1. What is SB 12, and why is NYOS requiring new parental consent forms?
Texas Senate Bill 12 (SB 12) is a new state law that requires schools to obtain written parental consent before a student can:
- Participate in clubs or organizations,
- Receive school-based health services, or
- Receive counseling services provided by qualified district staff (such as nurses, counselors, social workers, athletic personnel, and other certified health or mental health professionals).
This law applies to all Texas public and charter schools, including NYOS.
2. What does this mean for my family?
Parents and guardians must complete new consent forms for each student enrolled at NYOS. Without these forms on file, NYOS staff will not be able to provide non-emergency health or counseling services or allow students to participate in clubs or organizations.
3. Where do I complete the SB 12 consent forms?
Families can access and complete the forms through Skyward Family Access. Once logged in, you will see the SB 12 consent forms listed under your student’s profile.
If you need help logging in, please contact
[email protected] or your campus front office.
4. When is the deadline to submit the consent forms?
All families must submit completed forms by Thursday, November 21, 2025. However, we strongly encourage you to complete them as soon as possible to ensure your child’s access to health, counseling, and club participation is not interrupted.
5. What happens if I don’t complete the consent forms by the deadline?
After Thanksgiving break, schools are required to follow SB 12 guidelines:
- Students will not be able to participate in clubs or organizations until consent is received. Club sponsors will be sending home these permission slips soon, so that parents may sign them.
- Students may still receive emergency medical care, but for non-emergency situations (like a headache, scraped knee, or ice pack), staff must contact a parent or guardian before providing care if the form is missing.
- Counseling services will also require parental consent before being offered.
6. What is meant by “general permission”?
The SB 12 consent form provides general permission for your child to participate in clubs, receive health care, or counseling as needed.
Please note that individual clubs and activities will still require separate, specific permission forms for participation in their events or programs.
7. What kinds of services are considered “school-based health services”?
This includes care provided by school nurses or other trained staff, such as:
- First aid (bandages, ice packs, etc.)
- Temperature checks
- Assessment of illness or injury
- Administration of medications with prior authorization
- Emergency medical response
8. Who are the “qualified district staff” who may provide counseling or support services?
Qualified staff may include:
- School counselors
- Licensed social workers
- Nurses and health professionals
- Athletic trainers
- Certified mental health specialists
These professionals are part of NYOS’s student support team and are trained to work with children and adolescents.
9. What if I change my mind after submitting the form?
Parents can update or withdraw consent by emailing the request to
[email protected]. Any changes will be effective once the school receives and processes the updated form.
10. Who can I contact if I have questions?
NYOS will provide a dedicated email address for questions related to SB 12 and the consent process:
[email protected]
