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Chicago Public Schools (CPS) is honoring its school nurses during National Nurses Week, which takes place annually from May 6 to May 12. Approximately 600 nurses work across the district, and several have recently received awards for their exemplary service.
"The nurses in our schools are absolutely vital to our educational system," stated CPS CEO Pedro Martinez. "They are healthcare providers, public health educators, and advocates who are constantly planning and coordinating services to ensure the long-term physical, social, and emotional development of our students."
Nurses in CPS do more than treat minor injuries; they assess students' health needs and develop individualized education plans. These efforts support children with medical conditions that might otherwise hinder classroom participation.
Each year, nominations for outstanding nurses come from students, families, colleagues, and staff. The district presents two types of awards: the ROSE Award and the DAISY Award.
"I am thrilled to celebrate the hard work and dedication of our school nurses," said TaShunda Green, Deputy Chief of CPS’ Office of Student Health and Wellness. She initiated the ROSE (Recognition of Service Extraordinaire) Award in 2022 to honor exceptional service in five categories: Integrity, Compassion, Accountability, Respect, and Excellence.
This year's ROSE Award recipients include Valeda Shaver from Walter S. Christopher Elementary School; Carrie Ann Pilman from Ella Flagg Young Elementary School; Bria Wilson from Orozco Academy; and Jennifer Leist from North River Elementary School.
The DAISY (Diseases Attacking the Immune SYstem) Award was created by J. Patrick Barnes' family after his death due to an autoimmune disease. The award is part of a foundation that collaborates with healthcare organizations globally. CPS is the first educational system to join this initiative.
"School nurses play a critical role in the health and well-being of our youth," noted DAISY CEO Dr. Deb Zimmermann. "We salute these clinicians for providing an array of care and health education."
This year's DAISY Award recipients are Paramita Chatterjee from Irma C. Ruiz Elementary School; Yolanda Moreno from John Hancock College Preparatory High School; Kattenia Suggs Braxton from Asa Philip Randolph Elementary School; Shamara Carey from Oscar DePriest Elementary School; Kathleen Manley from William J. Onahan Elementary School; and Cassandra Walton from Roswell B. Mason Elementary School.
