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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.
Happy New Year from the School Health Program (SHP)! We hope everyone had a great winter break and a happy new year! Our team is looking forward to continuing our efforts to support the health and well-being of Texas students.
Members Sought for Texas School Health Advisory Committee
The Texas School Health Advisory Committee (TSHAC) advises the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) in its support for and delivery of coordinated school health programs and school health services.
DSHS is accepting applications for membership on the Texas School Health Advisory Committee for the following positions:
- Parent of a school-age child currently enrolled in a Texas school (1 vacancy)
- Parent of a school-age child with special health care needs currently enrolled in a Texas school (1 vacancy)
- Representative from an organization or agency involved with the health of school children (3 vacancies)
- Medical professional (practicing physician, practicing physician assistant, or practicing nurse practitioner) that provides health services to school-age children (1 vacancy)
- Person working in a school as a certified health educator (1 vacancy)
Interested applicants should visit the TSHAC webpage to complete the application and upload supporting materials (e.g. resumé, recommendation letters) online.
DSHS must receive your application before 11:59 p.m., March 13, 2026. DSHS will notify applicants if they have been selected to serve as a member by July 2026. For more information, visit the TSHAC webpage, contact the School Health Program at SchoolHealth@dshs.texas.gov or call 512-776-7279.
National Nutrition Month
March is National Nutrition Month, which reminds us that healthy eating begins with good food choices. This year’s theme from the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics is “Discover the Power of Nutrition,” emphasizing how food connects us to our cultures, our families, and our friends. Sharing a meal lets us learn about who made it, how it was prepared, and where the ingredients come from. Visit the Academy’s website for nutrition education resources for parents and families and learn more about how nutrition affects heart health.
School Safety PSAs Contest
The Texas School Safety Center (TxSSC) is holding the 2026 Youth School Safety Public Service Announcements (PSA) Contest. The contest invites middle school and high school students to create a short message that raises awareness and encourages others to make safer, healthier choices. PSAs can start conversations, correct myths, and encourage students to look out for one another. The best PSAs will be featured and recognized at the Texas School Safety Conference in June 2026. Students must upload their entry before 5:00 p.m. CST Friday, May 1, 2026, with the required documents.
Oliver Foundation Teen Advisory Board
The Oliver Foundation Teen Advisory Board is accepting applications for new members until March 15, 2026. The board aims to motivate kids and teens to adopt healthier habits through community and school projects that promote healthy eating and physical activity. To apply, applicants must be 7th grade - 11th grade for the 2026-2027 school year. For more information and an application, email sjbristow@oliverfoundation.org.
Texas School Safety Center (TxSSC) Conference
TxSSC is hosting the Texas School Safety Center Conference in-person on June 22-26, 2026, in San Antonio. The conference will cover important topics about school safety and security. Topics will include current trends, best practices, and effective methods supported by evidence. Keynote speakers recognized nationally will present along with breakout sessions focused on practical solutions. These sessions will help participants improve safety in schools and communities. School administrators, school-based law enforcement officers, educators, emergency managers, school safety specialists, first responders, mental health providers, and school board members are encouraged to attend. Register by June 12.
Vanquishing Vaping Toolkit
The National Association of School Nurses (NASN) has a free toolkit to help support school nurses stop vaping in schools. This toolkit has helpful tools for working with others in the community to tackle vaping. To access this free toolkit, you will need to sign in on their webpage.
First Aid for Asthma
The American Lung Association (ALA) published a one-page guide titled “First Aid for Asthma.” This document provides simple instructions for parents, teachers, school staff, students, or bystanders to help someone having an asthma attack. For more information, visit the ALA webpage on improving asthma management in schools.
It's Breakfast Time! Breakfast Menu Planner
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service shares “It’s Breakfast Time!”, a breakfast menu for children ages 3-18 years old. This resource includes downloadable sample menus, checklists, menu planning activities, and 20 standardized breakfast recipes.
Navigating the Health Care System
Nemours Children’s Health created a free, four-unit curriculum called “Navigating the Health Care System.” This program helps high school and college students learn how to manage their own health care as they become adults. The lesson plans can be used in classrooms, at home, after school, in the community, and even online.
Safe At School®: Diabetes Medical Management Plan
The American Diabetes Association offers an updated Safe at School Diabetes Medical Management Plan (DMMP) for schools and pediatric diabetes health care providers nationwide. This new form offers more options for prescribers to modify care instructions for the individual student. This provides greater clarity for caregivers of students with diabetes in the school setting.
Strengthening Comprehensive School Mental Health Systems
The Texas Education Agency’s Safe and Supportive Schools Division and Project AWARE Texas host monthly webinars to share resources and effective strategies for creating safe and supportive schools. The next session, focusing on strengthening comprehensive school mental health systems, will be held on March 5, 2026 from 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Register on the training website.
Texas Statewide Plan for Student Mental Health
The Texas Education Agency (TEA) has updated its statewide plan for student mental health to meet the changing needs of students in Texas. This updated plan shows the TEA’s commitment to ensure every student can access mental health support. The full plan has been posted to TEA’s website, allowing administrators, educators, families, community partners, and the public to easily review the updated goals, strategies, and implementation guidance.
Rabies Awareness & Prevention Poster Contest
The DSHS Zoonosis Control Branch is hosting its annual statewide Rabies Awareness & Prevention Poster Contest for K-12. Participating students will learn about rabies, the importance of pet vaccinations, and respecting wildlife from a distance. Students will also learn the importance of telling adults if they may have been in contact with an animal that has rabies. There are prizes for winners in each age group. The poster contest can be used as a how-to-guide assignment or as an extra credit project. The deadline for poster submission is April 3, 2026.
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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