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Filling stations installed

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Three water fountains, one each at the elementary school, the junior high, and the high school, have recently been replaced with water bottle filling stations, according to school nurse Lisa Russell.

“We are so excited about our three new water bottle filling stations,” the nurse said. “They have refrigerated, filtered water and are great for flu season and throughout the year to keep our students and faculty hydrated. I cannot wait for the kids to see these when they return to school!”

Money for the water bottle filling stations was donated by both the School Health Advisory Council (SHAC) and the student council, added Russell.

“SHAC had a walkathon in April at the elementary that raised over $5,000!” Russell said. “Funds from this were used to purchase two of the fountains, and then the student council purchased the other fountain.” 

Regular water fountains can easily become contaminated with germs, which has been a major concern during flu outbreaks.

“We have been covering the (water fountain) mouth pieces during flu season to reduce the spread of germs,” said Russell. “Parents were donating water bottles last year in some of the classrooms, which really added extra trash each day, and this should eliminate some of that. The water bottle filling stations are definitely more sanitary than traditional fountains.”

Students and staff will be able to bring their own bottles to refill throughout the day. 

SHAC

School districts in Texas are required to have school health advisory councils, which meet four times per year or more, according to Russell.

“They evaluate health policies and other health related activities for students and staff,” she said. “We are always looking for more volunteers and members for our SHAC.”

According to the school nurse, the Albany ISD SHAC also manages the weekend backpack program, has a staff wellness/fitness challenge in the spring, hosts the walkathon, and provides healthy breakfast options for students during testing days at the secondary campus.

For more information, call Russell at 325-762-3384.