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Student Health

Health Team and Framework

The role of the health and wellness team, whose positions are in part funded by the Sequoia HealthCare District’s Healthy Schools Initiative, is to address the social, emotional, and physical health of our students and staff. Nurse Abbe Keane and School Counselors Sarah Vincenzo and Todd Patterson work collaboratively across school sites. They are guided by the Coordinated School Health and Whole School, Whole Community, Whole Child models, which emphasize the importance of integrating health across all aspects of learning -- acquiring knowledge, practicing skills, and changing behaviors at school, home, and in the community.


Suicide Prevention

The Governing Board recognizes that suicide is a leading cause of death among youth. School personnel who regularly interact with students are often in a position to recognize the warning signs of suicide, and to offer appropriate referral and/or assistance.
PVSD BP #5141.52  Suicide Prevention

If you are concerned about the wellbeing of your child, please contact your school counselor or administrator, or call 1-800-263-TALK.
More resources for suicide prevention are available at Suicide Prevention Prevention Center of California


2023-2024  Stay at Home Illness Protocol

At times it can be difficult to decide whether to send your child to school when they wake up with symptoms of an illness, or complaints that they do not feel well.  No set of recommendations can cover all situations, so please consult with your physician when in doubt.
If your child displays any of the symptoms listed below or if a communicable disease has been confirmed, report this to the school office right away and keep your child home until they are no longer contagious. 
  • Any contagious disease
  • Nausea or vomiting within the last 24 hours
  • Diarrhea within the last 24 hours
  • Temperature over 100 degrees F.
    Temperature needs to be normal for 24 hours without Tylenol or fever reducing medications before returning to school
  • Frequent coughing or very runny nose with green/yellow mucus not associated with seasonal allergies.
  • Productive cough that disrupts normal activity.
  • Eye drainage and/or eye pain; conjunctivitis or eye infection.
  • Unexplained skin condition/rash with fever or behavior change, until a health provider determines that these symptoms do not indicate a communicable disease.

PVSD recognizes that maintaining a safe school takes effort and diligence on your part, and we thank you in advance for your cooperation.
A healthy environment for all of our students is our top priority!

Per PVSD AR 5113, if a student shows a pattern of chronic absenteeism due to illness, district staff may require
physician verification of any further student absences. 

Help Your Student Stay Healthy

Research has shown that children who are healthy and safe learn better and are more successful students. We encourage students to:
  • Sleep at least 8 hours every night
  • Eat a hearty, balanced breakfast and drink water
  • Exercise at least an hour daily
  • Wash hands regularly - before eating, after using the bathroom, after coughing or blowing one’s nose, after playing. Carry hand sanitizer.
  • Apply (and reapply) sunblock. Wear a hat and sunglasses. 
  • Brush teeth at least twice daily
  • Make time for play!

Immunization Laws and TDAP

Immunization Requirements K-12
Additional Immunization Requirements for 7th Grade

All students enrolling in the Portola Valley School District must satisfy California State Immunization Requirements prior to enrollment. Please see the Shots for School website for a guide to the requirements.

Students enrolling from outside of the United States are also subject to the immunization requirements of the State of California and will not be admitted until all requirements are met. Proper documentation of your child's immunization (with English translation as necessary to verify the records*) is required.

*NOTE: Your child will not receive a class placement until all state-required immunization requirements have been met. For additional questions about these requirements, please call the Ormondale or Corte Madera School Office at (650) 851-1777.


Contact Us

Abbe Keane, R.N., PHN
District Nurse
akeane@pvsd.net
(650) 851-1777 x2655

Sarah Vincenzo
Ormondale School Counselor

svincenzo@pvsd.net
(650) 851-1777 x2648

Todd Patterson
Corte Madera School Counselor

tpatterson@pvsd.net
(650) 851-1777 x2654

Important Health Forms and Guidelines