Hallsville Independent School District

School nursing is a specialized practice of nursing that advances the well-being, academic success, and lifelong achievement and health of students. Keeping children healthy, safe, in school, and ready to learn should be a top priority for both healthcare and educational systems. With approximately 50.1 million students in public elementary and secondary schools, educational institutions are excellent locations to promote health in children and the school nurse is uniquely positioned to meet the student's health needs.

A student’s health is directly related to his or her ability to learn. Children with unmet health needs have a difficult time engaging in the educational process. The school nurse supports student success by providing health care through assessment, intervention, and follow-up for all children within the school setting. The school nurse addresses the physical, mental, emotional, and social health needs of students and supports their achievement in the learning process.

District Wellness Policy

HISD is committed to the optimal development of every student. The District believes that for students to have the opportunity to achieve personal, academic, developmental and social success, we need to create positive, safe and health-promoting learning environments at every level, in every setting, throughout the school year.    

Research shows that two components, good nutrition and physical activity before, during and after the school day, are strongly correlated with positive student outcomes. For example, student participation in the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) School Breakfast Program is associated with higher grades and standardized test scores, lower absenteeism and better performance on cognitive tasks. Conversely, less-than-adequate consumption of specific foods including fruits, vegetables and dairy products, is associated with lower grades among students. In addition, students who are physically active through active transport to and from school, recess, physical activity breaks, high-quality physical education and extracurricular activities – do better academically. Finally, there is evidence that adequate hydration is associated with better cognitive performance. 

This plan outlines the District’s approach to ensuring environments and opportunities for all students to practice healthy eating and physical activity behaviors throughout the school day while minimizing commercial distractions.

Suicide Prevention

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, now known as the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline as of 2022, is a free, confidential support service available 24/7 to anyone in emotional distress or experiencing a mental health or suicide-related crisis. By calling or texting 988, individuals are connected with trained crisis counselors who listen, provide support, and help connect callers to local resources when needed. The lifeline is available to anyone—whether you're struggling yourself or are concerned about a friend or loved one.

The goal of the 988 Lifeline is to provide immediate help and hope during moments of emotional pain or uncertainty. Counselors are equipped to assist with a wide range of mental health challenges, including anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts, substance use, and trauma. This resource is especially important for youth, families, and school communities working to support emotional well-being and prevent crises before they escalate.

Hallsville ISD is committed to student safety and mental health, and we encourage families, students, and staff to be aware of and utilize the 988 Lifeline when needed. Knowing that help is just three digits away can make all the difference in a moment of crisis. For more information, visit 988lifeline.org.

Texting “HELP” to 741741 connects you to the Crisis Text Line, which is a separate but also free and confidential 24/7 support service.

A School Health Advisory Council (SHAC) is a group of individuals—primarily parents, along with school staff, students, health professionals, and community members—who work together to support and promote student health and well-being within the school district. The purpose of a SHAC is to provide guidance and recommendations to the district on coordinated school health programming, policies, and curriculum.

In Texas, state law requires each school district to establish a SHAC to ensure that community values are reflected in health education and related services. A SHAC typically addresses topics such as nutrition, physical activity, mental health, health education, and school safety. The council may also review wellness policies, support health screenings, and help implement programs that encourage healthy lifestyles for students and staff.

The majority of members must be parents who are not employed by the district. Texas law (Texas Education Code, Title 2, Subtitle F, Chapter 28, Subchapter A, §28.004) requires the establishment of a SHAC for every school district. SHACs are required to meet at least four times each year.

By bringing together families, educators, and community experts, SHACs play a vital role in creating a healthy school environment that supports academic achievement and lifelong wellness. Their recommendations help schools make informed decisions that align with the needs and values of the local community.

SHAC Meetings

All meetings are held in person at Hallsville North Elementary, or via Google Meet, from 4-5 p.m. For more information and to join via Google Meet, please email Amber Holt at aholt@hisd.com.

SHACs assist the districts in ensuring that local community values are reflected in health education instruction. Additionally, SHACs play an important role in strengthening the connection between health and learning. They can help parents and community stakeholders reinforce the knowledge and skills children need to stay healthy for a lifetime.

In School Health Advisory Council: A Guide for Texas School Districts (Publication N. E05-12431), the Texas Department of State Health Services provides school staff and community members basic information about the value of SHACs in creating a healthy school environment for students.

How To Start, Run, and Maintain a SHAC