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December 2023
Gift Giving on a Budget
It feels good to give gifts to those we care about at Christmas time. Unfortunately, sometimes finances can make it hard for children or families during this time of the year. We don't have to feel sad, left out, or even depressed about not having money for gifts. We need to know that the best presents aren't always the most expensive. In fact, budget-friendly gifts that cost next to nothing usually require a bit more thought and creativity than a gift we just grab from the mall. Giving of yourself—in the form of your time and energy—touches the heart of loved ones and, if you're trying to save money, it's a win-win.
Inexpensive Christmas Gift Ideas
1. Paint or decorate a Pet Rock
2. Make a Christmas Ornament - You can look up suggestions online using paper, Popsicle sticks, pinecones, a photo, Papier-Mâché or other household items.
3. Bake cookies - Snickerdoodle, peanut butter and oatmeal cookies are fairly inexpensive to make.
4. Write a letter to the person telling them how much you care about them and why.
5. Make a coupon book - Coupons for things like washing dishes, picking up toys, letting them pick the game to play or show to watch, and other chores or acts of kindness would be appreciated.
6. Put candy in a homemade dish
7. Print a special photo ($0.35 at Wal-Mart) and make a frame to go around it or use an old frame not being used. Many people love to get photos of those they care about.
8. Create a "Menu" to make a family dinner - Parents get to "order" from the menu on a certain night.
9. Read "The Night Before Christmas" or tell the "Christmas Story" to the family.
10. In a small Ball jar, put hot chocolate mix and marshmallows (if they like them) in the jar - Hot chocolate and a ride through Christmas in the Park makes for great family time.
Christmas in Cuero
Christmas Songs for the Family
Dealing With Grief and Loss During the Holidays
During the holiday season, many people may have a more difficult time missing a loved one they have lost or simply experience increased grief or loss. This can be especially true for people having their first holiday season without a loved one. Instead of trying to avoid thinking about your loved one, try honoring and celebrating them by getting together with other family members and friends and treasuring their life stories, especially stories that include important highlights of their life and personality. Treasure those memories.
Is Your Christmas To-Do List Driving You Crazy?
Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year. Way too often, we let the Christmas rush, searching for "that perfect gift", just the right sized ham, and the hustle and bustle of commercialism get us down when we should be our happiest. We need to remember to slow down, take care of ourselves, set a budget and stick to it, think about the reason we celebrate Christmas, and enjoy our family and friends. Love it what it is all about!
Read Along - The Night Before Christmas by Clement C Moore
Read Along - Pete the Cat Saves Christmas by James Dean
Cuero Fire Department Completes Training
The Cuero Fire Department firefighters completed the Youth Mental Health First Aid Training presented by the School Climate Specialists Kathy Scott, Courtney Schacherl and Lacy Timpone. Youth Mental Health First Aid is designed to teach teachers, school staff, first responders and other caring citizens how to help a child or adolescent who is experiencing a mental health or addiction challenge or who is in crisis. Youth Mental Health First Aid is primarily designed for adults who regularly interact with young people. The course introduces common mental health challenges for youth, reviews typical adolescent development, and teaches a 5-step action plan for how to help young people in both crisis and non-crisis situations. Topics covered include anxiety, depression, substance use, disorders in which psychosis may occur, disruptive behavior disorders (including ADHD), and eating disorders.
TCHATT Services for Cuero ISD Students
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.
HELPFUL RESOURCES
Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
See Something, Say Something!
Crisis Text Line
A Crisis doesn't just mean suicide; it's any painful emotion for which you need support.
Bullying * School Stress
Depression * Anxiety
Suicide * Relationships
Friendships * Self-Harm
AllianceforSafeKids.org
Ascender Parent Portal
This site provides web access to school-related information about your students, including attendance, grades, discipline, assessments, and immunizations.
Student Health Advisory Council
Safe and Supportive School Program
Cuero ISD BJA STOP School Violence Grant Program
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/