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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.
July is National Ultraviolet (UV) Safety Month
Spending time outside is a great way to stay physically active, reduce stress, and get Vitamin D. However, it’s important for you to protect your skin from the potential damages of UV light. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recognizes July as National Ultraviolet (UV) Safety Month. Visit the Sun Safety webpage for guidance on staying safe when spending time enjoying the sunshine.
New On-Demand Trainings from Region 4 Education Service Education Service Center (ESC)
Region 4 Education Service Center added two new on-demand training courses for school staff:
Share with school staff to learn the latest in school safety and chronic care management.
School Air Quality Fellowship
The Center for Green Schools is currently accepting applications for the School Air Quality Fellowship. This nine-month fellowship runs September 2026 through May 2027. The program equips K-12 public school district staff with the training and support needed to develop plans for cleaner, healthier indoor air and energy efficiency. The Fellowship is aimed at district-level staff in facilities, operations, environmental health, finance, sustainability, and indoor air quality. Online applications close on July 10.
How to Talk to Children About Nicotine
Truth Initiative published an article sharing ways parents can have constructive conversations with their children about nicotine addiction. The article shares tips on how parents can stay informed, ask questions, and lead with empathy. Learning how to help children understand the risks of nicotine addiction can help them make informed choices. View additional resources on the Truth Initiative webpage.
Healthy Non-Food Rewards
Rewards can be given at many levels across a school. Action for Healthy Kids offers a tip sheet for teachers, administrators, and parent groups filled with ideas for healthy, non-food rewards. Rewarding students with privileges, opportunities for physical activity, or other types of enrichment are powerful ways to recognize and celebrate student accomplishments.
USDA Standardized Recipes
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Institute of Child Nutrition Recipe Box has many recipes designed to meet the needs of a variety of USDA Child Nutrition Programs. The recipes are simple and encourage families to use seasonal vegetables in meals. Share with parents, school staff, and child nutrition program operators.
School-Based Health Center Playbook on Health Care Transition
The School-Based Health Alliance and Got Transition, along with a group of school-based health center (SBHC) experts, created the SBHC Health Care Transition (HCT) Playbook. This Playbook helps SBHCs and school staff support high school students in managing their own care and helping them navigate care independently. For more information, please visit the SBHA webpage. involves assisting high school students in managing their own care and helping them navigate care independently
Audiometric Equipment Registration
On February 9, 2026, the Department of State Health Services (DSHS) updated Title 25, Texas Administrative Code, Section 37.28: Hearing Screening Equipment Standards and Requirements.
As of May 1, 2026, the VHSS Program no longer requires facilities to complete Audiometric Equipment Registration cards for audiometric screening equipment. Facilities that purchase audiometers or transfer ownership to another facility are not required to notify the state or complete an Audiometric Equipment Registration card. All Audiometric Equipment Registration cards entered into the VHSS Registry will no longer be active in the state database. Facilities are encouraged to monitor and update their own inventory each school year.
Electronic Eye Charts
On February 9, 2026, the Vision, Hearing, and Spinal Screening (VHSS) Program updated agency program rules allowing distance visual acuity screening with electronic eye charts. This change implements House Bill 1297, 88th Legislature, Regular Session, 2023. Electronic eye charts are an optional alternative to traditional wall eye charts. Title 25, TAC, Section 37.22 (11) defines an electronic eye chart as any computerized or other electronic system, device, or method of displaying on an electronic screen medically accepted and properly sized optotypes, which may be letters, numbers, or symbols a health care practitioner or other person uses to assess an individual's visual acuity. The term does not include an automated computer program that assesses an individual's visual acuity through the individual's interaction with the program by playing a game. Facilities must follow manufacturer guidelines when using electronic eye charts. DSHS does not recommend specific electronic eye chart brands.
Senate Bill 1818 Update
On September 1, 2025, Senate Bill 1818, 89th Legislature, Regular Session, 2025, went into effect allowing certain military service members, military veterans, and military spouses to receive a provisional license or license to engage in a business or occupation in Texas. This applies to Department of State Health Services (DSHS) Vision, Hearing, and Spinal Screening (VHSS) certificate holders.
To learn more, including how to apply, visit the VHSS Website or contact VHSS Customer Service at vhssprogram@dshs.texas.gov.
Promoting Mental Health and Well-Being in Schools Action Guide
The CDC's Division of Adolescent and School Health (DASH) offers a guide for schools called Promoting Mental Health and Well-Being in Schools: An Action Guide for School and District Leaders. This guide helps support students' emotions and mental health. It includes ways to help students understand mental health and engage in activities that promote relaxation and calmness. The guide also includes tips to build connections between students, families, and school staff, and ensure that staff also take care of their well-being.
Sensible Steps to Healthier School Environments
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently updated their resource, Sensible Steps to Healthier School Environments, which is now available online. This resource addresses some of the most common areas of environmental health concerns found in school. It offers cost-effective strategies to protect the health of students and school staff. Share with school administrators, teachers and staff.
Upcycling Classroom Decor
Take Care of Texas, an initiative of the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality shares ways to upcycle common classroom items that may otherwise be tossed into the trash. Every idea reinforces the message that materials have value, and that reducing waste is something teachers and school staff can practice daily. These practices can also spark conversations with students as a living example of conservation in action.
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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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