Whereas, The school nurse, an invaluable member of the educational team, is an experienced professional responsible for providing high quality health care, counseling, and educational services in school settings; and,

Whereas, The goal of the school nurse is to promote a healthy school environment which will maximize each child’s potential to learn and grow; and,

Whereas, Historically, school nurses have conducted health screening and assessments, evaluated and monitored communicable diseases, worked to comply with immunization laws, as well as shared specialized knowledge through health education; and,

Whereas, School nurses continue to work in these areas but have adapted to an ever-expanding role in which they provide expertise in health counseling, preventative health care, environmental health and safety, school and community health programs, and emergency health services; and,

Whereas, School nurses have diligently adhered to the standards of professionalism and have continually worked to acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to respond to continual change in education and health care delivery systems; and,

Whereas, School nurses’ efforts to improve the overall health and well-being of our children are worthy of the highest recognition and praise and their dedication, nurturing care, and professional expertise are very much appreciated; and now therefore be it,

Resolved, That I, Jennifer M. Granholm, Governor of the State of Michigan, do hereby proclaim May 10, 2006, as School Nurse Day in Michigan, and I encourage all citizens to recognize the valuable and meaningful contributions that school nurses offer on a daily basis to the quality of life of our school children.