Medfield02052's Blog

Kathleen Thompson, RN

Representative Denise Garlick, the Board of Health, and Dale Street School Principal Stephen Grenham all honored the long time Dale School Nurse, Kathy Thompson, at the Select Board meeting this week, after her recent retirement. Rep. Garlick shared a proclamation from the Legislature, Carol Read delivered the comments below from the Board of Health, as did Dale Principal Steve Grenham. –

Board of Health’s Remarks on Kathy Thompson

November 28, 2023                                                                                   Medfield Select Board

As members of the Medfield Board of Health we extend our sincere thanks to Denise Garlick for giving us this opportunity to honor and thank our friend and fellow board member Kathy Thompson.

Kathy joined our BOH during the start of the COVID 19 pandemic, while working tirelessly to support school youth and families through unpresented times she said yes and joined us!

At that time, Town public health nursing services were contracted through the Visiting Nurse Association so basically Kathy stepped in to guide us all through COVID prior to Brenda joining the town full time.

Time and time again we have heard residents share how grateful they were for Kathy’s calm, compassionate conversations – dispelling fears and offering evidence-based guidance during illness. She attended each of our weekly Zoom meetings- offering all of us guidance and hope!

Over the 40 years or so Kathy has lived in Medfield so many of us have had the opportunity and blessing to be touched by her kindness and genuine concern for our well-being – or the well-being of our family members.

Some know Kathy as a neighbor, some know her as a fellow school parent – raising our children together, standing on the sidelines in all kinds of weather- some know her as a School Nurse and, as our Public Schools School Nurse leader for over 20 years…

Others know Kathy through her extensive volunteer work with many community organizations such as the Hannah Adams Women’s Club, as Chairperson of the Medfield Home Committee and an active member and leader of the prevention and wellness coalitions under Medfield Cares About Prevention.

Although as town residents we know her through a variety of different roles- and through her work with diverse town groups – what is clear and consistent to residents she has connected with no matter which role – are the qualities that set her apart as a person: empathy, genuineness and humility- and her consistent, quiet, unwavering commitment to go above and beyond to help and to heal…

Kathy, you have gone beyond the limits of school ages and grades and beyond the walls of our school buildings – into the community- extending yourself to philanthropic, charitable efforts, as an advocate for youth and adults to enhance mental health and to prevent substance use, to participating in the traditions of strong Medfield women to build community and champion our high school students and of course, serving faithfully on our Board of Health!

You are a hero – a true gift to our town!

Kathy, you live the definition of kindness and selfless service to others – all age residents in our community have benefited from your generosity of spirit and patience and of course your experience as a nurse practitioner. We thank you so very much!

Melissa Coughlin- Holly Rand – Carol Read- Steve Resch, Jeff Kane  

Principal Stephen Grenham, Dale Street School’s Remarks on Kathy Thompson

Good evening! My name is Steve Grenham and I am the proud principal of the Dale Street School.

I had the privilege of working alongside Kathy Thompson from 2015 until her retirement this past June.

Throughout our time together, Kathy consistently showed unwavering commitment to the well-being of every student and staff member at our school and in our district.

This was never more evident than during the COVID-19 pandemic.

In the face of unprecedented challenges, Kathy’s extraordinary compassion and determination shined brightly.

• Kathy not only visited people’s homes to ensure their health and safety, but she also made herself available at Dale Street during early mornings and late evenings for anyone who needed help.
• In a remarkable effort, Kathy organized 16 COVID Vaccine Clinics for students and families. I want to give a special shout out to Kathy’s husband, Newton, who worked tirelessly at all of these clinics.
• Kathy worked incredibly hard to compose numerous informative health memos for families, staff, and the administrative team to keep us all educated with the most updated information and safety protocols. I can personally attest that Kathy spent an exceptional amount of time, staying late into many evenings, to ensure we were all as prepared as possible.
• As if that wasn’t enough, Kathy even opened up her home garage to assess and assist those in need, demonstrating an amazing display of selflessness.

Kathy Thompson’s tireless dedication to the health and welfare of the Medfield school community has left an unforgettable impact, making her an exemplary and forever cherished member of our team.