The school nurse is an important member of the school team since school health services keep students in school, in the classroom, and ready to learn. Although school nurses are often seen as the people who deliver first aid at school, their role is much deeper and has such breadth that only a registered, professional nurse has the skill set to provide this profoundly needed health aspect to the school setting. Among their many skills and responsibilities, these professionals provide nursing care, illness and injury prevention, evaluation of individual student health needs, health education, health promotion, and training to other school staff. A close working relationship between a principal and his or her school nurse maximizes the opportunity for collaboration and communication. Regular meetings to discuss student health, attendance patterns, and trends in communicable diseases can meet student needs--and is an important step in enhancing the well-being of the school community. Students are well served and the principal is assured that all aspects of student health and safety have been addressed when the school nurse is an integral part of the school health team.