Lieck Elementary Counselor Corner

Hello Lieck Families,

All month long, we will be celebrating the many ways students can be kind friends to one another. During our February guidance lessons, students will learn how to show kindness and empathy toward others and themselves, build healthy friendships, and practice self-love. We will wrap up the month by celebrating Random Acts of Kindness Week from February 16–20.

February is also a special time as we celebrate our love of learning, education, and student achievement. From February 2–6, we recognize National School Counseling Week, a time dedicated to highlighting the important role school counselors play in supporting students’ academic, social-emotional, and career development. Sponsored by the American School Counselor Association (ASCA), this year’s theme is “School Counselors Amplify Student Success,” emphasizing the powerful impact counselors have in helping students thrive.

With appreciation,
Mrs. Gonzales-Hernandez & Ms. Moore
Your Counselors

During the month of February, our guidance lessons will focus on helping students develop the skills needed to be kind, caring friends. Students will learn practical ways to show kindness and empathy toward others and themselves, strengthen healthy friendships, and practice self-love and positive self-talk. Through discussions and activities, students will also explore how their words and actions can positively impact those around them.

In addition, we will celebrate Random Acts of Kindness Week from February 16–20, encouraging students to intentionally spread kindness at school, at home, and in the community through small but meaningful actions.

Together, these lessons reinforce our commitment to creating a supportive school environment where every student feels safe, valued, and confident as they learn and grow.

Parent and 5th Grade Student Middle School Information

Information about Middle School can be found in this newsletter. We will continue to update it as we receive details from Bernal Middle School, Luna Middle School, and the Magnet middle schools.

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 February we will be focusing on the NISD Learner Profile, Leader. A leader models the way and encourages others by showing kindness, including everyone, helping friends, working as a team, listening, sharing ideas, solving problems, and inspiring others to do their best.

Raising a Leader: Leadership Skills for Kids to Develop

Every young person has the potential to be a great leader, they just need the right opportunities and support. Discover how to develop leadership skills in kids early on so they can be ready for their futures.

In an era when everyone is an influencer, what truly defines a leader?

While influence informs behaviors and decisions, leadership is the big picture that puts it all together: from establishing a shared vision to empowering people to creating change.

Many successful leaders attribute their leadership skills to positive childhood experiences. From watching a coach rally their team before a big game to a classmate helping their peers study for a math test, kids learn early on how to recognize the qualities that make a great leader:

• Having the ability to energize a team
• Making everyone feel included
• Creating shared goals that everyone can contribute to
• Being open to new ideas and willing to speak up for a group
• Motivating a team through rough times and celebrating good times

Teaching leadership to kids gives them a better understanding of why leaders are important so they can start building the skills to become one themselves.

Benefits of Leadership for Kids

Not all children aspire to be traditional leaders, and leadership can come with pressures like being in charge or speaking in public. However, all children benefit from learning leadership skills, which support growth across academics, relationships, and personal development. Even students who don’t seek leadership roles often show leadership in meaningful ways—such as including others in group work or creating plans to complete tasks on time.

• Benefits of building leadership skills in youth include:

  • Increased self-confidence and motivation

  • Stronger self-advocacy and problem-solving skills

  • Development of essential “soft skills” like communication, collaboration, and teamwork that prepare students for future success

Leadership Skills for Kids to Develop

Leadership activities are most effective when students understand the skills they’re building. Four essential leadership skills support youth development at any age:

• Self-awareness: Students learn to understand their emotions, strengths, and reactions, helping them manage stress and build confidence.
• Responsibility: Leaders follow through and do what’s expected without being reminded. Kids build this skill by taking ownership of tasks at home, school, or in clubs.
• Listening: Strong leaders listen to others’ perspectives. Active listening helps students communicate clearly, avoid interrupting, and ensure everyone feels heard.
• Inclusion: Inclusive leaders value diverse voices and help others feel seen and included, building empathy and strong teamwork.

Additional leadership skills include problem-solving, collaboration, communication, self-advocacy, time management, and goal-setting. Every young person has the potential to be a leader when they are empowered to lead themselves, others, and their community.

Adapted from an article posted on the Boys and Girls Club of America.

https://www.bgca.org/news-stories/2023/August/raising-a-leader-10-leadership-skills-for-kids-to-develop/

💜Support Our Military Kids Club Community Service Project💜

Please help support our Military Kids Club as they host a community service project benefiting ChildSafe from February 2–February 20.

ChildSafe is a nonprofit children’s advocacy center serving Bexar County. Their mission is to support children who have experienced abuse or neglect by providing a safe, child-friendly environment for interviews, counseling, and healing. ChildSafe works closely with families, law enforcement, and child protection services to reduce trauma and help children begin their path to recovery.

ChildSafe maintains a special Comfort Closet filled with brand-new stuffed animals. Every child or teen served by ChildSafe is invited to choose a personal comfort stuffie to help them feel safe and supported as they begin their journey of healing.

Your support helps bring comfort, hope, and healing to children when they need it most.

For more information about ChildSafe: https://www.childsafe-sa.org/

Join us in celebrating Random Acts of Kindness Week, February 10–14, 2026! This week is all about spreading kindness, lifting others’ spirits, and making our school and community a brighter place. Every small act—whether it’s a smile, a helping hand, or a kind word—can make a big difference. Let’s celebrate kindness together!

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.