Our school nurse, Vonnie C'deBaca, is at Merrill 5 days a week and has been at Merrill for 17 years.  She provides direct first aid, triage of illnesses, wellness/nutrition education, health assessments for special education evaluations, vision & hearing screening follow-up and resource information. Parents and students who need assistance accessing medical, dental, or mental health resources and Medicaid or CHP+ information may contact her. Immunizations are tracked on an ongoing basis and referrals to appropriate clinics made in order thatall 600+ students comply with state law.  Individualized health care plans and medication orders are solely under the jurisdiction of the school registered nurse; any medication must have both a doctor's written order and parent permission signed.  Only the school nurse or those she has trained and delegated may give medication in the school setting.  She also assists in attendance monitoring and intervention and in control and reporting of infectious or nuisance diseases.  She is happy to work with parents and students in helping to find solutions to health problems that interfere with school progress.  You may reach her at 720-424-0607 or email her at Vonnie_cdebaca.dpsk12.org.

From the School Nurse

Vonnie C'deBaca, RN

My grandfather lived to 105 years of age (and was still chopping wood and driving at 100.) He had some interesting concepts on how to stay healthy--one of which was eating lots of sauerkraut soup!  Of course now we are hearing how great sauerkraut actually is for us because of all the good probiotics and enzymes it contains.  Grandpa also ate a healthful breakfast EVERY day and that is something our family has continued without exception.  You would be amazed at the numbers of students who do not eat breakfast at all, or who eat only highly sugared or processed foods such as Fruit Loops or Coco Puffs.  This often results in mid-morning headaches, stomachaches, difficulty concentrating, and behavior problems, which is unfair for students and teachers alike. Talk with your child about making healthy choices for breakfast that include fruits, veggies, whole grains, and a protein that lasts through the morning such as eggs, meat, nuts, pinto beans, yogurt, cheese,  peanut butter, or white milk (not the chocolate or strawberry kind that has over 30 grams of sugar per cup.)  Starting the day this way after at least 9 ½-10 hours of sleep will be a great benefit to your child's ability to learn, as well as help to establish healthy life-long habits.  And give that sauerkraut a try! :>)

P.S.  This year Merrill offers free breakfast for ALL Merrill students.

Does your child need health insurance? Cannot afford insurance for your child? Call Child Health Plan Plus at 800-359-1991 to see if you are eligible for low cost insurance.