2022 Back to School Tips

On August 16, 2022, 6,750 new COVID cases were reported in Texas, bringing the seven-day average to 9,540. Although hospitalizations have decreased, the average number of new cases is increasing.

As kids are heading back to school, concerned parents are looking for back-to-school tips regarding health and safety. Keep reading to learn them.

Back-to-School Tips for 2022

Keeping your kids safe as they return to school this year should be a top priority. Although the news about COVID-19 has died down, it’s still very possible to contract the disease.

On August 1, 2022, the Texas Education Agency (TEA) issued new public health guidance for COVID-19.

The executive order states that public school systems are required to operate in compliance with existing Texas laws and regulations. School systems do not require staff or students to wear masks.

However, if an individual in the school is confirmed to have COVID-19, the school needs to notify the local health department. The school cannot include students who have or are suspected of having COVID-19.

CDC Guidelines on Wearing Masks

Wearing masks is optional in Texas. If you are a parent considering sending your child to school in a mask, follow the guidelines from the CDC to keep them safe.

Children should wear a well-fitting and comfortable mask to protect themselves from COVID-19. Use these mask-wearing tips for children:

• Choose a size that fits under the chin and over the nose without impairing vision
• Follow user instructions for masks
• Choose a comfortable mask material

In addition to wearing a mask throughout the day, teach your child to wash their hands frequently and avoid touching their face often. You can send them to school with hand sanitizer as well.

General Wellness Tips

Practicing general wellness is an important part of back-to-school tips. Schools require that children’s shot records are up to date before returning.

If you have yet to get your child’s shots, do so right away. In the future, schedule routine checkups for your child before they go back to school.

Consider the COVID-19 vaccine for your kids to further protect them.

Health and safety are important to avoid becoming ill with COVID-19 or other diseases. Keep your kids healthy throughout the school year by feeding them the proper nutrients, following healthy practices, and getting enough sleep.

Children that don’t get enough sleep have a higher risk of the following:

• Poor mental health
• Diabetes
• Injuries
• Obesity
• Attention and behavior problems

It’s recommended that children between the ages of 6 and 12 should get 9-12 hours of sleep. Teenagers aged 13-18 should get about 8-10 hours of sleep each night.

Are Your Kids Ready to Go Back to School?

These back-to-school tips focus on health and safety for your kids. Following all of these safety practices can reduce their risk of contracting COVID-19 while around other kids.

If your children are still feeling unwell after returning from school, the local emergency room in Cibolo, TX is open all day and night for your family.

Sources:

22-23 public health guidance – texas education agency. (n.d.). Retrieved August 21, 2022, from https://tea.texas.gov/sites/default/files/covid/sy-22-23-public-health-guidance.pdf

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020, September 10). Sleep in Middle and high school students. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved August 21, 2022, from https://www.cdc.gov/healthyschools/features/students-sleep.htm

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (n.d.). Use and care of masks. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved August 21, 2022, from https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/about-face-coverings.html

Texas Department of State Health Services. (n.d.). Texas COVID-19 data. Texas Department of State Health Services. Retrieved August 21, 2022, from https://dshs.texas.gov/coronavirus/AdditionalData.aspx