Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/114027
> OPINIONS & LETTERS COMMENTS of our students alive in our classes. We should be using them as gateways to history and ways to gain an understanding of our many cultures, religions and beliefs. Wayne Decker CTA/NEA-Retired LIKE TEACHING, SCHOOL NURSING HAS CHANGED Thank you for your excellent article about school nurses in the February Educator. As a school nurse since 1977, I can tell you that like teaching, the landscape of school nursing practice has changed dramatically. Of particular note is the skyrocketing number of insulin-dependent diabetics, virtually nonexistent in my first 15 years on the job. Now nearly every school nurse spends the hours between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. in her car, driving from school to school to deliver doses of insulin. This is a complicated balancing act involving timing of meals, carbohydrate calculation, and doctor's prescription individualized for each student. While some older students can do this independently, many more — virtually all elementary school students — require the assistance of a licensed school nurse to administer this lifesaving medicine. Like our dedicated teacher counterparts, we are committed to the process that will enable California's youth to be healthy, educated, productive citizens in the future. Thank you again for recognizing us as an integral part of the educational team! Joyce Cox Teachers Association of Long Beach THANK YOU FROM A NURSE Thank you so much for "A day in the life of a school nurse" [February]. I enjoy receiving and reading through California Educator, although articles are very often not relevant for me as a nurse. Thank you for providing your readers with a peek at a typical day in the life of a school nurse, and for clarify- 8 California Educator March 2013 Classes now in B Ar ay ea! E arn Your ing that we are "responsible for more than scraped knees." California's school nurses are responsible for managing, maintaining and monitoring the health and safety of large numbers of both general and special education students with a variety of health care needs. Your article is a testament to the importance of the nursing profession in the world of education. Renee Welsh Fairfield-Suisun Unified Teachers Association GUNS IN THE CLASSROOM The school violence article [in February] has the same tone expressed by appeasers and handwringers throughout our history. The more you weaken the people, the greater the threat by those who prey on us. While Senator Dianne Feinstein wants to ban guns, she has a concealed weapon permit for the same reason that we need one: for self-protection. Can you smell hypocrisy? As for protecting our students, we harden the targets, not soften them more! This concept flies in the face of the liberal mindset, I know! It means developing responders, and publicizing the fact that there are individuals on the campus who are capable of and who WILL defend our unarmed students against would-be murderers. Guns in the hands of trained persons can be fine deterrents to the cowards who think of shooting those who have no defense against them. Teachers in Israel carry rifles slung over their shoulders. Their students are safer than ours. It's time for CTA to support the concept of a strong offense instead of acquiescing to those who would weaken us more. Jay L. Stern United Teachers Los Angeles Editor's Note: Sen. Feinstein's bill bans military-style assault weapons and high-capacity ammunition magazines. Master's Degree in E ducation Administrative Masters with Preliminary Credential (30 units completed in 17 months) Curriculum and Instruction (30 units completed in 21 months) School Counseling with Pupil Personnel Service Credential (40 units completed in 28 months) Satellite programs available! Convenience: Five 8-week sessions per year ► Classes meet 4:30 to 8:30 one night a week ► Schedule mirrors academic calendar with comparable holidays and breaks ► Competitive cost $440 per unit ► Cohorts are created in local districts to minimize commutes ► Engaging, collaborative learning settings Program Features: Common Core Standards ► strategies to hook "digital learners" ► design deep learning assessments Contact: Katherine Topor katherine.topor @cui.edu 949.214.3536 Learn More: Go to www.cui. edu/maedsf to learn about rigorous programs.