Health Screenings

Health Services Screening Programs

The school nurses engage students in annual health screenings that include vision, hearing, body mass index (BMI), and scoliosis; the nurses follow the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) regulations for all screening activity.

The screenings are not diagnostic but identify children who need further evaluation. Vision, hearing, and growth screenings in the elementary grades are conducted in October and early November. The 7th graders are screened in November. The 9th graders are screened in late January. Please make sure your child wears their glasses on the day they are screened for vision.

Vision: Children in the 1st-5th, 7th and 9th grades are screened for near and far vision acuity. Stereopsis screening is done with children in the 1st-3rd grade to identify potential for amblyopia. Kindergartners are screened if the Primary Care Provider has not submitted evidence of a recent vision screening exam.

Hearing: Elementary school aged children in Kindergarten-3rd, 7th and 9th grades are screened for hearing problems.

Growth Exam: The child’s height and weight are taken to find the child’s BMI. The height and weight are taken in 1st, 4th, 7th and 9th grade. Measurements are done in a way that is objective and confidential. Results are reported to DPH.

Postural (Scoliosis) Screenings: Postural screening is done for the 5th through 9th grades. Postural screenings take place at different times than the hearing, vision and BMI screenings, except for 9th grade.

Referral Notice: Parents/guardians are only notified if a screening has abnormal findings. If you receive a notice, please have your child evaluated as soon as possible, and return the completed form to the school nurse. Children who can see or hear more clearly are better learners.

Request for waiver: A parent/guardian may request in writing their child be waived from the screening. Please notify the school nurse a week in advance of the screening program if you want your child excluded from being screened.