District to Celebrate National School Nurses Day on May 7

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Aldine ISD will honor its school nurses on Wednesday, May 7, as part of National School Nurses Day, recognizing their essential role in keeping students healthy, safe, and ready to learn. Special celebrations are planned for National School Nurse Day on Wednesday, May 7.

The celebration falls within Nurse Appreciation Week, observed May 6–10, 2025. This year’s national theme, “School Nurses: Here for Every Student,” comes from the National Association of School Nurses and highlights school healthcare professionals’ dedication, compassion, and expertise.

“Nurse Appreciation Week is an opportunity to recognize the dedication, compassion, and expertise of the healthcare professionals who serve on the front lines of student wellness every single day,” said Dr. Angela Singletary, Aldine ISD director of health services.

Aldine ISD School Nurses

Singletary praised the district’s nurses as trusted leaders, caregivers, and advocates. From managing chronic health conditions and emergencies to promoting wellness and preventing disease, Singletary said, Aldine’s school nurses make a meaningful impact on students and staff.

“School nurses are often the first to recognize warning signs of chronic illnesses, mental health concerns, abuse, poor vision/hearing, or developmental delays,” said Singletary. “For example, a nurse might detect abnormal weight loss, indicating undiagnosed diabetes, or observe emotional withdrawal that leads to timely mental health referrals.”

In addition to direct care, school nurses provide comprehensive care, connecting families with needed services such as immunization clinics, Medicaid/SNAP application assistance, referrals to dental or vision providers, and help with chronic disease support. They also create Individualized Healthcare Plans and collaborate with teachers and counselors to support student learning, ensuring a secure environment for all.

Did you know?

• • AISD employs 77 school nurses, and each campus is staffed by one full-time nurse. Campuses with high enrollment have additional support, such as a clinic aid.

    School nurses see 10–30 students daily, depending on the campus size and student needs.

  • Common cases seen in the clinic include flu-like symptoms, asthma exacerbations, diabetes care, seizures, allergies, cuts, bruises, minor injuries, and stomach complaints. Nurses also administer daily and emergency medications.

  • All Aldine ISD school nurses are licensed vocational or registered nurses (RNs), with many holding bachelor’s degrees in nursing (BSN) or higher. They also complete additional training related to school health, chronic disease management, communicable disease control, and emergency response.

  • Among them is Vickie Jones-Williams, the lead nurse at García Middle School, who has served as a school nurse for 23 years.

“When I first chose this path, it was out of necessity — I had just welcomed my baby and needed a career with flexible hours,” Jones-Williams said. “What began as a practical decision quickly blossomed into a deep passion for serving my community and supporting the health and well-being of children.”

Her days blend of routine care, emergency response, mentorship, and community collaboration. “You might be applying a bandage one moment, then coordinating with a local clinic or running a CPR refresher for staff,” she said.

One of Jones-Williams’ most rewarding experiences has been teaching students newly diagnosed with diabetes. “Each time I see a child move from fear to confidence, I’m reminded why this work matters so much,” she said.

She hopes more people understand school nurses as health leaders in the community. “Our ultimate goal is to keep children not just safe but thriving, in body and mind,” Jones-Williams said.

Laurie Fitzmorris has been a school nurse at Jones Elementary School for 26 years and has 40 years of overall nursing experience, including in the ER and cardiac ICU.

“My children brought me to school nursing since their father worked the night shift, but I have stayed for the love of supporting the education world,” Fitzmorris said.

She compared school nursing to working in an ER. “You just never know what will walk into the door,” she said. Allergy symptoms and stress-related issues are among the most common concerns she sees, but she believes the relationships with students and parents make the biggest difference.

“It’s all about our relationships,” Fitzmorris said. “I love to get invitations to graduations, weddings, even baby showers.”

Fitzmorris, who also serves as the Texas School Nurse Organization Region 4 president-elect, wants to spread the word about the importance of school nursing.

“It’s the hardest nursing job you will ever have as you are the only medical person on the campus, but it will give you 1,000% more back,” she said.

AISD School Nurses Invited to Attend Luncheon on May 7

The AISD Health Services Department will host a districtwide celebration luncheon on May 7 at the Donaldson Child Nutrition Center. All Aldine ISD school nurses will be invited to attend, and the event will include lunch, gift bags, a brief recognition program, and relaxing activities such as massage chairs and karaoke. Singletary shared that the event “honors our school nurses’ dedication to providing high-quality healthcare and supporting student success.”

Give School Nurses a Shout-Out

The district is encouraging staff and families to join the celebration throughout the week, with a special focus on National School Nurses Day (May 7). Families are invited to thank their school nurses on social media and recognize their critical role in supporting student success. Use the following two hashtags so we can follow you!: #SchoolNurseDay and #AldineImpact

“Our school nurses are more than medical professionals — they are champions for student well-being and the heart of our campuses,” Singletary said. “Let’s show them just how much they’re appreciated.”

Aldine ISD extends its gratitude to all school nurses for being there for every student every day.