The Wildcat Wellness

A message from your counselors

Wernli Parents,

Happy December! This month, our guidance lessons and activities focus on kindness, inclusion, and preparing for the exciting steps ahead in students’ academic journeys. From celebrating Generation Texas and exploring future careers to fostering respect and spreading positivity, we have lots of opportunities for students to learn, grow, and shine. We hope you enjoy reading about all the ways our students are building skills for success and making our school community a brighter place!

Ms. Garza & Mrs. Barrett

Growth Mindset

Students participated in a guidance lesson focused on growth mindset using the book The Thing Lou Couldn’t Do. Through Lou’s story, students learned that challenges help our brains grow and that mistakes are an important part of learning. We practiced using “power of yet” statements and discussed how trying new things—even when they feel hard—helps us build confidence and perseverance. Students left encouraged to keep trying, stay positive, and believe in their ability to grow!

Generation Texas

Students learned about Generation Texas and the importance of exploring future college and career pathways. We talked about how higher education helps open doors to new opportunities and supports students in reaching their dreams. Our younger students designed their own college pennants to start visualizing their future, while upper-grade students created digital dream boards to highlight their goals, interests, and aspirations. This lesson encouraged students to believe in their potential and begin thinking about the many possibilities ahead!

Career Day

Students participated in a Career Day guidance lesson focused on exploring future possibilities. Upper-grade students completed a career interest inventory and researched potential career paths that match their strengths and passions. Younger students enjoyed the story Clothesline Clues to Jobs People Do and played Career Bingo to learn about different community helpers and job roles. Through these activities, students were encouraged to think about their interests, discover new careers, and imagine the many opportunities their futures can hold.

Respect

In our upcoming guidance lesson, students will learn about respect and the power of including others. We will read The Buddy Bench, a story that encourages kindness, friendship, and noticing when someone may need a buddy. After the read-aloud, students will create their own paper “buddy bench” and add one way they can include others at school. This lesson will help students understand how small acts of respect can make a big difference in building a welcoming and caring school community.

Kindness

In this guidance lesson, students will explore what it means to spread kindness and shine positivity, inspired by the book Share Some Kindness, Bring Some Light. Upper-grade students will create Mindful Mantra Mugs, decorating their cups with uplifting phrases that remind them to choose compassion and encouragement each day. Our younger students will participate in a hands-on kindness activity designed to help them understand how small, thoughtful actions can brighten someone’s day. Together, these activities reinforce the message that we all have the power to share kindness and bring light to our school community.

Discover your Potential at Northside ISD Magnet Middle School

Magnet Middle School Application window opens November 17, 2025. Ms. Garza will be visiting all fifth grade classes to provide a lesson on all the unique learning opportunities at each of our five magnet schools. Please reach out to the counselors for any support or assistance.

Application Timeline:

November 17, 2025: Online application opens
January 23, 2026: Deadline to submit applications
February 2, 2026: Acceptance/waitlist letters emailed
February 9, 2026: Deadline for families to accept/decline

Magnet Fairs:

December 1, 2025: Northside Sports
December 8, 2025: Northside Activity Center

Ms. Garza in a fifth grade class providing information on magnet opportunities in middle school!

On November 18, the Bernal counselors came to visit our fifth grade Wildcats for an informational presentation on the different courses and electives that are available in middle school. Students heard from a panel of current sixth grade students and their experiences in the fine arts classes.

Students will soon receive a planning guide to help them prepare for selecting their classes for middle school. Please take time to ask your child about the guide and begin having conversations about the choices and opportunities available to them next year. The planning guide must be signed by a parent or guardian once completed and will be needed during the week of December 15–19, as students will use it to register for their middle school classes during guidance time.

NISD Magnet Middle School Webpage

Military Kids Club meets once a month in the mornings to provide a supportive and fun space for students with family members in the military. Through games, discussions, and activities, students build friendships, share experiences, and learn ways to cope with the unique challenges of military life. The club helps students feel connected, confident, and proud of their military family journey.

W have had two meetings. The first one on Oct.9th and the second one on Nov. 13th. We have an another meeting scheduled for December 4. We enjoy meeting with our fourth and fifth grade students and connecting with them.

Students creating decorations for the Veterans Day Parade!

Students connecting and making connections during Military Kids Club!

Our Military kids Club members enjoying some early morning time with art!

A huge thank you to all of our Career Day presenters! Your time, energy, and willingness to share your experiences made the day a wonderful success. Our students loved exploring different careers, learning about future opportunities, and getting inspired by your stories. We appreciate your support in helping our students dream big and think about their futures!

In celebration of Generation Texas, our teachers are showing their college pride by wearing college shirts! This fun display helps inspire students to think about higher education and the possibilities for their own futures. Seeing adults model college spirit encourages students to dream big and explore the many paths available to achieve their goals.