October 24, 2025

ATLANTIC CITY — On Wednesday, October 22, 2025, the Atlantic City Public Schools Early Childhood Department hosted a heartwarming and informative workshop event at Pennsylvania Avenue School: Waffles with the Nurse.

This special morning brought together parents and staff for a blend of delicious food and valuable health education.

"We're not just a building on the block. One of our cornerstones is parent involvement," said Pennsylvania Avenue School Principal Thomas Biggins. "Most imortantly, we want students to be healthy, and they need to be well."

Health Information and Resources

Sherese Price, the school nurse at Pennsylvania Avenue School, focused on health requirements, including immunizations, physicals, and other school health policies. “Make sure your child’s phone number on file is correct,” said Price.

The district needs dental records, immunization records and proof that they have received a flu shot, she said. “If your child is not missing anything, you will not be contacted,” Price said. “We want your child to be in school, every day.”

However, parents should not send a child to school when they know there is a serious illness. “They have to be fever-free, without medication,” Price said. “If your child is vomiting or has diarrhea, keep them home. If they come to school, and they have a case of head lice, I will send them home.”

Price also said the Hand, Foot and Mouth virus is making a resurgence. “We haven’t seen it in our schools, but it is starting to be seen in New Jersey,” Price said. "Nurse Price leads with empathy and care," Biggins said. "Bringing awareness to everything that a nurse does is absolutely critical."

Bringing Families Together

The atmosphere at Pennsylvania Avenue School was lively as a crowd gathered in the Parent Resource Center, greeted by the inviting aroma of freshly made waffles, sizzling sausage, crispy bacon, and bowls of fresh fruit. The breakfast was not just a treat—it was a chance for parents to relax, connect with the staff and one another, and feel welcomed into the school community.

Denise Bowles, a Pennsylvania Avenue School Parent Resource Center Educator, said the center supports families as they guide students through the educational journey.

“We take care of the needs of the parents,” said Bowles. Parent Resource Centers are a hub for English as a Second Language (ESL) courses, in addition to several other workshops such as Muffin’s with Moms and Donuts with Dads. “We try to help them with whatever they need,” Bowles said.

Supporting Student Well-being

The Waffles with the Nurse workshop demonstrates the commitment of Atlantic City Public Schools to student health and wellness. By creating a space where parents can ask questions and receive support in a relaxed environment, the Early Childhood Department helps strengthen the partnership between families and the school. Events like this help ensure that students are healthy, safe, and ready to learn.

Waffles with the Nurse was a meaningful step toward fostering communication, trust, and collaboration among parents, staff, and the broader school community. The success of this event highlights the importance of ongoing outreach and innovative programming to support the needs of families and students alike.

To see a gallery from the event, click the link: https://photos.app.goo.gl/tL4Kpga1DYVRVCkb7