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Shawnee Mission details expanded school nursing, vaping prevention and mental-health training
Summary
District health services reported staffing levels, student health activity counts and new student-focused vaping cessation and youth mental health programs; board members asked how findings are shared with families and community partners.
Shawnee Mission School District officials updated the Board of Education on the scope and operations of its health services on the evening the district presented four discussion items.
The presentation, led by Doctor Ziegler and Coordinator of Health Services Paula Bundy, said the district employs 55 registered nurses and 17 nurse aides, including three new permanent float nurses, and logged more than 137,000 health-room visits and nearly 69,000 medication doses in the first three quarters of the school year.
The update emphasized three new or expanded student-wellness efforts. Student wellness specialist Teresa Denk Shamuda described a three-pronged approach to nicotine and vaping: curriculum-embedded education and staff training, restorative alternatives to suspension including a Canvas cessation course (11 students have completed it so far this semester), and student-led “Resist” groups supported by Kansas Department of Education and Kansas Department of Health and Environment guidance. Christina Knight, a Horizon social worker, said nurses and social workers are partnering closely when students present with physical complaints that may be driven by anxiety.
Health services also described a youth mental health first aid program: an eight-hour training that uses role play and simulations to help adults assess crises, select interventions and connect students to care. Four district staff are trained as instructors; the first session was held in January with nurses and nurse aides.
The district highlighted community partnerships — including AdventHealth, Children's Mercy clinic relationships and a new partner, Score 1 for Health — and local programs such as Saturday Summer Wellness Hubs at Shawano Elementary that provide food, immunizations and physicals.
Rose Hill Elementary Principal Jen Duke described a university-run vision clinic that provided on-site exams and eyeglasses; Duke said 20 students left the trip with glasses and the rate of loss was unusually low because students were involved in selecting their own frames. Bundy said the district will continue seeking similar partnerships where slots and funding permit.
Board members asked about family notification and language access when nurses identify health concerns. Bundy said nurses contact families first and can prepare Skyward nursing notes for medical follow-up; the district uses building interpreters and a central interpreter (Maria at the CAA) when families need translation.
Board members also asked how the district promotes awareness of the health services work. Bundy said principals, newsletters and school-level communications are the primary channels but agreed the district can look for more centralized promotion.
No formal board action was taken; the presentation concluded with the district offering to provide follow-up details as requested.
