As CoVid-19 continues to spread throughout our community, our schools face more and more tough decisions and challenges everyday. Parents, guardians,  students, teachers, administrators, support staff, and specialists have experienced firsthand these challenges, but also have experienced some positives within the decisions affecting schools during this pandemic. School nurses are one group who understand the gravity of the daily decisions put forth everyday and work tirelessly for the safety and welfare of our community.

A school nurse’s daily responsibilities (if students are in person learning) range from monitoring and providing care to students with specific medical needs to providing various assessments for students who are injured or feel ill throughout the day. And whether students are in person learning or remote learning, a school nurse is in contact daily, communicating with parents, staff, administrators and other school nurses.

“School nurses must collect information in order to provide families with education and guidance,” states Mary Trystianson RN, school nurse at Giant Springs Elementary.

It is the school nurse’s goal to help parents and guardians understand all their options to make informed decisions that are best for their child.

Mary says that while her role encompasses many wonderful aspects, this year, in particular, she has seen a willingness on everyone’s part (staff, students, and parents) to keep Giant Springs safe. Mary remarks, “This year naturally came with changes that caused us all to adapt, however the support from everyone has been nothing short of incredible.”

And in these uncertain times, Mary also emphasizes that she hopes “students, parents and the community know is that the school nurses at Great Falls Public Schools are here for you. We ultimately strive to have students in school safely learning each day. We want your children to have success.”

Please don’t hesitate to reach out to your local school nurse if you need any assistance.”

This pandemic has created many challenges and hardships, but the resiliency, commitment and passion of people like Mary Trystianson have supported and uplifted our community by working indefatigably to keep our most precious assets, our children, safe from harm.