Jennifer Speltz
Position: School Nurse
School: Carpenter/Shannon Elementary Schools
School District: Monticello Community School District
City, State: Monticello, IA
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Jennifer Speltz was nominated by an anonymous colleague.
Ms. Speltz has been an unwavering “calm in the storm” of the COVID-19 pandemic since March 2020, when schools were shut down. As her district prepared to reopen in the fall of 2020, Ms. Speltz tirelessly worked for the safety of students and staff. She worked with the county public health department and school district to recommend and implement appropriate mitigation practices. She helped lead her district through the uncharted waters of what in-person learning looked like in the midst of a pandemic in the 2020-21 school year. Ms. Speltz advocated for (and was successful in securing) additional support for the school nurse position, a critical piece to managing the health and safety of staff in her district.
As her district faced changing guidelines throughout the year, Ms. Speltz's expertise was important in navigating recommendations from the county and state Departments of Public Health. She has remained unwavering in her commitment to student and staff health and well-being. It’s been an incredibly challenging and divisive time, and she faces difficult conversations regularly, but she continues to model patience and respect, even when it’s not shown to her.
Ms. Speltz's actions through the pandemic alone make her a LifeChanger, but she's a leader in health and wellness for her students and colleagues in other ways, as well. She coordinates hearing checks for all students, as well as dental checks for eligible preschoolers. She has also been instrumental in bringing a program to her school which allows students to receive free eye exams and glasses. Ms. Speltz advocated for an update to the AED devices for her district. She arranges an annual flu shot clinic for district staff. She is also a leader at the state level, serving as secretary for the Iowa School Nurse Organization.
In the midst of all of this, Ms. Speltz still finds time each day to attend to students, addressing injuries and illnesses with skill. She is a reassuring presence in the building, and the staff feel comfortable entrusting students to her care. She clearly makes a difference in the lives of students and staff daily.
"Our district is very lucky to have her," said her nominator.
Jen is an amazing coworker who has a positive attitude. She works so well with students, staff, and families at our school to help them through all of the changes due to covid. We are very lucky to have her working at our elementary schools!
Jen, we appreciate everything you do for the families and staff in our school district! I'm very fortunate to be able to work with you every day!
Jen is such an asset to our elementary schools! Her practical healthcare knowledge is excellent, but beyond that, she's incredibly caring and empathetic. The comments on this page are a testament to her value within our district, but words cannot adequately express how essential she is on our staff. She is most definitely a lifechanger!
Jen -
Your friendship, professionalism, and support have meant more than you'll ever know! Thank you for going above and beyond for your students and colleagues.
Jen is so many things to so many people. She is a healer, a comforter, a voice of reason, a source of humor, an organizer, a communicator, a friend, a colleague, a champion, a hero. A school nurse is so much more than a distributor of bandaids and meds. I have seen her in action as a colleague, as my students' nurse, and even in how she cares for my own children. She is simply the best.
Jen is simply amazing :) We are so lucky at Shannon to have her here.
The district would be lost without you, Jen!! You have an answer to every question and we appreciate you everyday!!
My hero! I am so lucky to work in close contact with Jen and get to see her in action every school day. She is compassionate and caring, and concerned for the health and well-being of all of our students and staff. Monticello is very lucky to have her!
Jen is a wonderful person and a talented professional within our school community. I am happy that she works as a school nurse in Monticello, and I am extremely grateful that I get to team with her every day.
Jen is an extremely compassionate, caring, patient, friendly, and knowledgeable school nurse. She works hard for her students every day. During the pandemic, Jen has continued to advocate for not only for the safety of the students, but also the safety of staff. Jen is an amazing school nurse who we are very lucky to have in our school district!!
Jen is the most amazing school nurse. We are all blessed to have her!
OMG ! Congratulations! You are the best! You are so deserving of this award!
Jen is an amazing nurse. She is always helpful and positive!
Jen is a bright spot in every day. She cares for students and staff with empathy and skill, and she has worked tirelessly through the ongoing covid crisis. I feel fortunate to be able to work with her.
Jen is an incredible nurse and an even more incredible person. She exemplifies what it means to be a Panther!!!
Jen is a remarkable school nurse who cares deeply for students and staff. I trust her recommendations and appreciate her steadfast professionalism during this pandemic. Jen has exceptional interpersonal skills when relating to kids, parents, school staff, and community members. Her focus is always on the whole child... listening with a sympathetic ear and advocating for the best care. The Monticello Community School District is fortunate to have her.
Jen has continued to go above and beyond to help students, staff, families, and the district. Her passion for the wellness of students is evident every day. She has an open door for anyone and everyone. She is attentive, patient, loving, kind, and dedicated. She is an asset and blessing!
Jen, Is a blessing to our students and staff. Jens knowledge, compassion and personality are qualities that have helped us all through this difficult time. Jen has two buildings that she supports, Shannon Elementary, preschool, kindergarten and 1st and then Carpenter Elementary 2nd, 3rd and 4th. Even on days that are hard, Jen is positive and uplifting that helps us get through our day. Not to mention her contagious smile.
Thanks for everything you do! We’re so lucky to have you! ?? ???????
Jen is a Super Hero who battles everyday bumps/bruises, lost teeth, skinned body parts, and bathrooming needs from Preschool to 4th Grade with a smile and a great sense of humor. No matter how busy she is, she welcomes anyone who needs medical help. She goes the extra mile to support families and staff in need in any way possible every year.
We are blessed to have her in our buildings.
Jen is one of the most upbeat people I have ever had the privilege of working with. She is forever a winner in our elementary. I'm very thankful to have her in this covid environment.
