Polytechnic School Health Services Director Named ‘Frontline Hero’

The health services director at Polytechnic School in Pasadena has been honored as a “Frontline Hero” by Magnus Health, a national digital student health record solutions company, representatives announced Wednesday.

Marcy Kwitny is among 95 recipients of the designation, which the company gives to “those who have gone above and beyond to help K-12 schools manage student health during the pandemic,” Magnus said in a written statement.

The candidates were nominated by school administrators and fellow staff members.

Polytechnic School Athletic Trainer Rob Mikels nominated Kwitny, according to a statement issued by the school.

“Marcy has been working tirelessly to create and implement protocols and guidelines for all the different facets of our school,” Mikels said. “She is in constant contact with our Public Health Department and has been working hard to get our students back to school in a safe manner. She is selfless and always has the students’ best interest at heart.”

Kwitny said the school’s faculty and staff “have been the real heroes in all of this.”

“As a school nurse during a pandemic, it’s been a huge commitment to make sure that no stone is left unturned,” she said.

In addition to emphasizing handwashing, face coverings and sanitizing, “A lot of it has included education about social distancing, redesigning spaces on campus, disinfection and cleaning, and surveillance testing to make sure we catch asymptomatic employees and students,” she said in a statement issued by Polytechnic School. “Our Magnus Health App that asks about exposure history and health screenings has also been crucial.”

Magnus Health CEO Joe Krivickas commended each of the 95 honorees.

“We could not be prouder of all the nurses and school staff we are recognizing as Frontline Heroes,” Krivickas said. “Facing unprecedented challenges over the last year, these school professionals showed us all what leadership and grace under pressure look like. Their example keeps us motivated to continue finding new and better ways to serve and support them, their students, and their school communities.”

More information, including a complete listing of Magnus’ Frontline Heroes, is available online at magnushealth.staging.wpengine.com/magnus-frontline-hero-page.