WHAT'S NEW

Please note: The AAP Web site will be unavailable on Wednesday, December 31, from 5:30 - 6:00 AM Central Time due to system upgrades.

ATTENTION COUNCIL ON SCHOOL HEALTH MEMBERS...
CALL FOR NOMINATIONS!
The Council on School Health (COSH) Nominations Committee is looking for qualified candidates to fill two positions on the COSH Executive Committee. The three-year term of these newly elected members will start on July 1, 2009. The Nominations Committee is currently accepting nominations until December 15, 2008. Please Learn more about these opportunities and how you can nominate yourself or someone you know.

AAP Reafirms its Support of School Nurses
As more students enter school with health or mental health problems, the role of the school nurse becomes an important aspect of a child's overall health plan. School nurses provide a bridge between home, school and the pediatrician. Students today may face family crises, homelessness, immigration, poverty or violence, all of which can impact their health and ability to learn. Previous studies have shown that student outcomes are improved when a full-time school nurse is on staff. To support the role of school nurses and foster a relationship among school nurses, pediatricians and families, the American Academy of Pediatrics has issued a revised policy statement, "Role of the School Nurse in Providing School Health Services." The statement encourages pediatricians to establish a working relationship with school nurses who care for their patients and coordinate with school nurses to ensure children who need additional evaluations are referred appropriately. Pediatricians also can play an active role in supporting school nurses by serving on school wellness policy committees and emergency preparedness committees.