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Health & wellness
Immunizations, illness, medication, screenings, counseling and mental health.
On this page 27 topics
Student Health and Safety
Student health and safety is a high priority of Harmony Public Schools. Student cooperation is essential to ensuring health and safety. Students should:
- Avoid conduct that is likely to put the student or other students at risk.
- Follow the behavioral standards in this Handbook, including the Student Code of
- Conduct, as well as any additional rules for behavior and safety set by the Principal, teachers, or other school staff.
- Remain alert to and promptly report safety hazards, such as intruders on campus and threats made by a person toward a student or staff member.
- Know emergency evacuation routes and signals. Immediately follow instructions from staff members who are overseeing student welfare.
Tobacco-Free School Notice
Students are prohibited from possessing, using, selling, giving, or delivering any type of tobacco product, electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) as defined by Section 161.081 of Health and Safety Code, or any form of smokeless tobacco or electronic vaporizing product while on school property or while attending an off-campus school-related activity. Student violators are subject to possible prosecution, as allowed by law, as well as the disciplinary terms of the Student Code of Conduct.
Vaping and E-Cigarette Clarification
Harmony Public Schools prohibits the possession, use, sale, or delivery of all electronic cigarettes, vape pens, vapor products, and related accessories while on school property, within 300 feet of school grounds, or at any school-related event.
For disciplinary purposes, Harmony distinguishes between:
Nicotine-only or CBD vapes (non-THC): Treated as tobacco-related violations. Consequences are outlined in the Student Code of Conduct.
THC or controlled substance vapes: Treated as drug-related violations and may result in mandatory expulsion as required by Texas Education Code §37.007.
When the contents of a vape device are unclear, the school may coordinate with law enforcement or approved testing before assigning disciplinary consequences.
Alcohol-Free School Notice
In order to provide a safe and alcohol-free environment for students and employees,all alcoholic beverages are prohibited on school property at all times, and at all school-sanctioned activities occurring on or off school property. Student violators are subject to possible prosecution, as allowed by law, as well as the disciplinary terms of the Student Code of Conduct.
Drug-Free School Notice
Harmony Public Schools believes that student use of illicit drugs is both wrong and harmful. Consequently, the school prohibits the use, sale, possession, or distribution of illicit drugs by students on school premises or any school activity, regardless of its location. The school also prevents the use, sale, possession, or distribution of look-alike substances and/or synthetic substances designed to imitate the look and/or effects of illicit drugs. Student violators are subject to possible prosecution, as allowed by law, as well as the disciplinary terms of the Student Code of Conduct.
Gang-Free Zone
Certain criminal offenses, including gang-related crimes, will be enhanced to the next-highest category of offense if they are committed in a gang-free zone. Gang-free zones include a school bus and any location in, on, or within 1,00 feet of any school-owned or leased property or campus playground.
Harmony believes the presence of gangs and/or gang activities can cause a substantial disruption of or material inference with school and school activities.
Asbestos Management Plan
All school facilities have been inspected for asbestos by a licensed Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (“AHERA”) All school facilities have been inspected for asbestos by a licensed Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (“AHERA”) inspector. An Asbestos Management Plan has been created for the school in accordance with federal regulations. Parents may view the Asbestos Management Plan by contacting the Principal.
Bacterial Meningitis
State law requires Harmony Public Schools to provide the following information about bacterial meningitis:
What is Meningitis?
Meningitis is an inflammation of the covering of the brain and spinal cord. It can be caused by viruses, parasites, fungi, and bacteria. Viral meningitis is most common and the least serious. Meningitis caused by bacteria is the most likely form of the disease to cause serious, long-term complications. It is an uncommon disease but requires urgent treatment with antibiotics to prevent permanent damage or death. Bacterial meningitis can be caused by multiple organisms. Two common types are Streptococcus pneumoniae, with over 80 serogroups that can cause illness, and Neisseria meningitidis, with 5 serogroups that most commonly cause meningitis.
What are the Symptoms?
Someone with meningitis will become very ill. The illness may develop over one or two days, but it can also rapidly progress in a matter of hours. Not everyone with meningitis will have the same symptoms.
Children (over 1 year old) and adults with bacterial meningitis may have a severe headache, high temperature, vomiting, sensitivity to bright lights, neck stiffness, and drowsiness or confusion. In both children and adults, there may be a rash of tiny, red-purple spots. These can occur anywhere on the body.
The diagnosis of bacterial meningitis is based on a combination of symptoms and laboratory results.
How Serious Is Bacterial Meningitis?
If it is diagnosed early and treated promptly, the majority of people make a complete recovery. If left untreated or treatment is delayed, bacterial meningitis can be fatal, or a person may be left with a permanent disability.
How Is Bacterial Meningitis Spread?
Fortunately, none of the bacteria that cause meningitis are as contagious as diseases like the common cold or the flu, and they are not spread by simply breathing the air where a person with meningitis has been. The germs live naturally in the back of our noses and throats, but they do not live for long outside the body. They are spread when people exchange saliva (such as by kissing; sharing drinking containers, utensils, or cigarettes) or when people cough or sneeze without covering their mouth and nose.
The bacteria do not cause meningitis in most people. Instead, most people become carriers of the bacteria for days, weeks, or even months. The bacteria rarely overcome the body’s immune system and cause meningitis or another serious illness.
How Can Bacterial Meningitis Be Prevented?
Vaccination: Bacterial meningitis caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae and Neisseria meningitidis may be prevented through vaccination. The vaccine which protects against Streptococcus pneumoniae is called pneumococcal conjugate vaccine or PCV. This vaccine is recommended by the Advisory Council on Immunization Practices (ACIP) for children in the first year of life. Neisseria meningitidis is prevented through two types of vaccines. The first is a meningococcal conjugate vaccine which protects against 4 serogroups A, C, W, and Y and is referred to as MCV4. The second is a vaccine against Neisseria meningitidis serogroup B and is referred to as MenB.
The ACIP recommends MCV4 for children at age 11-12 years, with a booster dose at 16-18 years. In Texas, one dose of MCV4 given at or after age 11 years is required for children in 7th-12th grades. One dose of MCV4 received in the previous five years is required in Texas for those under the age of 22 years and enrolling in college. Teens and young adults (16-23 years of age) may be vaccinated with MenB. This vaccine is not required for school or college enrollment in Texas.
Vaccines to protect against bacterial meningitis are safe and effective. Common side effects include redness and pain at the injection site lasting up to two days. Immunity develops about 1-2 weeks after the vaccines are given and lasts for 5 years to life depending on the vaccine.
Healthy Habits: Do not share food, drinks, utensils, toothbrushes, or cigarettes. Wash your hands. Limit the number of persons you kiss. Cover your mouth and nose when you sneeze or cough. Maintaining healthy habits, like getting plenty of rest and not having close contact with people who are sick, also helps.
Who is At Risk for Bacterial Meningitis?
Certain groups are at increased risk for bacterial meningitis caused by Neisseria meningitidis. These risk factors include HIV infection, travel to places where meningococcal disease is common (such as certain countries in Africa and in Saudi Arabia), and college students living in a dormitory. Other risk factors include having a previous viral infection, living in a crowded household, or having an underlying chronic illness.
Children ages 11-15 years have the second highest rate of death from bacterial meningitis caused by Neisseria meningitidis. And children ages 16-23 years also have the second highest rates of disease caused by Neisseria meningitidis.
What Should You Do If You Think You Or A Friend Might Have Bacterial Meningitis?
You should seek prompt medical attention.
For More Information
Your school nurse, family doctor, and the staff at your local or regional health department office are excellent sources for information on all infectious diseases. You may call your family doctor or local health department (opens in a new tab) office to ask about the meningococcal vaccine. Additional information may also be found at the web sites for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):
and the Texas Department of State Health Services:
Communicable Diseases
To protect other students from contagious illnesses, students infected with certain diseases are not allowed to come to school while contagious. Parents of a student with a communicable or contagious disease should notify the Principal and the school Health Aide so that other students who might have been exposed to the disease can be alerted. School authorities will report those students who are suspected of having a reportable condition. A list of reportable conditions can be found on the Texas Department of State Health Services website (opens in a new tab).
Any student excluded from school attendance for reason of communicable disease may be readmitted by one or more of the following methods, as determined by the local health authority:
- Certificate from a licensed U.S.-based provider confirming that the child currently shows no signs or symptoms of a communicable disease or affirming the disease's non-infectious nature within a school setting;
- Submitting a permit for readmission issued by a local health authority; or
- Meeting readmission criteria as established by the commissioner of health.
Student’s ability to re-enter school or remain cannot be waived by school personnel. Readmission after communicable illness is based solely on clearance by the attending physician or other re-admission criteria as stated above and must be evaluated by the school health staff prior to student arrival on campus.
In the event of a campus outbreak of communicable illnesses for which vaccines exist, students who are under or un-vaccinated may be dismissed home for their protection. Please contact the school if you have questions or if you are concerned about whether your child should stay home.
In the event of a communicable illness or outbreak for which guidelines are issued by a public health authority including a local health authority or the CDC, or by the Texas Education Agency (TEA), students and families will be expected to follow all recommended health and safety protocol which may include but not be limited to: handwashing, masking, and quarantining if exposed or displaying symptoms of the communicable illness.
Immunizations
The State of Texas requires that every child in the state be immunized against preventable diseases caused by infectious agents, in accordance with an established immunization schedule. To determine the specific number of doses that are required for your student, please read the approved year’s Texas Minimum State Vaccine Requirements for Students.” This document and more information about school vaccine requirements are available at the Texas Department of State Health Services website.
Proof of immunization may be shown through personal records from a licensed physician or public health clinic with a signature or rubber-stamp validation. New enrollees, even if attending the Harmony Virtual Academy, must provide proof of completed immunizations at the time of enrollment unless the student is eligible for provisional enrollment as explained below.
For Pre-kindergarten and Kindergarten Students and students in any grade entering a Texas school for the first time (including students from out of state and out of country): Current Immunization record must be provided to the school during the registration process. The students in these grade levels cannot attend school unless all immunization requirements are met."
Immunizations Received Outside the United States
Vaccinations received outside the United States must be adequately documented and comparable to the schedule and dosage required by the State of Texas. Foreign immunization records must be legible and officially certified. Foreign immunization records must also be submitted in a language that can be translated by campus staff; if Harmony is unable to translate the record, the parent will be responsible for providing an accurate written translation.
Provisional Enrollment
A student may be provisionally admitted to or enrolled in Harmony Public Schools if the student has an immunization record that indicates the student has received at least one dose of each specified age-appropriate vaccine required by law. To remain enrolled, the student must continue to receive the necessary immunizations as rapidly as medically feasible, and complete the required subsequent doses in each vaccine series on schedule and as rapidly as is medically feasible. The student and/or parent must also provide acceptable evidence of vaccination to the school.
A health aide or school administrator shall review the immunization status of provisionally enrolled students every 30 days to ensure continued compliance in completing the required doses of vaccination. If, at the end of the 30-day period, a student has not received a subsequent dose of vaccine, the student is not in compliance and Harmony Public Schools shall exclude him or her from school attendance until the required dose is administered.
Homeless Students: A student who is homeless, as defined by federal law, shall be admitted temporarily for 30 days if acceptable evidence of vaccination is not available. The school shall promptly refer the student to appropriate public health programs to obtain the required vaccinations.
Children in Foster Care: A student who is a “child in foster care” as defined by 45 C.F.R. § 1355.20(a) shall be admitted temporarily for 30 days if acceptable evidence of vaccination is not available. The school shall promptly refer the student to an appropriate health provider to obtain the required vaccinations.
Transfer Students: A student can be enrolled provisionally for no more than 30 days if the student transfers from one Texas school to another, and is awaiting the transfer of the immunization record.
Military Dependents: A military dependent can be enrolled provisionally for no more than 30 days if the student transfers from one school to another and is awaiting the transfer of the immunization record. The collection and exchange of information pertaining to immunizations with respect to military dependents shall be subject to confidentiality provisions prescribed by federal law.
Exclusions from Immunization Requirements
Exclusions from immunization compliance are allowable on an individual basis for medical reasons, reasons of conscience (including a religious belief), and active duty with the armed forces of the United States.
To claim exclusion for medical reasons, the student must present a statement signed by the child’s physician (M.D. or D.O.), duly registered and licensed to practice medicine in the United States who has examined the child, in which it is stated that, in the physician’s opinion, the vaccine required is medically contraindicated or poses a significant risk to the health and well-being of the child or any member of the child’s household. Unless it is written in the statement that a lifelong condition exists, the exemption statement is valid for only one year from the date signed by the physician.
To claim an exclusion for reasons of conscience, including a religious belief, a signed Texas Department of State Health Services affidavit must be presented by the student’s parent, stating that the student’s parent declines vaccinations for reasons of conscience, including because of the person’s religious beliefs. The affidavit will be valid for a period of two years. The form affidavit may be obtained by writing the Texas Department of State Health Services Immunization Branch (MC 1946), P.O. Box 149347, Austin, Texas 78714-9347, or online at Affidavit Request for Exemption from Immunization (opens in a new tab), https://corequest.dshs.texas.gov (opens in a new tab). The form must be submitted to the school within 90 days from the date it is notarized. If the parent is seeking an exemption for more than one student in the family, a separate form must be provided for each student. Students, who have not received the required immunizations for reasons of conscience, including religious beliefs, may be excluded from school in times of emergency or epidemic declared by the commissioner of public health.
To claim an exclusion for military service, the student must prove that he or she is serving on active duty with the armed forces of the United States.
If a parent seeks an exemption for more than one student, a separate form must be provided for each student.
Immunization Records Reporting
The school’s record of your student’s immunization history, while private in most instances, may be inspected by the Texas Education Agency, local health departments and the Texas Department of State Health Services and transferred to other schools associated with the transfer of your student to those schools.
Emergency Medical Treatment
If a student has a medical emergency at school or a school-related activity and the parent cannot be reached, school employees will seek emergency medical treatment unless a parent has previously provided a written statement denying this authorization. Therefore, parents are asked each year to complete an emergency care consent form, which includes information about their student’s allergies to medications, etc. Parents should keep emergency care information up-to-date. Please contact the Principal or school Health Aide to update any information.
Illness During the School Day
Students becoming ill or injured during the school day are directed to report to the health office. If the health staff is not available, the student should report to the main office. Parents or other persons designated on the student’s enrollment application will be contacted as appropriate.
Except in emergencies, students failing to report to the health staff or main office will be counted absent, unexcused. Students must report to the main office before leaving the building.
If your child has a fever over 100 Degrees Fahrenheit or 37.7 Degrees Celsius, he or she must stay out of school until fever free for 24 hours without fever-reducing medications. Students with diarrheal illnesses must stay home until they are diarrhea free without diarrhea-suppressing medications for at least 24 hours. A full list of conditions for which the school must exclude children can be obtained from the school health staff.
If your child vomits during the school day due to illness, he/she will be sent home and will not be able to return until he/she is vomit free without vomit-suppressing medications for at least 24 hours.
Conjunctivitis (pink eye) can sometimes be confused with allergies, so it can be difficult to determine if they have it. Indications include: crusty eyelids and/or redness and conjunctival swelling in only one eye. If the student presents these symptoms, he/she will be sent home and will be able to return with clearance to return with orders from the treating physician.
Sending Students Home from School
Students will be sent home for:
- Fever more than 100 Degrees or Fahrenheit or 37.7 Degrees Celsius
- Vomiting- students who vomit more than once or those with other symptoms such as fever, will be sent home.
- Clear indication of conjunctivitis (pink eye). This is sometimes confused with allergies, so it can be difficult to determine whether a student needs to go home. Crusty eyelids and/ or redness and conjunctival swelling in only one eye are indications of conjunctivitis, not allergies.
- Untreated or exposed ringworm. If a ringworm is suspected on the body, students may stay at school as long as the ringworm stays covered. If ringworm is being consistently and appropriately treated, student with exposed ringworm may return to campus after 48 hours. Increase in lesions despite statements of treatments will exclude student from school for the duration of the disease so it is important to ensure student is properly using the prescribed medication.
- Scabies, until treatment is completed and doctor approves readmission.
- Unexplained rash or swelling of the skin. Parents will be contacted and student must bring a physician note for readmission.
- Head lice (which are not an illness or disease) are common among children, and may spread easily through contact during play or when students share items such as headphones, brushes, combs, hats, or other items that come in contact with hair. Based on current CDC guidance, students are not required to be removed from school due to live head lice or nits. If it is observed that a student has live lice or nits, the campus health aide will reach out to the parent to discuss treatment guidelines which include FDA approved products. Per the CDC guidance, home remedies are not acceptable. It is expected that students will begin treatment immediately to prevent the spread of head lice. Students must check-in after the first treatment with the health aide.
- Notification will be provided to students informing parents of students in affected classrooms.
- Additional guidance regarding head lice may be found at "DSHS Managing Head Lice (opens in a new tab)".
Students will be picked up as soon as feasibly possible. Parents are responsible for providing accurate and updated emergency contact information and ensuring the health safety of their student by promptly picking them up for health dismissals. Failure to pick up the student within a reasonable time frame may necessitate emergency transport or child protective services involvement.
Administration of Medication
Medication should be administered at home whenever possible. If necessary, medication can be administered at school by the health aide under the following circumstances:
- 1. Medication authorization forms for prescription and non-prescription medications must be submitted annually by the parent. The healthcare provider's signature is required for all prescription medications. For non-prescription or over the counter medications, only the parent/guardian's signature is required. The medication must also be in the original and properly labeled container.
- 2. Prescription medications administered during school hours must be prescribed by a physician or advanced nurse practitioner (“ANP”) and filled by a pharmacist licensed in the State of Texas. In accordance with the Texas Board of Nursing Practice Act, the school will not administer medications prescribed or fulfilled in Mexico.
- 3. Prescription medications must be submitted in a labeled container showing the student’s name, name of the medication, reason the medication is being given, proper dosage amounts, the time the medication must be taken, and the method used to administer the medication. Medications sent in plastic baggies or unlabeled containers will NOT be administered.
- 4. If the substance is herbal or a dietary supplement, it must be provided by the parent and will be administered only if required by the students IEP or Section 504 plan for a student with disabilities.
- 5. Only the amount of medication needed should be delivered to the school, i.e., enough medication to last one day, one week, etc. In cases of prolonged need, send in the amount for a clearly specified period. Extra medication will not be sent home with the student.
- 6. In certain emergency situations, the school may administer a nonprescription medication to a student, but only in accordance with the guidelines developed by the school’s medical advisor and when the parent has previously provided written consent for emergency treatment.
- 7. No medications are kept in the health office after the end of the school year. A notice will be sent notifying parents/guardians to pick-up medication by the last day of school. Medications cannot be sent home with the student. Any medications that are left on the final day of the school year are destroyed per FDA and DEA guidelines.
- 8. Students are not allowed to self carry medication unless determined by the student's health care provider, health aide, administration, and the parent.
- 9. Students are not allowed to self carry diabetic medication such as insulin or syringes with the exception of an insulin pump. Please contact the Principal and school Health Aide to coordinate a specific health plan for your child.
Changes to daily medications require written instruction from the physician or ANP and written permission from the parent. Parents are responsible for advising the school office that a medication has been discontinued.
Except for asthmas and anaphylaxis mediation, students are not allowed to self-carry medication including insulin or other similar medications. Please contact the campus administration and the health aide to coordinate a specific health plan for your child.
Asthma and Anaphylaxis Medication
Asthma and anaphylaxis are life-threatening conditions, and students with those conditions are entitled to possess and self-administer prescription medication while on school property or at school-related events with physicians’ order. Student possession and self-administration of asthma or anaphylaxis medication at school requires the student to demonstrate his or her ability to self-administer the medication to the student’s physician or other licensed health care provider and the school health staff, if available. Requirements also include written authorization from the student’s parent and physician or other licensed health care provider on file in the school office indicating the student is capable of independently administering his or her own asthma or emergency anaphylaxis medication. Medication in a student’s possession must be in an original container with a prescription label. Please note that most pharmacies will place a label on the inhaler device upon request.
Opioid Antagonist Medication
In accordance with Texas Education Code § 38.222, Harmony has adopted a policy regarding the maintenance, administration, and disposal of opioid antagonists for students in grades 6-12 or for students in grades 12 and below. Under this policy, school personnel and volunteers who are authorized and trained may administer an opioid antagonist to a person who is reasonably believed to be experiencing an opioid-related drug overdose. Harmony will ensure that each campus has one or more personnel authorized and trained to administer an opioid antagonist present during regular school hours.
Seizure Management Plan
The parent of a student with a seizure disorder may seek care for the student’s seizures while the student is at school or participating in a school activity by submitting to Harmony a copy of a seizure management and treatment plan developed by the parent and the physician responsible for the student’s seizure treatment. The plan must be submitted to and reviewed by Harmony: 1. Before or at the beginning of the school year; 2. On enrollment of the student if the student enrolls after the start of the school year; or 3. As soon as practicable following a diagnosis of a seizure disorder for the student. Requirements for Seizure Management Plans Submitted Before January 1, 2024, a seizure management and treatment plan must: 1. Identify the health care services the student may receive at school or while participating in a school activity; 2. Evaluate the student’s ability to manage and level of understanding of the student’s seizures; and 3. Be signed by the student’s parent and the physician for the student’s seizure treatment.
Requirements for Seizure Management Plans Submitted On or After January 1, 2024 A seizure management and treatment plan must be submitted on the form adopted by the Texas Education Agency and provide the following:
1. The student’s name and date of birth;
2. The names and contact information of the student’s parent and the physician responsible for the student’s seizure treatment, and at least one other emergency contact;
3. Any medical history significant to the student’s seizure disorder;
4. The type, length, and frequency of the student’s seizures;
5. A description of each type of seizure the student has experienced;
6. The student’s seizure triggers or warning signs;
7. The student’s ability to manage seizures and the student’s level of understanding of the seizures;
8. The student’s response after a seizure;
9. The basic first aid to be provided to the student during a seizure, including whether the student needs to leave the classroom after a seizure and the process for the student’s return to the classroom, if applicable;
10. A description of what constitutes a seizure emergency for the student;
11. A description of seizure emergency protocol for school personnel to follow in the event of a seizure emergency for the student;
12. A treatment protocol for any medications or other procedures to be administered by school personnel to the student during school hours, including: a. Each daily or emergency medication, including (i) the name and dosage of the medication and the time at which the medication is to be given; (ii) common side effects for the medication; and (iii) any special instructions regarding the medication; and b. Whether the student has a vagus nerve stimulator and, if so, appropriate magnet use for the stimulator;
13. Any special considerations or precautions applicable to the students; and
14. The signature of the student’s parent and the physician responsible for the student’s seizure treatment.
Food Allergy Information
The parent of each student enrolled in Harmony Public Schools must complete a form provided by the school that discloses
(1) whether the child has a food allergy or a severe food allergy that should be disclosed to the school to enable the school to take any necessary precautions regarding the child’s safety and, and
(2) specifies the food(s) to which the child is allergic and the nature of the allergic reaction.
For purposes of this requirement, the term “severe food allergy” means a dangerous or life-threatening reaction of the human body to a food-borne allergen introduced by inhalation, ingestion, or skin contact that requires immediate medical attention.
(3) Harmony Public Schools will also require information from a child’s physician if the child has food allergies.
(4) If your child suffers from life-threatening food allergies, it is important to contact your school health office to obtain an Anaphylaxis & Food Allergy Action Form as well as a Special Dietary Accommodations form. This form should be filled out annually by your medical professional and given to the school health office along with any necessary medications such as Epi-Pens. If your child already has a 504 plan or you would like to refer him/her for Section 504 due to severe food allergy, please contact the Campus Special Education/504 Coordinator.
Food allergy information forms will be maintained in the child’s student records, and shall remain confidential. Information provided on food allergy information forms may be disclosed to teachers, school counselors, school health staff, and other appropriate school personnel only to the extent consistent with Board policy and as permissible under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (“FERPA”).
To request special dietary accommodations in school meals, the parent must have the Special Dietary Accommodations Form completed and signed by a licensed medical authority. Requests for a milk substitute may be signed by the parent. The Special Dietary Accommodation Form is located on the Child Nutrition page of the school website.
Fitness Testing
According to requirements under state law, the school will annually assess the physical fitness of students. The school is not required to assess a student for whom, as a result of disability or other condition identified by rule or law, the assessment exam is inappropriate. Annually, the coaches will conduct a physical fitness assessment mandated by the state of students in grades 3 – 12 and all students in physical education and or athletics in 9 - 12. These evaluations include physical activity tests such as mile and pacer tests as well as gathering data such as student height and weight. At the end of testing, the campus may send the results to all parent/guardian or make results available upon parent request.
Dyslexia and Related Disorders
From time to time, students may be tested and, where appropriate, treated for dyslexia and related disorders in accordance with programs, rules and standards approved by the State of Texas. The program approved by the state must include screening for each student in first grade by January 31st and at the end of the school year for each student in kindergarten. Parents will be notified should the school determine a need to assess their student for dyslexia and related disorders.
Students Qualifying for Dyslexia Services
A student may be eligible to receive dyslexia or related services as defined in the Dyslexia Handbook: Procedures Concerning Dyslexia and Related Disorders (2024 Update), as adopted by the State Board of Education, and its subsequent amendments, regarding any evaluation of the student. If Harmony suspects or has reason to suspect that a student may have dyslexia, including after evaluation or use of reading diagnosis, Harmony will comply with the requirements of Texas Education Code §§ 29.0031 and 29.0032, as well as all federal and state requirements regarding any evaluation of the student.
Dyslexia and Related Disorders-Information for Parents (opens in a new tab)
Vision and Hearing Screenings
All children enrolled in Texas schools must be screened for possible vision and hearing problems in accordance with regulations issued by the Texas Department of State Health Services. Students in certain grade levels identified by state regulations shall be screened for vision and hearing problems annually. A student may be screened using photoscreening or an electronic eye chart as a substitute for a printed eye chart to assess visual acuity. Screening records for individual students may be inspected by the Texas Department of State Health Services or a local health department and may be transferred to another school without parental consent.
Exemption
A student is exempt from screening requirements if screening conflicts with the tenets and practices of a recognized church or religious denomination of which the individual is an adherent or a member. To qualify for the exemption, the individual or, if the individual is a minor, the minor’s parent, managing conservator, or guardian, must submit to the Superintendent or designee on or before the day of admission an affidavit stating the objections to screening.
Spinal Screening
School-based spinal screening helps identify adolescents with abnormal spinal curvature and refer them for appropriate follow-up by their physician. Screening can detect scoliosis at an early stage, when the curve is mild and may go unnoticed. Early detection is key to controlling spinal deformities.
All students who meet Texas Department of State Health Services criteria will be screened for abnormal spinal curvature before the end of the school year. Spinal screening is non-invasive and conducted following the most recent, nationally accepted and reviewed standards for spinal screening.
A parent who declined participation in the spinal screening provided by the school must submit to the Principal documentation of a professional examination which includes the results of a forward-bend test. This documentation must be submitted to the school during the year the student is scheduled for screening or, if the professional exam is obtained during the following summer, at the beginning of the following school year.
Exemption
A student is exempt from screening if the screening conflicts with the tenets and practices of a recognized church or religious denomination of which the individual is an adherent or member. To qualify for the exemption, the student’s parent, managing conservator, or guardian must submit to the Superintendent or designee on or before the day of the screening procedure an affidavit stating the objections to screening.
Acanthosis Screening for Diabetes
Children in certain grade levels identified by the state must be screened for warning signs of diabetes.
Exemption
A student is exempt from screening if the screening conflicts with the tenets and practices of a recognized church or religious denomination of which the individual is an adherent or member. To qualify for the exemption, the student’s parent must submit to the Principal or designee on or before the day of the screening procedure an affidavit stating the objections to screening.
Preparedness Training
Harmony will offer instruction in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (“CPR”) and the use of an automated external defibrillator (“AED”) to students in grades 7–12. This instruction may be provided as part of any course. Students shall receive the instruction at least once before graduation. Harmony will annually offer students in grades 7–12 instruction on the use of bleeding control stations to respond to traumatic injury. For more information, see Homeland Security’s Stop the Bleed and Stop the Bleed Texas.
Steroid Notice
State law prohibits students from possessing, dispensing, delivering, or administering an anabolic steroid. Anabolic steroids are for medical use only, and only a physician can prescribe use.
Harmony Public Schools does not permit steroid use. A notice shall be posted in a conspicuous location in the school gym or in each other place in a building where physical education classes are conducted.
Health-Related Resources, Policies, and Procedures
Harmony Public Schools has adopted board policies that promote student physical and mental health, including:
- Food and nutrition management,
- Wellness and health services,
- Physical examinations,
- Immunizations,
- Medical treatment,
- Communicable diseases,
- Crisis intervention,
- Trauma-informed care,
- Student safety,
- Child abuse and neglect,
- Freedom from discrimination, harassment, and retaliation,
- Freedom from bullying and,
- Concussion management.
Harmony Public Schools has also developed administrative procedures as necessary to implement these policies. Please contact the school administration for information on these policies and procedures
Counseling Services
The school or district may provide a counselor to see students regarding problems that they may be experiencing at school or home. Parents, campus staff and even students can submit a Student Assistance Form through the link: www.harmonysaf.com (opens in a new tab). This form alerts campus counselors of students that may have a non-academic need. If it is determined that the student could benefit from counseling, a parent consent will need to be signed before the student can be seen. These services are not meant to take the place of external, personal, counseling services if the student or family should need them but are supportive in helping with short term or acute mental health or social-emotional supports.
Mental Health Promotion and Intervention
Harmony Public Schools has developed protocols for providing a parent with a recommended intervention for a student exhibiting early warning signs and a possible need for early mental health or substance abuse intervention, or who has been identified as at risk of attempting suicide. The Campus Counselor or if no counselor is available, the Dean of Student Culture will notify a parent within a reasonable amount of time after learning that a student has early warning signs and possible need for intervention. Campus counselors will also provide additional information on available counseling options.
Student Health Advisory Council (SHAC)
The SHAC is a state-required advisory group made up of parents and community members appointed by the school board. Its role is to ensure community values are reflected in health education and to make recommendations before any changes to the health curriculum. The SHAC also advises HPS on school health services, counseling, fitness, mental health, recess, and employee wellness. An annual report is submitted to the school board, and meeting notices, minutes, and recordings are posted online and at each campus. Additional information regarding the School Health Advisory Council is available from the Programs and Operations Departments.
Suicide Prevention
When a student is identified as being at-risk, a risk assessment will be completed by a trained school staff member who will work with the student and help connect the student to appropriate resources.
Notice of a student who is identified as at risk of attempting suicide may be provided to a parent or guardian of the student within a reasonable amount of time as allowed by law after the identification of early warning signs, unless notifying the parent will put the student at increased risk of harm or advised against by a law enforcement officer.
For students returning to school after a mental health crisis (e.g., suicide attempt or psychiatric hospitalization), procedures will take place prior to re-entry to support the student’s return and plan for the first day back.
Harmony Public Schools has also developed protocols for staff members to notify the Dean of Student Culture to identify a student who may need intervention.
The Dean of Student Culture can provide additional information about the school’s intervention program, as well as materials on identifying risk factors, accessing resources for treatment, and accommodations available at school. Contact information of the Dean of Student Culture can be found in the Skyward Staff Directory.
Mental Health Support
Harmony Public Schools has implemented programs to address the following mental health, behavioral health, and substance abuse concerns:
● Mental health promotion and early intervention;
● Building skills to manage emotions, establish and maintain
positive relationships, and engage in responsible
decision-making;
● Substance abuse prevention and intervention;
● Suicide prevention, intervention, and postvention
(interventions after a suicide in a community);
● Grief, trauma, and trauma-informed care;
● Positive behavior interventions and supports;
● Positive youth development; and
● Safe, supportive, and positive school climates.
Some examples of how schools will accomplish this are:
● Schools will participate in drug awareness activities, to help
students to understand the dangers of drug/alcohol abuse.
● Anti-bullying awareness programs will also be held on every
campus.
● Campuses will focus on aspects of character development to help create a more informed, empathetic student culture.
● Campuses have developed threat assessment teams to help intervene with students in crisis as soon as possible.
Notice of Threat Assessment
Before Harmony’s safe and supportive school team conducts a threat assessment of a student, the team must notify the parent of the student regarding the assessment. In conducting the assessment, the team shall provide an opportunity for the parent to:
1. Participate in the assessment, either in person or remotely; and
2. Submit to the team information regarding the student.
After completing a threat assessment of a student, the team shall provide to the parent of the student the team’s findings and conclusions regarding the student.
If a student has been hospitalized or placed in residential
treatment for a mental health concern or substance abuse, the school has procedures to support the student’s return to school.
Teachers and other school employees may discuss a student’s behavior or academic progress with the student’s parent or another employee; however, they are not permitted to recommend use of psychotropic drugs. A psychotropic drug is a substance used in the diagnosis, treatment, or prevention of a disease or as a component of a medication and that is intended to alter perception, emotion, or behavior. An employee who is a registered nurse, advanced nurse practitioner, a physician, or a certified or credentialed mental health professional can recommend that a student be evaluated by an appropriate medical practitioner, if appropriate.