Another child, whose violence led a principal and teachers to judge him at risk for homicide, was referred to a mental health clinic. Again, medication solved the problem. And one child was assessed and medicated after referral to a psychologist for written threats to a teacher. Not only is potential school violence prevented, but the life of a troubled child may be improved and serious problems solved. Counselors have long noted the link between classroom disruption and learning disabilities.
School nurses attend meetings of the task force on school violence.
They report that students will tell nurses things they would never tell a teacher or administrator, one nurse said. The school board has begun its annual review of the 1999-2000 budget which must be approved by July 1. The Alachua County Council of PTA's urges citizen appearances at school board meetings, as well as letters to all board members, to stress the importance of one nurse to one school.