Contact: Dolores (Mohr) Kenyon
E-mail: dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org
Surnames: Shafto
----Source: Clark County Press (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI) 3/24/2021
Loyal School Nurse/Substitute (Shafto – 2021)
Shafto Serving As Loyal School Nurse/Substitute
Erin Shafto is the new Loyal School District nurse and substitute teacher. She has been on the job since earlier this semester. Valorie Brecht/Clark County Press
By Valorie Brecht
Erin Shafto’s new position has allowed her to merge two career fields she has been interested in for quite some time.
Shafto is the new school nurse and substitute teacher for the Loyal School District, a position she’s held for over a month.
“I’ve always enjoyed education and I wasn’t sure when I graduated high school which route I wanted to go – whether I would choose to be a teacher or choose to become a nurse. I chose the route of nurse and went that route. And it’s neat at this point in my life to do both of my loves together in one role… Because I’ve always really loved education as well,” said Shafto.
Shafto earned her nursing degree from Mid-State Technical College. For the last 10 years, Shafto has lived in Loyal. She worked as a registered nurse for the last eight years, with experience in geriatrics, in-home care and Dermatology. Last spring when everything was shut down due to COVID-19, Shafto completed the schooling to get her K-12 substitute teacher’s license.
“With my kids all being roughly school-age, I thought it would be neat to get involved in the school, just to be able to know the staff that’s here and get to know the students. And I fell in love with education. So, at that point I decided to get my license to become a substitute teacher through the state of Wisconsin. I pursued that avenue. I really enjoy being here at school and being part of the school system,” she said.
Last fall, she began substitute teaching frequently at Loyal. She also held a long-term substitute position in Granton. At Loyal, her subbing has mostly been on the elementary end because there is a big need for subs there.
“Subbing has been a really good opportunity for me to get to know the students very quickly. And they recognize me as being the school nurse. So, when they come up either sick or injured, they already know who I am… They’re a little more relieved to see me and to answer my questions that I have for them. So, it’s been a really neat opportunity for them to feel comfortable with me, because they’ve already had me in a classroom setting, so we’ve been able to build that trust with each other and I get to learn a little bit about each kid individually that way.”
Shafto said her role has been about half substitute teaching and half nursing. In her nursing role, in addition to providing for the physical needs of students who are sick or injured, she is also there to make sure kids’ needs are being met on a mental and emotional level.
“It’s really neat because when a child’s physical needs and mental and emotional needs are all being met, they can be successful in the classroom. So, it’s neat that I get to be a part of students’ overall wellness so they can be successful in school,” said Shafto.
She also serves as the liaison between the school district and parents, the county health department, other professionals and the community. She has been in weekly meetings with the Clark County Health Department to hear recommendations and updates on the COVID-19 situation.
The Loyal School District has not had a school nurse before. Initially the thought behind creating the position was to have someone on staff to help with COVID-19 protocols and communicate with the health department. However, administrators also felt that in general, it would be beneficial to have a medical professional on staff for any situations that may arise that could use a medical opinion. The school board approved the addition of the school nurse/substitute position at the January meeting, and approved the hire of Shafto at the February meeting.
The district has Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act funds available to help pay for the position.
Shafto expressed excitement to be in this position.
“I’m very excited to be here and be a part of this role. It seems like a really good fit for me. I’m really enjoying it. The staff have welcomed me on board and the students are excited that I’m here.”
Shafto and her husband, Josh; have three children – Jeff, Adaya and Jasmine. The family operates a large dairy farm near Loyal. Shafto enjoys cooking, baking, being outdoors and spending time with her family.
