Students report symptoms after pesticide spraying at Stanislaus County school
Emergency personnel responded Friday when several students at Apricot Valley Elementary School in Patterson reported feeling discomfort after being near an area where weed control spraying had recently occurred on campus.
Around 11:45 a.m., the Patterson Fire Department received a medical emergency call and arrived on campus to assess and evaluate the students.
“Out of an abundance of caution, our school staff immediately responded and medical personnel were called to campus to assess the students,” Principal Ramiro Flores wrote in a message to families. “Students who reported symptoms were evaluated, and their safety and well-being remain our top priority.”
Patterson Joint Unified School District confirmed that an employee had sprayed Cornerstone Plus, a glyphosate-based herbicide, in several areas on campus, including between modular buildings.
District officials said the spraying appears to have been conducted outside established PJUSD protocols. The matter is under investigation to determine what procedures and protocols may not have been followed. The district stated that appropriate measures will be taken to address the situation and ensure the safety of students and staff.
Families are advised to monitor their children after returning home and contact a healthcare provider if any unusual symptoms develop.
“If your child reports not feeling well or experiencing any unusual symptoms after returning home, please contact your healthcare provider and notify the school office,” Flores wrote.
This story was originally published March 13, 2026 at 4:56 PM.
