~ Elementary ~ SEL & Wellness

Social and emotional learning (SEL) is a strengths-based, developmental process that begins at birth and evolves across our lifespan. It is the process through which children, adolescents, and adults learn skills to support healthy development and relationships. SEL is the process of developing the self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, self-control, relationship skills, responsible decision-making, future self and interpersonal skills that are vital for school, work, and life success. It is key to good decision making.

People with strong social-emotional skills are better able to cope with everyday challenges and benefit academically, professionally, and socially. From effective problem-solving to self-discipline, from impulse control to emotion management and more, SEL provides a foundation for positive, long-term effects on kids, adults, and communities. No matter the child or adult's academic level, we learn best when we have supportive relationships.

SEL helps with brain development and social skills. With positive social-emotional learning, children thrive, schools win, families win, workplaces benefit and society strengthens. We want to ensure that our students develop these core skills both at home and in school.

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.

Even though school is in session, it doesn’t mean students and their families cannot have fun in the sun. There are many activities that families can enjoy in the community. Just remember to wear sunscreen and drink lots of water.

Going to the Cuero Municipal Park is free and accessible. Enjoy a picnic or play on the jungle gym. You could fly a kite with your child or just hang out together. Have you checked out the new exercise

The downtown farmer’s market can be fun to look around. Check it out on September 23, and October 28 from 9 to 1 PM. They are located downtown under the Library Market Pavilion.

The Cuero Municipal Library is open, and students and families can borrow books for free. Hours are M-F 9-5:30 PM and Sat 9-12 PM.

For more information on events for families happening in town, please visit the Cuero Chamber of Commerce website at https://cuero.org/outdoor-recreation/.

Everyone is born with the ability to experience anxiety, and anxiety in children is natural and common. The American Psychological Association defines anxiety as an emotion characterized by feelings of tension, worried thoughts and physical changes, such as increased blood pressure and heart rate. Children often feel anxious about things like the dark, dogs, school, testing, conflicts with others, separation from parents and more.

Signs and symptoms of anxiety

Children and teenagers may have similar worries as adults, but also they may have excessive worries about performance at school or sporting events, fitting in, social experiences, safety, being on time, their future, natural disasters or other catastrophic events. Some signs of significant anxiety include fatigue; changes in sleep habits, such as sleeping too much or too little; irritability; anger; difficulties with concentration; lack of confidence; reassurance seeking; avoidance; and decreased grades.

The most common physical symptoms present in children and teenagers who experience significant anxiety include stomachaches and headaches. They also can experience increased heart rate, rapid breathing, restlessness or jitteriness, trembling or feeling "twitchy," dizziness, diarrhea, nausea and chest tightness or pain.

Older kids are more likely to be able to express when/why they feel anxious, but you could still see some indicators of anxiety, such as irritability, physical symptoms, shakiness or having trouble concentrating – which can be mistaken for ADHD.

Changes to a child’s schedule and even “good” things like going on vacation or moving up to

the next grade can create some anxiety for kids.

How to support children with anxiety

You will want to learn more about what they are thinking and feeling. For younger kids, it can be helpful to use words like “being worried" or “scared" that will be more meaningful to them and are more likely to garner useful information about what is bothering them. If you think your child is showing signs of anxiety, you can support them in many ways:

• Acknowledge your child’s fear or worry, and let them know that most children feel anxious sometimes.
• Talk with your child about their worries.
• Encourage them to do the things they are anxious about.
• Praise your child for doing something they are anxious about.

• Wait until your child gets anxious before you step in to help.
• Avoid criticizing your child for being afraid or worried.
• Avoid labeling your child as ‘shy’ or ‘anxious’.
• Make sure your child eats healthy foods, does enough physical activity and gets the sleep they need. Good physical health is important for mental health.
• Seek professional help if you think anxiety is affecting your child’s health and happiness.

You can reach out to your child's primary care physician or talk with the school nurse and/or school counselor for help.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eD1wliuHxHI

For our 3-5th graders

https://www.brainpop.com/english/studyandreadingskills/stress/movie

For K-3rd graders

https://jr.brainpop.com/health/feelingsandsel/emotions/

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/