By Li Wen Su, PR Specialist
In the heart of every school in Alief ISD, there is a quiet hum of care, compassion, and commitment. It doesn’t always come with fanfare, but it’s always there—behind every bandaged knee, every managed asthma attack, every comforting conversation with a child who just needed someone to listen. This is the daily reality for the nurses and clinic staff who serve across Alief's 48 campuses. They are more than healthcare providers—they are educators, advocates, counselors, and, above all, lifelines.
“To be a nurse in Alief is rewarding!” says Dana Johnson, RN at Elsik High School. “Not only do we get to bridge the gap within the community of healthcare, but we also get the privilege of seeing our students mature and progress. Alief Nurses hold many titles and being your school nurse is the best title of all.”
Their mission is clear: keep students healthy and in school. Many students in Alief ISD have chronic conditions like diabetes, epilepsy, or cerebral palsy—conditions that, decades ago, would have excluded them from regular attendance. Today, thanks to the robust network of trained medical professionals, those same students can attend school with confidence and support. Nurses create detailed care plans, provide medications, and offer first aid and emergency services—all while preparing campuses to respond appropriately even in their absence.
“Our biggest goal is to keep students in school,” explained District Lead Nurse Eric Almirol. “We have students who wouldn’t have been able to attend 20 or 30 years ago, but now we can give them the services they need.”
School nurses in Alief aren't just responsible for administering care; they are deeply embedded in campus culture. They often become the go-to person for students and even staff—fielding concerns not just about illness or injury, but about broader issues of well-being that extend into the home. With extensive knowledge and years of experience (some nurses have served in the district for over 25 years), they serve as trusted figures on campus, building relationships that can last a lifetime.
Mattison Sims, RN at Sneed Elementary, captures this beautifully:
“School nurses are often the unsung heroes of education—caring for students’ physical and emotional health, managing chronic conditions, and responding to emergencies with calm expertise. Their impact reaches far beyond the nurse’s office—touching lives, building trust, and creating safe spaces for every child on every campus.”
Though nurses in Texas are not mandated or state-funded, Alief ISD continues to invest in its nursing staff. The district covers the cost, recognizing that without these professionals, student success would be compromised. Alief’s nurses are also empowered by the district’s standing medical orders, which allow them to administer medications like Tylenol, Benadryl, Epinephrine, and Narcan with parental consent and under physician supervision—something many other districts do not allow.
The compassion of Alief nurses extends beyond policy and protocol. On many campuses, nurses personally stock snacks for students who miss breakfast or need to stabilize blood sugar levels—often out of their own pockets. They work with families, coordinate care with physicians, and advocate for the needs of children who might otherwise fall through the cracks.
“School nurses, along with our clinic staff, are the heart of our campuses—quiet heroes who provide care, comfort, and health guidance every single day.”, summarizes Tamika Kennedy, RN and Health Services Specialist for the district. “We honor their dedication to student well-being and the vital role they play in education. We appreciate everything they do to keep our schools healthy and safe, helping students thrive.”
The work of Alief ISD nurses is complex and tireless. It requires clinical expertise, emotional intelligence, and a deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by students and families in the district. But despite the demands, Alief nurses remain committed. They are driven by a shared mission and a simple belief: every child deserves to be healthy, safe, and ready to learn.