At OVS, we support the physical, social and emotional health and wellness of our students. Academic, peer, family, and social pressures are prevalent all around our students and it is imperative, now more than ever, that we help address these pressures with our students. The primary method of support for students is the school’s Health Center and School Counselor, who, depending on the issue, will handle it directly or refer the student and family to outside resources.
School Counselor
Robert Brunelle (he/him/his) joined Ojai Valley School in August 2023 as the new School Counselor. In this role, he serves as a student advocate whose primary role is to address students’ individual social and emotional needs. Mr. Brunelle is excited to build this program and tailor it to meet the needs of our boarding and day students.
Read more from Mr. Brunelle in his monthly In the Office blog posts focusing on student wellness:
In the Office, September 2023
In the Office, October 2023
In the Office, November 2023
In the Office, December 2023
In the Office, February 2024
Health Center
The Student Health Center maintains a team of highly qualified and compassionate nurses who care for students on both campuses. During off hours, the nurse on duty can be reached by cell phone for emergencies only.
Screening
All new and returning students must have a current physical exam on file prior to the start of school; therefore, any physical limitations, allergies, treatment, medication or medical conditions should be clearly defined by the medical staff that performed the examination. The Health Center will generate and distribute a Confidential List containing those students with medical concerns to appropriate staff.
Health Record Requirements
Active student health histories, record of health examinations, medical releases, immunization records or waivers, and health insurance and credit card information are kept on file in the Health Center. There is a logbook of all daily Health Center visits related to injury, illness and medication administration to both students and staff. Medical Releases are sent out on all trips off-campus.
Medication
The Health Center collects all student medication, including vitamins and herbal remedies, with the exception of asthma rescue inhalers and epinephrine auto-injectors, which can be kept with students if parents/guardians and nurses approve. On Lower Campus, these medications are stored in the Health Center and administered by the Health Center staff or dorm parents. At Upper Campus, it is the dorm parents’ responsibility to store and administer medications to their assigned students. The Health Center facilitates medication prescriptions and refills. All medication must be labeled in English with the student’s name, the dose, frequency, expiration date, and name of prescribing physician. All changes in medication administration must be submitted to the Health Center in writing by the prescribing physician.
Contact the Health Center at 805-640-2584 ext. 238 or email healthcenter@ovs.org for questions or additional information.