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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 the 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 delivery systems 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 SEAC for the following positions:
- Practicing nurse employed by a school district, open-enrollment charter school, or private school as a school nurse (2 vacancies)
- Practicing nurse employed by a rural school district, open-enrollment charter school, or private school as a school nurse (1 vacancy)
- An employee from a general academic teaching institution as defined in Education Code, Section 61.003 (1 vacancy)
Interested applicants should visit the SEAC webpage to complete the application and upload supporting materials (e.g., resumé and recommendation letter) online.
DSHS must receive your application before 11:59 p.m. CST, April 24, 2026. DSHS will notify applicants if they have been selected to serve as a member by August 2026.
For more information, visit the SEAC webpage, contact the School Health Program at SchoolHealth@dshs.texas.gov or call 512-776-7279.
Statewide Facilitation for Out of School Time
Action for Healthy Kids is hosting a webinar on Out of School Time on May 6 at 10:00 a.m. The webinar will provide an overview and cover ways out of school time impacts student health, safety, and academic achievement. Register for the webinar today.
Restorative Practice for Educators
The Texas School Safety Center (TxSSC) is offering a free, virtual session for school administrators, counselors, and staff on Restorative Practices for Educators on May 6 from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. Participants will learn about what Restorative Practices are and what they are not. Participants will understand how these practices can help schools both prevent and respond to issues. The session will also guide the restorative process and set up support structure for your classroom, grade level, or entire school. Register to attend.
Trusted, Valued, Essential: A Celebration of School Nurses
The Alliance for a Healthier Generation is hosting a virtual special National School Nurse Day conversation with leaders on May 6 at 12:00 p.m. CT. Leaders from the National Association of School Nurses (NASN) and the School Health Institute for Education and Leadership Development (SHIELD) will discuss the important role school nurses have in promoting student wellness. Participants will learn practical strategies for supporting school nurse well‑being. Register on the Alliance for a Healthier Generation Zoom link.
Spring Healthy Choices Grants
The Oliver Foundation offers several Healthy Choices grants ranging from $750 to $5,000 to help schools encourage children, families, and communities in Texas to improve both eating and physical activity patterns. The grants have rolling deadlines up to April 15. Submit applications on the Oliver Foundation webpage.
Say What! Tobacco-Free Conference
The TxSSC is hosting its 2026 Say What! Texas Tobacco-Free Conference from July 22-24 in Austin. Youth participants can attend a variety of breakout sessions led by Say What! Teen Ambassadors, program staff, Say What! Member Groups, and experts from diverse fields. This conference welcomes both youth and adults to attend various breakout sessions. Sponsors of youth groups and other adult participants can attend sessions that focus on developing teen leaders, maximizing a youth group’s efforts, challenges and successes from other group sponsors, emerging products, the best way to get involved in the Say What! movement, and more. Registration for the conference closes June 8.
This is Quitting Resources
Truth Initiative encourages schools to share their free digital curriculum courses. These courses help teachers educate young people about quitting vaping and avoiding prescription drug misuse. Educators, parents, and other interested parties can explore the programs to learn more.
Healthy Relationships Toolkit
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)’s Healthy Relationships Toolkit (HeaRT) curriculum, formerly called Dating Matters, has been relaunched. This rebrand emphasizes the program’s focus: to help adolescents build healthy, and respectful relationships with peers, parents, and partners. In addition to the rebrand, the HeaRT Online Training for Parents has launched. This free, self-paced course offers parents and caregivers of 11- to 14-year-olds guidance on positive parenting techniques and communication skills.
Revised Crediting Handbook for The Child and Adult Care Food Program
The U.S. Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service Team updated the Crediting Handbook for the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP).This resource will help CACFP operators serve meals and snacks that support healthy choices and families. The Crediting Handbook is a guide to help CACFP operators plan menus that meet the current USDA meal pattern requirements.
Autism Toolkit
Texas SPED Support created an Autism Toolkit for families and educators of students on the autism spectrum. The toolkit includes activities around behavior cues, social narratives, communication with teachers and family, task 3 progress, and more. Each activity comes with clear instructions, templates, and tips.
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. The Virtual Field Trip video series allows kids to learn about various environmental topics in an engaging, informative format.
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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