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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. It is edited and compiled by the School Health Program.
National Physical Fitness Month
Each May, the Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion (ODPHP) celebrates National Physical Fitness and Sports Month. Participating in sports can help school-aged children focus better in class, make higher grades, build self-esteem, and find a much-needed sense of social connection. Visit the Move Your Way microsite for videos, fact sheets, inspirational stories, and interactive tools including a customizable Activity Planner.
Asthma Awareness Month
May is also National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month. During this time, local, state, and national groups work to educate the public about asthma and allergies, risk factors, symptoms and treatment. The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, the American Lung Association, and Allergy and Asthma Network provide valuable information on their websites. This includes webinars, trainings sessions, and social media toolkits to learn more about asthma and allergies.
Policy to Practice: A Free In-Person Workshop on School Health Advisory Councils (SHACs) and District Wellness Policies
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension and Texas Action for Healthy Kids are partnering with the Texas Department of Agriculture Team Nutrition to host a free workshop on SHACs and district wellness policies on May 19, 2026 from 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. CT in College Station, Texas. Participants will learn best practices and how to engage local school district communities and gain resources that facilitate collaboration. Register on the Texas A&M webpage by May 13.
On-Demand School Health Learning Courses
Action for Healthy Kids (AFHK) offers five free online courses for Texas educators. These courses cover important topics including School Health Advisory Committees (SHACs), Comprehensive School Physical Activity Programs (CSPAP), School Wellness Policies, Unassigned Medications, and School Health Index Assessment. To access these courses, sign up or login to the AFHK webpage.
Texas School Nurse Administrators Association (TSNAA) 2026 Conference
TSNAA is hosting their annual conference from June 1-3, 2026, in San Antonio, Texas. This year’s theme is “TSNAA Ole!, Leading Across Texas” and the goal is to bring together passionate leaders to connect, learn, and strengthen joint efforts to shape the future of school nursing. The TSNAA conference is designed for school nurse leaders in administrative roles, such as executive director, director, coordinator, lead nurse, or districts with a single nurse. View the conference agenda and register on the conference webpage.
Say What! Virtual Tobacco-Free Summit
The TxSSC’s youth tobacco prevention program, Say What!, is hosting the Say What! Virtual Tobacco-Free Summit on May 14 from 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. CT. The summit focuses on the misinformation about e-cigarettes. While vaping seems safer than smoking, safer doesn’t always mean safe. During the summit, the Say What! Teen Ambassadors will discuss information many youth are curious about, including how a vape works, the dangers found inside a vape and the dangers of nicotine, addiction, healthy alternatives to vaping, and emerging products that may seem “safer.” Register and share with other school staff.
Diabetes Camps Inspire Health and Confidence in Kids Living with Diabetes
The Diabetes Education & Camping Association (DECA) works to raise awareness about diabetes camps and their value to kids and families. School nurses and staff are uniquely positioned to share information about the camps, and DECA offers resources to help spread the word. Share DECA's Find a Camp Tool to help families locate a camp or use it to find volunteer opportunities at a summer camp near you!
Starting a School Garden
The KidsGardening website is a resource for school professionals wanting to start a school garden. The Starting a School Garden Program: Overview webpage provides everything you need to know about designing a garden, getting support from the community and school administration, and finding resources. The program overview also goes into detail by connecting the garden to the classroom.
Vision, Hearing, and Spinal Screening Reports Due June 30th
The reporting period for vision, hearing, and spinal screening (VHSS) will close Tuesday, June 30, 2026. Results must be submitted to DSHS online through the Vision, Hearing, and Spinal Screening Annual Reporting Survey (VHSSARS) by June 30. Please review the VHSS Annual Reporting Survey PowerPoint on the VHSS webpage before completing the survey. If you have any questions, please email VHSSProgram@dshs.texas.gov or call the VHSS Customer Service Line at 1-800-252-8023 or (512)-776-7420.
CATCH Mental Health Education Training
CATCH Global Foundation offers free training and resources on mental health education for elementary and middle school teachers. This training helps teachers educate their students about mental health, wellbeing, and resilience using evidence-based methods. CATCH wants to partner with local education offices, school districts, and community organizations. For more information review the Training Interest Form.
Better Air, Better Schools: Programs, Resources, and Grants You Can Use Now
The American Lung Association (ALA) is hosting a webinar on May 13, 2026 from 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. CT showcasing the Environmental Protection Agency’s five Funding to Address Indoor Air Pollution at Schools grantees. Grantees will share how their projects are delivering results in year two of their five-year efforts. Participants will gain practical insights into what is working for districts across the nation and explore tools and resources based on EPA’s IAQ Tools for Schools guidance that can be applied to local schools or districts. To find more information and register visit the ALA webpage. This is an opportunity to connect with grantees for support in developing and implementing comprehensive energy efficient indoor air quality (IAQ) management plans.
Resources to Support Social-Emotional Health and Connection in Schools and Communities
Alliance for a Healthier Generation offers a list of resources to help students and families connect and feel a sense of belonging. These resources support social-emotional well-being in local school communities. They create environments where young people feel seen, supported, and connected. Review and share the curated resources to support social-emotional health across school, home, and community settings.
Strategies for Building Trust with Young People
The AFHK TrustEd program provides free, interactive training for educators, coaches, mentors, and community leaders who work with youth. This training helps participants build trust and have discussions about vaping and mental health. Trainings are available in English and Spanish virtually via Zoom or on-demand through the AFHK school portal. To view the upcoming trainings, visit the TrustEd training site.
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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