Health Services

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 

• 2020-21 Minimum Doses of Immunization Required for Enrollment
• 2020-21 Certificate of Immunization Status Form
• 2020-21 Health Care Resources
• Ways to Access your Family's Immunization Information

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.

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:

• Asthma  
• Epinephrine  
• Parent Permission for Over the Counter Medication  
• Other Medications

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.

• Peninsula School District Protocol for Management of Head Lice
• Head lice information for parents

Factual Information About Head Lice:

• Lice: Washington State Department of Health
• Head Lice: What Parents Need to Know – HealthyChildren.org
• CDC – Lice – Head Lice – General Information – Frequently Asked Questions

Return to School After Concussion Form

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.

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.

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.

Sharon skeen

BSN, RN, SCHOOL NURSE
skeens@psd401.net
(253) 530-1823

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.  

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.

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.

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.

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.

MICKI HULSCHER

RN, SCHOOL NURSE
hulscherm@psd401.net
SWIFT WATER (253) 530-4923
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.

Virginia Hiser

HEALTH TECHNICIAN
hiserv@psd401.net
(253) 530-4924

Virginia is the health technician at Swift Water Elementary School. She helps sick and injured students in the health room every day, administers medication and manages clerical aspects of the health room.

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.

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.

Joanna Hopkins

HEALTH TECHNICIAN
hopkinsj@psd401.net
(253) 530-4824

Joanna is the health technician at Voyager Elementary School. 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.

Sharon skeen

BSN, RN, SCHOOL NURSE
skeens@psd401.net
(253) 530-1623

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.  

lynn kilgore

HEALTH TECHNICIAN
kilgorel@psd401.net
(253) 530-1624

Lynn is the health technician at Goodman Middle School. 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.

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.

Karrie avak

HEALTH TECHNICIAN
avakk@psd401.net
(253) 530-1924

Karrie helps sick and injured students in the health room every day, administers medication, and manages clerical aspects of the health room.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

michelle runyon

HEALTH TECHNICIAN
runyonm@psd401.net
(253) 530-4424

Michelle 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.

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).

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.