Congratulations Cherokee Zone School Nurse of the Year: Angela Milko of Teasley MS! 

It’s National Nurses Week and each day we’re celebrating one of our 2026 Innovation Zone Nurses of the Year … congratulations to Cherokee Zone winner: Angela Milko of Teasley Middle School!  Thank you to all our school nurses for the essential role you play in keeping our students safe and healthy so they can learn more, grow more and achieve more in CCSD than they could anywhere else. 

What inspired you to become a school nurse?    
My love for nursing and teaching inspired me to become a school nurse! When my children were in elementary school, I volunteered and served on the PTA board for almost 10 years advocating for students. It was my children's school nurse who inspired me to pursue a school nurse position and because of that I am doing exactly what I love to do every day!    

What is most rewarding about being a school nurse?    
Being a middle school nurse is more than Band-aids and ice packs. I have the opportunity to bridge the gap between elementary years and high school years. I teach my students to become more independent and find their voice to advocate their health needs or concerns.  I think the most rewarding part of my job is seeing what I have taught students come full circle. Something as simple as understanding medication and when it is needed or managing the highs and lows that come with diabetes all with confidence. Seeing that type of growth in just three short years is truly rewarding! 

How do you elevate the excellence in your school?
Elevating the excellence as a CCSD nurse means providing student-centered care that supports both health and academic success. I do this by building trusting relationships with students, creating a safe and welcoming clinic, and addressing not only immediate health needs, but also underlying concerns such as stress, anxiety, and chronic conditions. I work closely with teachers, counselors, and families to ensure consistent support, allowing students to remain in class and engaged in learning. Elevating excellence means being a reliable, compassionate presence who advocates for every student and contributes to a positive, supportive school environment.

#CCSDElevateTheExcellence #ThankANurse