Lieck Elementary Counselor Corner

Hello Parents and Caregivers,

We hope you’re doing well and settling into the school year—it’s hard to believe how quickly time is flying by! October is always an exciting month for our Lieck Lions, and the Lieck Counseling Department has a variety of wonderful events planned for both students and families.

We’ll kick off the month with our first Learner Profile Awards and Parade, followed by our district-wide Day of Respect on Friday, October 3rd. We’re also looking forward to our Multicultural Night on Thursday, October 9th, featuring special guests—the Mariachi Marlins from Fisher Elementary.

To close out the month, we’ll be celebrating Red Ribbon Week with fun and meaningful activities to promote living a drug-free life.

Thank you for your continued support. We’re excited for all that October has in store!

Warm regards,
Your Counselors,

Ms. Moore and Mrs. Gonzales

During the month of October, our focus will be on self-respect, respect for others, and bully prevention education. Students will explore what it means to show respect for themselves and those around them—at school, at home, and in the community. They will learn to identify kind and unkind behaviors and understand how these actions can affect others. Additionally, students will gain a clear understanding of what bullying is—and what it is not. They will also develop assertiveness skills to empower them to speak up confidently, whether they are experiencing bullying themselves or witnessing it happen to someone else.

One of NISD core beliefs is that all students will be learners who are ready to tackle the 21st Century by building on eight different attributes. Here at Lieck we will support, guide, and build on these characteristics through our class meetings and guidance lessons. Every month we will spotlight one of the NISD Learner Profiles. Students will explore each profile and we will post a learner profile with dinner table talk conversation starters for our Lieck families to explore at home. Table Talk is a great way for families to connect and strengthen relationships with each other.

For the month of October, we will be focusing on the NISD Learner Profile, communicator. A communicator shares thoughts, ideas and questions while listening to those of others.

How to Support Children in Developing Strong Communication Skills

To raise a child with good communication skills, be a role model by practicing active listening, asking open-ended questions, and expressing your own feelings. Create a supportive environment by turning off distractions during conversations, engaging in their interests, playing together, and using positive reinforcement to praise their communication efforts.

Be a Communication Role Model

• Model Active Listening:
  Get down to your child's level, make eye contact, and show them you are listening by giving them your full attention.

• Express Your Feelings:
  Talk about your own day, feelings, and thoughts using "I" statements to show them how to express themselves respectfully.

• Use Positive Language:
  Frame instructions with "dos" rather than "don'ts" and avoid unkind words or labels.

Create Opportunities to Communicate

• Have regular conversations:

  Incorporate communication into everyday routines like mealtime, playtime, and walks to build confidence for more complex topics.

• Ask open-ended questions:
  Instead of yes/no questions, ask "what," "where," or "how" questions to encourage deeper thinking and more detailed answers.

• Engage in play:
  Play games like charades or role-playing scenarios (like going to a restaurant) to practice social interaction and non-verbal communication.

Acknowledge and Encourage Good Communication

• Give positive feedback:

  Praise your child when they communicate well, such as when they wait their turn to speak or use polite language.

• Acknowledge feelings:
  Help them develop a "feelings vocabulary" by discussing all types of emotions, whether they are yours or their own.

• Provide a safe space:
  Create an environment where your child feels comfortable sharing their thoughts and feelings, even negative ones, without fear of judgment.

Set Healthy Boundaries

• Establish communication rules:

  Discuss family rules about respectful speaking, including how to get someone's attention and when it's appropriate to interrupt.

• Know when to pause:
  If you or your child is angry, take some time to calm down before having a difficult conversation.

-from Google AI

Dear NISD Families,

October 27- October 31, 2025, Lieck Elementary will participate in the annual National Red Ribbon Campaign™. Red Ribbon Week is celebrated in schools across America with parades, special events, and lessons about healthy habits, decision making and staying drug and alcohol free.

Northside is launching a district-wide campaign: Vape-Free the Way to Be to promote awareness in our community about the growing trend of vaping. In June, Governor Abbott signed House Bill 114 into law. It specifies any student found in possession of vaping-related items will be in violation of our Student Code of Conduct, resulting in a mandatory placement in an Alternative Education Placement (AEP). In response, we want to take every opportunity to educate students, staff, and parents about staying safe from vaping and other drugs. Learn more at Vape-Free | Northside Independent School District. Counselors will visit 4th and 5th grade classrooms to teach age appropriate lessons about smoking, vaping and the dangerous health effects. Counselors will also teach lessons on general drug prevention and healthy habits in grades K-3rd.

If you have questions or would like additional information or resources regarding ways to have conversations with your child about vaping please reach out to us.

Students may join our Military Kids Club at anytime during the school year..

Here are some websites you might find helpful. They include resources for discipline, student safety, school success, kid's health, and other materials you might find useful. Please call or email anytime you or your child need help.