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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.
Prepping for Back to School this Fall
As the new school year approaches, the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) Immunizations Program provides information about required vaccines for children in kindergarten through 12th grade. These vaccines help keep children healthy and ready for school. To help families keep track of their vaccination records, DSHS has the Texas Immunization Registry (ImmTrac2). This registry collects vaccination records for those who choose to opt-in to participate. Please share this information with parents, families, and community members as we start the new school year.
On-Demand School Health Learning Courses
Action for Healthy Kids (AFHK) offers six free online courses for Texas educators. Course topics include School Health Advisory Committees (SHACs), Comprehensive School Physical Activity Programs (CSPAP), School Wellness Policies, Unassigned Medications, School Health Index Assessment, and Nutrition in Schools. To access these courses, sign up or login to the AFHK webpage. AFHK is approved as a Continuing Professional Education (CPE) Provider through Texas Education Agency. Educators completing these courses will receive CPE credits.
School Safety and Security Audit Toolkit
The Texas School Safety Center is offering updated School Safety and Security Audit Toolkit. The toolkit helps districts plan, conduct, and document their safety efforts. This 3-hour virtual training is designed to help Independent School Districts and open-enrollment charter Superintendents (or their delegates), Education Service Center staff, and Registry Consultants fully understand and apply the new audit framework. Participants will learn about the Audit procedures, guidance on audit planning, and tips for navigating and leveraging audit resources.
Small Towns, Big Impact Webinar
Action for Healthy Kids (AFHK) is hosting a webinar on July 23, 2026 from 11:00-12:00 p.m. CT. The webinar will focus on how rural districts are supporting student wellness. Join this peer exchange with two rural superintendents who will share what's working, where they've had to think outside the box, and the leadership lessons they've picked up along the way. Participants will learn ways to build a culture of wellness with limited staff and resources, strengthening community partnerships, and connecting student health to academic success. Register on the AFHK webpage.
Walk Across Texas! Youth
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension is promoting Walk Across Texas! Youth. This free 8-week walking challenge helps Texas youth become more active and create a routine of regular physical activity. Schools and communities can take part year-round through local program activities. Resources, lesson plans, and registration information are available on the program webpage.
Available Summer Meals and Snacks for Kids
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s SUN Meals (Summer Food and Service Program) shares places where kids can eat meals and snacks during the summer at no cost at schools, parks, and other neighborhood locations. No application is needed. SUN Meals may have a different name depending on where you live, but will still provide meals for kids and teens, and opportunities to participate in fun activities. Visit the SUN Meals webpage for the USDA Meals for Kids Site Finder and more information.
Plant a Snack Garden This Summer
Kids Gardening has a full lesson plan for planting a snack garden, highlighting veggies that are easy to eat as snacks. Fill a home garden with edible crops that can be harvested, washed, and enjoyed straight from the garden. Resources can be used at any grade level and include a materials list and description of activities.
School-Based Telehealth Interventions: Evidence Roundup
The Center for Health Care Strategies shares information on how school-based telehealth services can help children and youth access health care. The resource explains how telehealth in schools can support better health and social outcomes. This posted article highlights evidence on school-based telehealth and shows how different care models can work in practice. Share this resource with school health professionals.
Texas Child Health Access Through Telemedicine (TCHATT)
Texas Child Health Access Through Telemedicine (TCHATT) provides telehealth programs to school districts. These programs help schools find and assess the behavioral health needs of children and teenagers and offers access to mental health services. Any school district in Texas can participate in TCHATT. If your school district wants to join TCHATT or has any questions, email tcmhcc@utsystem.edu.
Heat Events & Indoor Air: Protecting Respiratory Health
The Environmental Protection Agency is hosting a webinar Heat Events and Indoor Air: Protecting Respiratory Health on August 6, 2026 from 12:00 – 1:30 p.m. CT. This webinar will share ways to protect people during extreme heat, especially children, older adults, and people with certain health conditions. Participants will learn how to improve indoor air and conditions in homes, schools, and other buildings during extreme heat. Register on the EPA webpage.
Sustainable Summer Reset
Take Care of Texas, an initiative of the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, encourages teachers to take a moment for themselves to unwind and relax this summer. This post explores some sustainable ways teachers can take breaks this summer to ensure teachers come back the next school year strong. Some topics include setting boundaries, low-cost and low stress rest, and ways to reconnect and nurture.
Athletes and Asthma: The Community Coach’s Role
The Minnesota Department of Health Asthma Program is offering a free online course for community coaches. This course teaches coaches how to help school-age athletes with asthma during practices and competitions. It takes 35 minutes to complete and gives coaches the tools they need to respond to an asthma attack, helping athletes perform at their best.
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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