Health Services & Nurses

Immunization Requirements for K-12 Students  

In order to safeguard the school community from the spread of certain communicable diseases and in recognition that prevention is a means of combating the spread of disease, the SKSD board requires a student to present evidence of his/her having been immunized against diseases: as required by the State Board of Health (RCW 210.080). Immunizations must be recorded, signed and kept up to date by parents on the Certificate of Immunization Status form for Washington State (see below). This form is kept on file at school and  required at registration before school attendance.

Current immunization requirements for Washington state school entry may be found here.

Medically Verified Immunization Records

Beginning August 1, 2020, all immunization records turned in to schools or childcare centers are required by state law to be medically verified. Immunization records must be turned into the school on or before the first day of attendance. This means immunization records turned in to the school must be from a health care provider, or you must attach paperwork from a health care provider to your handwritten form that shows your child’s records are accurate.  Your child cannot attend school until you provide these records. 

Here are some examples of medically verified immunization records:

• A completed Certificate of Immunization Status (CIS) signed by a health care provider and parent/guardian. 
• A CIS filled out by you or another parent/guardian with medical records attached.
• A CIS printed by a health care provider or school from the Washington State Immunization Information System and signed by the parent/guardian.
• A parent/guardian signed CIS printed from MyIR which is a free Department of Health online tool that allows families to view and print their official immunization records themselves. Go to https://wa.myir.net/register to begin the sign-up process.

Immunization Resources

If your child is unable to see their primary healthcare provider or has not established care with a provider,  here is a list of potential resources:

Kitsap Public Health District- Please visit KPHD's website for up to date immunization opportunities.

Mary Bridge Immunization Clinic - MultiCare's Mary Bridge Immunization Clinics provide free immunizations to all children from birth through 18 years of age. The clinic provides all vaccines that are recommended by the CDC. For more information about or to view a calendar with dates and locations for immunizations visit their website.  To schedule an appointment, call 253-403-1767

Many local pharmacies offer childhood immunizations. Contact them directly for further details. 
 

Exemption from Immunizations

The district will allow for exemptions from immunization requirements only as allowed for by Washington State Law (RCW 28A.210.090). In 2011, a bill went into effect in Washington State that requires a licensed health care provider to sign the Certificate of Exemption for a parent or guardian to exempt their child from school and child care immunization requirements. The signature verifies that the provider gave the parent or guardian information about the benefits and risks of immunization. Beginning in 2019, measles, mumps, or rubella may no longer be exempted for personal/philosophical reasons per state law.

Medical Resources

• Kitsap County Lions Club
  • Eye care and glasses assistance.
• Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital
• Peninsula Community Health
• Violet Sees
  • Violet Sees provides assistance to students in need of glasses. 
• Seattle Children’s Hospital
• Washington Apple Health for Kids
  • Washington State medical assistance for any child whose family meets the income eligibility standards will receive coverage for multiple services under one consolidated program.
• Washington Prescription Drug Program
  • WPDP is a prescription drug discount program open to all Washington State residents who do not have prescription drug insurance coverage, or whose insurance does not cover all their prescription drug needs.

Dental

• Lindquist Dental Clinic for Children
  • LDCC's mission is to provide accessible, compassionate, and effective dental care to Puget Sound children in need. They have two locations in our area. LDCC provides quality dental service to children ages 0 through 18 around the Puget Sound regardless of a family's ability to pay.
• Peninsula Community Health Services
  • PCHS provides dental care at four of their locations. These clinics specialize in infant and child dental care. PCHS accepts most dental insurance including state medical. For those without insurance, the receptionists can help set up payment for services on a sliding scale, which allows you to pay a fee based on income.

Immunizations

• Kitsap Public Health
  • KPH provides recommended immunization for all ages. No child under the age of 19 is turned away due to inability to pay.
• Mary Bridge Mobile Immunization Clinic
  • The MultiCare Mary Bridge Mobile Immunization Clinic provides free immunizations to all children from birth through 18 years of age. The clinic provides all vaccines that are recommended by the CDC. For more information about the Mobile Immunization Clinic, call 253-403-1767. To schedule an appointment, please call 253-792-6630. The Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department maintains a monthly calendar of where to find the Mobile Immunization Clinic.

Food and Housing

• Free and Reduced School Meals Application
  • Qualifying students are eligible for free or reduced meals.
• Housing Solutions Center of Kitsap County
  • The HSC is Kitsap County’s coordinated entry point for individuals and families at risk of, or experiencing homelessness and includes information to cold weather shelters.
• Kitsap Community Resources
  • KCR provides a multitude of connections for Kitsap families in need.  From prenatal care to childhood education to housing and energy assistance to employment and training, KCR services cover a wide range of needs.
• Peninsulas' Information Network 211
  • ???????Peninsula 211 is a regional  call center providing comprehensive information and referral to health and human services including:
    • Basic Human Needs – food, clothing, shelter, rent/utilities
    • Physical & Mental Health – counseling, substance abuse, dental, clinics
    • Employment Support – job training/finding, transportation, education
    • Senior Assistance – respite, chore services, in-home assistance
    • Youth & Family Support – child care, mentoring, domestic violence
    • Volunteering and Donations
• Washington State Department of Social and Health Services
  • DSHS  services include food stamps, cash and housing assistance, medical disability support, child support services, disability support, and other state programs. Our local Community Service Office is located in Bremerton: CSO #18, 4710 Auto Center Blvd, Bremerton WA 98312-3300.

*The pages and documents posted on this site include links to information created by other public and private organizations. These links are provided for the user's convenience. SKSD does not control or guarantee the accuracy, relevance, timeliness, or completeness of this non-SKSD information. The inclusion of these links is not intended to reflect their importance, nor is it intended to endorse views expressed, or products or services offered, on these non-SKSD sites.

Head lice in school-aged children is a common occurrence in schools throughout the country. Our school district is no exception. Based on recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), The Center for Disease Control (CDC), the National Association of School Nurses (NASN) and the Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI), the South Kitsap School District has updated its Lice Procedure to reflect the most current guidelines in the control of lice. The intention of this procedure is to decrease school absenteeism, support families in their efforts to control and eliminate head lice and maintain student privacy.

Head lice is not a health hazard and is not responsible for the spread of any disease. Infestation is principally a nuisance. The goal of lice prevention and control in schools is to limit the spread of lice from one student to another student through accurate diagnosis, and meaningful and consistent communication and education (AAP). Lice control takes teamwork among home, schools, after school programs and events in private or public locations, including student visits in each other’s homes.

Recent Changes in Treatment and Control of Head Lice

Approaches to treating and controlling the spread of head lice has evolved over the years and continues to evolve. Both the AAP and NASN advocate that "no-nit" policies are not helpful. Policies that require a child to be free of nits before they can return to schools should be discontinued for the following reasons:

• Many nits are more than ¼ inch from the scalp. Such nits are usually not viable and very unlikely to hatch to become crawling lice, or may in fact be empty shells, also known as 'casings'.
• Nits are cemented to hair shafts and are very unlikely to be transferred successfully to other people.
• Misdiagnosis of nits is very common during nit checks conducted by non-medical personnel.
• The burden of unnecessary absenteeism to the students, families and communities far outweighs the risks associated with head lice.

Based on the AAP recommendations, current evidence does not support the efficacy or cost effectiveness of classroom or school-wide screening. Broad notifications are not recommended as they may violate privacy laws, cause unnecessary public alarm, and do not effectively diminish the spread of lice (NASN). Education provided to the family and school staff is the most effective way to decrease and control the transmission of head lice, reduce unnecessary absences, and minimize stigma surrounding the condition (NASN).

References

• American Academy of Pediatrics Head Lice PEDIATRICS 2022; Vol. 150 Issue 4 published online September 26, 2022, DOI: 10.1542/pedds.2022-059282
• Center for Disease Control Lice-Providing Care for Individuals with Head Lice; Page last reviewed on: February 21, 2024
• National Association of School Nurses (NASN) Position Statement: Head Lice Pediculosis Capitis) Management in the Schools. Published online July 25, 2025 
• Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction- Infectious Disease Control Guide for School Staff: Revised June 2024

Nobody likes to get sick.
Keeping your child home when they are sick helps prevent teachers, children, and other families from catching your child’s illness.

Keep me home if:

• I have a temperature of 100.4 degrees fahrenheit or higher.
• I am throwing up
  • Two or more times in 24 hours
• I have diarrhea
  • Two loose or watery poops more than usual in 24 hours, or
  • Any blood or mucous in poop
• I have a rash:
  • Body rash that is not from allergic reactions, heat, or wearing a diaper
  • Oozing open wounds
  • Head lice, ringworm, or scabies
• I am not feeling well:
  • More tired than normal
  • Not as hungry
  • More cranky or fussy than normal
  • Crying more than normal
  • Sore throat, headache, or earache

Understanding Anxiety:
Anxiety is a feeling of fear or uneasiness about everyday situations. While it's normal and temporary for most, persistent anxiety can affect relationships, contribute to academic challenges, and lead to school avoidance.

Recognizing Symptoms
Anxiety can manifest in various ways. Watch for:

• Fatigue, irritability, or tearfulness
• Trouble separating from parents
• Difficulty sleeping or frequent nightmares
• Reluctance to get out of bed or dressed for school
• Lack of appetite
• Trouble concentrating or completing tasks
• Physical symptoms like stomachaches or headaches
• Avoidance of previously enjoyed activities
• Persistent negative thoughts

What Can Families Do?

• Don’t punish: Avoid punishing your child for school refusal.
• Encourage attendance: Staying home can worsen anxiety and disconnect your child from school.
• Communicate: Talk with your child to understand their concerns.
• Support: Make it clear you're there to help, and believe in their ability to overcome anxiety.

School Resources:

• School staff: Consult with the school nurse, counselor, or psychologist to create a return-to-school plan.
• Gradual return: Some students may need a gradual reintroduction to school.
• 504/IEP plans: If necessary, explore a 504 plan or IEP for additional support.

Seek Professional Help:
If anxiety persists or is severe, it may be linked to a behavioral health disorder or an undiagnosed condition. Consult your child’s medical provider.

Self-Care for Parents:
Remember to care for your own physical and emotional well-being too!

School Counselors

• Burley Glenwood:
  Bethany Rawley rawley@skschools.org
• Cedar Heights:
  Brant Snyder snyder@skschools.org
• Cedar Heights:
  Julie Stephenson stephenson@skschools.org
• Discovery:
  Drea Bowen bowen@skschools.org
• Discovery:
  Melinda Roman roman@skschools.org
  Susan Mosby mosbys@skschools.org
• East Port Orchard:
  Ashley Brewer brewer@skschools.org
  Barbara Mitchell mitchell@skschools.org
• Explorer:
  Kathy Hamill hamill@skschools.org
• Hidden Creek:
  Angie Narus narus@skschools.org
• John Sedgwick:
  Makinzi Wick wick@skschools.org
  Nicole York york@skschools.org
• Manchester:
  Elizabeth Sartori sartori@skschools.org
• Marcus Whitman:
  Haley Mishko mishkoh@skschools.org
  Zack Fogel fogel@skschools.org
• Mullenix Ridge:
  Marci Hipps hipps@skschools.org
• Olalla:
  Havala Baker bakerh@skschools.org
  Kimberly Miklas miklas@skschools.org
• Orchard Heights:
  Stephen Blais blais@skschools.org
  Jaime Rodriguez rodriguezj@skschools.org
• Sidney Glen:
  Barbara Mitchell mitchell@skschools.org
  Hannah Triggs triggs@skschools.org
• South Colby:
  Nicole Watkins watkins@skschools.org
• SKHS:
  Tawni Chinchilla chinchilla@skschools.org
  Sherri Fauver fauver@skschools.org
  Ashley Kasten kasten@skschools.org
  Nicholas Lyon lyon@skschools.org
  Michelle McGuirk mcguirk@skschools.org
  Susie Nass nasss@skschools.org
  Sasha Puckett puckett@skschools.org
  Paige Puryear puryear@skschools.org
  Jann Viegutz viegutz@skschools.org
• Sunnyslope:
  Roger Mangahas mangahas@skschools.org

Social Workers

• Elementary 
  DeAnn Bauer: bauerd@skschools.org
• Middle School
  Pattie Pritchard: pritchard@skschools.org
• High School
  Keely Sawyer: sawyer@skschools.org

Local Resources

• Kitsap Mental Health: 
  Kitsap Mental Health
• Multicare Behavioral Health:
  Multicare

Screenings are an important part of preventive health care in the school setting. Washington State law (WAC 246-760) requires schools to conduct auditory and visual screenings of children each year. Students K, 1, 2, 3, and 5 are screened each year, as well as students that meet any of the following criteria; students new to the South Kitsap School District, students receiving Special Education services, or when requested by parent, guardian, or school staff.

Beginning with the 2017/18 school year, Washington state law began requiring schools to screen students for both near and far vision. To help meet these new requirements, the district has purchased a vision screening tool called the Spot Vision Screener. This tool will allow district nurses to test for various vision impairments in a matter of seconds!

Hearing screening is done using equipment with tonal stimuli at 1000, 2000, and 4000 hertz (Hz) at a hearing level of 20 decibels (dB). Students who do not pass the hearing test are re-screened at a later date. Parents are notified by mail if their child does not pass the second screening.

Parents who DO NOT want their child screened will need to provide the school with a report or form signed by a licensed healthcare professional indicating that they have a had a comprehensive vision or auditory exam within the previous 12 months.

Please note that these screenings are to help pick up on vision or hearing deficits which could affect your child’s learning and are in no way diagnostic. School screenings should never take the place of a comprehensive exam by a licensed specialist.

Under normal circumstances prescribed and over the counter medication should be dispensed before and/or after school hours under supervision of the parent or guardian. If a student must receive prescribed or over-the-counter oral or topical medication, eye drops, ear drops or nasal spray at school, the parent must submit a written authorization (Form 157) which includes a written request from a licensed health professional prescribing within the scope of his or her prescriptive authority.

In addition, due to the potential of allergic reaction, over dose, spread of infections/other diseases, choking hazard, or exposure to hazardous chemicals; cough drops/throat lozenges that contain medication and bug sprays/repellents require individualized physician’s orders with parent signature (Form 157). 

Please note:

• Medication is to be collected directly from the parent, students may not transport medication to school.
• Medication must be in the pharmacy container (including the box for inhalers and epi-pens) with a complete label or in the original container for OTC medications with the student's name on it.
• The school may only store no more than a twenty (20) day supply of prescription medication.
• School personnel cannot administer a forgotten home dose unless those instruction are included on the Form 157 on file.
• Any changes in the type of medication or the dosage requires completion of a new Form 157.
• Form 157 must be renewed each school year.

Chapstick
Chap stick/lip balm may be kept in student’s possession, but not shared with others.

Sunscreen
Over-the-counter topical sunscreen products may be possessed and used by students, parents, and school staff, without a written prescription or note from a licensed health care provider, if the following conditions are met:
A. The product is regulated by the US Food and Drug Administration as an over-the-counter sunscreen product; and
B. If possessed by a student, the product is provided to the student by their parent or guardian (school staff and chaperones may not provide sunscreen for anyone but their own child). Students who possess over-the-counter topical sunscreen products that meet the above criteria may carry up to 8 ounces at a time, preferably with the container in a plastic bag.

Life Threatening Illness
Washington State Law (RCW 28A.210.320) requires that students with life-threatening illness must have necessary measures in place prior to attending school. A health condition is considered life threatening when it puts a child in danger of death during the school day without medication or treatment and a nursing plan in place. Typical life-threatening conditions in schools include but are not limited to; anaphylaxis (potential for severe allergic reaction requiring epinephrine), diabetes, seizures, cardiac disorders and severe asthma.

• Medication at School (Form 157) (not for inhalers or epi-pens)
• School Asthma Plan/Inhaler Order
• Severe Allergic Reaction Plan/Epinephrine Order (if food related, a diet prescription is also needed)
• Diet Prescription
• Request for Exchange of Information

In addition to necessary forms and medication, is important to keep an updated health history on file and keep your child's school nurse informed of any changes so that the students care plan is up to date.