Social and emotional learning (SEL) is a strengths-based, developmental process that begins at birth and evolves across our lifespan. We can all develop healthier skills and relationships using SEL, and learning better self-awareness, self-control, relationship skills, responsible decision-making, future self and interpersonal skills.

Children with strong social-emotional skills are better able to cope with everyday problems and benefit academically as well as socially. Starting early on using SEL, we can help our children have more effective problem solving, self-discipline, impulse control and be better able to manage their emotions using coping strategies. SEL provides positive, long-term effects on children. No matter the child’s academic level, we learn best when we have supportive relationships.

We want to ensure that our students develop these core skills both at home and in school. We know parents want their children to feel successful at school and life in general. Remember to be positive, check on what emotions your child is feeling, and contact the school counselor or social worker if you have any worries for your student.

Attending school every day is vitally important for children. Missing school, even just a couple of days a month, can have many negative consequences for students.

Academic performance

Students who miss a lot of school are more likely to fall behind, repeat grades, and fail classes. For example, children who are chronically absent in kindergarten and first grade are less likely to be able to read on grade level by third grade. Students gain background knowledge from daily classroom discussions while learning in school. If they are not present, they miss out on those discussions and typically have lower test scores.

Mental health

Absenteeism can negatively affect a student's mental health, leading to loneliness, low self-esteem, and increased mental health problems.

Social interactions

Students who attend school every day can build relationships with their peers and develop social skills. Daily attendance helps your child develop and sustain friendships, which are crucial for emotional and social development.

Life skills

School can help students develop skills like responsibility, time management, and showing up and working hard. These skills can be useful and help students become more successful in school and in their relationships.

We hope everyone had a great summer and beginning of the school year! Returning to school can be overwhelming for students and their families. Students are going into new grade levels, which means new teachers, classmates, and new challenges. Some students may take these changes in stride while others may struggle with apprehension, anxiety, and/or depression. Here are some tips to help with this transition:

• Develop a sleep routine. Set and enforce weekday and weekend bedtimes and wake up calls.
• Develop good homework and study habits. Create a space for students to do their homework and study. Ensure they have supplies to do their assignments.
• Communicate to teachers and administrators about any needs or concerns you have about your student.
• Create an afternoon school schedule that allows time for snack, relaxation, play, and study.
• Get your students involved in programs they can do after school to keep them active.
• Talk openly with your student about their feelings about returning to school.

TCHATT provides telemedicine or telehealth programs to school districts to help 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. This program is free for students and is available throughout the year, even in the summer. If you would like more information about TCHATT, you can visit their website https://tcmhcc.utsystem.edu/tchatt/ or contact Kathy Scott at kfscott@cueroisd.org.

Texas law requires anyone with knowledge of suspected child abuse or neglect to report it to the appropriate authorities. Professionals must report suspected abuse or neglect within 48 hours. This mandatory reporting applies to all individuals and is not limited to teachers or health care professionals.

Call: 1-800-252-5400. If you cannot use the Texas Abuse Hotline, you can:

• Report online at www.TxAbuseHotline.orgExternal Link
• Use the relay service of your choice or use Relay TexasExternal Link at 7-1-1. Tell the relay operator to call the Texas Abuse Hotline at (800) 252-5400.
• If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to Kathy Scott, LMSW at (361) 275-1900 X418 or your local Child Protective Services office at (361) 275-5737.

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

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

Courtney Kalinowski, M.S., LPC ~ School Climate Specialist

Kathy Scott, LMSW~ School Climate Specialist

Website: https://www.cueroisd.org/
Location: 960 E Broadway St, Cuero, TX, USA
Phone: 361-275-1900
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cueroisd