SPS RN Newsletter

Summer 2025

Happy Summer!

This time of year always seems to be a little too fast; moving up ceremonies, field trips, field days, concerts, events, banquets, and our senior graduation. So much celebration and recognition, but I do wish it could go at a slower pace so that we could hold onto these big transitional moments for a minute or two longer.

As in years past, the SPS RN Team is grateful that we have the opportunity to be a part of your child's educational journey and we wish everyone a safe and healthy summer! Our clinics are closed as of June 17th and we will be back in school regularly on September 2nd with most students returning on the 3rd.

Congrats to the class of 2025, I am grateful that I have the opportunity to watch you physically grow and emotionally mature throughout your time here in Stoughton Public Schools. Hearing your names called at graduation and seeing you cross this finish line and begin a whole new journey is something that I look forward to each year. I wish you every opportunity to grow, learn, and discover what your limits are. Resiliency, grace, and grit are qualities obtained through experience and overcoming obstacles, don't be afraid to fail. May the very best in life find all of you. Remember you can be strong and kind at the same time, never forget who you are and what you are capable of.

With gratitude,

Danielle Gallan, MSN-PH, FNP-C

Welcome Hannah Somers, RN and Melissa Jank

The SPS team added a RN member to our team this year and filled a much needed vacant role. Hannah is a DESE licensed registered nurse who is supporting our students with complex medical needs in the TLC program at SHS. In just a short amount of time her ability to solve problems and willingness to try new things to really see what our students are capable of achieving physically has made a significant impact with the students she supports. Melissa, a licensed respiratory therapist outside of SPS, has been supporting the OMS clinic as a clinic aide since January. Melissa is a calming presence who meets kids where they are at while never shying away from supporting the OMS nurses. I am grateful for the difference that they make each day in our schools working with their teammates and school communities.

In Control Driving

A few weeks ago, I had the pleasure to take 16 SHS students to the In Control Crash Prevention 101 program in Weymouth. This training was provided to our students through a grant with the Massachusetts State Police to increase the safety of the teen drivers in Stoughton. Taught by professional instructors, former law enforcement, and actual race car drivers; the course was informative, engaging and seriously fun.

Our SROs, Juvenile Detective Bonda and Officer Paula, joined us for the day with Chief McNamara also stopping by to provide encouragement and high fives to our students as they exited their vehicles post defensive driving maneuvers. The comments shared by the students highlight what this opportunity provides; important driving training that is meaningful and impactful. I also learned a number of things that I am using now daily in driving. We are hoping to continue this training next year and beyond with the help of grant funding and the support of SPD.

Feedback from students included:

"I enjoyed the course, it was both fun and informative. I'd keep doing this in the future"- Joe

"I had a great time and felt that I learned a lot of valuable lessons on how to stay safe while driving"- Andrew

"I thought today was really fun and also very informative. I learned a lot and realized some things that I probably wouldn’t have realized without this course. I think it will really help with my driving"- Brea

"I had an amazing time today learning about better ways to avoid car crashes and staying “in control.” The experience was very fun and enjoyable"- Jacob

"Thank you so much for this opportunity, I had so much fun. it was very interesting and I learned a lot more then what drivers ed taught me"- Dani

"I thought today was very enlightening. Before I was a little nervous and scared because I wasn’t as confident in my driving. After, I am much more confident in my driving abilities. Thanks so much for this opportunity!"- Emma

"This was really fun and I feel like I actually learned a lot from this. I think if you had a chance to do this every year it would be really helpful. Thank you!"- Makenzie

"I really enjoyed the safe driving and learned a lot through the in class teaching and hands on experience. I think everyone should learn the lessons we learned. It is a great experience and would recommend to all students and even adults."- Bianca

Please pick up medications from the nurse

Please make arrangements with your school nurse to pick up your child's medication on the last day of school-June 17 (parent/guardian or designated adult). Please ensure that your student's doctor’s orders are up to date for camp/summer programs. And last but not least, doctor’s orders must be updated every year and provided to your school nurse for any medications and treatments provided in school. Any questions or concerns please reach out to your child's school nurse

Summer Safety Tips

Protect your skin

9 Ways to Protect Your Skin (Retrieved from: https://www.webmd.com/beauty/sun-safety-tips)

Wear sunscreen every day, in all weather and in every season. It should have a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 and say "broad-spectrum" on the label, which means it protects against the sun's UVA and UVB rays. Put it on at least 15 minutes before going outside. Use 1 ounce, which would fill a shot glass.
Reapply sunscreen at least every 80 minutes, or more often if you're sweating or swimming.
Wear sunglasses with total UV protection.
Wear wide-brimmed hats, and long-sleeved shirts and pants.
Avoid being out in the sun as much as possible from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Check your skin regularly so you know what's normal for you and to notice any changes or new growths.
Choose cosmetics and contact lenses that offer UV protection. You still need to use sunscreen and wear sunglasses with broad-spectrum sun protection.
If you're a parent, protect your child's skin and practice those habits together.
Don't use tanning beds

Pool and water safety

The sun is shining and with summer upon us families and kids will be flocking to pools, beaches, and lakes. Drowning is typically a silent occurrence and can happen in a matter of moments, water safety is important for everyone to remain safe and fun this summer.

Annual Physical Exams

Per the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, an in-person physical exam within one year before the start of school is required for any new students entering SPS. Students seeking to participate in athletics or marching band should have documentation of an in-person physical exam conducted annually prior to their participation in competitive athletics.

Please submit updated physical exams to your respective School Nurse for students during 4th, 7th and 10th grades. An in-person physical exam is required for students entering these grades

Care Solace Available Throughout the Summer

The SPS RN team works everyday with local partners to support our community. From basic physical needs to mental health, there are a number of resources available to families. We have found that Care Solace and it's referral team has been incredibly helpful connecting families with the mental health help and community supports needed.

As the sun starts to shine brighter and the days grow longer, it's the perfect time to pause, recharge, and soak up all the goodness that summer has to offer. While you're planning your adventures, be sure to make space for your mental and emotional well-being, too.

Step outside and soak it in.
Nature has a way of lifting spirits. Whether you're hiking a scenic trail, tending to your garden, riding your bike, or simply lounging under a shady tree—fresh air can do wonders for your mood and creativity.

Reconnect with your people.
Summer is a great time to slow down and invest in relationships. Host a game night, plan a picnic, enjoy a backyard BBQ, or just call someone you've been meaning to catch up with.

Catch those ZZZs.
A steady sleep schedule can make all the difference. Use this season to reset your routine and give your body the rest it deserves.

Prioritize what makes you smile.
Start a new hobby, revisit a favorite pastime, or simply spend a few quiet moments doing something that brings you joy. Little pockets of happiness can go a long way.

If you or someone in your family is facing mental health or substance use challenges, you’re not alone. Care Solace, a free and confidential service provided by Stoughton Public Schools, is available 24/7/365. Call 888-515-0595 or visit caresolace.com/stoughtonschools to connect with care in your language, on your time.

✨ Bonus! Don’t forget to check out our Summer Transition Kit—created just for families to help ease into summer with confidence and calm.

Additional supports can be found at the SNAP, MMS and Mass THRIVE websites below. You can also search for local therapist and counseling services at the link below on Psychology Today by just entering in your zip code.

Additional Resources:

SNAP assistance: https://www.mass.gov/massachusetts-sun-bucks-program

https://www.massmed.org/Patient-Care/Health-Topics/Mental-Health-and-Substance-Use/Mental-Health-and-Substance-Use-Resources-for-Parents-and-Caregivers/

https://massthrive.org/

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us