From: Kerri Dewitz
Sent: Tuesday, February 24, 2009 2:54 PM
To: 'tz777@comcast.net'
Subject: your editorial in the Magic City Morning Star regarding school nurses

I am interested in your idea that children in school do not need nurses. I read your editorial this morning. As I was reading it, several questions about the writer came to my mind. Would you take the time to answer my questions? First, do you have any children of your own? Second, how long has it been since you stepped foot in a school, either public or private? Third, how far is Hermitage Tennessee from Huntsville Alabama? I would love for you to come and spend a day, even half of a day with me as I take care of the 1400 students and staff at the three schools I cover. We do not have a nurse in every school. It would benefit you greatly to see what I do daily to try and cover these three facilities. Fourth question, Did you do any research before you published such erroneous information? I can give you plenty of FACTUAL information to help you write a retraction letter.

"I'm hardly thinking outside the box when I say there will be a significant increase in the number of students who claim sickness so they can go home and play video games. Or worse." This last sentence is taken directly from your editorial piece. Now if you have EVER looked over research, you would know that what you wrote in that sentence is EXACTLY why you need a nurse. Evidence based research has shown that having an educated health professional in school DECREASES the FAKING and being sent home for faking.

I am not going to write anything else for fear I have already lost you. Please consider coming to Madison County Alabama at your earliest convenience to spend some time with me and you may feel a whole lot better about your states legislation.

Thank you for your time.

Kerri Dewitz, RN BSN

School Nurse
New Hope Elementary
New Hope High School
Owens Cross Roads Elementary
Alabama Association of School Nurses 2nd Vice President