TA TREASURES
Thornton ’ s School Nurses Tackle COVID-19
TA TREASURES
Thornton Academy ’ s school nurses are instrumental in the well-being , academic success , and lifelong achievement of our students . They keep our students healthy , safe , in school , and ready to learn . This is no small feat during a normal school year ; add in a global pandemic and their role and expertise became even more vital as Thornton navigated a new world of health and safety recommendations .
Together , TA ’ s three school nurses — Debbie Prescott , Nikki Faulkner , and Danielle Tabor — have served the Thornton community for more than 25 years . “ When Maine schools closed their doors in March , we immediately began preparing for reopening . We did so by attending Maine DOE school nurse meetings , attending webinars , having close contact with the Maine CDC , assisting our administrative team with policies and procedures , and collaborating with our TA school physicians from Southern Maine Health Care . Like many , we felt the impact of the uncertainty of this situation ; despite this , we were able to focus on the needs of our school by using our combined education and years of clinical expertise to prepare for reopening and ensure the health and well-being of our TA community ,” said Nikki .
While there are still uncertainties as the COVID-19 pandemic situation plays out across our country and the world , we know that our school nurses will continue to help guide and support our community with health and safety as their main priority . At a time when these challenges are big , they will also continue to be there for all of the “ little things ” that are also so important in the day-to-day lives of our students and staff .
PARTNERS IN HEALTH :
TA and Southern Maine Health Care
Southern Maine Health Care ( SMHC ) is Thornton Academy ’ s exclusive healthcare partner . SMHC provides TA with resources , such as dedicated pediatricians who work with the school nurses to ensure the health and safety of our students — from immunizations and urgent care ; to sports physicals , physical therapists , and strength and conditioning specialists for our student athletes . The partnership will also grow to include a collaborative effort on community wellness , and focus on creating workforce development opportunities for students . SMHC also supports the building of TA ’ s new athletic complex and has sponsored the fitness room in the new facility .
TA ' s Nursing Team : Danielle Tabor , Nikki Faulkner , and Debbie Prescott
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Story by Haley Thompson · Photos Courtesy of Katy Nicketakis
Residential life nurse , Danielle Tabor , recently received a commendation from the Maine CDC for keeping our residential students healthy and safe during the COVID-19 pandemic .
“ Living on campus as a dorm parent and residential life nurse has been an amazing and rewarding experience . Ensuring the medical needs of our students are met is a major component for their overall success while here at Thornton . TA is a ‘ home away from home ’ for hundreds of residential students and I am honored to be part of this special experience for them . Keeping them safe during this time was a team effort by the entire residential life staff .”