The Wildcat Wellness
Wernli Counseling Newsletter-October/November 2026

A message from your counselors!
A message from your counselors
Happy Fall,
As the fall season brings cooler days and new opportunities to grow, we’re excited to continue learning, connecting, and making wonderful memories with our Wernli Ohana! 🌺✨ As always, your school counselors are here to support our students, families, and staff every step of the way. Let’s make this season one filled with kindness, connection, and lots of Wildcat pride!
Love,
Ms. Garza & Mrs. Barrett
What's Happening in Guidance?
Safe Choices
Our K–2nd grade Wildcats enjoyed learning about making safe choices through the book How Do Dinosaurs Stay Safe? Students discussed ways to stay safe at school and online, including making smart choices when using technology. They also identified three trusted adults they can go to for help when they need it. We are proud of our Wildcats for learning how to stay safe and make responsible choices!
Cyber Safety
Our 3rd–5th grade Wildcats explored cyber safety through #Goldilocks, learning the importance of making safe and responsible choices online. Students discussed protecting personal information, recognizing online risks, and thinking before clicking or sharing. Our Wildcats are building the skills they need to be smart, safe, and responsible digital citizens!
Sarah's Sick Day
K-1st Grade
Our K–1st grade Wildcats are celebrating Red Ribbon Week by reading Sarah’s Sick Day! Students will learn about the importance of making healthy choices, taking care of their bodies, and building healthy habits. Through this lesson, we will encourage our Wildcats to make safe, healthy decisions that help them grow strong and shine bright!
Should I Take This Medicine?
Our 2nd–3rd grade Wildcats will read Should I Take This Medicine? and discuss the importance of making healthy and safe choices. Students will learn about using medicine responsibly, never taking medicine without a trusted adult’s permission, and making decisions that help keep their bodies healthy and safe.
Vaping Lesson
Grades 4th-5th
Our 4th–5th grade Wildcats will participate in a vaping prevention lesson focused on understanding the risks of vaping and how it can affect their growing bodies. Students will learn how to make healthy decisions, recognize peer pressure, and practice strategies for confidently saying “no” to unsafe choices. Together, we’re empowering our Wildcats to make choices that support a healthy future!
Past Guidance Lessons
Respect
Our K–2nd grade Wildcats learned about making respectful choices through The Respectful Rhino! Students identified ways to show respect at home, at school, and in their community. They explored how kind words, helpful actions, and thoughtful choices can make a positive difference wherever they go.
Our 3rd–5th grade Wildcats explored the Decision of Respect and discussed what respect looks like when using technology. Students practiced turning disrespectful comments into respectful ones and learned how their words and actions online can impact others. Our Wildcats are learning that respect matters both in person and in the digital world!
Let's Include Others
Let's be Friends
Ohana at Home
This Month's Focus: Connection and Belonging
🌺 Ohana at Home: October/November
This Month’s Focus: Safety & Smart Choices
As our Wildcats learn about making safe choices at school, online, and in their everyday lives, families can help reinforce these important skills at home! Take a few minutes together to talk about staying safe, making responsible decisions, and knowing when to ask a trusted adult for help.
🗣️ Try These 3 Questions Together:
1. 🛡️ What are three safe choices we can make at home, at school, or in our community?
2. 💻 How can we stay safe when using technology or talking to people online?
3. 💛 Who are three trusted adults you can go to when you need help or feel unsafe?
🌺 Bonus Family Challenge: Our Family Safety Check-In!
Spend a few minutes reviewing your family's safety plan and practicing what to do if you need help.
It could be:
Identifying three trusted adults your child can talk to.
Practicing what to do if something online makes them uncomfortable.
Discussing what to do if they ever feel unsafe or get separated from their family.
Reviewing important family contact information.
Reminding children that it is always okay to speak up and ask a trusted adult for help.
Remember, Wildcats: Making safe choices helps protect us, and asking for help is always a smart choice! Together, we can help our children feel confident, prepared, and supported wherever they go.
Important Dates to Remember
10/21/2026-Fall Festival
10/26/2026-10/30/2026-Red Ribbon Week
10/30/2026- Book Character Parade
November- Generation Texas Month
11/23/2026-11/30/2026-Thanksgiving Break
Additional Resources
Amanda Barrett
Kinder, 2nd Grade, 4th Grade and ALE
Email: amanda.barrett@nisd.net
Website: https://www.nisd.net/wernli/services/wernli-counselors
Location: 1881 Arcadia Path, San Antonio, TX, USA
Phone: 210-398-2475
Twitter: @Mrs_ABarrett
Ariana Garza
Email: ariana.garza@nisd.net
Website: https://www.nisd.net/wernli/services/wernli-counselors
Location: 1881 Arcadia Path, San Antonio, TX, USA
Phone: 210-398-2476
Twitter: @MsGarza17
