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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.
Implementing Unassigned Medication for Respiratory Distress Policies in Texas Schools
The University of North Texas Health Science Center worked with the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) to create the guide “Implementing Unassigned Medication for Respiratory Distress Policies in Texas Schools.” This guide is for school health services, administrators, and community partners. It provides steps for adopting and implementing a policy, sample policies, and answers frequently asked questions.
List of Physicians for Prescribing Stock Medications in Schools
Texas Allergy, Asthma and Immunology Society (TAAIS) announced updates to their list of physicians who are willing to prescribe unassigned Epinephrine and bronchodilators to Texas school districts. Please share with school nurses, administration, and staff.
2024-2025 School Health Survey Results
The Texas Education Agency 2024-2025 School Health Survey results are now available. View other yearly reports under the Announcements section of the TEA website. For questions related to the school health survey, please email healthandsafety@tea.texas.gov.
Texas Immunization Exemptions Update
Beginning July 2025, the Department of State Health Services (DSHS) Immunization Section initiated the process of updating the Texas Administrative Code (TAC) section Title 25, Chapter 97, §97.62 and §97.64, which includes affidavit forms for immunization exemption. DSHS offers a blank affidavit form on the www.immunizetexas.org website that can be downloaded and submitted to their child-care facility, school, or institution of higher education. Students enrolled in health-related or veterinary courses may also use this form. The proposed changes to §97.64 clarify that medical and veterinary students can be exempt from certain requirements, aligning with current laws.
Individuals will still need to notarize the form; notarized forms are valid for two years. The rule change is effective for the 2025–2026 school year.
Save the Date: Virtual Movement Meeting 2025
National Farm to School Network is hosting their annual Movement Meeting virtually on October 23, 2025, at 2 p.m. CT, where participants from across the farm-to-school network come together to connect, learn, and inspire. The Movement Meeting is free to attend and open to the public. Registration and further details can be found on the National Farm to School Network webpage.
New Legislation that Can Impact School Districts
Action for Healthy Kids is hosting a webinar on September 30, 2025, at 11 a.m. for participants to learn more about new laws passed during the Texas 89th Legislative Session that affect schools, districts and local SHACs. Explore new legislation around withholding physical activity/recess, cell phone usage and other topics, and expectations on implementation. Register on the AFHK webpage.
Texas Say What! Advocate! Training Module
Students, Adults, and Youth Working Hard Against Tobacco (Texas Say What!) launched its new training program called Don’t Wait! Advocate! This program helps youth and adults learn important advocacy skills. It encourages them to use their voices to support crucial causes, focusing on a tobacco and nicotine-free generation. Participants can engage in various self-paced activities to discover strengths, connect with their communities, and prepare to make a positive impact.
How School Staff Can Support an Asthma-Friendly School
The American Lung Association offers practical ways for school staff to create a safer and more supportive environment for students with asthma. This includes identifying students at risk for an asthma emergency, educating teachers and staff about asthma, and ensuring that school buildings and grounds are tobacco-free.
Texas E-Cigarette and Tobacco Awareness Program
DSHS now contracts with the Texas School Safety Center (TxSSC) for the Texas E-Cigarette and Tobacco Awareness Program (ETAP) Referral Course. This free course is for anyone under 21 who has been cited for possession of tobacco products, including vapes. In this course, students will learn about the harmful health effects of vapes and other tobacco products, and how the tobacco industry markets their products to young people. A certificate of completion is provided to the student upon successful completion of the course. To register, visit the ETAP webpage.
How to Make No-Waste Lunches: A Guide to Reducing Food Waste
Take Care of Texas shares ways to pack no-waste lunches. Not only does this help the environment, but it also saves money and promotes healthier eating habits. Learn how to plan ahead, optimize ingredients, compost, and more.
Reducing Added Sugars at School Breakfast: Training Guide
A USDA Food and Nutrition Service training guide for school nutrition professionals identifies sources of added sugars and ways to reduce them in school breakfast. Please share this guide with school staff. This resource meets the added sugars limits included in the Final Rule- Child Nutrition Programs, which follows the 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans.
neffyinSchools Program
neffy is a nasal spray used for emergency treatment of allergic reactions including anaphylaxis. The neffyinSchools Program is administered by ARS Pharma, the manufacturer that makes neffy, and operated by School Health Corp. Through this program, schools may apply for two free boxes of neffy (equivalent to four free devices). Schools are eligible for free replenishment if the product is used or when it expires. For questions regarding application or order status, contact School Health Corp by email at connect@schoolhealth.com.
Supporting Student Mental Health and Wellness
The Texas Education Agency’s Texas School Mental Health Program is hosting a webinar called “Supporting Student Mental Health” on October 9, from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. This event is part of the 2025 Mental and Behavioral Health Webinar Series. Participants will learn effective ways to identify, understand, and support students facing mental health challenges. Register for the webinar series webpage.
“The only way to make sense out of change is to plunge into it, move with it, and join the dance.” –Alan Watts
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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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