Welcome to Coordinated School health programs

School counseling and health services is a priority for Kittery School Department. This is apparent from school administrators who support and value school health services and the dedicated staff members who provide the extensive range of services. Pat Garnis, Principal of Traip Academy, believes that school counseling, and physical and behavioral health services contribute to students’ academic success.

Staff-to-student ratios are excellent and students can easily access the services they need. The space allocated for the health services staff is ample and comfortable.

Staff members are caring and competent in their roles. and have input into the development of the school health policy. A strong link to other health services exists through a coordinated approach to school health programs.

The school system effectively identifies school issues and student needs and they follow though with implementing plans to address those needs.

An example of their innovative approach to health issues is their plan to address the issue of unhealthy weight.

Alethea Cariddi, School Health Coordinator, states that students need to be aware of their health status and be empowered to maintain their own health.

For their quality and comprehensive school counseling and physical and behavioral health services, we honor Kittery with this exemplary award.

Wendy joined the Kittery School Department full time in 1991 as school nurse at Traip Academy and soon realized she could make an impact in the lives of children and their families. Wendy enjoys applying her nursing skills and assisting Kittery’s youth in growing into healthy and well adjusted individuals. Wendy accepted the position of Director of Nursing in 2002, which endeavors to coordinate the efforts of the School Nurses in each of Kittery’s four buildings. She serves as an instrumental member of the Student Assistance Team and the Health Coordinating Team. She is a student advisor at Traip Academy and facilitates the student Traip Health Club. Wendy is proud to work in a school district that values health, is supportive of new initiatives, and is willing to try creative ideas to improve the quality of life for its students.

Beth has been a guidance counselor at Traip Academy for thirty years. During her distinguished tenure, she has served on the Student Assistance Team, coordinated the Work-Study Program and the Mentoring Program and the Leadership and Resiliency Program, among many others. Beth was a Charter Member for the Kittery Chemical Awareness and Prevention, a community-based drop-in center for youth, which specializes in keeping kids off drugs and alcohol. Beth enjoys the weekly guidance discussion groups with students and organizing the sophomore Substance Abuse Awareness program. She enjoys being a student advisor due to the personal contact with teens and helping them make the healthiest life decisions that they can for themselves. Beth is proud to be part of the student health services team in Kittery.

Alethea has been the School Health coordinator in Kittery for four years, under the Healthy Maine Partnerships grant and the “Choose To Be Healthy” partnership with York Hospital. During this time she has helped to shape tobacco, substance use and nutrition policies and implement programs that benefit child health. As chair of the Health Coordinating Team, she has guided a committed group of individuals through the process of coordinating all aspects of student and school health. The Student Code of Conduct and annual school climate survey are two accomplishments of the team that Alethea takes great pride in implementing. Alethea is most pleased with the district’s enlightened attitude toward health, since one of the stated goals is providing safe, clean healthy environments for students and staff.

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© 2000 Coordinated School Health Programs