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The newsletter that takes a Whole School, Whole Community, Whole Child approach. The Friday Beat is a free publication of the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS). It is edited and compiled by the School Health Program.
Texas School Health Advisory Committee (SHAC) Network
The Texas SHAC Network is an online resource and network for School Health Advisory Councils (SHAC) across the state. Join the Texas SHAC Network to receive information on wellness policies and assessment tools for school professionals, school personnel, and parents with children in school.
School Health Professional Development Webinar Series
Action for Healthy Kids is hosting a series of webinars on important school health topics. Below are the details and registration links for the upcoming sessions.
All webinars are free of charge and will be held from 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. (CST).
Building a Caring and Connected School Community
Alliance for a Healthier Generation is hosting a webinar called “Building a Caring and Connected School Community: Uplifting Student Voice” on April 16 at 12:00 p.m. Participants will learn how to encourage student voices through advocacy, gathering their feedback, and work together to improve the learning environment. Learn from others about how they are using these best practices in their schools. All school and district staff are welcome to register, including support staff, counselors, school administrators, and families.
Restorative Practices for Educators
Texas School Safety Center (TxSSC) is hosting a free, in-person Restorative Practices for Educators session on April 10 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Round Rock Police Department. Participants will learn about what Restorative Practices is and is not, why Restorative Practices is a proactive and reactive tool that campuses should have in their intervention toolbox, and how to facilitate the restorative process and implement foundational structures from a systems perspective, regardless of if your system is one classroom, an entire grade level, or the whole campus. Campus administrators, counselors, and school staff are all welcome to register and attend.
Spring Healthy Choices Grants
The Oliver Foundation offers several Healthy Choices grants ranging from $750 to $5,000 to help schools encourage children, families, and communities in Texas to improve both eating and physical activity patterns. The grants have rolling deadlines up to April 15.
Say What! Tobacco-Free Conference
The (TxSSC) is hosting its 2024 Say What! Texas Tobacco-Free Conference from July 20-22, 2025, in Austin. These sessions will be led by Say What! Teen Ambassadors, Say What! youth groups, and experts in tobacco prevention. Participants will learn about youth tobacco prevention and connect with others who share their interest.
This conference welcomes both youth and adults to attend various breakout sessions. Adults and group sponsors can join special sessions that focus on building strong relationships with youth and understand their role as supportive allies. Registration for the conference closes May 31.
This is Quitting Resources
Truth Initiative encourages schools to spread the word about their free digital curriculum courses to help guide teachers and educate youth about vaping cessation and prescription drug misuse. Educators, parents, and other interested parties can explore the programs to learn more.
“Look and Cook” Recipes Video
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Service Team published the “Look and Cook” Recipes Video to share five easy, healthy recipes for families with young children. The video is also available with audio description. To find more recipes and resources, visit the Discover MyPlate: Nutrition Education for Kindergarten webpage.
Autism Toolkit
Texas SPED Support created an Autism Toolkit for families and educators of students on the autism spectrum. The toolkit includes activities around behavior cues, social narratives, communication with teachers and family, task 3 progress, and more. Each activity comes with clear instructions, templates, and tips.
Essentials for Parenting Teens
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released a guide called “Essentials for Parenting Teens” for parents and caregivers of youth between ages 11 and 17 years old. Topics include understanding and adapting to teen years, coaching, recognizing and managing emotions, encouraging independence, and praising teens.
“Spring adds new life and new beauty to all that is.” – Jessica Harrelson
Become a Friday Beat subscriber by signing up on the Friday Beat webpage!
The articles and hyperlinks to external websites appearing in Friday Beat are intended to be informational and do not represent an endorsement by the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS). Other websites may not be accessible to people with disabilities. External email addresses may also be provided as a courtesy. If you choose to correspond, please be advised that DSHS policies may not apply. For information about any of the programs listed, contact the sponsoring organization directly. For comments or questions about Friday Beat, email the School Health Program at schoolhealth@dshs.texas.gov or call (512) 776-7279.
Public Domain. Permission granted to forward or make copies as needed.
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