Please click on the infographic for full size view.
Health Services
Contact THE School Nurse When:
- Your student has a chronic or life threatening health condition that requires accommodations at school
- Your student requires medications, tube feedings or other medical procedures during the school day
- Your student has had a concussion
- You have questions about your student’s immunizations or concerns about communicable illnesses.
- You have concerns about your student’s vision or hearing
- Your student’s school attendance is changing
- Your student’s health information or medications has changed
- You want information about health services in your community
CONTACT THE HEALTH TECHNICIAN WHEN:
- You want to know if your student has been in the health room today
- You want to request that your student’s prescribed “as needed” medication be given today
- You have helpful information about your student’s recent illness or injury that may prompt a health room visit today
- You have questions about your middle school student's sports physical
RESOURCES
- WHEN TO STAY HOME FROM SCHOOL
- IMMUNIZATIONS
- FREE DRIVE-THRU VACCINE EVENTS - Location Update
- MEDICATION AT SCHOOL
- HEAD LICE
- RETURN TO SCHOOL AFTER CONCUSSION
WHEN TO STAY HOME FROM SCHOOL
Should you stay or should you go?
Staying home when sick is an important way to help prevent the spread of germs that cause illnesses. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that your child be kept home if they are not able to take part in normal school activities, the illness causes an unsafe or unhealthy place for others at school, or when the child requires care that cannot be managed at school. Keep your student home if they have:
- Fever (temperature over 100.4° F)
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Red, draining eyes
- Rash
- Shortness of breath and/or cough
- COVID-19 Symptoms or potential exposure (see infographic below)
Students may return to school after being symptom free without anti-fever medication for 24 hours or your health care provider indicates your student is no longer contagious.
- Teach your student to:
- Wash hands regularly and effectively to avoid spreading germs.
- Wear a cloth face covering
- Practice safe distancing of a minimum of six feet
- Cover their cough and sneezes
- Not touch their face, eyes, mouth and/or nose
Please click on the infographic for full size view.
IMMUNIZATIONS
On August 25, the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) and the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) changed immunization requirements for the 2020-2021 school year.
Compliance with immunization requirements must be met before the first day of returning to school building campuses for any in-person learning or services. Students participating in full remote learning do not need to fully meet the immunization requirements to start school, but will need to before returning to campus.
Schools will continue to work with families to bring students into compliance as soon as possible. You may get more detailed information from your school health team.
FREE DRIVE-THRU VACCINE EVENTS - Location Update
The Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department is offering free drive-thru flu vaccine events at locations throughout the county. Originally, two sites were scheduled to be at Peninsula School District locations. Please note, the drive-thru flu vaccine event originally scheduled for Gig Harbor High School on Dec. 3 has been moved to the Gig Harbor Tom Taylor Family YMCA.
These events are open to everyone 6 months and older. Please wear masks and short sleeves. The flu vaccine is free for children 18 and younger and uninsured adults. Insured adults can also get the vaccine; just bring your insurance card and your insurance will be billed.
- Thursday, Nov. 12, 2:30pm to 5:30pm at Key Peninsula Middle School
- (Location Update) Thursday, Dec. 3, 2:30pm to 5:30pm at Gig Harbor Tom Taylor Family YMCA
- 10550 Harbor Hill Dr., Gig Harbor, WA
Click here to download a PDF packet with child and adult vaccine consent forms (English and Spanish) as well as a list of TPCHD drive-thru clinic locations and dates in Pierce County. Please check tpchd.org/flu for updates.
MEDICATION AT SCHOOL
If a student needs a medication (prescribed or over the counter) at school, the parent/guardian must sign permission and provide a written order from a licensed health care provider. The appropriate form may be accessed below.
The medication must be brought to school in the original container.
Medication Permission Forms:
HEAD LICE
Head lice are small, crawling, wingless insects about the size of a sesame seed that lay tiny, tear drop shaped eggs or nits in the hair. Head lice are not a source of infection or disease; they are simply a nuisance. Anyone can get head lice, and it is not related to personal hygiene or cleanliness in the home or school. They do not jump, hop or fly but are transmitted by direct prolonged head to head contact. The symptoms of head lice include a tickling feeling of something moving in the hair, itching, or sores on the head/neck area caused by scratching. Treatment includes over the counter products, using a lice comb and/or by contacting your health care provider for appropriate treatment options.
Factual Information About Head Lice:
RETURN TO SCHOOL AFTER CONCUSSION
School Nurse and Health Technician
- Artondale Elementary
- Discovery Elementary
- Evergreen Elementary
- Harbor Heights Elementary
- Minter Creek Elementary
- Pioneer Elementary
- Purdy Elementary
- Vaughn Elementary
- Voyager Elementary
- Goodman Middle School
- Harbor Ridge Middle School
- Key Peninsula Middle School
- Kopachuck Middle School
- Gig Harbor High School
- Henderson Bay High School
- Peninsula High School
- Community Transition Program
- Educational Services Center
Artondale Elementary
Nanci Powell
RN, SCHOOL NURSE
powelln@psd401.net
Cell (253) 549-6004
Nanci has over 12 years of experience as a school nurse in Washington State. She assesses the health needs of students, writes emergency care plans, and works closely with parents to assure students' safety at school. Nanci is the nurse for Artondale Elementary School and Harbor Ridge Middle School.
Sherrelyn Lauer
HEALTH TECHNICIAN
lauers@psd401.net
253-530-1124
Sherrelyn Lauer works in the health room and has been an experienced paraeducator in the school setting prior to becoming a health technician She helps sick and injured students in the health room every day, administers medication and manages clerical aspects of the health room.
Discovery Elementary
Sharon skeen
BSN, RN, SCHOOL NURSE
skeens@psd401.net
(253) 530-1223
Sharon Skeen is an ESA certificated school nurse with the Peninsula School District. She has her bachelor’s degree in nursing and has had nursing experience in schools and other clinics. She moved here recently from Puerto Rico. Sharon assesses the health needs of students, writes emergency care plans, and works closely with parents to assure students' safety at school.
Katherine Seymour
HEALTH TECHNICIAN
seymourk@psd401.net
(253) 530-1224
Katherine has worked in the Peninsula School District since 1994, starting as a substitute, then hired on in 1996 as a Special Education Para-Educator. She has been working as a Health Technician in the district since 2005. She helps the sick and injured students in the health room every day, administers medications and manages the clerical aspects of the health room.
Evergreen Elementary
Sheena Denney
MSN, RN, SCHOOL NURSE
denneys@psd401.net
253-514-0885
Sheena Denney is an ESA certificated school nurse with the Peninsula School District. She has community health nursing experience with the Tacoma Pierce County Health Department and has her Masters Degree in Nursing. Sheena assesses the health needs of students, writes emergency care plans, and works closely with parents to assure students' safety at school. Sheena is the nurse for Kopachuck Middle School, Voyager Elementary School and Evergreen Elementary School.
Sue Kingsbury
HEALTH TECHNICIAN
kingsburys@psd401.net
(253) 530-1323
Sue Kingsbury has been the health technician at Evergreen Elementary School since 2007. Sue helps sick and injured students in the health room every day, administers medication, and manages clerical aspects of the health room.
Harbor Heights Elementary
Micki Hulscher
RN, SCHOOL NURSE
hulscherm@psd401.net
HHE (253) 530-1823
Cell (253) 225-4526
Micki Hulscher has been a school nurse for Peninsula School District since 1991. She is a registered nurse and has a master’s degree in public health. Micki assesses the health needs of students, writes emergency health care plans, and works closely with parents to provide safe care for students. Micki is the school nurse at Harbor Heights Elementary, and Goodman Middle School and Pioneer Elementary School.
Jeannine McCurrie
HEALTH TECHNICIAN
mccurriej@psd401.net
(253) 530-1824
Jeannine McCurrie has been working in the Peninsula School District in the office and health room. Jeannine works as a health technician where she helps sick and injured students each day, administers medication, and manages the clerical aspects of the health room. Jeannine helps sick and injured students in the health room every day, administers medications, and manages clerical aspects of the health room.
Minter Creek Elementary
Kris Girard
RN, SCHOOL NURSE
girardk@psd401.net
MES (253) 530-4322
Cell (253) 549-3917
Kristin Girard has been with the Peninsula School District since 2014. She comes with nine years of School Nursing Experience in Southwestern Washington. She is a Registered Nurse with over 30 years of nursing experience in the hospital and community settings. Kristin assesses the health needs of students, writes an emergency care plan, and works closely with parents to assure students' safety at school. Kristin is the nurse for Vaughn, Minter Creek, and Key Peninsula Middle School.
angela ostrom
HEALTH TECHNICIAN
ostroma@psd401.net
(253) 530-4323
Angela Ostrom is the health technician at Minter Creek Elementary. Angela helps sick and injured students in the health room every day, administers medication, and manages clerical aspects of the health room.
Pioneer Elementary
Micki Hulscher
RN, SCHOOL NURSE
hulscherm@psd401.net
HHE (253) 530-1823
GMS (253) 530-1623
PIONEER (253) 530-3524
Micki Hulscher has been a school nurse for Peninsula School District since 1991. She is a registered nurse and has a master’s degree in public health. Micki assesses the health needs of students, writes emergency health care plans, and works closely with parents to provide safe care for students. Micki is the school nurse at Harbor Heights Elementary, and Goodman Middle School and Pioneer Elementary School.
Sally Blowers
HEALTH TECHNICIAN
blowerss@psd401.net
253-530-3524
Sally Blowers has been a paraeducator in the district and now is the health technician at Discovery Annex. Sally helps sick and injured students in the health room every day, administers medication, and manages clerical aspects of the health room.
Purdy Elementary
Miriam Atchison
MSN, RN, SCHOOL NURSE
atchisonm@psd401.net
(253) 514-2806
Miriam has been a school nurse since 1997 and is a registered nurse with a Masters Degree in Nursing. She manages health programs, assesses the health needs of students, writes emergency health care plans and works closely with parents to provide safe care for students. She is the district lead nurse at the ESC and Purdy Elementary School.
Cindi Collamore
HEALTH TECHNICIAN
collamorec@psd401.net
(253) 530-4624
Cindi Collamore has worked in the district as a special education para-educator and a health technician at Purdy. Cindi helps sick and injured students in the health room every day, administers medication, and manages the clerical work of the health room. She works closely with our school nurse for the health and safety of our students.
Vaughn Elementary
Kris Girard
RN, SCHOOL NURSE
girardk@psd401.net
VES (253) 530-4723
Cell (253) 549-3917
Kristin Girard has been with the Peninsula School District since 2014. She comes with nine years of School Nursing Experience in Southwestern Washington. She is a Registered Nurse with over 30 years of nursing experience in the hospital and community settings. Kristin assesses the health needs of students, writes an emergency care plan, and works closely with parents to assure students' safety at school. Kristin is the nurse for Vaughn, Minter Creek, and Key Peninsula Middle School.
Robyn Miller
HEALTH TECHNICIAN
millerre@psd401.net
(253) 530-4724
Robyn Miller works in the health room at Vaughn Elementary School. She has experience as a paraeducator in the school prior to becoming the health technician. Robyn helps sick and injured students in the health room every day, administers medication, and manages clerical aspects of the health room.
Voyager Elementary
Sheena Denney
MSN, RN, SCHOOL NURSE
denneys@psd401.net
(253) 514-0885
Sheena Denney is an ESA certificated school nurse with the Peninsula School District. She has community health nursing experience with the Tacoma Pierce County Health Department and has her Masters Degree in Nursing. Sheena assesses the health needs of students, writes emergency care plans, and works closely with parents to assure students' safety at school. Sheena is the nurse for Kopachuck Middle School, Voyager Elementary School and Evergreen Elementary School.
Tina Theinert
HEALTH TECHNICIAN
theinertt@psd401.net
(253) 530-4824
Tina has been the health technician at Voyager since 2005. She helps sick and injured students in the health room every day, administers medications and manages the clerical aspects of the health room. She works closely with our school nurse for the health and safety of our students.
Goodman Middle School
Micki Hulscher
RN, SCHOOL NURSE
hulscherm@psd401.net
GMS (253) 530-1623
Cell (253) 225-4526
Micki Hulscher has been a school nurse for Peninsula School District since 1991. She is a registered nurse and has a master’s degree in public health. Micki assesses the health needs of students, writes emergency health care plans, and works closely with parents to provide safe care for students. Micki is the school nurse at Harbor Heights Elementary, and Goodman Middle School and Pioneer Elementary School.
Susie Berry
HEALTH TECHNICIAN
berrys@psd401.net
(253) 530-1624
Susie has worked in Peninsula School District since 1999 and has been the health technician at Goodman since 2010. Susie helps sick and injured students in the health room every day, administers medication, and manages clerical aspects of the health room.
Harbor Ridge Middle School
Nanci Powell
RN, SCHOOL NURSE
powelln@psd401.net
HRMS (253) 530-1923
Cell (253) 549-6004
Nanci has over twelve years of experience as a school nurse in Washington State. She assesses the health needs of students, writes emergency care plans, and works closely with parents to assure student’s safety at school. Nanci is the nurse for Artondale Elementary School and Harbor Ridge Middle School.
Karoline Sly
HEALTH TECHNICIAN
slyk@psd401.net
(253) 530-1924
Karoline Sly has worked in the district since 1998 and has been the health technician at Harbor Ridge Middle School since 2006. Karoline helps sick and injured students in the health room every day, administers medication, and manages clerical aspects of the health room.
Key Peninsula Middle School
Kris Girard
RN, SCHOOL NURSE
girardk@psd401.net
KPMS (253) 530-4223
Cell (253) 549-3917
Kristin Girard has been with the Peninsula School District since 2014. She comes with nine years of School Nursing Experience in Southwestern Washington. She is a Registered Nurse with over 30 years of nursing experience in the hospital and community settings. Kristin assesses the health needs of students, writes an emergency care plan, and works closely with parents to assure students' safety at school. Kristin is the nurse for Vaughn, Minter Creek, and Key Peninsula Middle School.
Betty Kelley
HEALTH TECHNICIAN
kelleyb@psd401.net
(253) 530-4224
Betty Kelley has worked for the District since 1989. Betty has been the health technician at Key Peninsula Middle School since 2007. Betty helps sick and injured students in the health room every day, administers medication, and manages clerical aspects of the health room.
Kopachuck Middle School
Sheena Denney
MSN, RN, SCHOOL NURSE
denneys@psd401.net
253-514-0885
Sheena Denney is an ESA certificated school nurse with the Peninsula School District. She has community health nursing experience with the Tacoma Pierce County Health Department and has her Masters Degree in Nursing. Sheena assesses the health needs of students, writes emergency care plans, and works closely with parents to assure students' safety at school. Sheena is the nurse for Kopachuck Middle School, Voyager Elementary School and Evergreen Elementary School.
Sue Walker
HEALTH TECHNICIAN
walkers@psd401.net
(253) 530-4124
Sue Walker has worked in the district since 2001 as a para-educator in a self-contained classroom and has been the health technician at Kopachuck Middle School since 2014. Sue helps sick and injured students in the health room every day, administers medication, and manages the clerical work of the health room. She works closely with our school nurse for the health and safety of our students.
Gig Harbor High School
Polly Schembs
RN, SCHOOL NURSE
schembsp@psd401.net
GHHS (253) 530-1423
Cell (253) 225-4459
Polly Schembs has been with the school district since 2012. Polly has a Bachelors Degree in Nursing and has an extensive background in Pediatrics. Polly assesses the health needs of students, writes emergency health care plans, works closely with parents and directly with students to meet student health needs, contacts parents regarding health issues make referrals to health care providers and manages the health program for the school. She is the school nurse at Gig Harbor High School, Henderson Bay High School and Community Transition Program (CTP).
Valle Vincent
HEALTH TECHNICIAN
vincentv@psd401.net
(253) 530-1424
Valle Vincent has worked in the Peninsula School District since 1997and has been the health technician at Gig Harbor High School since 1998. Valle helps sick and injured students in the health room every day, administers medication, and manages clerical aspects of the health room.
Henderson Bay High School
Polly Schembs
RN, SCHOOL NURSE
schembsp@psd401.net
GHHS (253) 530-1423
HBHS (253) 530-1723
CTP (253) 530-1724
Polly Schembs has been with the school district since 2012. Polly has a Bachelors Degree in Nursing and has an extensive background in Pediatrics. Polly assesses the health needs of students, writes emergency health care plans, works closely with parents and directly with students to meet student health needs, contacts parents regarding health issues make referrals to health care providers and manages the health program for the school. She is the school nurse at Gig Harbor High School, Henderson Bay High School and Community Transition Program (CTP).
Kristen Harkson
HEALTH TECHNICIAN
harksonk@psd401.net
(253) 530-1724
Kristi Harkson has worked in the Peninsula School District since 2010 and has been the Health Technician at Henderson Bay High School since 2014. Kristi helps sick and injured students in the health room every day, administers medications, and manages clerical aspects of the health room.
Peninsula High School
Jocelyn Hanson
RN, SCHOOL NURSE
hansonjm@psd401.net
PHS (253) 530-4423
Cell (253) 313-4375
Jocelyn Hanson earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Gonzaga University in 2010. She joined Peninsula School District in 2017 with 3 prior years of experience in school nursing. Jocelyn serves the students at Peninsula High School in assessing their health concerns and developing individualized health care plans for those with chronic health conditions. She works closely with staff members to ensure that student health needs are met in order to promote their success in school.
Virginia Hiser
HEALTH TECHNICIAN
hiserv@psd401.net
(253) 530-4424
Virginia is the health technician at Peninsula High School. She helps sick and injured students in the health room every day, administers medication and manages clerical aspects of the health room.
Community Transition Program
Polly Schembs
RN, SCHOOL NURSE
schembsp@psd401.net
GHHS (253) 530-1423
HBHS (253) 530-1723
CTP (253) 530-1724
Polly Schembs has been with the school district since 2012. Polly has a Bachelors Degree in Nursing and has an extensive background in Pediatrics. Polly assesses the health needs of students, writes emergency health care plans, works closely with parents and directly with students to meet student health needs, contacts parents regarding health issues make referrals to health care providers and manages the health program for the school. She is the school nurse at Gig Harbor High School, Henderson Bay High School and Community Transition Program (CTP).
Educational Services Center
Miriam Atchison
MSN, RN, SCHOOL NURSE
atchisonm@psd401.net
(253) 514-2806
Miriam has been a school nurse since 1997 and is a registered nurse with a Masters Degree in Nursing. She manages health programs, assesses the health needs of students, writes emergency health care plans and works closely with parents to provide safe care for students. She is the district lead nurse at the ESC and Purdy Elementary School.
Health Services
Miriam Atchison,
Lead School Nurse
(253) 530-1023