Beloved School Nurse Leaving Tuscan School

A few weeks ago, when news spread that school nurse Lorraine Borek was leaving Tuscan Elementary School in order to take a position as Supervisor of Health and Nursing Services at the Hillsborough School District, many parents expressed shock and sadness. 

"Nurse Borek" has been a part of Tuscan for over a decade and has been an integral part of the school. Borek has been in the nursing profession for 31 years. “Back when I grew up in Yonkers, New York, women only had two options. They could either become a teacher or a nurse. I really wanted to be a teacher, but there weren’t any teaching jobs available. My guidance counselor suggested I become a nurse,” said Borek. Nursing quickly became her passion.

After spending 16 years working in St. John’s Hospital, including time spent in the Emergency Room and the ICU, Borek and her family moved to Canada due to her husband’s work. When they returned to the States, Borek substituted as a school nurse in the district before joining Tuscan in September 1999. “I wanted to teach children how to take care of themselves. They need to realize that they play a big role in their health," said Borek. “My main priority is to teach them self-care."

She also educates parents as well. “I remind parents that play is very important. There have been many studies that show when children play hard for at least 20 minutes, they are more open to learning and it makes homework go by quicker.” 

Borek, who has lived in South Orange for 12 years and who has raised four children, devoted much of her efforts to improving the quality of food choices at Tuscan. In 2006, she applied and won a grant to provide fresh fruits and vegetables during the school day. Tuscan was one of eleven schools in the state that was chosen for this pilot program, which was run by the New Jersey Department of Agriculture. 

“Everyone, from parents to teachers, loved the changes in the children," recalled Borek. “The students were trying new vegetables and found that they loved them!” When state funding ended a year later, the PTA took over the effort. 

However, in 2008-2009, another grant opportunity arose. Borek applied and once again won the grant, which resulted in organizing two farmers markets in 2008 and three this past fall. “It was truly a farmers market. We worked with Alstede Farms and chose what was in season. The students ‘purchased’ one fruit that they could eat right away and two vegetables that they got to bring home and share with their family." Teachers also incorporated the farmers market into their curriculum. Lucila McElroy was one of many parents who were beyond thrilled with the success of the farmers market. “I have never seen my girls so excited to dissect and eat a green pepper. How fantastic is that?”

Former Tuscan PTA President Jennifer Weiss-Wolf’s three children, aged 13, 11 and 9, had Borek during their days at Tuscan. “They all love her," said Weiss-Wolf. “I have actually had to warn them not to see her as they would constantly be in her office for one reason or another! She will be sorely missed.” 

Jill Hammarberg, another Tuscan parent and mom of three, recently collaborated with Borek on a child safety awareness handout. “When my daughter had a recent asthmatic episode, she gave great advice and comforting words. She made me feel relaxed about the whole issue and empowered me with as much information as possible. News of her leaving has left me feeling somewhat anxious and sad," said Hammarberg.

Parents are not the only ones mourning the loss of Borek. Joann Harrigan, school nurse at Clinton Elementary School, has been a colleague for a decade. “She is a great, great nurse. Our loss will be the new district’s gain.” Judy LoBianco, Supervisor of Nursing Services for the entire school district, added, "We are very sad to be losing such an outstanding professional. Her years at Tuscan were full of great experiences."

Borek’s new endeavor at the Hillsborough School District will have her overseeing twelve school nurses and over 8,000 students. “This was a very difficult decision for me. I have great respect for all the parents, children and teachers. I am going to miss everyone terribly,” she said, as she headed off to the gym.