COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA

DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

P.O. BOX 2120

RICHMOND, VIRGINIA 23218-2120

SUPTS. MEMO NO. 86

April 22, 2005

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 11, 2005, as School Nurse Appreciation Day in the Commonwealth of Virginia. The Certificate of Recognition can be found at the following website:

http://www.pen.k12.va.us/VDOE/Instruction/Health/home.html.

The Certificate provides recognition for the contributions and work of school nurses, including:

• Promoting and protecting Virginias children by administering preventative and primary health care
• Attending to the physical and emotional needs of children
• Emphasizing the importance of a balanced diet, proper hygiene and daily exercise
• Coordinating care for students with existing and potential health problems
• Creating healthy and safe environments for learning
• Collaborating with others to build student and family capacity for adaptation, self-management, self- advocacy, and learning

Division superintendents are encouraged to join with Governor Warner and the Department of Education in recognizing Virginia school nurses as they serve with compassion and dedication and faithfully work 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 Gwen.smith@doe.virginia.gov.

JLD/gps