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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.
Guidance for Preventing Spread of Infections in K-12 Schools
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released evidence-based guidance for K-12 schools to help prevent infections. This guidance describes simple actions that schools can take to limit the spread of viruses, like flu and norovirus, and bacterial infections such as strep throat. The goal is to keep students in school healthy while reducing the risk of illness. Please share this information with parents, teachers, and school staff.
Take Care of Texas Ambassador Program
Are you a teacher who cares about conserving Texas' natural resources? You can now apply for the 2026-2027 Take Care of Texas (TCOT) Ambassador ProgramTexas Commission on Environmental Quality. As an ambassador, you will have access to resources, join a community of educators, and help shape the curriculum within the TCOT program. To apply or learn more, visit the TCOT webpage.
National Scoliosis Awareness Month
June is National Scoliosis Awareness Month, organized by the Scoliosis Research Society. Their goal is to raise awareness about scoliosis, including the need for education and early detection. It also highlights how common scoliosis is in the community. Visit the website to download their social media resources and toolkit to unite families, medical professionals, and people with scoliosis.
2026 American School Health Association (ASHA) Conference
ASHA is hosting its 100th Annual School Health Conference in Indianapolis, Indiana from October 12-16, 2026. This conference offers a chance to engage in discussions and activities that encourage critical thinking and evidence-based practices. Participants can share their knowledge, learn from others, and work towards a healthier future for students and communities. For more details on how to submit abstracts and register, visit the ASHA conference webpage.
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.
Safe at School Webinar Series
The American Diabetes Association’s Institute of Learning offers Continuing Education Units (CEUs) through the Safe at School Webinar Series. This seven-part series teaches basic diabetes care, how to use continuous glucose monitors (CGM) and insulin pumps, nutrition, and legal rights. You can find the recorded one-hour webinars online at the link provided.
Oliver Foundation: Healthy Choices Garden Grant
The Oliver Foundation is accepting applications for the Healthy Choices Garden Grants Level 2. To qualify, schools must include at least 5 of the 7 Healthy Messages and provide lessons on physical activity and nutrition. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until July 15, 2026. Visit the grants webpage to learn about eligibility for this grant and the other Oliver Foundation grants.
New Instructional Facility Allotment Program
The Texas Education Agency is accepting applications for the New Instructional Facility Allotment (NIFA). This funding helps cover the costs of running new instructional facilities through the 2026-2027 school year. Public school districts and open-enrollment charter schools can apply if their facilities meet program requirements. For more information, visit the TEA website and access the NIFA one-pager.
Texas Tobacco Quitline’s My Life, My Quit Youth Cessation Program
The Texas Tobacco Quitline’s My Life, My Quit youth cessation program provides information on vaping and tobacco as well as interactive activities for a customized quit plan. The program offers up to five quit coaching sessions via phone, chat, or text. Quit coaching is provided by specialized and youth-focused quit coaches. When teens are ready to quit vaping or tobacco, they can enroll in the program online at MyLifeMyQuit.com or by texting Start My Quit to 36072. Teens can also enroll in the program through the My Life, My Quit phone app via Apple App Store and Google Play Store. Health professionals can refer teens via the My Life, My Quit Provider Web Referral portal.
Junior Ranger Youth Explorer Program
Texas Parks and Wildlife has a Junior Ranger Youth Explorer Program to help kids spend time outside. Free, ranger journals are available for download to encourage participation and the program includes ideas to promote outdoor activities. Use this resource with kids during summer programming or share it with families to increase engagement.
Summer Food, Summer Moves Resources
The United States Department of Agriculture Team Nutrition created the Summer Food, Summer Moves online resource kit. This kit helps kids and families learn about healthy eating and staying active during the summer months. It uses music, games, art, and movement to promote healthy life choices. The kit also encourages kids and families to choose more fruits and vegetables, choose water instead of sugary drinks, be physically active, and limit screen time. Share the activity guides and other resources with parents, caregivers, and families.
National Association of School Nurses: Updated Strategic Plan
The National Association of School Nurses (NASN)’s updated 2026–2028 Strategic Plan outlines their path forward, one that strengthens the school nursing profession, advances student health, and ensures every school nurse is equipped to lead in an evolving healthcare and education landscape. The plan focuses on supporting school nurses in their daily work and long-erm impact. Read more on the NASN webpage.
Sweet Summer Habits Program
Healthier Texas is launching a campaign for school-aged kids celebrating Sweet Summer Habits. The goal is to encourage kids to take care of their health. The campaign promotes healthy activities, provides resources, and fosters a supportive community. Children, parents, and educators can use interactive game boards, join free virtual exercise classes, and access telehealth coaching.
Texas Parent to Parent Conference
Texas Parent to Parent is hosting its annual conference on July 17 and 18 in Georgetown, Texas. At the conference, parents, caregivers, family members, self-advocates, and professionals can learn from each other through classes and in-person networking. The focus is on supporting children with disabilities or special health care needs. For registration and more information, please visit the event page on the Texas Parent to Parent website.
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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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