposure to cyberbullying, online predators, and inappropriate content. They may feel more pressure to fit in or to present a perfect image of themselves, leading to increased stress and anxiety.

Summer can also be a dangerous time for teens online because many families go on vacation. While traveling or staying in unfamiliar places, teens may be more likely to connect with strangers online. They may feel a false sense of security and be more likely to share personal information or photos, putting them at risk of cyberbullying, online predators, or identity theft.

Online gaming is another popular activity for many teens, and it can be a breeding ground for cyberbullying and other online dangers. Some games involve interacting with strangers online, which can put teens at risk of online predators or cyberstalking. In addition, online gaming can be addictive, leading to social isolation, and other negative consequences.

Cyberstalking is another risk that teens may face during the summer months. Teens may be more likely to share their location online during the summer, putting them at risk of cyberstalking and other online dangers.

All of these factors can make summer an especially dangerous time for teens online. However, there are steps that parents can take to protect their children and keep them safe online.

Here are some tips:

1. Talk to your teen about the dangers of the internet. Discuss the risks of cyberbullying, online predators, and identity theft. Make sure your teen understands the importance of protecting their personal information online.

2. Establish clear rules for internet use. Set limits on screen time and establish guidelines for safe online behavior. Make sure your teen knows what is and is not acceptable online.

3. Use parental control software. Install parental control software to limit your teen’s access to certain websites and content. This can help protect them from exposure to inappropriate content and online predators.

4. Stay involved in your teen’s life. Ask questions, listen to their concerns, and be available to help when needed. Make sure your teen knows they can come to you if they experience any online issues.

5. Get help if needed.

Online Safety Tips for Teens

TCHATT (Texas Child Health Access Through Telemedicine) provides telemedicine or telehealth 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. If you would like more information about TCHATT, you can visit their website https://tcmhcc.utsystem.edu/tchatt/ or contact Courtney Schacherl at cschacherl@cueroisd.org.

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

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

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

Kathy F. Scott, LMSW ~ Elementary School Climate Specialist

960 East Broadway Street, Cuero, TX, USA

(361)275-1900