ACADEMY SCHOOL

One of the most exciting parts of school nursing in WSESU is the life long connections that are built in our small community. School nurses care for students as well as families. The opportunity to support student needs, identify and rectify obstacles to equitable access and genuinely excellent care is by far the most rewarding and important part of my 25 years in nursing and 15 years as the school nurse at Academy School. Our community has the gift of an expanding demographic, racial and cultural diversity. We strive to anticipate and meet the needs of children through  building strong and trusting relationships with caregivers, fostering open communication, continuing education and collaboration with other educators and healthcare providers in the district and throughout the community. We have a fantastic team here at Academy School and I am proud to be a part of it. Every child deserves access to quality health care education and every child deserves a school nurse.

School is an important environment for education on numerous topics--and that does not stop at the classroom. Health education occurs in the health office everyday! Primary prevention is a crucial aspect of overall positive health outcomes. Prevention comes in the form of puberty and reproductive education, oral hygiene, personal hygiene, nutrition and mental health. The school health office works to foster an environment that is safe, nurturing and well-versed in a myriad of health issues. 

We hope to be partners in health and well-being. We strive to provide quality care and referrals so that all students can access learning and feel good about themselves. 

This fall, Meg will be entering her fourth year as one of the Academy School nurses. Prior to working at Academy, Meg worked on a medical/surgical unit at Baystate Franklin Medical Center. She also worked as a behavior interventionist at The Kindle Farm School in Newfane, Vermont. Her experience in both healthcare and education seemed to be a strong influence in her decision to embark on school nursing. Outside of school, Meg enjoys spending time with her two young kids and her husband. Meg and her family recently built a house in Newfane, Vermont where they enjoy taking walks and listening to bird calls.