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~High School~ SEL & Wellness
Cuero ISD Social-Emotional Learning, Well-Being, & Safety
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March 2024
100 Ways to Be Kind
Being kind means being aware. Look around. There are other people on this earth besides you. Think about them as you move about your day and always be thinking about the small things you can do that will make their lives better. Lend a helping hand or a word of thanks or encouragement if you can.
Here are the 100 ways to help yourself by helping others
- Volunteer during a community clean-up day.
- Be a blood donor.
- Be a good, sincere, and patient listener.
- Donate the clothes and shoes you never wear knowing someone will appreciate them.
- Visit or volunteer at a local homeless shelter and try to increase just one person’s self-worth.
- Sign up to make well-check calls at a senior center – then maybe visit those people who have no one to look in on them.
- Give your kids your undivided attention.
- Be kind to all animals.
- Donate dog or cat food to the local pet shelter – and maybe even take along some homemade cookies for shelter volunteers.
- Take donuts and coffee to a local hospice for the angels who work there.
- Rescue the baby spider from the tub before turning on the water.
- Leave a tip for housekeeping.
- Let others cut in front of you in traffic.
- Recycle plastics, bottles, and paper.
- Help clean up or do dishes after a private party.
- Say thank you to people who rarely get thanked – the bathroom attendant, the policeman directing traffic, the toll booth attendant.
- Offer food and shelter to feral pets – or call a local rescue to save them.
- Volunteer at the pound to give the caged creatures some love and attention.
- Visit people who get no visitors at long-term care facilities, nursing homes, and mental health facilities.
- Volunteer at an office on aging, an inner-city church, or shelters for the homeless, to drive people to the doctor or the store.
- Every day, think about all the ways in which you are luckier than others.
- Be a happy person; be someone people want to be around.
- Teach your children to be kind to those who are less fortunate — one birthday gift for you, one to donate.
- Congratulate relatives, friends, neighbors, co-workers when they do something courageous or difficult.
- Say “I love you” or “I miss you” to people you love or miss.
- Live your life the way you would want to be remembered.
- Buy less bottled water, Styrofoam plates, plastic silverware. Use a refillable water bottle and dinnerware that can be re-used.
- If you must buy something in plastic or excessive packaging, recycle it.
- Take reusable bags to the grocery store, so you don’t have to decide between paper or plastic.
- When at the beach or out in nature anywhere, leave no footprint. Pick up trash even if it’s not yours.
- Before throwing away good food, put it in the freezer for later. You’ll be surprised at how many things are freezable, better yet, offer your extras to a friend or neighbor.
- Park your car away from sidewalks and other places that might impede pedestrians.
- If you cycle, use bike lanes when available; if not, give pedestrians the right-of-way on sidewalks.
- Shop locally; support your local merchants.
- Before taking the last piece of anything, ask if anyone else wants it.
- Clean up your mess, so others don’t have to.
- Think before saying things that others may find hateful or mean.
- Never make fun of anyone for anything.
- Be tolerant of all religious beliefs and colors of skin.
- Always remember you don’t know all the details surrounding an action someone else is taking.
- There are times when you must mind your own business.
- Carry non-perishable snacks in your car that you can give to homeless people holding “I’m hungry” signs on street corners.
- Be a generous tipper – and not just at restaurants. That extra dollar means little to you but a lot to others.
- Listen to the opinions of others before making a judgment.
- Help a friend put together a resume to find a job.
- Share your computer knowledge with those who have challenges understanding technology.
- Push grocery carts back to store instead of leaving them in the middle of the parking lot.
- Acknowledge people no one else does — the mentally challenged grocery bagger, the 500-pound man in a motorized cart, the person next to you on the bus.
- Talk to the cleaning staff at work. They see you; you should see them.
- Be tolerant of screaming children on airplanes – be tolerant of children in general.
- Let the person with an armful of groceries go in front of you in line.
- When the light turns green, give the car ahead of you some time, before honking.
- Answer texts and emails as soon as possible.
- Allow oncoming vehicles access to the road ahead of you.
- Let pedestrians and bicyclists go ahead of you.
- Never, ever litter – and that includes throwing cigarette butts and other small items out a car window.
- Offer to lend a hand if someone is struggling with a piece of luggage or any large item.
- If you’re tall, reach up to help someone; if you’re flexible, bend down to help someone.
- Offer to help a neighbor with yard work.
- Let children or short people stand in front of you at entertainment events.
- Deliver meals on wheels – and add a little surprise of your own if and when you are able.
- Help people with dementia during painting or other classes at a nursing home; listen to what they are saying and talk to them.
- Be a courteous highway driver; move over for faster cars and maintain a clear distance, so you aren’t always riding the brake.
- Take your dog for a walk every day and let him explore and smell the world.
- Volunteer to foster a kitten born to a feral mother cat. Foster or train a future support dog.
- Cut down on meat consumption; there are plenty of ways to get protein without eating meat.
- Abide by fishing regulations, catch only in season and only within the limit.
- Ask yourself if you want to be the kind of person who kills animals for sport.
- Try not to take out your frustrations on the person who answers the phone when you make a complaint call. Be aware that the person on the phone is just a conduit to a person who has the power to affect change.
- Offer to carry a heavy package to the car for someone who could use the help.
- Give directions to someone who is lost.
- Find something that’s not yours? Turn it in.
- Make sure your driver’s license says you are an organ donor. If not, register here with Recyclelife.org.
- When someone is kind enough to perform a task, be grateful instead of redoing it your way.
- Offer your assistance to someone in a wheelchair.
- Pick up after your dog.
- Run up a flight of stairs to get something for someone who is unable to do so.
- Volunteer to tutor kids who need help in areas that you’re strong in.
- Give the books you have already read to the library, a nursing home or the Salvation Army or Goodwill.
- Offer to pick up your friend’s tab at a restaurant.
- Call your mom, your dad or your grandparents just to say hi.
- Help build a home for Habitat for Humanity.
- Play a game with the neighborhood kids.
- When you mow your lawn, mow the elderly neighbor’s too.
- Give away seedlings and cuttings from your yard. Take bouquets of flowers to shut-in neighbors.
- Before complaining about something, try to find a solution. Be a problem solver.
- Offer to babysit the children of your friends who are overwhelmed or single parents.
- Watch your neighbor’s dog or keep an eye on their house when they are away.
- Maintain civility on the Internet.
- Take a meal to a friend who just lost a loved one (pets count, too).
- Make someone laugh.
- Offer cold drinks to people working outside in the heat, and hot drinks to those working outside in the cold.
- Give away the stuffed animals you win at an amusement park or fair or game room to the wide-eyed children looking on.
- Buy something out of a vending machine and leave it there.
- Give up your seat on a bus or subway.
- Compliment a stranger.
- Put coins in an expired parking meter next to you.
- Do a chore without being asked.
- Leave a kind note – with a gift card if you can afford it – for your mailman and trash collector.
- Talk to the person who appears lonely at any gathering.
Why Spring Clean?
Open up the windows. Deep-clean the closets. Declutter the drawers. Shift that vacuum into overdrive. There are few things more satisfying than the completion of a proper spring cleaning.
The practice of spring cleaning is a time-honored ritual that's rooted in cultural tradition. It dates back to the days when homes were heated by wood and lit by lanterns that left layers of soot on every surface. When spring arrived, it was time to open up the windows and doors, pull out the rugs and bedding to beat away the dust, and scrub the floors and windows until they shined.
Today, families are busy with work and school. There is less time to clean, so springtime has become a catalyst of sorts for less-routine chores. It's also symbolic — a time to come out of hibernation and let the sunshine reveal all the dust left behind.
So why does this age-old tradition, which happens to involve a great deal of physical labor, create such a strong sense of satisfaction? The answer doesn't necessarily lie inside your closet.
It Improves Your Health
According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, a good spring cleaning can help you breathe better. If you're prone to allergies or an asthma-attack sufferer, don't assume pollen is the primary offender. Powerful asthma triggers, such as dust and pet dander, float on small air currents and settle on every surface in your home. A thorough cleaning of your home can help eliminate allergens and keep new ones from coming in. And when you feel better physically, it's easier to relax.
It Increases Productivity
If you haven't used or worn something since the last spring cleaning, it might be a good time to get rid of it. Cleaning and decluttering your home can save you time when looking for misplaced items and save you the money you'd spend on replacing them in the future. Knowing there is a place for everything gives you peace of mind. This goes for the office, too, particularly if you have papers and gadgets spread all over your desk. Clutter makes it difficult for the brain to filter information. If you think it's hindering your productivity, purge it. Simplify.
It's Good Exercise
You don't have to have a gym membership to work out. Like any physical activity, spring cleaning can burn calories. Now, strolling around the house for 10 minutes with a feather duster won't do much, but 30 minutes or more of moderate activity, such as vacuuming or scrubbing floors, can add up. The more you move, the more calories you'll burn — and you'll reduce fatigue and increase your overall energy levels in the process.
It Will Make You Feel Good About Yourself
Spring cleaning also means cleaning out the emotional closets we have accumulated over the years. All the stuff that takes up our physical space — such as too many clothes, a vast shoe collection, or too much furniture — creates clutter in our homes and in our minds.
Spring is all about new beginnings. Take it upon yourself to use the changing of seasons to create change in yourself. You'll feel a weight lifted.
50 Spring Break Activities that Won't Break the Bank
As the end of winter draws near, anxious students count down the days until the most glorious week -- SPRING BREAK! But while the kiddos are ready for freedom, moms everywhere wonder, "What will I do with the them for a whole week?" Not to worry, Mom, we have you (and your wallet) covered with 50 spring break ideas that won't break the bank.
1) Camp it out - Create your own campground in the backyard.
2) Pamper Party - Turn your home into a spa with mini mani/pedis for all.
3) Feeling Crafty - Check Pinterest for project ideas galore.
4) Hit the books - See what tall tales your local library has to offer.
5) Splish Splash- Bust out the hose and turn your backyard into a splash zone.
6) Strike a pose - Grab that camera and let your mini models show off their stuff.
7) Pillow fight - Host a family slumber party in the living room.
8) The main attraction - Pop some popcorn and enjoy family movie night.
9) Get culture - Local museums often have discount programs during school vacations.
10) Catch some rays - Nothing says spring break like a trip to the beach.
11) Puzzle it - Start with the edges first and together the family can create a masterpiece.
12) Yahtzee - Dust off the board games; it's game night.
13) Gather the gang - Invite the neighborhood crew over for some play time.
14) Top it off - Make your own pizza night (tacos are fun, too).
15) Take a bow - Let your little thespians wow you with their singing/dancing/acting.
16) When life gives you lemons - Have a lemonade stand.
17) Get fresh - Check out the local farmers' market.
18) Make room for spring - Clean out those closets (not the most fun task, we know).
19) Flower power - Plant a little garden.
20) Row, row, row your boat - Rent a canoe or go tubing.
21) Meet Mother Nature - Head outside, go for a walk and explore.
22) Make a difference - Organize a community project with friends or neighbors.
23) Over the river and through the woods - Visit the grandparents.
24) "X" marks the spot - Send the kids on a treasure hunt.
25) Get your groove on - Turn up the music and let everyone do their thang.
26) Sharks and minnows - Pool party!
27) A place of their own - Spare sheets, pillows, a few chairs and ta-da you have a fort.
28) Sweet sensations - Grab the measuring spoons and bake something sweet.
29) See it, do it - Let your kids direct the day. If they see something fun, be ready to play.
30) Get hands on - There's a lot of learning to be found at science centers under the guise of fun.
31) Just ride - Get those gears turning and go for a family bike ride to nowhere.
32) Day opposite - It's opposite day. Turn those clothes around and eat dinner for breakfast.
33) Pick it - Visit a pick-your-own farm.
34) It's raining, it's pouring - Grab your galoshes and splash in some puddles.
35) Animal attraction - Hit up the local zoo. (Hint: check local flyers for coupons).
36) Reel fun - Whether you catch and release or catch for dinner, you'll have lots of time to talk.
37) Experiment - Turn your kids into mad scientists with a few fun science activities.
38) Quack, quack - That stale loaf of bread in the pantry is perfect duck food.
39) Fabulous fairs - Find rides, food, entertainment and fantastic fun at local festivals.
40) Free as a bird - Visit a playground, find a swing and soar.
41) Strike - Grab some of those fancy shoes and bowl.
42) Get a hobby - Take up a new skill like knitting or painting.
43) A Fairy or a Pirate - Dress up their imagination and let them walk the runway.
44) Soar to new heights - Take up kite flying on a breezy spring day.
45) Block party - Get the neighbors together for a BBQ.
46) Fore - Grab a club and go play 18 holes on a mini-golf course.
47) Get lost - Play tourist in your own town and discover something new.
48) Gaze among the stars - Before heading outside, research star shapes online.
49) Play ball - Whether you bounce, hit or throw, have a ball.
50) The ants go marching - Pack up lunch, find a shady spot outside and enjoy.
Important Dates
Mental Health Resources
TCHATT: Texas Child Access Through Telemedicine
Crisis Text Line
Provides free, 24/7 support via text message. We're here for everything: anxiety, depression, suicide, school. Text HOME to 741741.
9-8-8
See something, Say something
Anonymous Reporting allows students or parents can anonymously submit any suspicious activity, bullying or other student related issues to a school administrator(s). We encourage you to report important issues.
Useful Links
Safe & Supportive Schools
Parent Portal
Student Health Advisory Council
Cuero ISD BJA STOP School Violence Grant Program
Ruby Rodriguez, M.Ed. ~ Director of Special Programs
Lacy Timpone, M.Ed., LPC ~ School Climate Specialist
Courtney Schacherl, 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