10 Tips for Going Back to School Safely

As students across Texas return to the classroom, it’s important for parents to keep health and safety top of mind – not just supply lists and schedules. Staying proactive about wellness can help protect your child and the entire school community.

Across Texas, hospitals and health systems partner with schools and communities to support students’ health beyond the classroom — from nutrition programs and wellness initiatives to preventive care and safety education. Here are 10 tips to guide you through the year ahead:

1. Keep Vaccinations Up to Date

Vaccinations help protect children and the communities around them from preventable illnesses. Before the school year begins, check with your child’s pediatrician and school district to make sure required immunizations are up to date. Recommendations can change, so families should confirm current requirements and discuss recommended vaccines – including seasonal vaccines like influenza and COVID-19 – with their health care provider.

2. Reinforce Good Hygiene

School means close contact with others, so handwashing is essential. Teach your child to wash hands with soap and water – before eating, after using the restroom and after coughing or sneezing. Provide hand sanitizer for when sinks aren’t available, and remind them to cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or elbow.

3. Fuel with Balanced Nutrition

A well-nourished child is better prepared to learn, focus and participate throughout the school day. Start the day with a nutritious breakfast including whole grains, protein and fruit. Pack balanced lunches and snacks, limiting highly processed foods and sugary drinks when possible. Good nutrition supports immunity, energy levels and overall health.

Community Spotlight: Farmersville Schools Serve Up Healthier Choices for Students

Back-to-school preparation is about more than backpacks and school supplies – it’s also about making sure students have access to nutritious foods that fuel learning, growth and overall health.

Through a partnership with Texas Health Resources, Farmersville Independent School District transformed its school nutrition program by moving away from highly processed foods and creating more opportunities for students to enjoy fresh, nutritious meals.

With support from Texas Health’s community health initiatives, Farmersville cafeteria staff received culinary training and implemented new approaches to food preparation, including introducing fresh ingredients, sourcing produce from local farmers and incorporating food grown in school gardens.

The district also introduced “Try It Fridays,” giving students the chance to sample new fruits and vegetables and discover healthy foods they enjoy. By making changes gradually and listening to student preferences, Farmersville was able to replace less nutritious options with fresh alternatives students wanted to eat.

The results have been significant:

Reduced canned fruit use by 100%
Reduced canned vegetable use by 95%
Replaced high-sugar breakfast options with healthier choices, including fresh fruit and yogurt

The program demonstrates how schools, hospitals and communities can work together to create healthier environments for children – helping students build lifelong healthy habits while supporting their ability to learn and thrive.

Parents can ask their child’s school about available nutrition programs, school gardens and community health resources that may be available in their area.

4. Practice Allergy Awareness

If your child has allergies, work with the school to ensure teachers and the nurse know what to do in an emergency. Provide necessary medications and review safety steps with your child. Even if your child doesn’t have allergies, teach them not to share food, snacks, or medicine with classmates. Ask about school allergy policies – such as nut-free zones – to help protect all students.

5. Encourage Daily Physical Activity

Regular movement benefits physical health, mood and sleep. Encourage sports, recess, or simply playing outside after school. Aim for 60 minutes of activity each day to build healthy habits and reduce stress. As temperatures remain high across Texas, remind children to drink water regularly, take breaks during outdoor activities and recognize signs of heat-related illness.

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6. Support Mental Health

The start of a school year can bring anxiety, especially with new classes, teachers, or social situations. Check in with your child often and encourage open conversation about how they’re feeling. If you notice ongoing stress, anxiety, or signs of depression, seek help from a counselor or mental health professional.

Community Spotlight: Cook Children’s Helps Families Navigate Back-to-School Health

Back-to-school season brings new routines, new questions and sometimes new challenges for families. To help parents and caregivers navigate the transition, Cook Children’s Health Care System has launched Mindful Monday Medicine, a series of health and wellness resources focused on all things back to school.

The series features guidance from Cook Children’s subject matter experts on topics relevant to children and families, with articles published through the health system’s Checkup Newsroom. The first story in the series offers practical back-to-school health information to help families prepare for the year ahead.

Cook Children’s is also expanding how families can access this information. A new podcast, available in both English and Spanish, is planned to bring the health and wellness topics featured in Checkup Newsroom to an additional format. The content will cover a range of child health and wellness topics and is designed for anyone raising a child.

For parents looking for trusted health information beyond the school supply list, resources like these can be a helpful place to start.

7. Set Healthy Sleep Routines

Sleep is critical for learning and mood. In the weeks before school starts, shift bedtime earlier so kids get adequate rest – 9-12 hours for younger children and 8-10 for teens. Encourage healthy technology habits by setting boundaries around screen time, social media use and device-free times, especially before bed. A consistent schedule can improve focus and energy levels throughout the day.

8. Practice Backpack Safety

Keep backpacks lightweight and avoid overloading them. A backpack should fit properly, have wide padded straps and be worn with both straps. If your child experiences back, neck or shoulder pain, adjust the fit or reduce the load.

9. Review Bus and Pedestrian Safety

If your child takes the bus, teach them to wait safely away from the curb, board only after the bus stops and cross in front where the driver can see them. For walkers, practice the route, use sidewalks when possible and stay alert – no headphones or phone distractions when crossing streets.

10. Know School Health Policies

Stay informed on your school’s illness and safety protocols. Know when your child should stay home due to illness and when it’s safe to return to school. Many schools provide guidance on symptoms such as fever, vomiting, diarrhea and contagious illnesses. When in doubt, contact your child’s health care provider or school nurse. Be aware of any rules around hygiene, mask use, or preventive measures so you can reinforce them at home.

A Safe Start for a Successful Year

By focusing on these safety and health basics, you can help your child – and their classmates – enjoy a healthier, more successful school year. Preparation, communication and awareness go a long way toward protecting your child’s well-being, both inside and outside the classroom.

Additional Back to School Resources from Texas Hospitals

UTMB Health: Back to School Resources
Parkland Health: Back to School 101
Children’s Health: Preventing Back-to-School Sickness
Cook Children’s: Your Healthy Back-to-School Checklist
Baylor Scott & White: Back To School
Memorial Hermann: Back to School Safety
CHRISTUS Health: Returning to School
Texas Health: Good For You Healthy Hub and THRIVE Program

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