A Message From
DR. Wright Argyle ISD Superintendent
P
arents and administrators across the country have long realized the importance of school nurses and the role of the school nurses on our campuses. In recent months, the role of these nurses has become even more valuable to communities, parents, and school personnel. School nurses are adjusting to the new normal of the COVID-19 pandemic. They’re still managing everything from skinned knees and allergic reactions to chronic disease care and mental health issues. But now they’re also on the front lines of trying to stop the spread of the new coronavirus in schools. They’re contact-tracing, enforcing mask-wearing, screening for symptoms, conducting disease surveillance, and educating teachers and staff about how and when to use personal protective equipment. High school principal, John King, praised Nurse Sherrie Thompson for her work. “Sherrie Thompson has been an invaluable asset on our campus, working daily to ensure the health and safety of our students, faculty, and staff. We cannot thank her enough for all she has done and will continue to do.” Scott Gibson, AMS Principal, said, “Nurse Maestas has done an absolutely tremendous job taking care of our students. She puts all of her energy into providing the best care. She also
Kat Fortino
6
• Argyle Insights • Winter 2020
works tirelessly to communicate with administrators on cases regarding how to proceed using district guidelines. I wouldn’t trade her for anything right now.” West Principal Renee Funderburg has Kat Fortino on her campus and said, “Nurse Kat has been the calm in the craziness of this year. There are many days she goes without eating lunch to make sure students are taken care of, that her parents understand procedures regarding COVID, and that teachers are safe and healthy. She is a rockstar!” Kris Wildeveld serves as the nurse at AIS and as the nurse coordinator for the district. At Argyle Intermediate, Principal Dr. Dawn Jordan said, “Nurse Kris and all the district nurses have been working tirelessly to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 in our schools. Nurse Kris has never lost her smile and sweet demeanor through it all! I am so thankful for her wealth of knowledge, her patience during tough times, and her heart as a servant.”
Traca Maestas
Emily Mericle
At Hilltop, Principal Dona Lumsden works with Nurse Emily Mericle and said, “The school nurse this year is working around the clock managing who should or should not come to school, who needs to test, contact-tracing, and many other after-hours needs. Even while doing all of that, she greets students with a smile for bandages, ice packs, medications, and upset tummies during the day. She is key to some of the most important decisions we are making this year.” The role of the nurse in our schools this year has been vital, and I appreciate each one of them so very much as I know that you as parents and community members do also.
Sherrie Thompson
Dr. Telena Wright Argyle ISD Superintendent
Kris Wildeveld
