Last week, Apricot Valley Elementary School in Patterson faced a troubling health scare when pesticide was applied during school hours. Multiple students and staff members reported experiencing skin irritations, prompting a swift response from emergency services. Believe it or not, up to 30 students and four staffers were affected, with three students needing hospital treatment!
The weed control products used included Cornerstone Plus and potentially Cheetah Pro, both of which raised alarm bells among parents and school officials alike. The Patterson Joint Unified School District has since paused all herbicide spraying, taking a hard look at their protocols regarding the timing and communication of such applications. The last thing anyone wants is a chemical cornfield in a place meant for learning!
Moving forward, the district has pledged to notify families beforehand and will only apply herbicides on weekends, ensuring the safety of students and staff. Let’s hope they stick to that plan—after all, kids should be focused on books, not battling allergens. Safety first, herbicides…second?
About the Author
Andrew Johnson
Andrew Johnson is a contributor to LocalBeat, covering local news and community stories.
