Junior High SEL & Wellness

Spending time together as a family on a holiday simply provides you all with the opportunity to enjoy each other's company, gives children reassurance they are loved, and provides the opportunity to create fabulous memories for you all. - 🎅🏼

Holiday Events Happening in Cuero!

Winter Break!

Our winter break will begin on Friday, December 15th. Students will return to school on Wednesday, January 3rd. We hope you have a wonderful holiday season!

The holidays and end of the calendar year can offer additional time and space for engaging in reflection, which is the process of thinking about and analyzing your past, current, or anticipated thoughts, feelings, and experiences. Reflection is a powerful activity that can help kids (and adults!):

• Process, gain insight, and make sense of the things they have gone through (or are going through)
• Gain a deeper understanding of themselves and others
• Plan for future events
• Establish and monitor progress toward goals

Engaging in reflection is a skill that requires practice throughout our lives. Because of this, children can greatly benefit from support and modeling from adults on what effective reflection looks like. Although dedicating time for reflection can be challenging with the many demands that are placed upon families, developing strong reflection skills can help children better:

• Identify what they are feeling and why
• Identify when they need help
• Understand the relationship between their behavior/choices and their outcomes
• Set realistic short-term and long-term goals (and monitor their progress toward them)
  
• Understand the behavior and feelings of others

You’re Lacking the “Holiday Spirit”

• Recognize that you don’t need to force yourself to be happy and that it’s good to acknowledge feelings that aren’t joyful; remember that you are not alone in feeling this way
• If possible, surround yourself with people who feel similarly; celebrate your traditions or create new ones.

You’re Overwhelmed by Grief and Loss

• During this time, connect with and plan to check in with a support group, a therapist, a faith community, or friends who understand.
• As much as possible, let your loved ones know how they can support you, whether it’s helping you with shopping or meeting up for a regular walk. Often, people want to help but don’t know what to say or where to start.

You’re Feeling Pressured to Participate in Activities—and Want No Part of Them

• Accept your limitations and be patient with others too
• Try to see others’ points of view and recognize that we’re all feeling at least a little stressed
• Prioritize the most important activities or schedule get-togethers for after the holidays: If you feel overwhelmed by social obligations and what others are asking of you, learn how to be comfortable saying “no”

You’re Stressed About Giving Gifts

• Consider how much money you can comfortably spend and stick to the amount. If purchasing gifts for everyone is difficult, consider having a Secret Santa or White Elephant exchange to reduce the number of items everyone needs to buy. You can also simply let people know you are unable to give gifts this year.
• You can also give the gift of helping a neighbor, a friend, a family member, or a stranger. It’s the act of giving that is more important than a present. Our generosity can be a gift to ourselves, because when we focus on others and less on ourselves, we tend to reduce our anxiety.

You’re Alone or Feeling Isolated

• Remind yourself of the people, places, and things that make you feel happy. Consider scheduling a regular call or video chat with friends on a weekly or biweekly basis so you don’t have to think twice about making the effort.
• Don’t forget about self-care. We know the importance of a balanced diet, moderate exercise, and plenty of sleep, but because there are so many distractions and stressors this time of year, we lose sight of some of the basic necessities. We need to take care of ourselves and pay increased attention to ensuring we fulfill these areas of our lives as we get closer to the holidays.

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.

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