We join school districts across our nation today, May 10, 2023, in celebrating National School Nurse Day - a day designated to recognize school nurses who work as valued members of our school teams to support the whole child: health and wellness, learning and growth of all students. This year, Governor Whitmer has also proclaimed May 10, 2023, as Michigan School Nurse Day.
National School Nurse Day was established more than 50 years ago to foster an improved understanding of the role of the school nurse in schools and to recognize the important contributions school nurses make to student, school and community success. During recent years, the responsibilities of the school nurse have become increasingly more significant and critical for our students, school teams and families, most especially those for whom access to quality healthcare beyond the school setting continues as a challenge.
School nurses are often the first place a student thinks to go when they don’t feel well or have been hurt, and they are a critical resource when a student, parent or staff member has important health questions. School nurses provide a wealth of real-time support, guidance and compassion each day; they share knowledge and information, reassure in critical moments and focus their efforts on a healthy life for students in support of student well-being, academic learning and growth. School nurses provide the critical connection between health and a quality educational experience.
According to CDC data, In the United States, more than 40% of school-aged children and teens have at least one chronic health condition, like asthma, diabetes, seizure disorders, food allergies or poor oral health. Students with chronic conditions may miss school more often than others, which can affect academic performance. For these students, school nurses or health centers offer vital help every day in managing their conditions.
The National Association of School Nurses and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend that school districts provide a fullātime school nurse in every school building, and in the AAPS, we will continue a strong press in advocating for Michigan and federal school funding to support this critical health need for our children, families, and community.
Our highly trained school nurses are constant, valued members of the AAPS team; our school nurse team continues to demonstrate care, consistency and commitment as they coordinate with public health agencies and provide real-time guidance on health and well-being.
We have deep gratitude for our school nurses for all their work in caring for and supporting the health of our students, their families and our staff in the Ann Arbor Public Schools community. Thank you, AAPS Nurses!
On behalf of the Ann Arbor Public Schools and the Board of Education, please join me in recognizing and thanking our school nurses for their dedication in all they do every day for our children, their families and our colleagues.
Jeanice Kerr Swift
Superintendent of Schools
Ann Arbor Public Schools
