District administrator's corner

by Loren Glasbrenner,  River Valley School District Administrator Featuring different teams throughout the year has been an incredible process. The practice of recognizing and thanking professionals not only makes us pause to be aware, but to analyze the work and incredible care people have provided. And, our school nursing team has provided a tremendous amount of care. The school nursing team for the River Valley School District is absolutely incredible. Jordyn Wendhausen, Brittiney Belche, and Heather Olson care for our kids, families, and staff like no other. Their work is firmly grounded in the field of medicine, school nursing practice, school health policy, and school health programming—but I can sum up their diverse work in one word…love. They love our students like no other. When a student is feverish, they love our kids. When a student is bleeding and crying, they love our kids. When a student is worried and in need, they love our kids. When a student is bruised, vomiting, needs COVID-19 testing, has a diabetic need, needs medicine, needs a presentation on anatomy in health class, needs a bandage, or love, students seek out the school nurse. The River Valley School District recognizes that we can improve student outcomes through social and emotional support by building positive relationships and increasing school engagement. Our nursing team engages in conversations about well-being each and every day. In a world that has evolved through a pandemic, staff and families found our school nursing team critical in their children’s education. The administrative team carefully monitored data weekly (and still does) with the help of our school nursing team. Within any school district there are partnerships that evolve during a crisis. Jordyn, Brittiney, and Heather have been there through the thick and thin to help process decisions for this incredibly fortunate district.  Wednesday, May 11, is National School Nurse Day. National School Nurse Day was established to foster a better understanding of the role of school nurses in the educational setting. Students and schools today face more complex and challenging health problems, requiring incredible care and love. Our district can face these challenges with the help of our incredible nursing team. Leo Buscalgia, author and professor of education, states that “too often we underestimate the power of a kind word, a listening ear, an act of caring … all of which have the potential to turn a life around.” These individuals have found a way to balance the care in a health profession with the care needed in a school setting. We are immensely grateful for their service to the families in The Valley.