For additional resources on these topics and others related to school health
education and services, visit the School Health Program website at
www.dshs.state.tx.us/schoolhealth
Whole School, Whole Community, Whole Child
The education, public health, and school health sectors have each called for greater alignment, integration, and collaboration between education and health to improve each child’s cognitive, physical, social, and emotional development. Public health and education serve the same children, often in the same settings. The Whole School, Whole Community, Whole Child (WSCC) focuses on the child to align the common goals of both sectors.
The WSCC model expands on the eight elements of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) coordinated school health approach and is combined with the whole child framework. CDC and ASCD developed this expanded model—in collaboration with key leaders from the fields of health, public health, education, and school health—to strengthen a unified and collaborative approach designed to improve learning and health in our nation’s schools.
Postings and Notifications:
Texas School Health Advisory Committee – Call for Applications for Membership – Deadline: June 26, 2015
The commissioner of the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) requests your assistance in identifying candidates for appointment to the Texas School Health Advisory Committee (TSHAC). The purpose of the TSHAC is to provide assistance to the State Health Services Council in establishing a leadership role for DSHS in support for and delivery of coordinated school health programs and school health services. The responsibilities of the TSHAC are stated in the rules, which have been posted on the TSHAC website at www.dshs.state.tx.us/schoolhealth/shadvise.shtm. Thirteen positions are open to applicants that qualify in the following categories: Parent (3), Registered Nurse in a school (1), School Health Educator (1), School Physical Educator (1), School Administrator/Superintendent/School board member (2), Agency/Organization representative (3), School Nutritionist (1), and School Counselor (1). These are 4-year terms beginning July 1, 2016. For the application and instruction letter, go to http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/schoolhealth/. For questions, contact Ellen Smith at or 512-776-2140.
Funding Opportunity: Authentic Engagement of Youth and Young Adults – Deadline: July 1, 2015
Texas System of Care (TxSOC), in partnership with Allies Cultivating Change by Empowering Positive Transformation (ACCEPT) and the Texas Institute for Excellence in Mental Health, is accepting proposals from agencies interested in enhancing efforts toward the authentic engagement of youth and young adults. A total of two agencies and/or organizations will be selected; the award amount for each community is $5,000. This is a one-time award accompanied by technical assistance from TxSOC staff and ACCEPT members. To download the Request for Proposal and for more information, go to http://www.txsystemofcare.org/youth-rfp/.
2015 Rising Star Award – Deadline: July 13, 2015
Sponsored by a coalition of professional organizations as part of Texas Obesity Awareness Week, the Rising Star Award will be presented to two young Texans (13-15 and 16-18) who have demonstrated exceptional leadership in his or her community in an effort to raise awareness and reduce the burden of obesity. The award selection criteria include initiative, leadership, education, and future plans. The application should be completed by youth and accompanied by a letter of support from an adult mentor or supervisor.Access the application at https://sph.uth.edu/research/centers/dell/texas-obesity-awareness-week/about-the-rising-star-award.htm. Applications and letters of support should be sent to Heather Atteberry via email at or mail:
Heather Atteberry
Michael & Susan Dell Center for Healthy Living
The University of Texas School of Public Health Austin Regional Campus
1616 Guadalupe, Suite 6.300
Austin, Texas 78701
FUTP 60 Grants Available
Could your school use some grant dollars to help make healthy changes happen in your school? Apply now for up to $4,000 from Funds for Fuel Up to Play (FUTP) 60. Funds are intended to support Plays from the 2015-2016 Playbook and can help you do great things like jumpstart a new school breakfast program or purchase fitness equipment for your school. For more information and to apply, go to https://school.fueluptoplay60.com/funds/introduction.php.
2015 Awards for Excellence in Texas School Health Winners
We are proud to announce the winners of the Texas Department of State Health Service’s Awards for Excellence in Texas School Health. The winners will be honored at the Texas Action for Healthy Kids Summit on Feb. 5, 2015. Funding for the awards is provided by the Texas Health Institute and the Texas Pediatric Society Foundation.
Vanguard Awards - $1,000 each:
· “Herbs for Healthy Kids”, Dickinson ISD, Judy Lee, RDN, Coordinator – Also winner of a Robert M. Bernstein Special Recognition Award
· “Stay and Play Recreational Area”, Little Cypress Intermediate, Kelly Meadows, RN, Coordinator
Discovery Awards - $1,500 each:
· “Safe Cycling to Edinburg Schools”, Edinburg CISD, Albert Lopez, RN, Coordinator
· “FBISD Clinic Drug Take Back Program”, Ft. Bend ISD, Mary Kiernan, Coordinator
· “Asthma Obstacle Course”, North East ISD, Diane Rhodes, Coordinator
Reaching for Excellence Grants - $1,200 each:
· “Kids School Health Advisory Council (KSHAC)”, North East ISD, Rachel Naylor, Coordinator
· “Healthy Kids Challenge: Kids Marathon”, Amy Pawlak, Coordinator
· “Healthy Families Initiative”, University of Texas Elementary School, Robert “Coach K” Knipe, Coordinator
· “Vistas Green Team”, Vistas High School, Daree Stracke, Coordinator
Awards of Achievement - $1,000 each:
· “Healthy Kids Challenge: Kids Marathon”, Amy Pawlak, Coordinator
· “Vistas Green Team”, Vistas High School, Daree Stracke, Coordinator
· “Adolescents as Agents of Change through Apples, Activity and Audiobooks”, YES Prep Brays Oaks, Kyle Stallard, Coordinator
For more information on the Awards for Excellence in Texas School Health program, go to http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/schoolhealth/awards.shtm.
Webinars, Conferences, Trainings, and Professional Development:
“From Talk to Action: Helping Teens Become Healthy Adults” Course – June 9-10, 2015 – Cooley University Life Center in Houston, Texas
The University of Texas Prevention Research Center presents its 7th Annual Adolescent Sexual Health Course, "From Talk to Action: Helping Teens Become Healthy Adults." The event is targeted toward any individuals interested in adolescent sexual health. Registration ends on June 1, 2015. Continuing Education Units will be available. A limited number of student scholarships are also available. Register at https://sphuth.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_d456IDZm9oXe6Ql. Access the agenda at https://sph.uth.edu/tprc/files/2015/05/Agenda_5-6-15.pdf.
Parent Engagement:
New Information on Teen Sexual Assault – Fact Sheets for Parents and Teens
The National Child Traumatic Stress Network has two new factsheets on teen sexual assault. Information for Teens: (1) difference between consent and coercion; (2) answers to common questions about sexual assault; (3) how drugs and alcohol interfere with safety; (4) how teens can protect themselves; (5) steps to take if assaulted sexually; and (6) common misconceptions teens may have about sexual assault. Information for Parents covers the same information, in addition to ways parents can protect their teenager. Access the fact sheet for teens at http://www.nctsn.org/sites/default/files/assets/pdfs/teensexualassault_teens_final.pdf; for parents at http://www.nctsn.org/sites/default/files/assets/pdfs/teensexuaassault_parents_final.pdf.
Students More Likely to Gain Weight over the Summer – What Parents Can Do
Summer has become a prime time for students to gain weight, as they eat less healthy food and are active less than when school is in session. Over the summer, about two-thirds of children ages 5 to 12 are expected to spend at least three hours per day in front of a computer or television screen, according to a survey by the YMCA and the American Academy of Pediatrics -- up from one-third during the school year. Read more at http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2015/05/24/summer-weight-gain-children/27396101/.
Children May Cope Better with Stress with Strength-Based Parenting
A study published in the journal Psychology found that strength-based parenting could help children cope better, deal with stress, and limit the use of avoidance or aggressive coping responses. This parenting style involves specifically identifying and cultivating in children positive qualities and ways of handling stress. Read more at http://www.scienceworldreport.com/articles/26041/20150527/strength-based-parenting-helps-improve-childrens-stress-levels.htm.
Social and Emotional Climate:
New Resource – “What Do You Say to ‘That’s so Gay’ and OtherAnti-LGBTQ Comments?” Handout
This handout was developed in partnership between the National Education Association (NEA) and the Human Rights Campaign Foundation and their projects: NEA BullyFree, Time to THRIVE, and Welcoming Schools. Its aim is helping educators in kindergarten through high school stop anti-LGBTQ comments. This resource gives teachers tips on how to turn these moments into teachable ones. To download the handout, go to http://hrc-assets.s3-website-us-east-1.amazonaws.com//welcoming-schools/images/general/NEA_HRCF_Stop_Anti_Gay_and_LGBTQ_Comments.pdf.
Physical Education and Physical Activity:
Study: How Movement Can Boost Math Skills
Walking in a specific direction -- left or right -- may make solving some math problems easier, according to a recent study. Data show participants were better at addition when asked to turn right and better at subtraction when asked to turn left. Read more at http://www.medicaldaily.com/take-walk-be-better-math-embodied-cognition-gets-brain-thinking-sync-334994.
Study: Childhood Physical Activity Provides Health Benefits in Adolescence
Children who were engaged in at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous exercise daily at age 11 had less body fat, a reduced risk of diabetes and better cardio metabolic health at age 15, according to a study in Pediatrics. However, researchers didn't find adverse health outcomes in teens that had been the most physically inactive as children. Read the article at http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/active-children-become-healthier-teens-and-less-prone-to-obesity-study-20150528-ghbg3y.html.
Breath-Holding Games Are Killing Swimmers, CDC Warns
U.S. health officials are warning about accidental drownings from underwater breath-holding games and exercises. Whether as horseplay or part of swim training, "dangerous underwater breath-holding behaviors" can lead to otherwise strong, healthy swimmers losing consciousness underwater and drowning, warns a new report from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Read the article at http://consumer.healthday.com/fitness-information-14/misc-health-news-265/swimmers-warned-to-avoid-breath-holding-exercisescs-holding-drowning-699671.html. Read the report at http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm6419a3.htm?s_cid=mm6419a3_w.
Health Services:
School Problems in Children after Concussions
The CDC recommends that school professionals monitor a child closely for symptoms of concussion because they would obviously affect a child's ability to perform at school. And studies have certainly shown that a lack of energy, slower processing speed and impaired concentration can occur after concussions. Read more at http://www.cnn.com/2015/05/11/health/concussions-academic-problems/. Access Returning to School after Concussion Fact Sheet for School Professionals at http://www.cdc.gov/concussion/pdf/TBI_Returning_to_School-a.pdf. Access the study at http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3208828/.
Health Education:
Mechanical and Chemical Characteristics of Electronic Cigarettes Contribute to Hazardous Effects
Unlike standard cigarettes, the components of electronic cigarettes are not regulated and standardized, thus they vary widely between products. The characteristics of these e-cigarette elements, including their delivery systems, combustion apparatuses, and the composition of the nicotine solutions they contain may affect the levels of potentially hazardous substances in the vapor they produce, according to a new study presented at the 2015 American Thoracic Society International Conference. Read the article at http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/05/150517143354.htm.
Nutrition Environment and Services:
Legislation Seeks to Expand Milk Options, Availability in Schools
Federal legislation has been introduced to ensure students have more milk options in school and that the beverage is provided at every meal under school nutrition regulations. Under the bill from Reps. Glenn Thompson, R-Pa., and Joe Courtney, D-Conn., low-fat flavored milk with up to 150 calories per 8-ounce serving would be allowed under federal regulations along with low-fat plain milk, fat-free plain milk and fat-free flavored milk. Read about it at http://www.ibtimes.com/more-milk-school-cafeterias-lobbyists-lawmakers-want-students-consume-more-dairy-1931289.
Counseling, Psychological and Social Services:
More U.S. Children with Mental Health Problems Receiving Treatment
A study in the New England Journal of Medicine found that the number of U.S. children and teens who were treated for mental health problems annually increased from just over 9 percent in 1996 to 1998 to more than 13 percent in 2012. Researchers also found that almost 44 percent of children with more severe mental health problems were receiving some kind of therapy in 2012, compared with 26 percent in the late 1990s, and that the use of both talk therapy and medication increased over the years. Read about it at http://www.doctorslounge.com/index.php/news/hd/55342.
Suicide Rates Climb Dramatically for Young Black Children, Study Finds
A stable overall rate of suicide among children age 5-11 over the last two decades obscured a troubling demographic shift: While rates of suicide dropped for white children during that time period, they climbed significantly for black children, a new study found. Read the news story at http://blogs.edweek.org/edweek/rulesforengagement/2015/05/suicide_rates_climb_dramatically_for_young_black_children_study_finds.html and http://www.nytimes.com/2015/05/19/health/suicide-rate-for-black-children-surged-in-2-decades-study-says. Read the full article at http://archpedi.jamanetwork.com/article.aspx?articleid=2293169.
What Role Do Schools Play in Students' Mental Health?
Teachers are in a unique position to identify students' mental and emotional issues early, some experts assert in this article. Some schools now are making on-campus mental health care available, offering screenings, building mindfulness into the school day and taking other steps to prioritize students' well-being. Read the story at http://ww2.kqed.org/mindshift/2015/05/22/how-schools-can-help-nurture-students-mental-health/.
Murkowski Co-Sponsors Bipartisan Effort to Fight Youth Suicide
With rural youth at greater risk, Senator seeks more intervention and prevention. Senator Lisa Murkowski joined her colleague Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) to introduce the Garrett Lee Smith Reauthorization Act in order to improve mental health services for young people and in turn, help prevent youth suicide.Read the news story at http://www.murkowski.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=cb5c6743-7f1e-4278-9fc6-8031fe42f083.
Teen Childbearing in Rural America
How do teen births compare in rural versus urban areas? In an effort to address this question, in 2013 The National Campaign released a first of its kind analysis of teen childbearing in rural America. The analysis showed that, in 2010 (the most recent data available by county), the teen birth rate in rural counties was nearly one-third higher compared to rates in the rest of the country, and rates in rural areas have been falling more slowly than rates in non-rural areas. Access the report at http://thenationalcampaign.org/resource/sex-non-city.
Resources to Help Teachers Detect, Evaluate Behavior Changes
Teachers soon will have access to new resources to help identify mental-health issues and suicide warning signs among their students. The online tools are being released by a coalition of organizations, including the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. Read about it at http://blogs.edweek.org/edweek/rulesforengagement/2015/05/suicide_and_mental_health_new_resources_aim_to_educate_teachers_on_early_warning_signs.html.
Comprehensive Policies, Reports, Research and Resources: