SST features specialized departments dedicated to each aspect of a thorough and quality education for PK-12 students.
With the enactment of SB 12, schools must obtain parental consent before providing certain health-related services, including noninvasive screenings, mental health assessments, and wellness check-ups. Below is what kinds of screenings are required in Texas public schools, when they typically happen, and what you need to do.
What Screenings Will Be Offered (Noninvasive)
• Vision & Hearing — For students in Pre-K (age 4 by Sept. 1), Kindergarten, 1st, 3rd, 5th, and 7th grades, as well as students new to the district.
• Spinal (Scoliosis) Screening — For girls twice (at age 10 / or fall of 5th grade and age 12 / or fall of 7th), and for boys once at age 13 or 14 (or fall of 8th grade).
• Type 2 Diabetes Risk / Acanthosis Nigricans — For students in 1st, 3rd, 5th, and 7th grades, usually at the same time as vision/hearing screening.
These screenings are non-diagnostic — they are intended to flag possible concerns so that families may follow up with a qualified health professional if needed.
What You Need to Do (Parental Consent)
What Happens After Screening
If you have questions about how these screenings work, how to fill out the consent form, or what your rights are under SB 12, please contact your campus’ Health Aide.
Thank you for your collaboration in keeping your child safe and healthy.
The “Guidelines for the Care of Students With Food Allergies At-Risk for Anaphylaxis“ are created to ensure the safety and well-being of students with food allergies in schools. These guidelines help school personnel, parents, and health professionals manage and prevent anaphylactic reactions. The key points include:
Identification of Students: Schools should identify students with food allergies and maintain a record of their condition in collaboration with parents and healthcare providers.
Emergency Action Plans: Each student with a food allergy should have an individualized emergency action plan (EAP) that includes steps to take during an allergic reaction, including the use of epinephrine auto-injectors.
Training and Awareness: School staff, including teachers, administrators, and cafeteria workers, should be trained to recognize the signs of an allergic reaction and respond appropriately, including administering epinephrine when needed.
Prevention Strategies: Schools should implement strategies to minimize exposure to allergens, such as allergen-free zones, safe meal preparation practices, and encouraging handwashing.
Communication and Coordination: Schools should establish a communication plan between parents, school staff, and healthcare providers to ensure ongoing monitoring and care for the student.
Legal Compliance: Schools must comply with federal laws such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, which protect students with food allergies.
Post-Incident Follow-Up: After an allergic reaction, schools should review and adjust the student’s care plan as needed, ensuring continuous protection.
These guidelines promote a proactive approach to managing food allergies, aiming to prevent incidents and ensure that students with food allergies can learn in a safe environment.
See information from Texas Department of State Health Services – here.
Additional Resources:
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