Dear Parents,

In 2001 the Metropolitan School District of Washington Township entered into collaboration with St. Vincent Hospital Services and Health and Hospital Corporation to promote the School Health Initiative of Marion County and to enhance the school health program in the Metropolitan School District of Washington Township.

The school health centers in Washington Township are staffed with a school health center assistant (6.5 hours a day) and supervised by a school nurse coordinator, Mrs. Patricia Schmutte R.N., B.S.N., who will travel among the schools. The role of the Health Center Assistant in your school is to provide first-aid for minor illness and injuries for students and staff. They monitor medication administration and maintain documentation for clinical records. They do not act in place of your physician or clinic.

Mrs. Schmutte’s office is located at J. Everett Light Career Center and you may reach her voice mail by calling (317) 259-5265. Her e-mail address is pschmutte@msdwt.k12.in.us.

The Marion County Health and Hospital Corporation, while supporting this collaboration financially, will continue to assist in school health matters by assigning Marion County public health nurses to each school in the township as they have done in the past. These nurses will continue to function in a collaborative role with school personnel and carry out the mandated health screenings including vision, color vision, hearing, and scoliosis. They will also continue to complete any needed follow-up with parents as it relates to these screenings. We are very fortunate to have these knowledgeable professionals in our schools.

Please direct questions or concerns to the Health Services Coordinator of Washington Township (317) 259-5265, or to Mrs. Schmutte.