Happy Tiger Tuesday (TWOS-DAY)…2/2/22!
We’ll be celebrating Nurses & Health Care Professionals, Guidance/Counseling Department, MHTs, and Special Services.
Please join us as we pay tribute to these outstanding people!
VIDEO, Dr. Hoffert's Message: Tribute
- Nurses & Health Care Professionals
Tracey Akers, Nurse Coordinator/ EMS School Nurse, explains, "WCS is fortunate to have 11 School Nurses, 2 Specialized Nurses, 2 full-time Health Room Assistants, and 2 part-time Assistants that play a big role in the health and safety of our students and staff. "School Nurse" is one title, but we have many vital roles. We are Healthcare Providers for students with chronic conditions, illnesses, or injuries. We are Care Coordinators for students with complex health conditions as well as coordinating health and community services for our students and families. We are School Health Leaders that plan and advocate for programs and policies that improve student health outcomes. We are Public Health Liaisons who share important health and prevention information. We are Emergency Responders who develop and implement emergency action plans. We use our assessment skills and first aid knowledge to make timely decisions in emergency situations. But most importantly, we use 'evidence-based practice' to support the needs of the 'whole student' and acknowledge the connection of health to academic performance. We are here to support and collaborate with teachers and staff so our students are the best versions of themselves and ready to learn.
I want to personally thank my nursing staff for going above and beyond in providing a safe learning environment during the last two years. We have spent countless hours providing accurate data, helping to implement proven mitigation strategies, and assisting with contact tracing during the Covid-19 pandemic. Please, when you have a moment, thank your school nurse and nursing support staff for all they have done.”
We applaud you all - Thank you to all who serve WCS as a nurse or medical professional. You matter!
Front row: Toni Correll, CMA, Gateway; Xochitl Cervantes, RN, Jefferson; Joan Wells, RN, Lakeview; Lisa Secrist, RN, Eisenhower
Back row: Randy Heinsman, RN, Washington; Tracey Akers, RN, Edgewood/Nurse Coordinator; Jessica Vander Molen, RN, Madison; Rachelle Himes, RN, Leesburg; Brenda Bowers, RN, WCHS; Pat Spurr, RN, Lincoln; Sarah Bishop, RN, Harrison; Melody Teel, CMA, WCHS
- Counseling Department
The Counseling Department would like to share their mission and vision. WCHS school counselors interact daily with staff, parents, and students to embrace the mission and vision of the department.
WCHS School Counseling Mission Statement:
To create a warm, positive, inviting/safe environment that cultivates a successful comprehensive, developmental counseling program that addresses the personal/social, academic and career development of all of our students.
WCHS School Counseling Vision:
Every student will be equipped to obtain the necessary academic, career and personal/social skills needed to reach their dreams and enrich the lives of others.
From Left: Rhonda Graney (Class of 2023), Luisa Davis (Co-Director of School Counseling), Karen Dubbeld (Administrative Assistant), Scot Seney (Class of 2022), Sarah Graham (Co-Director of School Counseling), Ginger Barnes (Administrative Assistant), Sarah Wallen (Class of 2025), Deb Thompson (Class of 2024), Geri Heagy (Registrar).
Mandy Bailey: At-Risk Counselor, Step-One WCHS
I’m sure we can all agree …they LIVE their MISSION and we are all better for it. Thank you to all who serve WCS in the Counseling Department. We appreciate you!
MHTs & Special Services
Amy Hobbs, Director of Special Education, shared the following tribute, “If you look up the definition of ‘special’, it states ‘something that is better, greater, but different from what is usual.’ These professionals embody this definition on a daily basis. They work diligently to prepare our students, both physically and mentally, to be ‘primed’ for learning each day. This group of providers, which includes Mental Health Therapists, Occupational Therapists, Physical Therapists, Coordinators, School Psychologists, and Preschool Teachers, are among the best! When COVID changed our ability to work directly with students, they demonstrated the ability to effectively provide teletherapy to students and families (some of them across 5 school districts!). Today we would like to honor them and say ‘Thank You from our staff, students, and families!’”
For your expertise and professionalism to support children and families in our district, and beyond, we are truly grateful! Thank you to all who serve WCS as MHTs and Special Service providers. We honor you today!
#wcsmission #togetherwearewarsaw