Jenny enjoys the variety that comes with tending to the needs of a diverse student body. “There’s definitely more to school nursing than I ever thought there was,” she says. Beyond the common perception that most people have of the school nurse as the giver of first aid, there are myriad other duties and responsibilities that must be fulfilled – things like staying on top of state regulations, lots of paperwork, required exams, administration of vision and hearing screenings and classroom education. This last item can be difficult to fit in sometimes, but Nurse Jenny makes sure that students receive the instruction they need. “Technology’s been awesome,” she enthuses, “because now we can video some of those health presentations, and then that way they are always available to the teachers.”

 

Although her husband is a Jasper County native, “I’m a transplant,” she says with a smile. But, she has always recognized the special qualities that make Jasper County such a great place to live. “I so wanted to be a part of this community – it’s a great community,” she says, emphatically. She remembers that when she worked in Robinson at Crawford Memorial, even though she lived in Jasper County, she still didn’t quite feel a part of it. “And now, working here in the school district, I feel like I’ve been here forever,” she says. “I feel like I’ve been accepted as a Jasper Countian, and it’s amazing. I wish everybody had that opportunity.” The community is “all about faith and family,” she says, and she is especially proud of the way the community comes together to support each other, no matter what the need may be. “They’re just willing to do whatever it takes,” she marvels.

 

To Jenny, strong support is also one of the best qualities and greatest strengths of Jasper County Schools. She notes how each student is given the support necessary, according to their unique needs. “They go above and beyond for the students,” she says, “doing anything they can do to help a student be successful.” Let’s not forget, though, that keeping the students of Jasper County healthy – emotionally as well as physically – goes a long way toward ensuring that success, and we have Nurse Jenny to thank for that.