Student Wellness

We have two full-time nurses on staff. Jennifer del Valle, RN, is our lead nurse. She is assisted by Ryan Johnson, RN. All substitute nurses are registered nurses, as well.

Our nurses serve in a pivotal role that bridges health care and education grounded by standards of practice. They dispense medications, maintain student health records, encourage good health practices, and coordinate services with each division's school counselor.

Our nurses' office is located in the Main Building and has a waiting area, treatment room, and a room with cots for resting.

Our school counselors partner with students, families, and faculty to support each child's social, emotional, and academic well-being. Through individual counseling, small groups, classroom lessons, and collaboration with teachers and parents, they help students build resilience, process their emotions, strengthen relationships, develop healthy coping skills, and navigate the opportunities and challenges of each stage of development. 

Sarah Richter serves students in Grades 5–9, while Jenn Currin supports students in Eaglets–Grade 4, ensuring age-appropriate care and guidance across each division.

The athletic first responder plays a vital role in promoting student health, safety, and performance. Meredith Bynum provides on-site injury prevention, evaluation, treatment, rehabilitation, and return-to-play support for Summit student-athletes. Working closely with coaches, families, physicians, and school staff, she helps students recover safely, reduce the risk of future injuries, and stay healthy throughout the athletic season. 

Meredith is committed to ensuring every student-athlete has the care and support needed to perform at their best while prioritizing long-term wellness.

A vast body of research shows that improved school nutrition leads to increased focus and attention, improved academic performance, and better classroom behavior. Our head chef, Justin Wilson, and his team provide healthy lunch choices each day. Students eat at tables with a mix of classmates, creating a welcoming community environment. Adults are present throughout the dining hall to foster positive interactions, support respectful conversations, and model healthy habits. This shared environment encourages students to make healthy food choices by observing positive behaviors from both peers and adults while strengthening relationships and building a sense of community.

Movement is an essential part of a healthy school day. All Summit students participate in physical education and/or recess every day, with most students enjoying outdoor play twice daily. These opportunities promote physical fitness, social connection, emotional well-being, and focused learning. 

Whether through structured PE classes or unstructured play, students build healthy habits, develop teamwork and resilience, and experience the many benefits of regular physical activity. At Summit, we believe that active bodies support active minds, making movement a vital part of every student's growth and development.

Medical forms are managed through the Magnus Health Portal.

• To reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, call 988 or text HOME to 741741
  The Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is a national hotline offering one-on-one support for mental health, suicide, and substance use-related problems for anyone 24/7.
   
• To reach the NC Peer Warmline, call 855-733-7762
  The NC Peer Warmline is a free, confidential 24/7 phone line staffed by certified peer support specialists with lived experience in mental health or substance use recovery. It offers non-clinical, empathetic listening and resources for anyone in North Carolina who needs support, feels stressed, or just wants to talk.