COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA
DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
P.O. BOX 2120
RICHMOND, VIRGINIA 23218-2120
SUPTS. MEMO NO. 79
INFORMATIONAL
|
TO: |
Division
Superintendents |
|
FROM: |
Jo Lynne
DeMary Superintendent
of Public Instruction |
|
SUBJECT: |
School
Nurse Appreciation Day |
Governor Mark R. Warner has officially recognized May 7, 2003, as School Nurse Appreciation Day in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
School nurses have played a vital role in improving the health and well-being of our nations children for the past 100 years. In Virginia, school health services began in 1909 with scoliosis screenings in Norfolk public schools and in Richmond City public schools with employment of one part-time school nurse. Portsmouth City public schools in 1913 employed a school physician and three nurses to provide health services to their students.
The primary role of the school nurse is to support student learning and academic success. Important outcomes of school nurse intervention are management of health care for students with chronic illness, decreased accidents at school, improved attendance, and academic success.
Division superintendents are encouraged to join Governor Warner and the Department of Education in recognizing Virginia school nurses as they serve to make health a priority for children during the school day.
Should you
have any questions please contact Gwen P. Smith, school health specialist at
804-786-8671 or email at gsmith@mail.vak12ed.edu.