Sydney Holladay
May 2024
Sydney
Holladay
,
Certified School Nurse
School Nurse
Chicago Public Schools
Chicago
,
IL
United States

 

 

 

During these times that she is working with the students, she provides words of encouragement and positivity like "You got this!", "I am so happy to see you today".
As the School Case Manager, I see Nurse Holladay provide compassion on a daily basis when supporting students directly throughout the day and in IEP/504 Plan meetings with parents/families. Nurse. Halladay has great relationships with her students who openly identify her as a trust adult in the building. Nurse Holladay has created her office to be a safe space with students to come in and not fear who can see them. During these times that she is working with the students, she provides words of encouragement and positivity like "You got this!", "I am so happy to see you today". She makes students feel welcomed and safe. I have seen her take the time to even just ensure a student does not go home when they see her but help him feel comfortable to find out that he was hungry and then support by locating a breakfast for him to eat in her office. She always has a smile on her face and has a very calming demeanor that I can see why she has positive relationships with Cooper students. Nurse Holladay shows compassion to the different cultures and languages spoken in the building. She is always open and eager to connect with families. She is currently learning Spanish so that she can better communicate with parents/families. She has grown immensely in her Spanish skills and understanding so much in these meetings. For all meetings, she is very professional, well organized, and has all required paperwork needed from parents. Recently, there was a concern regarding how asthma students can be supported with the change of temperature and not being forced to go outside. Immediately, Nurse Holladay stepped in and reassured parents of the school plan and how she supports ensuring lunch/recess staff are aware of the options and how to support the older students to advocate. Nurse Holladay supported Cooper with planning a Vaccine Clinic through Lurie's Hospital. She went above and beyond checking the forms Lurie needed so that there was no delay on Cooper's end. When Lurie's Hospital representative responded to Nurse Halladay that they are no longer taking the paper forms, Nurse Holladay immediately began to support with entering this information on the link the representative provided. Lastly, it is a pleasure and joy to work with someone so kind hearted and really puts kid's needs first.