Rose’s Message

Dear Parents of OHES Students,

I understand that there may be some recent concerns regarding nursing coverage at our building and I want to address those concerns directly.

Please know that student health and safety continue to be our highest priority, and we want to make sure you know that we have procedures in place and do our best each day to ensure students receive appropriate care, if and when needed. As you may know, the nurse at the JHHS accepted another position outside of the district. Since that time our elementary nurse, Laura Baird, has been working hard to cover both buildings if needed, and she has been supported by a substitute nurse when available. It is also important to know that office staff including the secretaries and myself are trained and are able to offer basic first aid, give pre-identified medications to students, and communicate with parents regarding symptoms. 

We understand that operating without a second full-time nurse is not ideal and we have been actively working to fill the position. In fact, today, we signed a new contract and will be partnering with a local nursing agency to secure additional support to begin as soon as possible and will remain in place until the end of the school year.  This added support will allow Nurse Baird to return to a more consistent and predictable schedule at Ottawa Hills Elementary School. Our goal is to have the added nursing support in place as soon as we can, pending completion of required onboarding and paperwork. The latest this would be is the day we return from spring break.

If you have questions or concerns, I respectfully ask that you contact me directly at the elementary office. I am more than willing to speak with you personally and provide accurate information. Open, direct communication allows us to address concerns more effectively.

We remain committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of every student and appreciate your patience as we finalize this solution.

Sincerely,

Rose Gaiffe

Principal

Ottawa Hills Elementary School