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TeSA Weekly Newsletter
11-8-2024
Dance-A-Thon Last Week
TeSA Families,
Dance-A-Thon is still going! We are collecting donations until Friday, November 15th. There are still several chances for participating students to win prizes and for our staff to do silly activities as we reach our goals. When Dance-a-thon fundraising reaches $15,000, we will need a few students to pie Mrs. Young and Ms. Barter in the face! If your student wants a chance to get picked for this honor, please send an email to TeSAdanceathon@gmail.com with your child's name, homeroom teacher and the answer to this question: What is the last thing you see on the dance-a-thon video BEFORE the credits?
Click HERE or use the QR code below to donate. Thank you for sharing this link with any of your friends and family who want to help us reach our $25,000 goal by next Friday!
Artistically & Academically Yours,
Betsy Compton, M.A., M.A.T., M.Ed.
Principal
Texas School of the Arts
TeSA Library
Our TeSA Library has been closed to students for the past few weeks as our awesome parent volunteers have switched us over to a brand new software system. We are excited to open back up and welcome students. All students will visit the library once per week, but only students with approval will be allowed to take home books. Please fill out the permission form linked below to indicate your preference.
Click HERE to fill out the TeSA Library Permission Form.
Sign up for Capitol Connections Week
A message from Texas Public Charter School Association:
Exciting news! As we gear up for the legislative session, one of the bedrock events that kicks off the season is Capitol Connections Week. It is one week of TPCSA-coordinated 30-minute virtual meetings between state lawmakers and their charter school constituents, from November 18th to 22nd. The lawmaker representing TeSA is HD 97: John McQueeney.
Click HERE to submit the information we need from you to participate and represent Texas School of the Arts.
If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to reach out to Rebecca at TPCSA (rthomas@txcharterschools.org). They will send you information and materials to prepare for meetings.
New Over the Counter Medication Policy
As published from the Texas Board of Nursing (BON):
The Nurses Practice Act (NPA) establishes clear boundaries for nursing practice, explicitly stating that it does not encompass medical diagnosis or the prescription of therapeutic or corrective measures. Consequently, administering over-the-counter medication without a valid order falls outside the scope of vocational and professional nursing practice. This regulation is consistent across all practice settings, including educational environments. The NPA is silent on the universal and standard use of safe over-the-counter medications when the parent or guardian appropriately authorizes the treatment option to be administered by a school nurse. The BON recognizes the importance of parental authority and autonomy regarding their children's medical care. Texas’s regulatory framework is designed to prioritize patient safety while respecting parental decisions. School nurses are an integral and indispensable part of the healthcare team who work in concert with parents and providers to ensure safe and effective delivery of healthcare to students. The BON’s primary focus remains on ensuring that students receive safe and appropriate care in school settings.
The BON recognizes the importance of parental authority and autonomy regarding their children's medical care. Texas’s regulatory framework is designed to prioritize patient safety while respecting parental decisions. School nurses are an integral and indispensable part of the healthcare team who work in concert with parents and providers to ensure safe and effective delivery of healthcare to students. The BON’s primary focus remains on ensuring that students receive safe and appropriate care in school settings.
The BON acknowledges that while some districts have standing delegation orders, others require the parent to secure orders from the student’s provider for all medications, including over-the-counter options. Orders for medication can be specific to an individual patient or generalized through standing delegation orders for particular patient populations under certain conditions. In instances where standing delegation orders are utilized, nurses must assess whether such orders apply to a given patient’s situation. The Board recognizes that requiring a parent to provide an order from a student’s provider for seemingly innocuous over-the-counter medications can be burdensome.
In response to recent inquiries and feedback, the BON is reviewing and updating its guidance on over-the-counter medication administration in schools. The Board is consulting with the Texas School Nurses Organization and other relevant stakeholders to develop guidance that aligns with legal standards and practical considerations. Not all over-the-counter medicines and treatments are without risks, depending on the child’s specific condition. This updated guidance will revise the previous recommendations issued in 2006. While this statutory framework is not new, the updated guidance will clarify the previous direction issued by the Board. Until then, the Board will heavily weigh good faith reliance on its previous guidance.
Until further guidance is provided by the BON, Texas School of the Arts will seek a standing order for over-the counter medications and continue to receive parental consent before administering. We will keep you posted on these guidelines.
REPEATED INFORMATION
Dress Code
This week, all students should be back to wearing their regular uniforms. Our next dress-up day is our Free Dress for Paper on November 22nd. Until then, please make sure your student is wearing the correct attire.
Our TeSA uniform is mix and match, giving families a lot of daily options. As you plan your child's outfits, please note the following:
- Polos should ONLY be red and blue. (NO white)
- Polos must have the TeSA logo.
- The light blue button-up shirt can be purchased from any location, but must match the Flynn O'Hara color.
- Jumpers must be plaid #36 from Flynn O'Hara. (NO khaki)
- ONLY TeSA jackets and sweaters are allowed in the building. When the weather turns cold, students may bring thicker jackets to wear during recess. For now, leave other hoodies and jackets at home.
- No hats are allowed unless it is a dress up day.
Immunizations & Upcoming Health Screenings
In compliance with state law, each student must be immunized against the following diseases and provide an updated immunization record to the school every year. Please review the list below and send your child's documentation to edna.robinson@mytesa.org or bring a paper copy to the front office.
• Diphtheria/ Tetanus
• Rubella/Measles/Mumps
• Varicella (or documentation of having chicken pox disease)
• Poliomyelitis
• Meningitis * for students on or after 11th birthday
• Hepatitis B
• Hepatitis A
The Texas State Board of Health requires vision, hearing, and spinal screenings for students in specific grade levels. Nurse Edna will contact the families of any students who show concerns. If your child recently completed vision, hearing, and spinal curvature exams at a doctor's office, you can send the documentation to edna.robinson@mytesa.org or bring a paper copy to the front office to exempt your child from the school process.
You can read more about these policies in the Student Handbook on the Resources tab of the website.
Illness at School
Although our reported COVID and flu cases have dropped considerably, we are still seeing quite a few students coming to school with cold and virus symptoms. If your child has any symptoms, please stay home at least 24 hours. If you have any questions, you can reference our Health Clinic policy on page 30 of the Student Handbook or email Nurse Edna at edna.robinson@mytesa.org
Front Parking Lot
TeSA offers the walk-up option at both arrival and dismissal as an additional service to our families. This has only been allowed in the last few years, and in order to continue this privilege, we need all drivers to follow our TeSA procedures. Please share these reminders with anyone who may drop off or pick up your child:
- The front parking lot is one way only. Drivers must enter the south entrance and exit at the north end.
- Drivers must utilize a parking space when picking up or dropping off. Students may not enter or exit the vehicle unless the car is fully parked between designated parking lines.
- Drivers must be patient! The parking lot can sometimes take longer than the driveline due to the need for cars to safely back out and clear the way for the next vehicle.
- We expect our TeSA adults to follow the same expectations as our students. There should be no yelling, cussing, or threatening hand gestures at our officer or other drivers.
Thank you to everyone following these procedures and setting a good example for our students!
Dismissal Time
As a reminder, our school day ends at 3:15 for K-1st grade and at 3:30 for 2nd-5th. If you need to check out your child early, our cut-off time is 3:00. Our teachers and staff are officially dismissed at 3:45, so thank you for picking up your child prior to 3:45 through the driveline or walk-up area. If you are struggling to pick up your child on time, please make arrangements for your student to stay after school through our TCA+A Conservatory classes or Clayton Youth program. You can learn more about both options through our TeSA Resources tab of the website.
We understand unexpected delays will occasionally occur. If you're late to pick up your child, please come to the front office. Parents who are late more than three times may be charged a late pick-up fee. Thank you for your help getting our students home safely and on time!
UPCOMING EVENTS
Connect with Us Online
https://www.facebook.com/TexasSchoolOfTheArts
TeSA Instagram Page
https://www.instagram.com/tesa_fw
TeSA PTO Facebook Page
https://www.facebook.com/groups/tesapto
TeSA PTO Website
TCA+A Facebook Page
https://www.facebook.com/ArtsAcademics
TCA+A Instagram Page
https://www.instagram.com/tesa_fwhttps://www.instagram.com/artsacademics/
TCA+A LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/company/texas-center-for-arts-academics