Happy October, Braves Families!

It's hard to believe we're already well into the fall semester. October brings cooler weather, exciting school activities, and opportunities to focus on keeping our students healthy and engaged in learning.

As cold and flu season begins, I encourage families to practice healthy habits at home and at school. Getting enough sleep, staying hydrated, eating nutritious meals, washing hands frequently, and staying up to date on recommended vaccinations can help reduce the spread of illness and keep students feeling their best.

Thank you to the families who have already submitted health forms, action plans, and medication paperwork this year. If your child has a chronic health condition such as asthma, allergies, diabetes, or seizures, please remember to notify the nurse's office of any changes to medications, treatment plans, or emergency contacts.

October is also a great reminder that attendance matters. Healthy students who attend school regularly are better able to stay connected with their teachers, classmates, and learning opportunities. If your child becomes ill, please follow school illness guidelines and allow them time to recover before returning to school.

I am grateful for the partnership between our families, staff, and community as we work together to support the health and success of every student. If you have questions, concerns, or health updates to share, please don't hesitate to reach out.

Wishing everyone a safe, healthy, and enjoyable October!

We invite parents, guardians, and community members to be part of our School Health Advisory Council (SHAC) this school year. SHAC is a group that works together to support the health, safety, and well-being of our students. Members provide input on topics such as physical health, mental wellness, nutrition, school safety, and health education programs.

Your voice and perspective are valuable! By joining SHAC, you can help shape programs and initiatives that promote healthy, successful students and strengthen the connection between our schools and community. Whether you are a parent, healthcare professional, business leader, or community member, we welcome your participation.

SHAC meets just four times each school year, making it an easy and meaningful way to get involved. Members may attend meetings in person or via Zoom, providing flexibility for busy schedules.

If you are interested in serving on SHAC or would like to learn more, please join us at our first meeting of the school year. We look forward to working together to support the health and success of all students.

October is a time to raise awareness about the dangers of fentanyl and the risks associated with taking medications that were not prescribed specifically for you. Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that may be found in counterfeit pills made to look like legitimate prescription medications. In many cases, there is no way to tell if a pill contains fentanyl simply by looking at it.

Parents are encouraged to have open, age-appropriate conversations with their children about medication safety, peer pressure, and the importance of never taking medications from friends, social media, or other unverified sources.

Three Way ISD supports the Texas Education Agency's One Pill Kills initiative to educate students and families about the dangers of fentanyl and counterfeit pills. We encourage families to review the educational resources included in this newsletter and continue these important conversations at home.

Did you know counterfeit pills can be made to look like real prescription medications, but may contain fentanyl. Even a single pill can be dangerous or deadly. Talk with your child about medication safety and the importance of only taking medications prescribed by a trusted healthcare provider.

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental condition that can affect attention, organization, impulse control, activity level, and other aspects of daily life. While ADHD can present challenges, it can also come with strengths such as creativity, curiosity, energy, and unique ways of thinking.

For students with ADHD, understanding and support can make a big difference. Consistent routines, clear expectations, positive reinforcement, movement breaks, and breaking larger tasks into smaller steps can all help students be successful at school and at home. Most importantly, ADHD is not a matter of laziness, poor parenting, or a lack of effort. Students with ADHD benefit from patience, understanding, and support that meets them where they are.

This month, let's work together to promote understanding, reduce stigma, and celebrate the many ways our students learn and succeed! ❤️🖤

Red Ribbon Week is a time to remind our students about the importance of making healthy, safe, and drug-free choices. Red Ribbon Week encourages students to understand the risks associated with substance use, make positive decisions, and recognize that they have the power to take care of themselves and their future.

As part of our Red Ribbon Week activities, students will have the opportunity to participate in spirit days and prevention education throughout the week. Texas Health Resources (THR) will also be on campus to provide Fentanyl Abuse Prevention Education to students in grades 7–12.

❤️ Monday: Red Out — Wear ALL Red

🏕️ Tuesday: Camo Day

✨ Wednesday: Neon Day

🖤❤️ Thursday: Spirit Day — Wear Red & Black

We hope our Braves will join us in wearing their colors, participating in the activities, and helping spread the message: Be informed. Make healthy choices. Protect your future.

Stay tuned for additional Red Ribbon Week activities and information from Ms. Parker, our School Counselor! 

October is widely recognized as Breast Cancer Awareness Month, but it’s also a great time to talk about cancer awareness as a whole. Knowing when to screen - and knowing which changes deserve a conversation with your healthcare provider - can help catch cancer earlier, when treatment is often more successful.

🎗️ Breast Cancer

Women at average risk should begin regular mammograms at age 40. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends mammograms every 2 years from ages 40–74. Watch for: a new lump or thickening in the breast or underarm, changes in breast size or shape, nipple discharge or changes, or skin changes such as dimpling, puckering, redness, or scaling. 

🌸 Cervical Cancer

For average-risk women, cervical cancer screening begins at age 21. From ages 21–29, a Pap test is recommended every 3 years. From 30–65, screening options include HPV testing every 5 years, a Pap test every 3 years, or HPV/Pap co-testing every 5 years. Watch for: unusual vaginal bleeding or discharge, including bleeding after sex or between periods, or pelvic pain. Symptoms should be evaluated rather than waiting for the next screening.

🩸 Colorectal Cancer

Adults at average risk should begin colorectal cancer screening at age 45. Screening options include stool-based tests and visual exams such as colonoscopy; the appropriate interval depends on the test used. Watch for: blood in the stool, persistent changes in bowel habits, unexplained weight loss, abdominal discomfort, or ongoing fatigue.

🌬️ Lung Cancer

Annual low-dose CT screening is recommended for adults 50–80 years old who have a 20 pack-year or greater smoking history and currently smoke or have quit within the past 15 years. Watch for: a cough that doesn't go away, coughing up blood, persistent chest pain, shortness of breath, or unexplained weight loss.

There isn't a one-size-fits-all screening recommendation. For men 55–69, the decision to have PSA-based screening should be made after discussing the potential benefits and risks with a healthcare provider. Routine screening is not recommended for men age 70 and older by the USPSTF. Watch for: difficulty urinating, a weak or interrupted urine stream, blood in the urine or semen, or persistent pain in the back, hips, or pelvis.

World Sight Day, observed each October, reminds us that healthy vision is an important part of our overall health, learning, and quality of life. For children especially, identifying vision concerns early can make a big difference. Vision problems can affect classroom performance, reading, participation, and development - and children don't always realize that the way they see isn't typical.

A few simple habits can help protect healthy vision:

The International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB) offers Love Your Eyes Kids resources and activities designed specifically for children, parents, caregivers, and schools.

The World Health Organization's WHOeyes app is another free resource that can provide a basic visual-acuity check for people age 8 and older. It is not a substitute for a professional eye examination, but can be a helpful educational tool and reminder to prioritize eye health.