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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.
Seeking Members for Stock Epinephrine Advisory Committee
The Stock Epinephrine Advisory Committee (SEAC) was created by Texas Education Code, Section 38.202, and examines and reviews the administration of epinephrine auto-injectors to a person experiencing an anaphylactic reaction, and the administration of medication for respiratory distress to a person experiencing respiratory distress on a campus of a school district, an open-enrollment charter school, a private school, or an institution of higher education.
DSHS is accepting applications for membership on the Stock Epinephrine Advisory Committee for the following position:
- An employee from a public junior college or public technical institute (2-year institution)
Interested applicants should visit the SEAC webpage to complete the application and upload supporting materials (e.g., resumé and letter of support) online. DSHS must receive your application before 11:59 p.m., April 25, 2025. DSHS will notify applicants if they have been selected to serve as a member by August 2025.
For more information, visit the SEAC webpage, contact the School Health Program at SchoolHealth@dshs.texas.gov or call 512-776-7279.
2024-2025 Annual School Health Survey
The 2024-2025 Annual School Health Survey is open for school districts and open-enrollment charter schools in Texas. This survey helps the Texas Education Agency gather information about school health and physical activity. Districts and charter schools must complete the 2024-2025 survey by 5:00 p.m. on May 30, 2025. For questions related to the survey, please email healthandsafety@tea.texas.gov.
Celebrate Every Kid Healthy Week
Action for Healthy Kids (AFHK) is celebrating Every Kid Healthy Week from April 21- 25. This week recognizes schools and families that are working to improve children’s health and wellness. Each day focuses on what schools and families are doing to promote healthy eating, physical activity, mental health, and learning. To find tips on how to encourage healthy habits at school and home, visit the AFHK event resource webpage.
Texas Autism Conference
Texas Education Agency’s Texas SPED Support is hosting the annual Texas Autism Conference in-person in Austin from June 20-21 and online from June 19-21. There will also be a Family Day on June 21. The goal is to increase awareness and understanding of effective practices, interventions, standards, and services for autism. Attendees can take part in professional development and networking opportunities designed for families, students, educators, and professionals. You can find information on the Texas Autism Conference webpage.
2025 American School Health Association (ASHA) Conference
ASHA is hosting its 99th Annual School Health Conference in Denver, Colorado, from October 15-17, 2025. This conference offers a chance to engage in discussions and activities that encourage critical thinking and evidence-based practices. Participants can share their knowledge, learn from others, and work towards a healthier future for students and communities. For more details on how to submit abstracts and register, visit the ASHA conference webpage.
Training, Education, Assistance, Mentorship, and Support (TEAMS) Online Course
The American Academy of Pediatrics developed the TEAMS program to help school districts improve their health services. The TEAMS Online Course is a practical guide for this improvement process. It is self-paced and should be completed by a team that includes the school district's lead nurse or health service coordinator, a local health department partner, and a physician partner. Please share this resource with school staff and community members.
CATCH Rural Texas H-E-B Sponsorship
CATCH Global Foundation is working with H-E-B to provide free trainings and lessons to K-8 schools in rural Texas. This program helps kids learn about education and social skills. Schools will get a digital license for three years and one training from the list on the Sponsorship Interest Form for teachers.
Preventing Childhood Obesity: 6 Things Families Can Do
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shared information that explains how childhood obesity has several causes, including genetics, eating habits, physical activity, and sleep patterns. The CDC suggests six ways parents and caregivers can implement to help children maintain a healthy weight and build healthy habits. Families can eat healthy meals together, be more active as a group, stick to regular sleeping schedules, and spend less time on screens and more time with each other. Families can find additional resources online to help establish healthy habits at home.
Naloxone Locater Map
Texas Overdose Data to Action (TODA) is pleased to announce the completion of the Naloxone Locator Map. The new online map includes a search bar where visitors can type in an address or zip code to see nearby naloxone locations. Information displayed for each location includes the type of site (e.g. community health clinics, recovery support services, vending machines), their hours, phone number, website, and more. Learn more about TODA, read the full press release, and use the interactive map. For additional information or questions, email TODA@dshs.texas.gov.
Celebrate Earth Day on April 22
Take Care of Texas has collected a list of resources to help Texans celebrate Earth Day in April. Perfect for teachers and parents, Take Care of Texas offers lesson plans, activities, and coloring pages for children. Take a look at the Virtual Field Trip video series where kids can learn about various environmental topics in an engaging, informative format.
Restorative Discipline Practices
The Texas Education Agency is offering Restorative Discipline Practices (RDP) Training, a video series designed to empower parents with effective communication techniques and restorative practices at home. This series aims to create consistency between home environments and the restorative approaches being taught in schools, providing a cohesive and supportive experience for children. Additional lesson plans and resources can be found on the TEA webpage.
5-Week Guides for Creating a Caring School Community
The Alliance for a Healthier Generation created 5-Week Guides to help educators create positive relationships and build a caring and supportive school community. These curriculums are split up by grade-level and provide educators with resources to create a caring, supportive in-person and/or virtual school environment. Access the guides to learn how schools can support staff, students, and families to build a caring school community.
“A warm smile is the universal language of kindness.” –William Arthur Ward
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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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