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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.
It’s That Time of Year Again! Catch Your Child Up on Routine Immunizations for Back to School
August is recognized as National Immunization Awareness Month. The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) Immunization Program has put together information for the upcoming 2026-2027 school year on their Back-to-School webpage. Review the 2026-2027 Immunization Requirements for Schools and the Texas Vaccines for Children Program for more information. Share this information with families before the start of the next school year to make sure everyone is ready to go back to school.
Children’s Eye Health and Safety Month
The National Institutes of Health National Eye Institute (NEI) observes August as Children’s Eye Health and Safety Month. NEI for Kids is a website where children can learn about eye health and safety. The website includes information about vision, an “Ask the Scientist” video series, first aid and healthy vision tips, and related games for kids. To learn more about vision screenings for your school, visit the DSHS Vision and Hearing Screening webpage.
Flood and Water Damage Guidance
The American Lung Association shares guidance for floods and water damage, as it relates to lung disease. Flood water and water damage can make symptoms worse for people with lung disease and can increase the risk of lung disease for others. Learn what steps you can take to protect your lung health during and after heavy rain and floods by reviewing the guide.
On-Demand School Health Learning Courses
Action for Healthy Kids (AFHK) provides six free online courses for Texas educators. The courses cover important topics, including:
- School Health Advisory Committees (SHACs)
- Comprehensive School Physical Activity Programs (CSPAP)
- School Wellness Policies
- Unassigned Medications
- School Health Index Assessment
- 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.
Turn To Campaign
The Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) runs the ‘Turn To’ substance use prevention media campaign with the help from the University of Texas at Austin Center for Health Communication. This campaign offers resources to support mental health and wellbeing to prevent substance abuse. You can find more information about the campaign and campaign resources on the campaign webpage, which are available in English and Spanish.
Move Your Way Campaign
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services hosts the Move Your Way campaign. This campaign offers tools, videos, and tips that make it easier for both kids and adults to be more active. Families are encouraged to move together, so everyone can gain health benefits.
Know Your Team: Turning Your Staff’s Experience into Results
The Texas Department of Agriculture is hosting an online training on August 19 from 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. to help school nutrition staff transform their expertise and practical experience into meaningful outcomes by empowering them to train others. Participants will gain ideas for how to make training more relatable by focusing on the employee’s background and skill set and how using these strategies will improve their confidence and performance. Register on the TDA webpage.
Creating an Asthma Action Plan
The American Lung Association offers resources to help create an asthma action plan for anyone with asthma. The plan explains what to do when a child has asthma symptoms and what support they may need at school. Families can share the plan with school staff so everyone knows how to help the child during the school year.
Senate Bill 1818 Update
Starting 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, who are licensed in another state, to receive a provisional license or license to work 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 click the following link to download and review the information sheet.
Guide for Developing a High-Quality Emergency Operations Plan (EOP)
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provides resources to help schools create an Emergency Operations Plan. These plans protect students and staff from threats like natural disasters, extreme heat, violence, and disease outbreaks. Share this information with school administration and staff.
2027 Texas Environmental Excellence Awards Application is Open
The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality is accepting applications for the 2027 Texas Environmental Excellence Awards. These awards celebrate accomplishments in environmental preservation and protection. Citizens, communities, and organizations can apply to receive the state’s highest environmental honor. There are ten award categories, including Education, Youth, and Civic/Community. Applications are due Friday, August 28, 2026.
Get Connected: Creative Ideas for Building Staff Relationships
The Alliance for a Healthier Generation has ideas to help school staff build stronger relationships and feel more connected. The guide includes printable and digital activities that schools can use during meetings or staff events. Share this resource with school administrators and staff as they plan these activities.
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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