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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.
National Influenza Vaccination Week
National Influenza (flu) Vaccination Week is the first week of December. The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) provides information to highlight the importance of the flu vaccination and flu prevention tips, especially leading into the holiday season. For more information on the flu and where to get a vaccine in Texas, visit the DSHS Influenza webpage.
School Health Trainings
National Association of Chronic Disease Directors (NACDD) offers free school health trainings. Topics include school-based mental health, emotional well-being, teaming best practices, decision-making, and maximizing impacts. Learn more and register on the NACDD webpage.
Say Something
The Texas School Safety Center (TxSSC) is working with Sandy Hook Promise to launch the Say Something training program. This online program will help school staff and law enforcement learn to recognize signs of potential violence or self-harm in students and take quick action. The training lasts 2.5 hours and includes activities and resources to help integrate it into the school culture, supported by student-led SAVE Promise Clubs. You can register for the next training on January 20, 2026 from 9:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Building Healthier School Environments: Food and Nutrition Access
Alliance for a Healthier Generation is hosting a webinar on December 10th at 12:00 p.m. During this event, three schools that have won America’s Healthiest Schools award will share their innovative, evidence-based practices. They will explain how they increased meal participation through taste-testing events, student advisory groups, and culturally responsive menu design, all while maintaining strong nutrition standards. To register, visit the Healthier Generation webpage.
On-Demand School Health Learning Courses
Action for Healthy Kids (AFHK) offers four online courses for Texas educators on AFHK’s Impact Portal Learning Library. The free courses cover topics like School Health Advisory Committees (SHACs), Comprehensive School Physical Activity Programs (CSPAPs), school wellness policies, and unassigned medications. To access these courses, sign up or login to the AFHK Impact Portal.
2026 TAAIS Memorial Foundation Asthma Scholarship Award
The Texas Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology Society (TAAIS) Memorial Foundation announced the 2026 TAAIS Memorial Foundation Asthma Scholarship Award is now accepting applications. Up to ten qualified Texas high school seniors who live with asthma and plan to attend college will be granted a $5,000 one-time award. The deadline to apply for the award is March 2, 2026. Visit the TAAIS webpage for additional information.
It’s Everywhere: Middle and High School Educator Perspectives on Nicotine Use in Schools
The Truth Initiative published an article providing middle and high school educator perspectives on nicotine use. Teachers, administrators, and counselors across the U.S. shared their on-the-ground perspectives on tobacco and nicotine products, based on their day-to-day interactions with students. Read more by visiting the Truth Initiative website.
Understanding an Overdose and How to Respond to One
The National Institute on Drug Abuse and Society of Health and Physical Educators (SHAPE) America created a lesson plan called “Understanding an Overdose and How to Respond to One” for students in grades 9-12. This lesson plan helps students learn the signs of an overdose and how to respond effectively, including the use of opioid overdose reversal medications.
Tips for Cooking with Kids and Teens
Cooking their own meals can help children and teens learn about nutrition, practice meal planning, explore other cultures, and build basic math skills. It also promotes creativity and independence. Alliance for a Healthier Generation and Kohl’s Cares shares tips for cooking with children and teenagers. The toolkit includes a health checklist, motivation strategies, nutrition tips, and more.
Managing Asthma with Sesame Workshop
Sesame Workshop provides information and activities to help kids manage asthma with help from some of their favorite Sesame Street characters. Find articles, printable activity sheets, and videos for your child’s age. Share this resource with parents, families, and students with asthma.
Seizure First Aid Certification Training
The Epilepsy Foundation offers virtual and in-person options to take Seizure Recognition and First Aid trainings. By completing the course, you will earn a two-year certification. Register for an on-demand or attend the live training.
Peer Empathy Support through Be a Pal Program
Food Allergy Research and Education has improved the Be a Pal® program to help others understand the social and emotional challenges faced by people living with food allergies. You can find resources for school and classroom use, including posters, flyers, bookmarks, certificates, a presentation about food allergy awareness, and an interactive course for middle and high school students.
How to Host a Green Fair
Take Care of Texas shares information on hosting a green fair to engage students, families, and local partners in sustainability. This guide helps educators plan a meaningful, low-waste event that celebrates green living. A green fair is a school-wide or community event that showcases eco-friendly practices, local environmental organizations, student projects, and hands-on activities. Think science fair meets farmers market, with a sustainability twist. Read more on the Take Care of Texas webpage.
“Gratitude can transform common days into thanksgivings, turn routine jobs into joy, and change ordinary opportunities into blessings.” –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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