|
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.
Prepping for Back to School this Fall
As the new school year approaches, the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) Immunizations Program provides information about required vaccines for children in kindergarten through 12th grade. These vaccines help keep children healthy and ready for school. To help families keep track of their vaccination records, DSHS has the Texas Immunization Registry (ImmTrac2). This registry collects vaccination records for those who choose to participate. Please share this information with parents, families, and community members as we start the new school year.
Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) Data Summary and Trends Report Now Available
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has released a report on the Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) that covers data from 2013 to 2023. This report shows important trends in the health and well-being of high school students in the United States over the last ten years. The report provides valuable insight to help schools, communities, and public health organizations support young people. The 2025 Texas Youth Risk Behavior Survey Questionnaire is also available online and will be administered in Fall 2025. For specific data and resources related to Texas, please visit the Texas Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System website or contact YRBSS@dshs.texas.gov.
Mitigating Educator Maltreatment: Administrative Strategies for Prevention, Intervention, and Support Training
The Texas School Safety Center is hosting a no-cost, 4-hour Mitigating Educator Maltreatment: Administrative Strategies for Prevention, Intervention, and Support Training. This training will provide administrators with the knowledge, skills, and tools to create and maintain a safe, supportive, and nurturing learning environment for all staff and students. Register for the upcoming virtual trainings that will be hosted on August 7 and August 14 from 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
National Kyah’s EPICourse: Anaphylaxis Management Training Course and Epinephrine Stocking Program
The Kyah Rayne Foundation has created a free training program called the National Kyah’s EPICourse for Schools Toolkit. This program helps school staff learn how to manage anaphylaxis, use epinephrine auto-injectors correctly, follow emergency protocols, and raise allergy awareness. To register and start the training, watch the enrollment tutorial video for a step-by-step instructions.
Youth Vaping Prevention and Resources to Quit
Truth Initiative and Kaiser Permanente, together with the American Heart Association, have created a free digital program called Vaping: Know the Truth for vaping prevention. The interactive program aims to encourage students to live vape-free lives and provides resources to help young e-cigarette users quit through a texting program called Ex Program: Quit Support for Individuals and Organizations. Download the course overview and learn more on the curriculum webpage.
Walk Across Texas! Youth
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension is promoting Walk Across Texas! Youth, a free 8-week walking challenge designed to help Texas youth be more active and create a routine of regular physical activity. Year-round participation is encouraged using locally sponsored program activities. Resources, lesson plans, and registration information are available on the program webpage.
Available Summer Meals and Snacks for Kids
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s SUN Meals (Summer Food and Service Program) shares places where kids can eat meals and snacks during the summer at no cost at schools, parks, and other neighborhood locations. No application is needed. SUN Meals may have a different name depending on where you live, but will still provide meals for kids and teens, and opportunities to participate in fun activities. Visit the SUN Meals webpage for the USDA Meals for Kids Site Finder and more information.
Plant a Snack Garden This Summer
Kids Gardening has a full lesson plan for planting a snack garden, highlighting veggies that are easy to eat as snacks. Fill a home garden with edible crops that can be harvested, washed, and enjoyed straight from the garden. Resources can be used at any grade level and include a materials list and description of activities.
Texas Child Health Access Through Telemedicine (TCHATT)
Texas Child Health Access Through Telemedicine (TCHATT) provides telehealth programs to school districts. These programs help schools find and assess the behavioral health needs of children and teenagers and offers access to mental health services. Any school district in Texas can participate in TCHATT. If your school district wants to join TCHATT or has any questions, email tcmhcc@utsystem.edu.
Anxiety Resources for Kids
Kids can feel anxious for many reasons. They may worry about meeting new people, being away from their parents, or feel embarrassed. The Child Mind Institute created a resource page about anxiety in children. Anxiety can show up in different ways, like headaches, stomachaches, extreme shyness, and tantrums. Check out the anxiety resources page for helpful information on parenting anxious kids, dealing with anxiety in schools, understanding specific phobias, and learning about different types of anxiety.
Athletes and Asthma: The Community Coach’s Role
The Minnesota Department of Health Asthma Program is offering a free online course for community coaches. This course teaches coaches how to help school-age athletes with asthma during practices and competitions. It takes 35 minutes to complete and gives coaches the tools they need to respond to an asthma attack, helping athletes perform at their best.
“You cannot control what happens to you, but you can control your attitude toward what happens to you, and in that, you will be mastering change rather than allowing it to master you.” – Brian Tracy
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.
|
